Gila Valley Balloon Extravaganza: Home Page

Balloon Launches 7:30 AM Daily at Ruth Powell School

Relive the Magic

The 7th Annual Gila Valley Balloon Extravaganza Took Flight!

Hot Air Balloons

7th

Year in the Sky

Amazing Community

What a celebration! Twenty-five hot air balloons from across the United States filled the skies over the Gila Valley, painting the morning in every color imaginable. From the first burner roar at sunrise to the soft, glowing balloons lighting up the night, every day delivered moments our spectators and pilots will never forget.

Whether you were there on the field or watching the skies from your backyard, you were part of something special. And if you missed it—or just want to feel it all over again— the reels below bring every launch and every glow right back to you.

Thank you! None of this happens without our incredible sponsors , whose support makes the Extravaganza possible year after year. A special thank-you goes to the City of Safford for their generous grant that helped lift this celebration to new heights.

▼ Watch the Reels from Every Day ▼

Day 1

Day 2

Home Depot Glow

Day 3

Glow Show

Day 4

Listen to Greg & Susan's Voice of the Valley Podcast For 2025/2026.

Click here to listen to podcast.

Thursday 12/31/26 Super Glow Show Party Safford Middle School and Friday Home Depot Candlestick Glow.

Come meet our pilots and see the balloons up close.

THURSDAY NIGHT NEW YEAR"S EVE

SUPER GLOW SHOW PARTY & BALLOON GLOW:

Tethering starts at 5:00 PM
Glow Party at 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Safford Middle School Football Field

FREE TETHER RIDES FOR KIDS

FREE GLOW TOYS FOR KID

FOOD VENDORS

FRIDAY CANDLE STICK & BALLOON GLOW:

Friday 6 PM to 7 PM
Home Depot Parking Lot

COOL HOME DEPOT PRIZES

Become a Sponsor!

Going on our 7th year, the Gila Valley New Year's Balloon Extravaganza has become a tradition to many in our community. But we can't bring this FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY way to celebrate New Year's to the Gila Valley without the generous support of our sponsors.

Please consider becoming a sponsor to help us keep this event going. Go to Sponsor Signup or email info@gilavalleyballoons.com or contact Greg Lindsey at 928-965-6970. If you are a previous sponsor, simply enter your mobile number and verify the information.

Gila Valley Balloon Extravaganza is now an Official Nonprofit Organization

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, our goals are to educate people about hot air ballooning, promote tourism to the Gila Valley, and provide FREE, family-friendly activities involving hot air balloons. Gila Valley Balloons can accept tax-deductible donations or sponsorships for the Gila Valley Balloon Extravaganza. Sponsors receive passenger flights during the event. Funds received in our 501(c)(3) are used to host the Extravaganza, but also throughout the year allowing us to take balloons to schools, educational events, and community events.

Experience Crewing for a Hot Air Balloon and You Might Take a Flight!

Free Crew T-Shirt

Click Here to Register to Crew!

The adventure starts at 6:45 AM in the Lafe Nelson School Gym. Begin by signing up as a new crew person or use your user/password or mobile number to log in.

Crew will be entered into a drawing to win free balloon rides and will receive a cool balloon t-shirt.

REQUIREMENTS to CREW:

No Experience Necessary
Be Responsible, Cooperative and Able to Follow Directions
Be Physically Able to Help with Holding Balloon Fabric

See Our Sponsor's Commercials...

Edward Jones	Ice King	Pollock's Western Outfitters
Tom and Tracy Pursley Realtors Tierra Antigua

Generous Support of our Sponsors for 2026/2027...

Extravaganza is the only FREE, family-friendly balloon rally in the state of Arizona and it is ONLY possible through the generous support of our sponsors.

Because we are a non-profit organzation, sponsors choose to receive passenger flights during the event or they can use their donation as a tax deduction. All sponsors receive flights during the event, media promotions throughout the year through social media and Internet websites, and print media including banners on balloon baskets and a banner on the fence at the event.

To become a sponsor for the 2026-2027 event, go to Sponsor Signup or email info@GilaValleyBalloons.com. You can also contact Greg Lindsey at 928-965-6970. Sponsors from previous years can enter your mobile number and verify your information.