Out West Balloon Fest
More than 35 hot air balloons will decorate the sky at the first annual Out West Balloon Fest and Fun Run at the University of Phoenix in Glendale, Ariz. Locals, if you're looking for something fun to do the first weekend in March, this is it!
On March 6, 7 and 8, join us for a weekend filled with much more than hot air! We will kick off the weekend with a Friday night balloon glow. From bumblebees, to butterflies and even Smokey the Bear, there will be a special shaped balloon to please every member of the family. Come see these gentle giants as they light up the night sky and enjoy tethered balloon rides.
Bring your appetite because on the ground attendees will find dozens of food and novelty vendors, hours of live music, wine and craft beer tastings and opportunities to mingle with the balloon pilots. For the kids, there’s a special area with a slew of inflatable attractions a climbing wall and much more.
Saturday morning will begin with a family-friendly 5K fun run, proceeds benefitting the 100 Club of Arizona. A second balloon glow will follow that evening. Also enjoy the “Hare and Hound” balloon competition. Grand Marshall Bill Cutter will start off the race by launching his own balloon. He will land his balloon and lay out the target where the other balloon will then launch and race to the finish line. Each balloon pilot (or hounds) tries to drop a bean bag closest to the center of the target to win a variety of prizes.
Sunday morning will round off the weekend with a competitive balloon race. Our hot air balloon pilots will show off their skills by competing in a race to launch and land at one of three declared spots to win a prize. It’s a fun spectator event for the whole family.
Tickets range from $10 to $20 per person. Kids ages 12 and younger are free.
Event Information and Schedule:
Friday Evening Balloon Glow 4-9 p.m.
4 p.m.
Gates Open
4-9 p.m.
Vendor Market, Food vendors, Kidszone
5:30 p.m.
Tethered Balloon Rides
5-9 p.m.
Live music on the main stage
6:30-8:30 p.m.
25 hot air balloon glow
8:30 p.m.
Night skydiving demo by the Arizona Skyhawks
9 p.m.
Gates close
Saturday Morning Balloon Launch 6-11 a.m.
6 a.m.
Gates Open
6-11 a.m.
Vendor Market, Food vendors, Kidszone
7 a.m.
Morning Passenger Flights
7 a.m.
5K Fun Run
7 a.m.
Balloon launch, Hare and Hound competition
11 a.m.
Gates close
Saturday Evening Balloon Glow 4-9 p.m.
4 p.m.
Gates Open
4-9 p.m.
Vendor Market, Food vendors, Kidszone
5:30 p.m.
Tethered Balloon Rides
5-9 p.m.
Live music on the mainstage
6:30-8:30 p.m.
25 hot air balloon glow
8:30 p.m.
Night skydiving demo by the Arizona Skyhawks
9 p.m.
Gates close
Sunday Morning Balloon Launch 6-11 a.m.
6 a.m.
Gates Open
6-11 a.m.
Vendor Market, Food vendors, Kidszone
7 a.m.
Morning Passenger Flights
7 a.m.
Balloon Launch, Declared balloon race competition
11 a.m.
Gates Close
Events subject to change based on weather.
Some activities require an additional fee. Please visit the website atwww.outwestballoonfest.com for more information.
Disclosure: I received tickets to this event free of charge for my promotion of the events, all opinions and thoughts are my own.