- This event has passed.
Balloon Fiesta HOP 2019 (SOLD OUT, Wait List Only)
(Head Out Program)
October 4, 2019 - October 13, 2019
Option #1: October 4-9, 2019
Option #2: October 9-13, 2019
Option #3: October 4-13, 2019
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Balloons, balloons and more balloons!
If this world premiere event is on your bucket list, then join SKP friends for the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Each morning as dawn breaks over the majestic Sandia Mountains, the skies will be filled with 600 bright, beautiful and palatial hot-air balloons from all over the world.
From its modest beginnings in 1972, the Balloon Fiesta has grown into the largest International Balloon Fiesta with a 365-acre Balloon Fiesta Park, with the launch field being the size of 78 acres (54 football fields). It is the most photographed hot-air balloon festival in the world, with some events having an excess of 80,000 people in attendance.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the only Balloon Fiesta where the “box effect” comes into play. The “box effect” is a special wind pattern that helps pilots navigate their balloons in a vertical, rectangular path, allowing them to return to the launch field, or even right next to your RV.
The Dawn Patrol lifts off in the dark, with specially-fitted lights, to observe weather conditions at different altitudes, such as the wind speed and its direction. Upon approval, the balloons lift off in a mass ascension. The “Zebras,” dressed in black and white, are those who will coordinate the launching of the balloons.
One of the most exciting events is the Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension, where balloonists wave their own national flag during the launch.
Even though there are always traditionally-shaped balloons, there will be various specialty shapes, too. Some of most popular are the cow, sun, pig, stagecoach, clock, skunk, the Lady bug and the sweetest mother, daddy and baby bumblebees. The bumblebee’s hands have Velcro, so when they touch in midair, it appears they are holding hands.
When visiting any of the balloon pilots, remember to ask them for one of the trading cards which will explain all the pertinent information about their balloon.
This fiesta also hosts the Gas Balloons – America’s Challenge race, with the winner being the one that has traveled the farthest. Some of the gas balloons have gone as far as the East Coast and into Canada, and you can track their progress on the Fiesta website.
On the launch field, at dusk, you can see the burners of the balloons ignite and watch the evening sky fill with a bouquet of bright colors, as they lift off.
The nights will finish with an extraordinary display of fireworks.
Escapees will have Boondocking, “rally style” parking and a private tent for inclement weather, socials, games and catered dinners.
There will be a considerable amount of walking, so please bring comfortable walking shoes, as well as binoculars and a camera to capture those once-in-a-lifetime special moments.
Three options will be offered
Early arrival – Options 1 and 3
Due to the popularity of this event, we recommend early arrivals for parking for Options 1 and 3 only.
Enjoy early parking at the HOP location, on October 2 or 3, for $22.50 per night. While registering for the HOP, please let headquarters know which days you plan on arriving early.
Early parking is not available for Option #2
Option 2 sites will not be available for early arrival at the HOP. If you are registered for Option #2 and want to arrive early, you may call the Balloon Fiesta for any additional parking (for any dates outside of the HOP event) and pay the Fiesta directly. You will be parked in the Fiesta camping area, but will need to move your rig to the HOP camping location, with the HOP arrival date and time for the Option #2.
Option 1
Blue
You may purchase the first five days (arriving October 4 and leaving the morning of October 9), which will include the traditionally-shaped balloons, a special presentation by a Professional Hot Air Balloon Pilot and two balloon launch field entrance tickets per person, plus the activities below.
Option 2
Red
You may purchase the last five days (arriving the morning of October 9 and leaving on October 13), which will include the traditional shape balloons, the special shape balloons and two balloon launch field entrance tickets per person, plus the activities below.
Option 3
Blue
Red
Register for the entire stay of the Balloon Fiesta HOP, which will include four tickets per person, entrance into the balloon launch field, plus the activities below for ten days and nine nights.
