The Yuma Balloon Festival, or Colorado River Crossing Hot Air Balloon Festival, is proudly hosted by Caballeros de Yuma and holds a cherished place in Arizona's fall calendar. Every year in mid-November, West Wetlands Park is transformed into a canvas for this cherished event, showcasing the vibrant and fascinating balloons of the West and Southwest. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Colorado River and Sonoran Desert, this is an event not to be missed.

program

Get ready to watch an amazing show as hot air balloons light up the Yuma sky with dazzling colors. The weekend is packed with fun activities for the whole family, including the magical Desert Balloon Glow. Festivities begin with a morning launch at West Wetlands Park, where balloons soar into the sky against the backdrop of the rising sun, while Desert Sun Stadium hosts a magical Balloon Glow event, lighting up the night sky with the glowing colors of balloons. Numerous vendors serve a variety of delicacies throughout the festival grounds.

schedule

West Wetlands Park welcomes early risers starting at 6am, with balloons taking off just after sunrise, usually around 7am. At Desert Sun Stadium on Saturday, gates open at 3pm, balloons start inflating at 5:30pm and a spectacular fireworks display begins around 7pm. Tethered balloon rides are scheduled for Saturday from 4pm to 7pm and Sunday from 7:15am to 9am.

ticket

Visitors can participate in Morning Launches by bringing a non-perishable canned food item to support Crossroads Mission. Admission to the Evening Glow event is $3 per person along with one non-perishable canned food item. Children 5 and under are admitted free. Tethered rides are $25 per person. Age and weight restrictions may apply at the pilot's discretion. All rides are first come, first served. Tethered rides typically rise to 50-75 feet and last approximately 15-20 minutes.

Rules and Restrictions

Attendees are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs for added comfort to enhance their festival experience; however, no outside food or drinks are permitted in Desert Sun Stadium, and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited. Coolers, bicycles, skateboards, weapons, and drones are prohibited on the event grounds to ensure a safe and fun experience for all attendees.

Besides balloons

Yuma is located in southwestern Arizona. Besides the amazing West Wetlands Park, the town has a few other interesting places worth a visit. If you have time, be sure to visit Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park and Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park. Also, check out the 1907 steam locomotive at Pivot Point Plaza, which was once used by the Southern Pacific Railroad, which passed through Yuma.