Havasu Balloon Festival is Back at Windsor Beach for 2022

While other areas of the country find themselves knee-deep in snow, Lake Havasu sees sunny skies ahead. Yes, even in January, we see temperatures in the mid-60's. That means that we get to enjoy the great outdoors pretty much year-round. It also makes great hot-air ballooning weather. Perfect! Because Havasu Balloon Fest 2022 takes to the skies over the lake this January.

• What: Havasu Balloon Fest 2022
• Where: Lake Havasu State Park, Windsor 4 - Maps & Directions
• When: January 20th to 23rd

Tickets | Schedule of Events | Maps & Directions

Gates open at 12 pm on Thursday, January 20th. The carnival and vendor row both open at noon on Thursday as well. For the rest of the festival, the carnival starts at 9:30 am and ends at 10:30 pm. Gates open up on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 6 am. 

If weather permits, organizations offer tethered and untethered balloon rides each day. Sign up at the ride sale tent on the day you wish to ride. At 7:45 am on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, watch the mass ascension of dozens of hot air balloons. This is a fantastic way to start your morning off. But an even bigger thrill is to watch the Night Glow/Field of Fire at 6:30 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. These same balloons you see during the day provide a beautiful fiery presence on the field as the sun begins to fade away.

Throughout the event, several of the shaped balloons stay back for a little bit in the morning to provide you with a great photo op. Just make sure to be on the field at 8 am to capture your favorites on film. Then, all day long, watch magic shows, demonstrations, gymnasts, dancers, and musical acts perform live for your entertainment. And all of this comes included with your price of admission.

Tickets | Schedule of Events | Maps & Directions

Camping is available in Lot 1 and 2A. But these spots fill up pretty quickly. So, it is advised that you make your reservation as quickly as possible. If you want to camp with friends, make sure you put your group's name as well as the name and contact info for everyone in your group. Organizers promise to do what they can to accommodate your group request. While animals will be allowed in the campground area, only service animals may enter the event location. 

Tickets | Schedule of Events | Maps & Directions

Enjoy our warmer winter weather by attending the Havasu Balloon Fest 2022 this year. Everyone always has a great time. You will, too! 

Maps & Directions

Buses By The Bridge Returns to Lake Havasu for 2022

In March 1950, Volkwagen released its first Microbus. In the 1960's, it became the symbol of counter-culturalism. Hippies and surfers adopted it as their own. VW Bus lovers continue to celebrate their favorite mode of transportation today through events like Lake Havasu Buses by the Bridge.

• What: Buses by the Bridge 2022
• Where: Lake Havasu State Park, Windsor 4 - Maps and Directions
• When: January 15th to 17th
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Busses By The Bridge Facebook  |  Busses By The Bridge Website

This three-day/two-night campout brings VW enthusiasts from all over the country to our neck of the woods. The venue accommodates up to 600 campers. No pre-registration required. All camping spots are open on a first-come/first-served basis only. So, if you want to camp next to your friends, make sure you all arrive at the same time.

Busses By The Bridge Facebook  |  Busses By The Bridge Website

Things kick off T-shirt sales at 10 am on Friday. That's a great time to pick up your commemorative T-shirt for this year's event. Then, at noon, come to the lantern workshop at West Coast Bays Camp. The lamp you create can be used in the Lantern Walk at 7 pm at Showmobile.

Organizers want the whole family to enjoy Lake Havasu Buses by the Bridge. So, they made sure to include plenty of activities to keep the kiddos happy. They start Saturday off with a bike ride from Showmobile to the campsite at 8 am. But you might want to head back to Showmobile for a free-style BMX demonstration by Mat Olson at 9 am followed by a coloring contest at 11 am. Finally, stay for a kids raffle at noon at Showmobile. A bounce house will be at the campgrounds from 10 am to 3 pm to let the kids jump off all their excess energy.

Busses By The Bridge Facebook  |  Busses By The Bridge Website

For the adults, enter the cornhole tournament on Saturday at Showmobile. Registration starts at 9 am, with the tournament commencing at 1 pm. Plus, there are balloon rides and a chili-cookoff scheduled throughout the day on Saturday.

Busses By The Bridge Facebook  |  Busses By The Bridge Website

For the final day, wake up to a pancake breakfast hosted by the Boy Scouts. It is your last chance to pick up a T-shirt and raffle tickets at 8 am. Campsite cleanup takes place from 9 am to 10 pm. Then, listen for the last raffle for the weekend at 10 am. You might receive a prize. 

Maps and Directions

American Bass Anglers 1st Bass Tournament of the 2022 Season in Lake Havasu City

Lake Havasu is a great place to live if you love the water. That may sound weird when you consider that we live in the middle of the desert. The lake draws millions of visitors to our little city every year. Boating, swimming, jet-skiing, or just chilling. You have it all here. But what also draws so many people here is the abundant fishing. With mild winters, we fish year-round. So it should come as no surprise when I tell you that the ABA Bass Tournament takes place on the second weekend in January.

