By Becky Maxedon

All eyes will turn skyward in a couple of weeks with the 2026 edition of the Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair at Lake Havasu State Park, Windsor 4.

The event, sponsored by Anderson Toyota, kicks off Jan. 22, at 11:45 a.m. Public gates open at noon. 

So much work and preparation goes into presenting the event that runs through Jan. 25, year after year.

The festival, in addition to the star balloons, includes vendor booths, live entertainment, a carnival, tethered balloon rides, and weather permitting, mass ascensions and an evening balloon glow.

There will be nine special shapes attending this year on the lower grass field each morning; weather pending.

Chris P. Bacon flown by Jordon Cox of Carmel, Ind. Photo courtesy of Gary Moore

Balloon Festival director Steve Ticknor said, “This year will be exciting and new. We’ve redesigned the layout for a fresh look and feel, plus we are bringing in a new carnival with bigger and better rides than before.”

Tethered balloon rides will take place Friday and Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., near the balloon field.

Tethered rides are ages 5 and under, $10 each; 6-11 $20; and 12 and over $25.

General admission is $20. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Balloon Fest store at 2109 McCulloch Blvd., through Jan. 20, or at the gate during the festival.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

No pets are allowed at the festival.

For the complete schedule, a map of the area and parking information visit havasuballoonfestival.com.

Here are some photos of the special shaped balloons expected to be a part of the festival.

Lily Bee, flown by Bob Romaneschi of Phoenix. Photo courtesy of Gary Moore

The Elvis special shape balloon, piloted by Debby Young of Albequerque , N.M. is returning for the 2026 Havasu Balloon Festival. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Bella, flown by Paul Burrows and Chris Jones of the UK. Photo courtesy of Gary Moore

Buster, flown by Paul Burrows and Chris Jones of the UK. Photo courtesy of Gary Moore

Ziggy Raccoon flown by Mike Fielding of Texas. Photo courtesy of Gary Moore

Monte The Black Sheep, flown by Greg Ashton of Idaho. Photo courtesy of Gary Moore

Voluntold, flown by Gary Moore of Lake Havasu City. Photo courtesy of Gary Moore

No Prob Llama, flown by Billy Broker of Texas. Photo courtesy of Gary Moore