Arizona Balloon Classic 2011

Dozens of balloons take flight at once, filling the dawn sky with brilliant blues, purples, oranges, and reds as they begin an aerial hare-and-hound race. After sunset, they return to Earth and once tethered, begin to glow, lighting up in time with festive music. For one weekend each year, visitors gather on the grounds outside the Gilbert Civic Center for the Arizona Balloon Classic––a three-day festival celebrating hot air balloon flight and culture. Live music fills the grounds throughout the weekend, attendees browse exhibits, and children play in a family-friendly area.

The annual balloon event is organized by Action Entertainment Group, which was founded by a duo special event planners to gather Arizonans for music, food, and amusement. The group also produces events such as the Arizona HogFest, the Elegant Affair, and TribStock––A Tribute Band Music Festival.