Search
Resorts & LodgesVacation RentalsDeals & PackagesTravel Guides
List Your Property

A Glowing Arizona Celebration at Cave Creek Balloon Festival

Cave Creek is a one-of-a-kind destination in the foothills of Black Mountain that features world-class accommodations, historical sites, and great views of the Sonoran Desert. No trip to Cave Creek is complete without visiting Frontier Town, which is a representation of a Mid-19th Century western town complete with shops, restaurants, bars, and more. The city has something for everyone from golfing at Rancho Manana Golf Club to learning about the history of the area at the Cave Creek Museum.

 

The Cave Creek Balloon Festival has established itself as one of the top spring events in Arizona, and organizers expect more than 12,000 attendees at this year’s celebration on May 27 at the Rancho Mañana Golf Course. The event is a family friendly seasonal kick-off complete with live music, demonstrations, hot air balloons, and more. The musicians represent a variety of genres and include regional acts such as Madison Holmes, the Anglim Sisters and Harry Luge. As the sun sets, the balloons take center stage for a hot air balloon glow (balloons stay on the ground, inflate, and light up the night with their powerful burners). The festival wraps up with a Memorial Day-themed fireworks show. The event supports and donates a portion of its proceeds to the Cave Creek Museum and the Cave Creek Unified School District. We got the opportunity to interview Eric Flatt, Owner of Tonto Bar and Grill and Cartwrights Sonoran Ranch House, to find out more about this great family friendly event.  

 

RAL: How long has the event been running?

EF: This is the 8th year of the Cave Creek Balloon Festival.

 

RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?

EF: We anticipate around 12,000 attendees.

 

RAL: What makes this event unique?

EF: This is the largest single-day event in Cave Creek. The Rancho Mañana Golf Club is the perfect location for our event with rolling grass hills, which are ideal for attendees to spread out on and watch all the activities.

 

RAL: Take me through a day at the event.

EF: Event timeline:

5:30 p.m.

  • Gates open to public

  • Live music by Madison Holmes from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Madison is a talented up-and-coming singer/songwriter who loves to perform various genres of music. Sanderson Ford sponsors all our talented musicians as well as the stage for this year’s event.

6:30 p.m.

  • Arizona Wing Civil Air Patrol color guard presentation

  • A flyover by Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302

  • National Anthem performed by Madison Holmes

6:45 p.m.

  • Live music from 6:45-8 p.m. The Anglim Sisters will showcase their super-charged youthful passion and soul-stirring vocals.

7:30 p.m.

  • Balloon glow begins and lasts for 90 minutes

8 p.m.

  • Live music by Harry Luge  

  • Luge is a cross between the gritty nature of Travis Tritt and powerhouse vocals of Pat Green. Luge has had the honor of opening shows for many of his idols and biggest inspirations, including Merle Haggard, Brad Paisley, Eric Church, Chris LeDoux, Neal McCoy, and more.

9 p.m.

  • The amazing fireworks show will shower patrons with a celebration of red, white and blue. You won’t want to miss this memorial tribute!

 

RAL: Tell me about the activities.

EF: We have live music for adults, a kids zone full of interactive activities, face painting, and balloon twisters. People will love viewing the glowing hot air balloons and enjoying the various food trucks.

 

RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?

EF: Adults can enjoy beverages, cocktails, and wine, as well as craft beer flowing from Four Peaks Brewery. There will also be scrumptious food from local food trucks and vendors including Grilled Addiction, Wandering Donkey, Yellowman Fry Bread, Doughlicious Pizza, Cartwright's Sonoran Ranch House, The Buffalo Chip, and more.

 

RAL: What is the environment like?

EF: The Rancho Mañana Golf Course offers sprawling and lush surroundings. The atmosphere is vibrant, welcoming, and fun!

 

RAL: Does the event support a particular cause in the community?

EF: Yes, we donate and support the local Cave Creek Museum and the Cave Creek Unified School District.

 

RAL: Why should people come to your event?

EF: It is a great family event set in a fantastic location. There is no feeling like getting up close and feeling the roar and heat from the burners of the massive glowing balloons. Plus, our fireworks show outperforms any event in the North Valley.


For more information about the Cave Creek Balloon Festival, please visit the event website.