Arizona Balloon Classic

The Arizona Balloon Classic car show runs Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 16–17, 2027, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The surrounding festival brings three days of hot air ballooning to Wild Horse Pass Festival Grounds in Chandler, Arizona, Jan. 15–17, 2027. The festival pairs balloon launches with balloon glows, when lit balloons illuminate the grounds after dark.

Gates open from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15. Saturday and Sunday hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and morning launches run 7:30–8:30 a.m. both weekend days.

Tethered balloon rides run daily from 4:30 to 9 p.m., plus 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The balloon stays tied to the ground and rises to about 75 feet. Adult tethered rides cost $30 and rides for children 12 and under cost $15, sold on site only. Standard balloon rides are available separately, and neither ride is included with general admission.

The classic car show displays classic and specialty vehicles Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Duncan Food Fest Experience brings award-winning food vendors and local food trucks all weekend. Live local music, a family fun zone, and shopping and specialty vendors round out the grounds.

General admission early bird tickets cost $15 through Nov. 30, 2026. Senior admission for ages 55 and older is $13, and group admission for 10 or more people is $12 per person. The Classic Pass costs $79 and allows unlimited entry and re-entry across all three days. The Classic Pass+ costs $179 and adds all-weekend access plus VIP HUB hospitality with dinner and drinks each evening. Children 12 and under enter free, and active military members and veterans enter free with valid ID. General admission covers one entry on any one of the three festival days, with no day selection needed at purchase.

Parking is $10 per vehicle, paid separately to Wild Horse Pass; visitors coming for the morning launches should arrive when gates open at 7 a.m. Friendly pets are welcome, and owners must clean up after them. Weapons and outside food and drink are not permitted. The festival runs rain or shine, and balloon activities are weather permitting. Attractions and schedules are subject to change.