• What: ABA Bass Tournament 2022
• Where: Lake Havasu State Park - Maps & Directions
• When: Saturday, January 8th, 6 am to 3 pm

Whether you fish from a boat or prefer a kayak, you are welcome to participate in the ABA Bass Tournament. This will be the very first tournament of the new year (and the second in the ABA's 2021-2022 season here in Havasu). Largemouth, smallmouth, and striped bass all inhabit the lake. The tournament usually starts at first light (around 6 am) and runs until 3 pm.

This is a two-angler team event. At least one member of each team must be at least 18 years old. If a member of the team is under 18, they must provide written permission from their parent or guardian to participate. Boats must follow Coast Guard regulations. Boat owners need to provide proof of liability insurance ($300,000 minimum). Fishing will be allowed anywhere on the lake except for places deemed "off-limits" or designated "no fishing". Organizers will point these areas out before you head out. You must stay at least 25 years away from other anglers while fishing to avoid encroachment.

You must be a current American Bass Tournament member in order to participate in any of their tournaments.

You may download a membership form on their website: Click Here to downland the Membership PDF Then, fill it out and bring it with you on the day of the tournament. At that time, you can pay the membership fee ($30 for boaters, $15 for kayakers) and enter the tourney. That covers you for an entire season of ABA tournaments. You may also call the ABA office at (714) 423-4532 to pre-register. If you have any questions, please contact Tracy Purtee at (928) 978-3659.

Good luck!

Maps & Directions

Rockabilly Outlaw Riot at SARA Park in Lake Havasu City

Rockabilly has risen in popularity over the past few years. The music dates back to the 1950s. Its blend of country music and R & B hit the charts flying. (Think Elvis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash.) In the 1970s, movies like "American Graffiti" and TV shows like "Happy Days" brought nostalgia to the mainstream. In February, Havasu plays host to the Rockabilly Reunion. But this weekend, Mrs. Outlaw herself (aka Harmony Croene) hosts the very first Rockabilly Outlaw Riot. 

• What: Rockabilly Outlaw Riot
• Where: SARA Park - Maps & Directions
• When: Saturday, December 11th, 10 am to 6 pm

Pinups and Perkins and Pups. Oh my! Lake Havasu's very own Mrs. Outlaw invites the public to dress up in their '50s best greaser and pinup looks to celebrate the Rockabilly lifestyle. Food vendors on-site provide sustenance for all guests. 

Another aspect of the Rockabilly lifestyle that connoisseurs love is the car culture of the time. So, rest assured that a car show is slated for the day as well. You will be sure to see amazing hot rods as well as Harleys on display. And, of course, you cannot have a Rockabilly celebration without some fantastic music.

Frankie Lee and the Infernos are slated to play live throughout the day.

Raffles will be held throughout the day for some great prizes donated by local businesses. Make sure you pick up a 2022 pinup calendar as well. Proceeds from the raffle and calendar sales benefit a charity close to Mrs. Outlaw's heart: Dogs2DogTags. This organization trains therapy dogs and then pairs them up with military vets to help these real-life heroes transition to civilian life with their mental health in check. If you would like to make a donation to their organization directly, please visit their website at www.dogs2dogtags.org

So, all you greasers out there. Grab your Betty and fire up the hot rod. Goose it to SARA Park this weekend for top sounds and cool threads all around. It is going to be a blast!

Maps & Directions

The 37th Annual Lake Havasu Boat Parade of Lights

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. The Festival of Lights is already underway in the English Village. If you find yourself out on the lake after the sun starts to set, you might want to troll through Bridgewater Channel to see an amazing view of them that you cannot get from land. Speaking of seeing lights from the water, the Havasu Holiday Boat Parade of Lights takes place one night only this Saturday!

• What: Lake Havasu Boat Parade of Lights 2021
• Where: Bridgewater Channel - Maps & Directions
• When: Saturday, December 4th, 7 pm to 9 pm

Parade entries will be judged in the following categories and prizes will be given for:

• Best First-Time Entry
• Best Family or Individual Entry
• Best Business Entry
• Judge's Choice
• Wildcard Entry
• Best in Show

You will find free parking at the English Village as well as on the island right by the channel. However, traffic can get quite congested on the London Bridge at this time on a Saturday night. So, it is highly recommended that you plan on coming early. Parking is available on a first-come/first-served basis.

