The 16th Annual Arizona Balloon Classic returns January 15–17, 2027, to Wild Horse Pass Festival Grounds (Former Wild Horse Pass Stadium) in Chandler, Arizona. ABC16 is three days of hot air balloons, food, cars, music, and shopping, and it's back on the grounds where the festival began in 2011. This guide covers what happens when, which tickets to buy, and how to plan your visit.
Dates, hours, and location
- Friday, Jan 15: gates open 4 PM–9 PM
- Saturday, Jan 16, and Sunday, Jan 17: gates open 7 AM–9 PM
- Wild Horse Pass Festival Grounds, 19593 S 48th St, Chandler, AZ 85226, in the Gila River Indian Community
Gate hours are planned and could shift slightly. The full schedule always has the latest times.
When to see the balloons
Hot air balloons fly in calm air, so the balloon program runs at the edges of the day. Balloons don't fly during the breezy midday hours (about 10 AM to 4 PM).
- Morning Balloon Launches: Saturday & Sunday, 7:30–8:30 AM. Balloons inflate and lift off from the festival grounds shortly after sunrise; the morning program also includes the ABC16 balloon competition.
- Evening Desert Glows: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 7–9 PM. After sunset, balloons stay on the ground and light up with their burners. Walk the field, take photos, and meet the pilots and crews.
- Tethered Balloon Rides: every day, 4:30–9 PM, plus Saturday & Sunday mornings, 7–10 AM. The balloon stays tied to the ground and rises to about 75 feet. Rides are $30 for adults and $15 for kids 12 & under, sold on site only.
- Hot Air Balloon Rides with Rainbow Ryders: paid passenger flights that depart from the festival grounds. Morning Ascension (6:30–10:30 AM total time) and Sunset (3–7 PM total time) rides; sunset riders land off-site and are shuttled back for the Desert Glow. Booked online with Rainbow Ryders; not included in admission.
All balloon activities are weather permitting. Wind, rain, or unsafe conditions can delay or cancel balloon operations, so check balloon status before you leave home.
More than balloons
- Duncan Food Fest Experience: award-winning food vendors and local food trucks all weekend. Outside food and drinks aren't permitted.
- Classic Car Show: Saturday and Sunday, 11 AM–4 PM.
- Live Local Music: local artists and DJs on the Entertainment Stage all weekend.
- Family Fun Zone: free inflatables, plus fun food, toys, and souvenirs.
- Shopping, Services & Specialty Vendors: local businesses and makers across the grounds.
Tickets
Tickets are on sale now at the official ABC16 box office, the only place to buy them. See Tickets & Admission for every ticket type and today's price.
- General Admission (Single-Day Entry), $15–$22: one entry on any ONE festival day, no day selection needed. The price goes up as the festival gets closer, so buying early saves the most.
- Senior General Admission (Ages 55+), $13–$15: one entry on any ONE festival day.
- Group Admission (10 or More), $12 per person: minimum 10 tickets per order.
- Classic Pass, $79: all three days with unlimited entry and re-entry.
- Classic Pass+, $179: everything in the Classic Pass plus VIP HUB access with dinner and drinks each evening.
Kids 12 and under get in free. Active military and veterans get in free with valid military or veteran ID: no ticket needed, just show ID at the gate. Weekend pass holders pick up their passes at Will Call, which opens Friday, January 15 at 12 PM, outside the gates next to the ticket booth. All ticket sales are final.
Parking and arrival
Parking is $10 per vehicle, paid separately to Wild Horse Pass. For the morning launches, arrive when gates open at 7 AM. Directions and arrival tips are on the Parking & Arrival page.
What to bring and wear
- Layers. January mornings in the desert are cold, afternoons are warm, and evenings cool off fast after sunset.
- Lawn chairs or blankets, sunscreen, and a camera or phone.
- Friendly pets are welcome. Owners must clean up after them.
Weapons and outside food and drinks aren't permitted. The festival runs rain or shine. More answers are in the FAQ.
Published . Updated . Event details are subject to change, and balloon activities are weather permitting.