There are plenty of annual events you can enjoy during your stay in Fredericksburg, TX. From the monthly Fredericksburg Trade Days to the annual Peach Festival, this Texas Hill Country town is a lively one to visit for events throughout the year.
What you’ll love to discover is that every year, Fredericksburg also serves as the stunning backdrop for the Fredericksburg Hot Air Balloon Festival, which happens multiple times a year! So, book your stay at one of our Cozi Vacation Rentals and continue reading our guide to make the most of your visit.
About the Fredericksburg Hot Air Balloon Festival
Photo Credit: William Cushman
- Next Date: November 24, 2024
- Tickets: victorycup.org
- Website: thebestoftexas.org/fredericksburg-hot-air-balloon-festival
The Fredericksburg Hot Air Balloon Festival is a private event that takes place on private property. It takes place multiple times a year at the Grapetown Vineyard and Farm, which is located at 8142 Old San Antonio Road, right by the Fredericksburg Polo Club.
You’ll need general admission tickets to be able to attend the festival; however, you can include different add-ons depending on the activities you wish to partake in and make it a full-day event. Along with your general admission ticket, you can add the following:
- Parking (per vehicle)
- Tethered Hot Air Ballon ride
- VIP pass
- Couple’s VIP pass
- Kid’s pass
- Farm-to-table dinner
- Safari wine tour
What to Expect
Photo Credit: Steve Edreff
Depending on your admission ticket, the Fredericksburg Hot Air Balloon Festival can be an all-day event. However, the hot air balloons take to the sky in the early morning, late afternoon, and into the evening. During the day, there are also many other activities you can enjoy, including food, drinks, vendors, and live music.
When you purchase your ticket, you’ll receive information about your arrival time since it’s concurrent with any add-ons you include. For example, general admission ticket holders can arrive from 3:00 pm, while VIP ticket holders may arrive earlier in the day at noon.
Activities at the Fredericksburg Hot Air Ballon Festival
Since the Hot Air Balloon Festival takes place at the Grapetown Vineyard and Farm, they offer plenty of activities you include with your general admission ticket.
Safari Wine Tour
Photo Credit: Thank You (25 Millions ) views via Flickr CC 2.0
Grapetown Vineyard and Farm is a working farm, ranch, and vineyard about 8 miles south of downtown Fredericksburg. It’s also an animal sanctuary housing exotic animals, such as camels, zebras, alpacas, and reindeer. You can experience the best of both worlds at one of the Safari Wine Tours.
These are guided tours, and you can decide on a tour with a wine tasting or one for non-drinkers (good for those traveling with kids). These are prescheduled tours, so you’ll need to get your ticket for one of the available dates and times in advance.
Grape Stomp
Photo Credit: ZemfiraS
There is nothing like the feeling and smell of small wine grapes as you squish them with your bare feet, and that’s what you can do during a Grape Stomp. You’ll get to step inside a wide barrel filled with red grapes and stomp away to your heart’s content, a very old winemaking tradition.
Don’t worry about the mess—you’ll be provided with buckets and towels to keep things tidy. It’s also a fun, interactive activity for everyone and a pretty unique way to connect with what used to be the winemaking process.
Wine Tasting
Photo Credit: Thank You (25 Millions ) views via Flickr CC 2.0
Grapetown Vineyard offers wine tastings for those with a VIP pass to the Hot Air Balloon Festival. You get to sip some Texas award-winning vines at the beautiful tasting room.
Polo Match
Photo Credit: Ralph Arvesen via Flickr CC 2.0
Polo has a long history that can be dated back over 2,500 years. However, polo today is known as the ‘Sport of Kings’ due to its association with royalty, and the Fredericksburg Polo Club makes it accessible with a Texas flair. During the Hot Air Balloon Festival, VIP ticket holders can attend one of the polo matches and watch the riders on horseback score their goals.
What to Know Before You Go
Photo Credit: kryzhov
How many hot air balloons can I expect to see at the festival?
Typically, there are between 1-4 hot air balloons on site for tethered rides and activations. However, keep in mind that this is not a large-scale event like the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Festival, so please do not expect hundreds of balloons.
Are hot air balloon rides included in my general admission (GA) pass?
No, hot air balloon rides are not included in the GA pass. You will need to purchase the tethered rides separately.
What happens if the weather doesn’t allow for hot air balloon rides or activation?
Good question! Hot air balloons are weather-dependent. If the weather doesn’t allow for safe balloon rides or activations, they will stay grounded. However, you’ll be offered a complimentary hot air balloon ride at one of the future hot air festival events, valid for up to two years. No refunds are issued.
What other activities are available if balloon rides are canceled or delayed?
The festival offers plenty of other experiences in case of a cancellation. You can enjoy polo matches, live entertainment, and food, or you can explore the Grapetown Vineyard and Farm. They offer Safari Wine Tours available for purchase, allowing you to meet exotic animals like camels, zebras, and reindeer.
Are Safari Wine Tours included in my General Admission (GA) pass?
No, Safari Wine Tours are not included in the GA pass. You’ll need to book this tour separately from your general admission ticket in advance. Tours are available throughout the day but keep in mind that the 2 PM tour may overlap with the polo match for those with a VIP pass.
Will I be notified of any changes to the event schedule?
Yes, any changes to the event schedule will be posted on the website as soon as they occur. The festival managers will keep guests informed of updates related to weather, balloon activations, or other festival activities.
What safety measures are in place for hot air balloon rides?
Safety is a top priority. If weather conditions are unsafe for ballooning, they won’t proceed with rides or activations. Pilots and crews assess the weather to ensure that all activities are safe.
How can I book a Safari Wine Tour?
You can book a Safari Wine Tour separately through the Grapetown Vineyard and Farm website or on-site during the festival. They are available throughout the day, but be mindful of sold-out tickets and the time of the tour if you also want to attend the polo match.
Where to Stay in Fredericksburg, Texas
We hope that by the end of this article, you have included the Fredericksburg Hot Air Balloon Festival to your bucket list of things to do in Fredericksburg. Don’t forget to get your admission ticket with any add-ons and book your stay at one of our Cozi Vacation Rentals.
Our properties give you easy access to downtown Fredericksburg and the surrounding wineries, including the grounds for the Hot Air Balloon Festival. All that’s left is choosing between a homestead estate, a luxury retreat, or a home with Texas country views.
