High-Octane Events to Kick Off the New Year in Arizona

Ready to start the new year with a bang? January 2024 in Arizona offers plenty of excitement, from world-famous car auctions to colorful hot-air balloon festivals under our sunny winter skies. With mild temperatures and a festive atmosphere, it’s the perfect time for Arizonans and visitors alike to get out and enjoy these local events and attractions.

Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction – A Car Lover’s Paradise

When & Where: Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2024 roars into WestWorld of Scottsdale in mid-January (typically spanning over a week in the second half of the month). This world-famous collector car auction is a high-octane event featuring hundreds of exotic, classic, and custom cars on the auction block. Gates usually open daily around 8–9 a.m. for spectators to browse the expansive auction grounds.

What to Expect: Barrett-Jackson is far more than just an auction – it’s a full-blown automotive festival. You’ll find:

• Live Auctions: Watch dream cars and rare classics sold to the highest bidder in an electrifying arena. The energy when a coveted vintage Corvette or a souped-up Mustang hits the stage is palpable.
• Automotive Exhibits: Stroll through tents filled with car displays, auto memorabilia, and vendor booths showcasing the latest car care products, custom mods, and restoration services. It’s like a car show and expo rolled into one.
• Ride & Drive Experiences: Get your adrenaline pumping with thrilling ride-alongs. Past auctions have offered off-road truck courses and supercar test drives for attendees (ever wanted to drift in a Dodge Hellcat or tackle jumps in a Baja truck? Here’s your chance!).
• Family Fun: Kids will love the interactive experiences like racing simulators and seeing famous movie cars up close (think Batmobile or Lightning McQueen replicas). Youth 12 and under often get in free with a paid adult, making it a family-friendly outing.

Insider Tip: The opening weekend of the auction typically includes “Family Day” activities and preview days. Even if you’re not bidding on a car, you can enjoy live music, grab fair-style food (giant pretzels, anyone?), and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Wear comfortable shoes – the event sprawls across a huge area of tents and display lots. And keep your phone/camera handy; you never know when a celebrity or renowned car builder might walk by in the crowd.

Arizona Balloon Classic – Dazzling Hot-Air Balloon Festival

When & Where: The Arizona Balloon Classic lights up the sky in late January. In 2024, mark your calendar for the weekend of January 26–28, 2024 at the Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, AZ (just west of Phoenix). This annual hot-air balloon festival is one of the most visually spectacular outdoor events of the winter.

What to Expect: Over three days, attendees are treated to a variety of ballooning activities and family entertainment:

• Morning Ascensions: Arrive early (around 7–8 a.m.) to watch dozens of brightly colored hot-air balloons inflate and take to the skies at sunrise. The sight of balloons of all colors and shapes floating upward against a desert morning sky is pure magic (and a photographer’s dream!).
• Evening Balloon Glows: On Friday and Saturday at dusk, the balloons remain tethered to the ground and ignite their burners in unison, causing them to glow like giant lanterns. Stroll among these glowing balloons as they “dance” to music – it’s an unforgettable experience and perfect for selfies.
• Fun & Food: Beyond the balloons, enjoy live music, food truck fare ranging from BBQ to fry bread, and a Kids’ Zone with inflatables, games, and activities to keep little ones busy. There are craft vendors, merchandise booths, and even tethered balloon rides available (weather permitting) if you want a short taste of balloon flight.
• Special Shapes: Keep an eye out for special-shaped balloons that often make appearances – you might see balloons shaped like cartoon characters, animals, or other whimsical designs that delight the crowd.

Good to Know: General admission is usually affordable (with kids under a certain age free). Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to relax on the grass during the glow or while listening to bands. Mornings can be chilly and afternoons sunny, so dress in layers. Don’t forget sunscreen for daytime and a jacket for after sunset. If you’re keen on a tethered balloon ride, arrive early to sign up as spots can be limited. And of course, bring your sense of wonder – there’s nothing like the sight of a sky full of balloons to remind you how magical a new year can be.

More Winter Fun in January

Arizona’s beautiful January weather means there’s always more to explore:

• Holiday Lights Extended: Many of the holiday light displays from December continue into the first days of January. For example, Glendale Glitters in Historic Downtown Glendale keeps its dazzling lights on through January 1. It’s a great chance to take an evening stroll under the millions of twinkling lights if you missed it during the holidays.
• Outdoor Adventures: Take advantage of cooler temperatures with a hike or day trip. The desert is gorgeous in winter – consider a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix for blooming aloes and cooler strolls, or a drive up to Sedona to see a dusting of snow on the red rocks (often visible in early Jan).
• Cultural Festivals: Keep an eye out for cultural events around MLK Day and the beginning of Arizona’s rodeo season. In mid-January, some communities host art walks, food festivals, or even early Chinese New Year celebrations since the Lunar New Year sometimes falls late Jan or early Feb. January is full of surprises!

Start 2024 with an adventure: Whether you’re revving up at a car auction, gazing at glowing balloons, or enjoying a night under festive lights, January in Arizona offers an exciting kickoff to the year. 

Embrace the season, make some memories, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more Arizona event updates and travel inspiration! Here’s to a fantastic year ahead.