Maps & Directions

10th Annual Sand, Water & RV Expo is Back for 2021

Whether you're a Desert Dawg or a River Rat, Lake Havasu offers a fun time for all. Never a dull moment here! Of course, everyone knows about the fishing, boating, tubing, swimming, jetskiing, and paragliding on/over the lake. But we are also surrounded by literally hundreds of thousands of acres of vacant BLM land. This provides endless hours of hiking, biking, offroading, and camping fun just outside your backyard. To prepare yourself for your next water or land experience, you need to make plans to attend the 2021 Havasu Sand, Water & RV Expo this weekend!

• What: 2021 Havasu Sand, Water & RV Expo
• Where: Lake Havasu State Park - Maps & Directions
• When: Nov 19th (11 am-5 pm) & Nov 20th (9 am-5 pm)

This event is the Southwest's largest outdoor expo. Thousands of people from all over the country come to Lake Havasu specifically to attend this event each year. Whether you have owned several big boy toys in the past or are just starting to embrace the outdoor life, you will find someone with exactly what you need. Dozens of vendors put the latest designs on blast for your full view. 

Here, you'll find 2022 models of fishing boats, pontoons, Cuddy Cabins, Bowriders, catamarans, and more. On lake demos allow you to take 'er out for a spin before you decide which one to buy. For you land-lubbers, check out the ATVs, dune buggies, sandrails, and motorbikes. But you are going to need somewhere to store these toys when you travel. That is where the RV vendors come in to play. Travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers are their specialty. Whether you plan on dry camping for a weekend or want to travel up to the Grand Canyon or other national park for a family vacay, these vendors offer the latest and greatest models for you. Plus, you can update your safety gear or add some awesome accessories to your current toys. And it's all in one convenient location for you this weekend.

In addition to the big boy toys for sale, enjoy an awesome offroad show and shine at Windsor 4. There will even be a cornhole tournament going on as well. Both of these take place on Saturday and are included in your price of admission.

Make the 2021 Havasu Sand, Water & RV Expo your destination of choice this weekend. Time to gear up for all those outdoor adventures you have planned in the upcoming months.

Maps & Directions

The Desert Bar Opens for the 2021-2022 Season

We always have something going on here in Lake Havasu. A food truck festival earlier this month. Boo Bash at the Aquatic Center and Fright Night on Main Street on Halloween. Car shows. Offroad and on-water championships. Boat shows. But just about a 45-minute drive to the south (and a few more offroad from there), you will find one of the most unique experiences out here...The Desert Bar, AKA Nellie E Saloon. And as of last month, it is open for business. Maps & Directions

For the last 38 years, owner Ken Coughlin has transformed a portion of his 71-acre property into a one-of-a-kind entertainment space for desert rats to get away to during the cooler winter months. The bar only opens up from 12 pm to 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Well, except for Thanksgiving weekend, when it stays open Thursday through Sunday for those same hours. Guests even get to enjoy live music every weekend from 1 pm to 5 pm. And over Presidents weekend (February 19th and 20th, 2022), they host the Desert Dash, a 5k race for walkers, runners, and bicyclists. It is lots of fun. Maps & Directions

What started out as a three-sided structure containing a small bar area now includes a huge structure housing the bar and restaurant, a covered bridge, a parking lot, and even a church. (No services performed here. All religions welcome to visit.) The church makes a lovely photo op for anyone interested. And Ken continues to design and build more areas to keep guests entertained every year. Maps & Directions

The Desert Bar operates on a cash-only system. No credit cards or checks allowed. Solar energy keeps the beer cold (which comes in cans only, by the way...the beer, not the energy). They also offer cold soft drinks as well as mixed drinks to quench your thirst. Order up a burger, hot dog, chicken, or barbecue sandwich from the menu. Maps & Directions

Now Ken reminds people that the bar only stays open on weekends from October through April (except the aforementioned Thanksgiving weekend). The "no trespassing" signs will be strictly enforced at any other time. And please, no trespassing after hours either. Do not expect to get cell service out here either. When they say they are off the grid, they are OFF THE GRID.

Saddle up. Be prepared for a bit of rough road. But at the end of that, I promise you that you'll have one heck of a good time!

The "Nellie E Saloon" is located 5 miles off the Cienega Springs Rd exit on  Hwy-95, approximately 5 miles north of Parker, Arizona. 

Maps & Directions

Lake Havasu Food Truck Festival Fundraiser for the Lake Havasu Chamber Foundation for Education & Leadership

Do you love food? Brick and mortar restaurants are no longer the only way to enjoy a great meal. In the past several years, food trucks have raised their culinary "Q". Instead of the people coming to them, chefs have chosen to bring their food to the people. The Lake Havasu Chamber Foundation for Education and Leadership wanted to celebrate this scrumptious revolution by hosting the Lake Havasu Food Truck Festival.

