Update 2007: This balloon festival has been moved to Casa Grande, AZ. That's about an hour drive south from downtown Phoenix. I won't be providing details about it at the About Phoenix site, but you can visit them online for information.
Note: I do not have information on the 2006 Arizona Balloon Festival at this time. If the event happens, it will probably not be in Chandler. Until updates are received, you can check at the official web site for news.
More than 50 balloon teams are expected to take part in the Arizona Balloon Festival - Chandler. Over the three day festival, more than 25,000 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 the Arizona Sky Hawks precision parachute team, and a Saturday Fireworks Show round out the entertainment.
The Arizona Balloon Festival - Chandler is the largest single fundraiser for Sun Lakes Crown Rotary of the Southeast Valley. They plan to make donations to a host of local charities including Las Fuentes, a medical clinic in Guadalupe, St. Peter’s Mission School on the Gila Indian Reservation, Chandler Community Center and New Day, a homeless shelter in Phoenix, among others.
Where will The Arizona Balloon Festival - Chandler be held?
The Arizona Balloon Festival - Chandler activities will take place at Tumbleweed Park in Chandler, Arizona. That's on Germann Rd., east of Arizona Avenue. Here's a map.
How much does it cost to get in to the Arizona Balloon Festival - Chandler?
Tickets at the gate: $7 per adult, $6 for seniors, $5 for each child 7 and older, children 6 and under are free. Prices are per day.
Parking: $5 and $8. Handicapped parking will be provided in the VIP parking area for $5.
What are the hours of the Arizona Balloon Festival - Chandler?
Friday, November 11, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, November 12, 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, November 13, 5:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
What time are the balloon events at the Arizona Balloon Festival - Chandler?
Morning liftoffs on Saturday and Sunday will be between 7:15 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Evening glows on Friday and Saturday will be between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. All balloon liftoff times are approximate, and always depend upon weather conditions.
What will happen at the Arizona Balloon Festival - Chandler?
Hare & Hound Races
On both Saturday and Sunday morning, 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 two day competition wins a cash prize. Spectators are encouraged to walk on the fields, watch the balloons inflate, and take lots of photos.
Desert Glows
The Arizona Balloon Festival - Chandler Desert Glows will take place on both Friday and Saturday evening, and will feature more than 30 illuminated, tethered hot air balloons glowing in time to music. The Desert Glows are a favorite of both amateur and professional photographers.
Kid's Zone
The Kid's Zone at the Arizona Balloon Festival - Chandler will feature a variety of interactive activities including children's entertainment, educational activities, games, face painting, clowns, and more. The Kid's Zone will be open throughout the weekend event.
Main Stage
A variety of popular local bands will perform on the main stage throughout the Arizona Balloon Festival - Chandler. Local high school bands will compete in the Battle of the Bands. On Saturday night, the Fireworks Show will light up the Chandler sky with a Salute to Veterans.
Besides everything else going on at the Arizona Balloon Festival - Chandler, you and your family can stroll the grounds and enjoy free tethered balloon rides, a Holiday Bazaar, Beer Garden and Wine Tastings for the adults, more than 50 retail and commercial booths, and Food Avenue.
Arizona Balloon Festival - Chandler Tips
- When 24,999 of your best friends get together, traffic and parking are likely to be annoying. Be early, be patient.
- In an open field at 5:30 in the morning, it's pretty cold! Wear layers that you can remove as the day warms up.
- I like to walk, walk, walk during a balloon festival, but I recommend bringing those portable folding chairs so you can rest and enjoy the balloons (and your hot dog) comfortably.
- Leave Fido home, since no pets are allowed.
- Once you pass through the gate, you can't leave and come back in again. No hand stamps, no ticket stubs, no exceptions. If you want to leave and come back in, you have to buy another ticket. So make sure you take everything with you from the car that you will need. Backpacks and bags will be allowed.
- If you need more information, visit the official web site of the Arizona Balloon Festival - Chandler.
Enjoy these pictures of the Balloon Glow!
Map and Directions to the Arizona Balloon Festival - Chandler.
Note: All times and prices and events are subject to change without notice.
