Rise With the Balloons in Bullhead City This Weekend

in Events, Colorado River Adventures, Parks

The skies over Bullhead City are about to come alive with color. From sunrise launches to glowing night skies over the Colorado River, the Second Annual Bullhead City Balloon Festival, presented by Desert Canyon Events, promises a weekend full of unforgettable sights, sounds, and flavors. It all takes place at beautiful Rotary Park.

Whether you’re watching from the riverbank or waking up to the view from your hotel, this is the weekend to stay, play, and explore Bullhead City, and support a great cause.

Check out our new YouTube video to see the balloons in action and subscribe for more Bullhead City adventures.

Whether you’re watching from the riverbank or waking up to the view from your hotel, this is the weekend to stay, play, and explore Bullhead City, and support a great cause.

Every part of this event helps benefit the Mohave County First Responders Foundation, supporting those who serve our community every day.

Festival information provided courtesy of the official event guide by Desert Canyon Events.

Balloon Festival Schedule

(Gate price is $10, for the day or $20 for the weekend. Children under 12 are free.)

Friday, November 7

5:30 a.m. – Gates open
Sunrise – Balloon launch
7–11 a.m. – Tethered balloon rides
7 a.m.–7 p.m. – Vendors open
9 a.m.–10 p.m. – Rock climbing & petting zoo
Noon–4 p.m. – Cruise Control live on stage
6–10 p.m. – Hackney the Band live
6:15 p.m. – Balloon Glow Show
10 p.m. – Grounds close

Saturday, November 8

5:30 a.m. – Gates open
Sunrise – Balloon launch
7–11 a.m. – Tethered balloon rides
9 a.m.–10 p.m. – Rock climbing & petting zoo
Noon–4 p.m. – Cruise Control live on stage
1 p.m. – Desert Dragonflies Belly Dancers
2:30–6:30 p.m. – Tethered balloon rides
6–10 p.m. – Lorinda Leigh Band live
6:15 p.m. – Balloon Glow Show
10 p.m. – Grounds close

Sunday, November 9

5:30 a.m. – Gates open
Sunrise – Balloon launch
7–11 a.m. – Tethered balloon rides
9 a.m.–3 p.m. – Rock climbing & petting zoo
9 a.m.–3 p.m. – Vendors open
10 a.m.–2 p.m. – Lorinda Leigh Band live
3 p.m. – Grounds close

All balloon related events are weather permitting.

Live Music All Weekend

From rock ’n’ roll to country flair, the festival lineup brings the soundtrack for a perfect riverfront weekend:

Cruise Control – Rock, country, and blues Friday & Saturday from Noon–4 p.m.
Hackney the Band – Nashville’s high-energy rockabilly Friday 6–10 p.m.
Lorinda Leigh Band – Country and Southern rock Saturday 6–10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

A Taste of the Festival

Follow the scent of barbecue, cinnamon rolls, and fresh lemonade. This year’s food lineup is as colorful as the balloons above. From Bandit BBQ’s brisket and mac ’n’ cheese to MexiTacos’s street tacos, Mister Root Beer’s old-fashioned floats, Donut NV’s hot mini donuts, and plenty of shaved ice, kettle corn, and lemonade, there’s something for every craving.

Weather Check

It’s the kind of weather travelers dream about, sunny skies, highs in the upper 80s, and comfortable lows near 60. Perfect for early morning launches, riverside strolls, and watching balloons glow against the night sky.

Balloon flights are always weather dependent. If winds rise above 10 mph, launches may be delayed or rescheduled for safety. But with this weekend’s forecast, conditions are looking ideal for liftoff.

Make the Most of Your Visit

There’s so much happening across Bullhead City beyond the festival grounds. Turn your weekend into a full adventure:

Friday Morning: Yoga in the Park returns — free, refreshing, and open to everyone.
Saturday Morning: The 17th Annual Paul Walsh Veterans Day Parade fills the streets with red, white, and blue as our community honors those who served.
All Weekend: Check out the event calendar for live music, food events, and family-friendly fun happening all around the city.

Whether you’re here for the balloons, the music, or the sunshine, there’s no better place to make the most of your weekend than right here in Bullhead City.

Plan Your Stay and Make It a Weekend to Remember

There’s no better way to experience the magic of the Balloon Festival than to wake up right here in Bullhead City. Spend your mornings watching balloons lift over the Colorado River, your afternoons discovering great places to shop and restaurants to enjoy, and your evenings under glowing desert skies.

Plan your stay now. Whether that means a river-view hotel room, a cozy short-term rental, or a peaceful RV spot. However you stay, you’ll be close to all the color, sound, and excitement of the weekend.

Click below to find your perfect place to stay and make the most of your Bullhead City getaway.

Where the Sky Comes Alive

Before you plan your stay, take a look at some of the breathtaking moments that make the Balloon Festival so special. From sunrise lift-offs to glowing night skies over Rotary Park, these photos capture the magic waiting for you this weekend.

Event details provided courtesy of Desert Canyon Events. Visit bullheadcityballoonfestival.com for official updates.