**Please Remember**
There are no drones allowed at the Festival Site. Drones cannot be flown close to the balloons and the use of drones without expressed written consent from Horseshoe Bay Resort will not be tolerated. Anyone who attempts to do this will be escorted from the property immediately.
Dogs are not allowed on the festival grounds. Due to the large food and beverage component and safety of all guests, we prohibit dogs and other pets from being brought onto festival grounds.
Where is the Balloon Festival Located?
Horseshoe Bay Resort and the Horseshoe Bay Resort Ranch are located 45 minutes west of Austin. Take Highway 71 west through Spicewood and past HWY 281 (approximately 5 miles) and turn right at the Horseshoe Bay Ranch entrance. You will see signs for Festival Parking. Remember, parking this year is located directly at the festival site and is $20 per car. The pass includes both the morning and evening sessions.
What can I expect at the Balloon Festival?
Early start times and lots of balloons. Hot Air Balloon Festivals start early in the morning and Balloon Glows take place late in the evening. Winds are calmer in the morning and thus balloon pilots have traditionally started early in the morning before sunrise when the winds are calmer. Gates on Saturday morning will open at 6:30 a.m. and we expect the balloons to take flight around 7:30am (weather dependent) Balloons Glows take place in the evening when balloons simultaneously illuminate during the event (around 8 p.m. on Saturday)-if you have never seen a Balloon Glow, you know you don’t want to miss this opportunity; be sure to bring your camera!
In addition to the Balloon Glows, the event will feature wine tastings from some of the best vineyards in the state of Texas. Live music will take place on Friday night and Saturday, A Grand Easter Brunch buffet be offered to overnight VIP package guests on Easter Sunday.
Saturday will feature Sky Divers and powered parachutes performing demonstrations. Many arts and craft vendors from throughout the Texas Hill Country will be on hand making for a great atmosphere all weekend long.
Are Kids 12 and under Free?
Yes. Two kids per adult.
What part of the Festival is Open to the Public?
The Hot Air Balloon Festival at the Horseshoe Bay Resort Ranch will be open to the public on Saturday, April 16th only. Gates open at 6:30am for the morning session. Your day pass is good for both the morning and evening sessions and includes Saturday live music and entertainment.
We suggest coming for either the morning session or the evening session. You may come to both sessions on Saturday, April 16th with your $ 30 day pass. Just make sure you get stamped on the way out of the morning session. Most people come for the balloon ascension in the morning and then leave to come back later for the balloon glow and live music. Gates open at 4 p.m. for the evening session.
How do I participate in Friday’s VIP Party and Sunday’s Easter Brunch?
Friday’s VIP Sponsor Party that includes a BBQ Buffet is only open to Sponsors, VIP Festival Package resort guests, and Horseshoe Bay Resort Club Members. To purchase the VIP Festival Package that includes access to both days of the Festival please call 877-611-0112 or book online at hsbresort.com
Will food and drinks be available?
Of course! We will have food and drinks available on both days of the Festival. VIP Festival packages include a buffet dinner on Friday night. Bring cash, but we will have ATMs available on festival grounds and there is an ATM on-site at Horseshoe Bay Resort as well.
Tickets are on a first-come-first-serve basis. Tickets have been selling extremely fast (much faster than we expected) online so we advise not to wait or you may see SOLD OUT the week leading up to the event. Make sure you print your tickets and bring them to the Festival to be exchanged for your Day Pass.
Balloon Festival T-shirts are extremely popular and will be available for purchase at the festival site again this year.
Will there be seating at the Balloon Festival?
There will be limited seating; we encourage you to bring foldable chairs to use throughout the Festival Grounds. Remember, you will be walking on the grass at the Horseshoe Bay Resort Ranch so wear comfortable shoes.
What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
The ticket policy is **NO REFUNDS NO EXCHANGES** as clearly stated on our website and on your tickets. We have two sessions on Saturday so we will do our best to get as much entertainment to you during the event as possible. Dress for the weather and know that we will do everything possible to make your experience great. We just can’t control the RAIN or WIND at each event.
Remember: No outside food or drink is permitted. NO PETS are allowed on the festival property. NO DRONES are allowed on Festival property. Kids 12 & under are free (Two kids per adult) and Parking is $20
Police Department & Security will be onsite to ensure that all guests are following rules and regulations.
Pictures: Take plenty of pictures of the balloons and aerial demonstrations. This is a photo-fun event for your family to enjoy. We will also have a photo contest on the balloonsoverhsbresort.com website afterward.