• What: Lake Havasu Food Truck Festival
• Where: Querio Park, Downtown Lake Havasu - Maps & Directions
• When: November 6th, 2021 from 11 am to 4 pm

Beginning at 11 am, food truck vendors will have Querio Park filled with all kinds of great smells. Try one of Primo's Tacos' delicious chicken, beef, or carne asada tacos. La Carcacha also offers a great array of Mexican food options. Or try Cardinali's BBQ ribs, pulled pork, or turkey legs. For something sweet, try Sweet Breeze's banana split or Monte Kristo crepes. 

College St. Brewhouse and Mudshark Brewery provide a diverse beer menu for the 21-and-over crowd. Of course, there will also be plenty of non-alcoholic beverages provided by the food vendors on-site as well. 

Organizers planned this to be a family-friendly affair. That is why there will be plenty of kid-friendly activities and games to keep them entertained throughout the afternoon. Lake Havasu's very own DJ Azteca provides musical entertainment for the afternoon as well. His music gets you up on your feet, dancing the calories away.

Food & Beer Vendors

• Cardinali BBQ
• College St Brewhouse & Pub
• La Carcacha
• Mudshark Brewery
• The Mustard Seed LHC
• Primo's Tacos
• Sweet Breeze Crepes, Coffee & More

Admission to the Lake Havasu Food Truck Festival is absolutely free of charge. So are the games and activities. However, you do need to pay for the food and drinks. Proceeds from the event help fund the Chamber Foundation's training and education programs for local businesses.

Maps & Directions

Lake Havasu Halloween Happenings 2021

Halloween is this weekend! Time for all good boils and ghouls to enjoy a night of dressing up and begging for candy. Now, you could take your kids door-to-door to gather their treats. But that means following the kids around the neighborhood and (probably) carrying your little one once they tire out from all the walking. Or you might want to consider either one or both of these Halloween happenings going on in Havasu on October 31st instead. They're both offered free of charge and provide plenty of not-so-scary fun.

Main Street Halloween Fright Night

From 4 pm to 8 pm on Sunday, October 31st, McCulloch Blvd becomes a treasure trove for treat hunters. The street closes to motorized vehicles so that everyone can cross over in safety. Businesses all up and down Main St hand out candy to any boys and girls dressed up for the evening. Stop in and give them your best "trick-or-treat" face. But the fun does not stop there! Organizers set up some Halloween-themed activities for the kiddos to enjoy as well. Plus, all that trick-or-treating really works up an appetite. Fortunately, food vendors will also be on-site to keep your appetites and thirst satiated. Oh, and Mom and Dad? Feel free to dress up as well. Everyone is welcome to participate in Main St Halloween Fright Night. - Maps & Directions

Boo Bash 2021

Happening at around the same time across town is Boo Bash 2021 at the Aquatic Center. From 4 pm to 7 pm, enjoy some indoor trick-or-treating, games, a haunted bounce house, and even a fun "swim-in" movie screening of "Hotel Transylvania". Just make sure you bring your swimsuits with you. Enjoy free popcorn and candy while watching the movie. Again, Mom and Dad can participate, too. This is fun that the whole family will want to join in on. - Maps & Directions

Happy Halloween!

Relics & Rods to Host the 43rd Annual Run To The Sun Car Show in Lake Havasu for 2021

Where else can you get 80F weather in mid-October? Nowhere else but right here in Lake Havasu City. We love our sun! We also love cruising around. Fortunately, one of the biggest car shows of the year comes to the London Bridge Resort this month: the Relics and Rods Run to the Sun. If you love classic cars, this is the one car show you do not want to miss!

• What: Relics and Rods Run to the Sun 2021
• Where: Bridgewater Links Golf Course, London Bridge Resort - Maps & Directions
• When: October 22nd and 23rd

Before the show on Saturday and Sunday, see a preview of what's to come. On Thursday, October 21st, participants in the Run to the Sun parade down Main Street at 5 pm. Then, they park all along the Downtown District so that you can see these beauties up close. Visit with the car owners. (They positively love to talk about their vehicles.) Take photos and grab autographs if you want.

But Friday and Saturday mean showtime! From 8 am to 4 pm on both days, view classic cars of all makes and models. But you will not find one made after 1972 except for some gorgeous American muscle cars. For that, organizers allowed Mustangs, Camaros, Corvettes, and Challengers manufactured from 1978 to the present. Like I said before, if you love classic cars (or beautiful cars in general), this is the one car show you do not want to miss.

But there is more to do at Relics and Rods Run to the Sun than merely drooling over cars. Come watch the ladies' fashion show at 10 am on Saturday. And cheer on the participants in the radio-controlled boat races at 11 am on Saturday. 

Car owners say goodbye to Havasu for this year's event by taking one last cruise down Main Street at 9:30 am on Sunday, October 24th. Then, local Cub Scout Troop #992 hosts a pancake breakfast in the Mohave Bank's parking lot from 9:30 am to 11 am. Everyone is welcome to join in on the fun and bid adieu to these classic beauties until next year.

Maps & Directions