We hope everyone enjoyed ushering in the new year. Now that 2026 has officially convened, it's time to celebrate the biggest event of the new year: Havasu Balloon Festival. And what a celebration this promises to be! What: Havasu Balloon Festival

Where: Lake Havasu State Park

When: January 22-25, 2026

Admission: $20 to $65

Contact: Havasu Balloon Festival Store (928) 505-2440

Other areas of the country battle snow, ice, and bone-chilling winds at this time of year. Lake Havasu, on the other hand, frequently experiences temperatures in the upper 60s/low 70s. That makes it great weather for events like hot air balloon flights. The skies above Lake Havasu City fill up with colorful characters and more.

 

Gates open at noon on Thursday and 7 am every other day. Every morning from Friday through Sunday starts off with a mass ascension. Each evening, at 6:30 pm, watch the balloons take off after dark with "Glowin' on the River". Other activities going on during this four-day festival include a carnival. live demonstrations, live entertainment, a golf tournament, a 5K/10K run/walk, and balloon rides (both tethered and untethered, weather permitting).

General admission tickets cost $20 per person. Kids ages 10 and under get in for free with a paying adult. VIP tickets cost $65 per day for Friday and Saturday. They drop down to $25 for Sunday. A VIP ticket gets you in the gate an hour before the general public. You also enjoy access to the VIP tent where they serve breakfast and dinner as well as a cash bar. Online ticket sales are no longer available. However, you may purchase either General Admission or VIP tickets at the Havasu Balloon Festival Store during regular business hours anytime between now and January 20th.