The Ultimate Guide to the Arizona Balloon Classic in Goodyear, Arizona!

This post is sponsored by the Arizona Balloon Classic. As always, all opinions are my own.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to walk around and see gigantic hot air balloons floating in the sky all at the same time? Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be on one of these gigantic hot air balloons? Is a hot air balloon ride on your bucket list? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then I have the perfect event for you happening this weekend in Goodyear, Arizona: Arizona Balloon Classic!

Check out this guide for everything you need to know to have the best time this weekend!

What/when/where is the Arizona Balloon Classic?

The Arizona Balloon Classic is Arizona’s Premier Hot Air Balloon Festival that runs this year from Feb 3-5. The Arizona Balloon Classic is in Goodyear Ballpark: 1933 S Ballpark Way, Goodyear, AZ 85338.

See the schedule below:

Friday Feb 3: 4PM-9PM

Saturday Feb 4: 7AM-9PM

Sunday Feb 5: 7AM-12PM

What is there to do?

You can of course go up on a hot air balloon (either as high as possible) or you can also do a tethered ride that goes up 75 feet. Hot air balloon rides can be purchased at the event for $300 a person, tethered rides are $30 a person.

The hot air balloons only go up in the morning so make sure you get there between 7:35-8:35am. In the evening, the After Glow event will run from 7:30-9pm which is when the hot air balloons are lit up on the ground and you can walk around, take photos and talk to the pilots. There will also be music during After Glow!

There will be music throughout the event, BMX stunt shows, a family fun zone, retail vendors and Street FoodFest vendors.

The full schedule can be seen here.

How much are tickets?

The folks at the Arizona Balloon Classic have been gracious to offer my readers $5 off of general admission tickets purchased online (the first 100 people only so move quickly!). Use discount code LIFE5 and purchase tickets here: https://abcfest.com/tickets/

There are different kinds of tickets that you can get depending on the experience you are looking for. The great news is that children 12 and under are always free!

Admission for any one day is as below:

  • $30 at the gate ($25 online) 
  • $15 SENIOR (65+)
  • $10 per person – Group ticket packages available (10+) 
  • Active-Duty Military (service member only) FREE 
  • Children 12 & under are always FREE

If you want to attend the festival all 3 days, you can purchase tickets for $95 each.

If you’d like to attend the After Glow Party, you can pay $60.

You can buy tickets and see all of the ticket information here.

Where do I park?

I would recommend that you carpool so that it’s cheaper and easier to get out of the parking lot. Parking at the ballpark is $10. ACE Parking will direct you to the best place to park.

What should I bring (and not bring)?

You are encouraged to bring a camera, your phone, lawn chairs, sunscreen, umbrellas, and blankets. Please do not bring food or drinks into the event, there will be plenty of food and drink vendors so come hungry and thirsty! Coolers and tents are not allowed.

What is there to eat and drink?

The festival will host over fifty food and retail vendors this year. They will have Street FoodFest offering festival food favorites as well as Beer & Beverage stations!

Who should I go with?

This event is for everyone and anyone (except unfortunately pets).

There are no pets allowed but you are definitely encouraged to attend alone, with family, with friends, or with significant others as there is something for everyone to do.


I hope this post inspires you to go to the Arizona Balloon Classic! Check out their website for additional information.

Thank you all for reading, and stay enthusiastic!

Feel free to follow the adventure on social media 
Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / Youtube 

-Maira