Havasu Balloon Festival One Of The Best Ever

By Becky Maxedon

And that’s a wrap on the 2026 Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair presented by Anderson Toyota.

Balloon-meister Gary Moore said, “I think the weekend went very well, not perfect but very well.”

Moore said balloons were over Lake Havasu City for two days before the festival began.

“There were 10 on Wednesday and around 30 on Thursday morning after visiting all the schools.

“We then flew Thursday evening and a glow that night. We flew on Friday morning which was one of the best launches we have ever had from that location,” he said.

Students get to see hot air balloons up close at Oro Grande Elementary School Thursday. Tyanna Renee’/RiverScene

“Many balloons made it across the bridge with splash and dashes. We had to cancel the Friday evening launch because of winds, but did accomplish a glow. We then flew on Saturday morning which was the last event we were able to accomplish.”

Moore said there were three flights, two glows and two early flights and school visits.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“This was a very successful event. We had new challenges on the balloon side with an FAA presence and the FAA waiver. They were very helpful and mostly pleased with our operation.

“We always have great pilots and crews involved to help us make a a good show. Outside of the balloons, the musical entertainment was well received and the new carnival was also was a big hit.”

Havasu Balloon Festival Lake Havasu 2026 Friday morning ascension

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Moore had a big thanks to all the staff, volunteers, sponsors, safety boats, pilots and crew.

Another key component to the success of the festival is the boat patrol.

Dan Delasantos, Chairman of the Lake Havasu Boat Patrol told RiverScene Magazine that the patrol was back on the lake supporting over eight defined zones around the island and along the shoreline during the 2026 Lake Havasu Balloon Fest.

Photo courtesy Dan Delesantos

“Fourteen volunteer boats were on hand should any balloon pilots find themselves drifting across the lake. Over the 15 years the event has taken place here along the river, it is common for the occasional balloon to need a tow back to the Arizona shoreline. Drifting to the California side of the lake could result in a full day rescue and extraction,” Delansantos explained.

He said balloon pilots had both zone maps and contact information to reach the patrol during flight to request a tow.

“These dedicated volunteers are the only water patrol team trained to retrieve aircraft from the sky in the Northern Continent. Each year, Event Balloon Meister Gary Moore and team management conduct a training session specifically designed for Balloon Retrieval,” he said.

Photo courtesy Dan Delasantos

“The Lake Havasu Boat Patrol, recently incorporated as a nonprofit, is in its fifth year of supporting Lake Havasu City’s many water-based events and races. This seasoned team of over 18 boats and more than 36 captains and crew members have been expanding their abilities and equipment to better provide a fun and safe environment for boating spectators along with active event participants. Many of our members have been volunteering for decades here on the lake. We would like to especially thank The Lake Havasu Marina and the Havasu Riviera Marina for all their years of support during these events.”

To find out more about the patrol and how to join, go to: www.lakehavasuboatpatrol.com.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

There were more than 1,100 volunteers who participated in the festival at Windsor 4.

Volunteers helped with trash clean up, in the beer gardens, as hot air balloon crews, in the VIP Tent, at field events, in the boat patrol, traffic and parking plus more.

Friday morning, the All Abilities Community enjoyed the festival with a tethered ride.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“It was a spectacular weekend, right up there with one of the best we’ve ever had. I want to thank all of our volunteers, sponsors, and the public for their support. I can’t thank you enough,” said Havasu Balloon Festival executive director Steve Ticknor.

Pilot Laurie Spencer, with the Coca-Cola balloon, performed a flag-raising ceremony with the Lake Havasu Marine Corps League each morning.

Here are some photos from the weekend.