Balloons
When can I see the hot air balloons?
Morning Balloon Launches are planned for Saturday and Sunday mornings, 7:30–8:30 AM. Tethered Balloon Rides run every day, 4:30–9 PM, plus Saturday and Sunday mornings, 7–10 AM. Evening Desert Glows are planned for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, 7–9 PM. All balloon activities are weather permitting.
Are balloons flying all day?
No. Balloons do not fly during the warm, breezy midday hours (about 10 AM to 4 PM). Plan your visit around the morning launches, afternoon tethered rides, and evening Desert Glows.
What is an Evening Desert Glow?
During a Desert Glow, balloons are inflated and lit up by their burners on the ground after sunset. There is no flying. Walk among the balloons, take photos, and meet the pilots and crews.
Will there be a hot air balloon competition?
Yes. The Saturday and Sunday Morning Balloon Launches include the ABC16 balloon competition. Balloons launch from Wild Horse Pass Festival Grounds. Rainbow Ryders passenger flights are a separate, paid experience and aren't part of the competition.
Are tethered hot air balloon rides available?
Yes. Tethered Balloon Rides run every day, 4:30–9 PM, plus Saturday and Sunday mornings, 7–10 AM. Tethered balloons stay secured to the ground and rise to about 75 feet. Rides are $30 for adults and $15 for kids 12 & under, sold on site only. Tethered rides are weather permitting and not included in admission.
Can I ride in a hot air balloon at the Arizona Balloon Classic?
Yes! Rainbow Ryders, the official hot air balloon ride operator of the Arizona Balloon Classic, offers paid passenger balloon flights departing from Wild Horse Pass Festival Grounds. Flights are booked separately through Rainbow Ryders.
What's the difference between a hot air balloon ride and a tethered balloon ride?
A passenger balloon flight lifts off and travels over the surrounding landscape. A tethered balloon ride remains secured to the ground and provides a shorter experience.
How do I book a hot air balloon flight?
Flights are booked directly through Rainbow Ryders. Visit our Hot Air Balloon Rides page and click Book a Balloon Flight to view reservations and availability.
What time are hot air balloon flights available?
Rainbow Ryders advertises Morning Ascension experiences from 6:30–10:30 AM and Sunset Flight experiences from 3–7 PM. These are total experience windows, not continuous flight times. Flights last approximately 45–60 minutes, subject to weather and operating conditions.
Are hot air balloon flights included with festival admission?
No. Rainbow Ryders passenger flights require a separate reservation and payment. General festival admission does not include a passenger balloon flight.
What happens if the weather is bad?
ABC16 is a rain-or-shine event, but balloon activities are weather permitting. Wind, rain, or unsafe conditions can delay or cancel balloon operations. Check the latest balloon status and event updates before arriving.
Tickets & entry
How do I get tickets?
Buy tickets online at tickets.abcfest.com, the official and only ABC16 ticket site. General admission prices go up as the event gets closer, so buy early for the best price. Classic Pass and Classic Pass+ weekend passes are also available. 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.
Do I have to choose a day when buying General Admission?
No. Your ticket is valid for one entry on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
Can I leave and come back with General Admission?
No. General Admission is for one entry. Unlimited re-entry is included with Classic Pass and Classic Pass+.
Can I attend all three days?
Yes. Classic Pass and Classic Pass+ provide unlimited entry across the weekend.
Is parking included?
No. Parking costs $10 per vehicle, paid separately to Wild Horse Pass.
Are tickets refundable?
No. Tickets are non-refundable.
Getting there
Where is ABC16?
Wild Horse Pass Festival Grounds, 19593 S 48th St, Chandler, AZ 85226, in the Gila River Indian Community. ABC16 returns to the grounds where the event began in 2011.
How does parking work?
Parking is $10 per vehicle and is managed by Wild Horse Pass.
Is the event accessible?
Yes. Accessible parking is available near the main entrance. The grounds are a mix of gravel and grass. See the Accessibility page for details and how to contact us with specific needs.
At the event
Can I bring food or drinks?
Outside food and drinks are not permitted. The Duncan Food Fest Experience has local food trucks and food vendors all weekend.
Are weapons allowed?
No. Weapons are not permitted at the Arizona Balloon Classic.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, if they are friendly with people and other animals. Owners must clean up after their pets. Staff may ask that a pet leave the event at their discretion.
What should I bring?
A camera or phone, lawn chairs or blankets, and sunscreen.
What should I wear?
Dress in layers. January mornings in the desert are cold, afternoons are warm, and evenings get chilly after sunset.
How can I volunteer?
Volunteer sign-up opens soon on the Volunteer page. We'll follow up with roles and shift times.