The Local's Guide to the Havasu Balloon Fest 2026

Balloons, Birdies, and Giving Back: The Insider’s Guide to the 2026 Havasu Balloon Festival & Fair

There’s a specific magic that happens in Lake Havasu City every January. The air gets crisp, and suddenly, the sky is peppered with giant, whimsical splashes of color. The Havasu Balloon Festival & Fair (January 22–25) is the heartbeat of our community’s charitable season. If you want to experience it like a local (and support a great cause), here is your 2026 roadmap.

The Kickoff: 9th Annual Balloon Fest Golf Tournament

The action actually starts on the greens before the first balloon leaves the ground! On Saturday, January 17th, the Lake Havasu Golf Club hosts the 9th Annual Balloon Fest Golf Tournament.

This 4-person team scramble is a community favorite, featuring mulligans, "Magic Putts," a 50/50 raffle, and a hole-in-one contest sponsored by Anderson Auto & Power.

• When: Jan 17th (7:30 AM Check-in | 8:30 AM Shotgun Start).

• Cost: $120 per golfer ($110 for members), which includes a goody bag, breakfast snack, green fees, cart, and lunch.

• Registration: The deadline to sign up is January 14th. You can register online at KiwanisLHC.com/events.

  

The Heart of the Fest: Community Champions

The Balloon Festival is a massive collaborative fundraiser powered by our local service clubs. Every ticket and sponsorship dollar stays in Havasu to fund scholarships and community projects. You can learn more about these incredible organizations here:

• Kiwanis Club of Lake Havasu City: Dedicated to serving the children of our community.

• Rotary Clubs of Lake Havasu: Driven by "Service Above Self," including Rotary Club of Lake Havasu City, London Bridge Rotary, and Sunrise Rotary.

• LHC Daybreakers Lions Club: A powerhouse for local sight conservation and community health.

  
  

3 "Must-Do" Festival Moments (Jan 22–25)

1. Mass Ascensions: Watch dozens of balloons lift off over the lake around 7:45 AM (Friday–Sunday).

2. “Glowin’ on the River” Night Glow: Experience the field of fire at 6:30 PM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

3. Tethered Rides: Get a bird's-eye view for just $20–$25 per adult (weather permitting).

   
   

For the full schedule and tickets, visit the official site at HavasuBalloonFestival.com.