Arizona Balloon Classic Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

1) When do the hot air balloons fly? – PEAK FLYING/GLOWING TIMES – Early in the morning, just  when the sun is up. The hot air balloon ascensions take place at or around 7:30am on Saturday &  Sunday mornings. Afternoon flights happen around 4pm determined by the weather. Hot air  balloons DO NOT FLY in the middle of a breezy Arizona winter day (between the hours of 10am – 4pm NO BALLOON ACTIVITY). 

2) Can you buy a hot air balloon ride at the Arizona Balloon Classic site? Absolutely, reservation  will take place on the Arizona Balloon Classic website directly.  YOU  WILL NEVER FORGET THE EXPERIENCE!!!  https://vivenu.com/event/balloon-rides-at-arizona-balloon-classic-74x1yf

3) What about a tethered hot air balloon ride? Yep, a tethered hot air balloon ride is a hot air  balloon tied down and goes up to 75’. You can purchase a tethered hot air balloon ride at the  ABC13 event site for $30 per person – adults and $15 kids 12 and under. 

4) So, what’s a hot air balloon “Glow”? Well, hot air balloons generally DO NOT FLY at night. So,  hot air balloons STATIC display on the ground around sunset and called a “Glow”. It’s the coolest  thing you’ll ever see. Giant hot air balloons lit up at night to music. You can walk around the hot air  balloons and visit with the pilot and crew. The Arizona Balloon Classic “Glows” are on Friday &  Saturday nights and start around 6:30pm (sunset). 

5) What should I bring to the Arizona Balloon Classic? Bring a camera. Practice your photography.  We’ll be having contests for the best hot air balloon pix! 

6) Who’s the Arizona Balloon Classic Charity this year?American Legion Crandell-Palmar Post #61 – to raise funds for the local Homeless Veterans programs. Homeless Veteran numbers are out of control in our country!!! Please HELP eradicate the problem. Our Veterans NEED physical, mental & financial help – they deserve it!!! www.alpost61.org

7) What should I wear? Dress warm and in layers. It’s cold in the morning but heats up as the sun  comes up. It’s just the opposite during the “Glow”. Bring warm clothes. When the sun goes down, it  gets cold. 

8) Can I bring lawn chairs and blankets? Absolutely… Make yourself at home, get comfortable and  stay awhile.  

9) What about food and drinks? No food or drinks can be brought into the Arizona Balloon Classic.  Our 7th Annual Street Foodfest is set for a culinary experience including beer tents and VIP. Come  hungry and stay for a while…

10) How does parking work? There is parking at the event and it’s $10. ACE Parking will direct you  right to a parking space. ACE Parking staff will manage all the parking. Saturday night though (1/27), parking gets full very fast. Stay all day or get to the Saturday night “Glow” by or around 3pm.  GET TO THE SATURDAY NIGHT “GLOW” EARLY!!! 

11) What if there is bad weather? This is a “Rain or Shine” event. All ballooning events are dependent  on the weather. Wind could affect the ballooning events as well. In the case of bad weather, you’ll  be able to use your ticket for the next ballooning event the same weekend. There are no refunds. 

12) Can I re-enter the event? There will be a re-entry wristband offered for FREE after the Saturday  morning races to the Saturday night “Glow” events. Sunday is FREE to attend the Arizona Balloon  Classic. 

13) How can I get a ticket? Tickets at the ABC13 Box Offices are  $35 per person, $15 for Seniors (55), Kids 12 and under, Veterans and Active Military are always  FREE!!! Group tickets of 10 or more are $15. NOTE: Parking is $10 and managed by ACE Parking. 

14) Is the Arizona Balloon Classic Handicap Accessible? Yes, there is handicap parking up close to  the gate and the Arizona Balloon Classic event site is handicap accessible as well with both grass  and blacktop surfaces.  

15) We need HELP at the Arizona Balloon Classic? Sign up here to volunteer: https://volunteersignup.org/EHWAQ 

16) Sponsorships & Retail vending space is still available. Send us contact info to  info@azeventsgroup.com.  

17) What’s the best way to ask additional questions? Send us additional questions to  info@azeventsgroup.com. Send questions to the Arizona Balloon Classic social media links as well  on Face book, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok.