One of the best parts about planning a vacation to Lake Havasu isn’t just the sunshine and lake views—it’s the year-round calendar of festivals, parades, and community celebrations that make the area truly come alive. Whether you’re into hot air balloons, live music, or adrenaline-pumping jet ski races, you can plan your trip to Lake Havasu around a special event that is the icing on the cake of your vacation. Here are some of the can’t-miss events that keep guests coming back year after year.
Lake Havasu Balloon Festival & Fair
Every January, the skies over Lake Havasu fill with colorful hot air balloons drifting above the water. The Balloon Festival & Fair is one of the most photographed events in town, offering tethered balloon rides, night glow displays, live entertainment, and a carnival atmosphere the whole family will love.
Winterfest Street Festival
Hosted along McCulloch Boulevard in February, Winterfest transforms downtown Lake Havasu into a lively street fair with over 400 vendors, live music, food trucks, and kids’ activities. It’s the perfect time to experience local flavor, shop artisan goods, and enjoy the mild desert winter weather. If you're planning a getaway to beat the winter blues this year, consider planning it around this festival.
Jet Ski & Watercraft Races
Lake Havasu is world-famous for its water sports, and events like the IJSBA World Finals of Jet Ski Racing bring competitors from all over the globe. Usually held in October, this adrenaline-packed event is a must for anyone who loves speed, water, and a festival atmosphere along the shoreline.
Holiday Boat Parades
Nothing captures Lake Havasu’s community spirit quite like its festive boat parades. In December, the Boat Parade of Lights showcases decorated vessels cruising under the London Bridge, while summer brings themed light-up parades that sparkle against the evening lake backdrop.
Other Popular Events
That's not it! These are some of the other local favorites that happen every year:
- Desert Storm Poker Run & Shootout – one of the largest high-performance boating events in the nation.
- Rockabilly Reunion – a February festival featuring classic cars, retro style, and live bands.
- Lake Havasu Food Truck Festival – a delicious event highlighting local and regional eats.
Where to Stay: Whiskey Blues Lake Havasu
After a day of enjoying Lake Havasu’s lively events, checking out the restaurants and breweries, or spending time out on the water, you’ll want the perfect retreat to come home to. That’s where Whiskey Blues Lake Havasu comes in—a luxury vacation rental designed for comfort, fun, and relaxation. This spacious home can host up to 12 guests, making it ideal for groups traveling for festivals, family gatherings, or long weekends by the lake.
- 3 spacious bedrooms: 2 kings + queen-over-queen bunk bed
- 3 full bathrooms + 1 half bath with essential toiletries provided
- Full kitchen with modern stainless-steel appliances + coffee bar
- Spacious living and dining areas with a 100” HDTV and Sonos surround sound
- Game room with beverage fridge, arcade games, poker table, shuffleboard, pool table & more
- Private pool with slide, sun deck & hot tub
- Outdoor kitchen with BBQ + firepit, plus covered patio with 85” smart TV
- Yard games including corn hole & a 4-hole mini golf course
- Easy parking with a long, flat driveway
- Private location with quick access to Lake Havasu attractions
Whether you’re coming for the Balloon Festival, Winterfest, or the Boat Parade of Lights, Whiskey Blues Lake Havasu provides the perfect base for your adventure—luxury, privacy, and endless entertainment all in one spot.
No matter what season you visit, there’s always something happening in Lake Havasu. Combine world-class events with a stay at Whiskey Blues Lake Havasu, and you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds: exciting community celebrations and a luxury retreat you’ll never want to leave. Check our availability to book your stay today!