By Grace Usher

January brings a new year and one of the biggest event of the year – Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair. This year’s festival brings some new and exciting changes. Here is everything fair goers need to know for the Thursday through Sunday (Jan. 10-13) event:

A balloon performs a “Splash and Dash” during a Havasu Balloon Festival in front of the London Bridge. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Tickets

General Admission (11 and Up) $15 per person for the whole weekend

Children (10 and under) Free!

Pre-sale tickets are available at the Havasu Balloonfest store until Jan. 7. Tickets can also be purchased at the day of the event at the main gate.

Parking

There will be four parking locations with shuttle services available. It is advised to park one hour before time to enter the event. Parking on the event grounds is limited to VIP, vendors and balloon pilots/crew. Parking and shuttle services are FREE for event guests.

Locations:

LOT A (Red)

Pima Wash across from Lake Havasu Dialysis

2353 Mesquite Ave.

LOT B (Blue)

Mohave Community College- Main Parking Lot

1961 W. Acoma Blvd

LOT C (Green)

Lake Havasu High School Football Feild Parking Lot

2631 Palo Verde South

LOT D (Yellow)

Dirt lot South of Aquatic Center (Exit off State Route 95 between Mulberry and Smoketree)

100 Park Ave

Balloons

This year will feature more than 40 balloons in all shapes and sizes.

Want to see all the fun shapes of this year? Click here!

Tom Cat Balloon photo courtesy Havasu Balloon Fest.

Balloons will ascend at 8 a.m.  and 4 p.m., depending upon the weather. There will be an on-ground evening glow after sunset each night.

Want to experience a flight without go to full heights? There are tethered rides available.

**Please note that balloons will only fly to the dictates of the weather. There are strict conditions that are necessary for flight approval. This is to ensure the safety of pilots, passengers, crew and spectators.

Night glow. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Special Events

There will be a plethora of events happening throughout each event day on the festival grounds. Events range from live music, dancers, comedy and more.

For the full list of events, Click Here.

For running enthusiasts, make sure to sign up for the 5k run. Have a chance to run along balloons with friends and family. The course will be on the festival grounds and along Windsor Beach. Here is all of the race information.

Chuck E. Bumps performed at last year’s Havasu Balloon Fest Saturday afternoon. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Vendors

From food, memorabilia, beauty products, toys, and more, the vendor row of the festival will be booming with fun finds.

Enjoy local eateries who set up trucks and tents for the weekend or try something new with traveling business who live for event weekends.

Looking for the perfect gift? The vendor walk features incredible items from around the world. Make sure to check out the art walk for handmade, unique items.

Balloons fly over the London Bridge Beach Saturday morning during the Lake Havasu Balloon Festival . Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Volunteers

The Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair would not be possible without the dedication of volunteers. This year’s festival is in dire need of volunteers! There are various dates, times and positions available for all types of abilities, ages and skill sets.

As a volunteer, individuals will receive a T-shirt, collectible pin and an invitation to the volunteer social post-event.

Want to sign up? Here is all the registration information.