More than 25 balloon teams are expected to take part in the Arizona Balloon Classic at the inaugural event in 2011. The Gila River Indian Community near Chandler, AZ is providing the wide open spaces. Over the three day festival, thousands people will enjoy early evening balloon glows, morning balloon launches and landings, plus The Hare and Hound, a traditional hot air ballooning race. As one might expect, there will more than that going on. Music, food, arts and crafts, a family fun zone, appearances by skydivers and fireworks. A portion of the proceeds from the Arizona Balloon Classic will benefit Phoenix Children’s Hospital and local food banks.
See images of hot air balloons at the 2011 Arizona Balloon Classic.
When is the Arizona Balloon Classic?
Friday, November 18, 2011 - gates open at 5:30 a.m., gates close at 8 p.m.Saturday, November 19, 2011 - gates open at 5:30 a.m., gates close at 8 p.m.
Sunday, November 20, 2011 - gates open at 5:30 a.m., gates close at 5:30 p.m.
Where will The Arizona Balloon Classic be held?
Arizona Balloon Classic activities will take place at Wild Horse Pass, right across the road from Rawhide Western Town. That's south of Phoenix, just off I-10. Here is a map with directions to Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass. There will be signage directing you to parking and the festival.How much does it cost to get in to the Arizona Balloon Classic?
Single event tickets: $7 in advance, $10 at the gateSingle event tickets: $7 at the gate for active military and seniors
All-day pass: $16 in advance, $18 at the gate
Weekend pass: $30 in advance, $40 at the gate
Family Packs of four daily tickets and four tee shirts are $40 in advance.
Children five years old and younger are admitted free
Purchase 20 or more "Community" tickets: $6 each in advance
General parking is $5; VIP parking is $7.
What do you mean, inaugural event? Haven't there been balloon festivals in Phoenix before?
Yes, there have been several. In the past few decades there have been large-scale balloon festivals in west Phoenix and north Scottsdale, Goodyear, Chandler. Here is a photo gallery of those events. The last full-scale balloon festival in this area was in Casa Grande in 2007.What will happen at the Arizona Balloon Festival Classic?
Hare & Hound Races
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning between 7:15 and 8:30 a.m. about 50 colorful hot air balloons will participate in the thrilling Hare & Hound Races. The hare balloon places a target on the ground where it landed. The hound balloons fly toward that target and toss small bean bag like ID. This target has a numbering system. The balloon that accumulates the most points throughout the three-day competition wins a cash prize. Spectators are encouraged to walk on the fields, watch the balloons inflate, and take lots of photos.Afternoon Fun Flights
On Friday, Saturday & Sunday at about 4:30 p.m. about 50 colorful hot-air balloons will lift-off all at the same time. It's a wonderful photo opportunity!Evening Glows
The Arizona Balloon Classic Evening Glows will take place on both Friday and Saturday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will feature more than illuminated, tethered hot air balloons. The Balloon Glows are a favorite of both amateur and professional photographers.Dawn Patrol
On Saturday and Sunday a select number of balloons will take off at 6:30 a.m. before sunrise.Fireworks
On Saturday enjoy the fireworks that will begin at about 7:30 p.m.Free Kids Breakfast
On Saturday only, the first 500 children, from 3 to 12 years of age, will receive a complimentary breakfast.
Can I ride in a balloon at the Arizona Balloon Classic?
Yes, you'll be able to arrange either a hot air balloon ride or a tethered ride in advance of the event. You'll arrange for and pay for that directly with the event's official vendor for those rides.
Family Fun Zone, Main Stage Entertainment, Shopping, Food Court
Check the Entertainment Schedule for other activities on the grounds that take place throughout the three-day event.
Do you have pictures?
Yes! See pictures of hot air balloons at the 2011 Arizona Balloon Classic.What else do I need to know about attending the Arizona Balloon Classic?
Please read my tips for attending on the next page.What if I have more questions?
Visit the Arizona Balloon Classic online.Next Page >> Ten Things To Know Before You Go
All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.