Calendar of Activities
Friday, Oct. 4
- Arrival
- Professional Balloon pilot presentation
- Announcements and social hour
- *Catered dinner*
Saturday, Oct. 5
- *Catered breakfast*
- Laser Light Show
- Dawn Patrol Show
- Morning Glow
- Opening Ceremonies
- Mass Ascension
- AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational – Professional Carvers
- Lunch- On Your Own
- America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race Inflation
- Announcements and social hour
- *Catered dinner*
- Twilight Twinkle Glow™
- America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Launch
- Laser Light Show
- AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show
Sunday, Oct. 6
- *Catered breakfast*
- Laser Light Show
- Dawn Patrol
- Morning Glow
- Mass Ascension
- Fiesta of Wheels Car Show
- Balloon Fiesta Pin Trading
- Lunch – On Your Own
- AIBF Chainsaw Carving
- Invitational
- Announcements and Social Hour
- Balloon Glow
- Laser Light Show
- AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show
Monday, Oct. 7
- *Catered breakfast*
- Laser Light Show
- Dawn Patrol Show
- Balloons Launch
- Balloon Competition Flying Begins
- AIBF Chainsaw Carving Demonstrations
- Lunch – On Your Own
- Free Afternoon
Tuesday, Oct. 8
- *Catered breakfast*
- Laser Light Show
- Dawn Patrol Show
- Balloons Launch
- Balloon Competition Flying Begins
- AIBF Chainsaw Carving Demonstrations
- Lunch – On Your Own
- Free Afternoon
- *Farewell catered dinner* For The Option #1
Wednesday, Oct. 9
- Arrival
- Lunch – On Your Own
- Announcements and Social Hour
- *Welcome Catered Dinner*
Thursday, Oct. 10
- *Catered breakfast*
- Laser Light Show
- Dawn Patrol Show
- Special Shape Rodeo
- Balloon Competition Flying Begins
- Lunch – On Your Own
- AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational – Professional Carvers
- Announcements and social hour
- *Catered dinner*
- Special Shape Glowdeo
- Laser Light Show
- AfterGlow Fireworks Show
Friday, Oct. 11
- *Catered breakfast*
- Laser Light Show
- Dawn Patrol Show
- Special Shape Rodeo – Balloon Launch
- Competition Flying Begins
- AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational – Professional Carvers
- Announcements and social hour
- *Catered dinner*
- Special Shape Glowdeo
- Laser Light Show
- AfterGlow Fireworks Show
Saturday, Oct. 12
- *Catered breakfast*
- Laser Light Show
- Dawn Patrol Show
- Morning Glow
- Mass Ascension
- Balloon Fiesta Pin Trading (Group Tour Tent at the north end of Main Street)
- Music Fiesta (Extra Charge)
- AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational – Professional Carvers
- Announcements and social hour
- *Farewell Catered dinner*
- Night Magic Glow
- Laser Light Show
- AfterGlow Fireworks Show
Sunday, Oct. 13
- *Catered breakfast*
- Laser Light Show
- Dawn Patrol Show
- Farewell Mass Ascension
- AIBF Chainsaw Carving Q&A
- End of HOP – Safe Travels!
Subject to Changes
Rain or shine. This HOP includes considerable walking.
*Special dietary requests cannot be accommodated.
Registration Also Includes:
- Private party tent with tables and chairs for inclement weather
- Games
- Prizes
- Your HOP hosts
- Souvenir HOP name badge
- All gratuities
AND MUCH MORE!
Registering
Payment Options: Pay half of the fee upon registration and then make monthly payments. The balance is due 60 days before the event. Ask the HOP department about this payment option.
To register for this HOP, contact the HOP Department at the number below.
936-327-8873
For more information, email registration@escapees.com
Note: Non-Escapees members are welcome to attend a land or cruise HOP. There will be a $50.00 charge for non members. However, if you join Escapees, the $50.00 will be waived.
To join the Escapees RV Club, please call 936-327-8873.
To view upcoming HOPs
To visit the HOP Facebook page:
To join our discussion forum
Confirmation Email
Once registered, a confirmation notification will be sent via email regarding pertinent information, such as RV Park address, tour dates, times, etc.
Please, make sure Escapees has your current email address on file. If you do not receive it, please check your spam files, or email us at: registration@escapees.com.
Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance
We highly suggest that you protect your investment on this HOP by purchasing trip insurance.
If you or a family member has a pre-existing medical condition, you might consider purchasing cancellation insurance. Insurance can also help with covering other unexpected emergencies while on the trip.
You can get more information about this insurance, such as pricing and coverage, by calling the Escapees Travel Agency, 855-757-8881, or email them at: eta@escapees.com.
Cancellation Policy
1 Business Day from Booking: Full Refund
More Than 90 Days to the event: 75 % Refund – from the full cost of the HOP
30 – 90 Days to the event: 25% Refund – from the full cost of the HOP
30 Days or Less to the event: No Refunds
Physical Needs for HOP – Escapees Inc. will attempt to provide reasonable accommodations for disabled attendees when it is within our control. Please advise us of any special needs as early as possible so we can make arrangements.
By attending this event, you are agreeing to the following: As an attendee, you assume all risk and danger relating to your personal property, RV and attendance at the HOP event, whether occurring prior to, during or after the event. In the event of loss or theft, no claim will be made upon Escapees, its volunteers, employees or agents. Volunteers may be directing and assisting you in your parking areas. However, it is the driver of the vehicle who is ultimately responsible for avoiding obstacles or dangerous situations, and is solely responsible for any damage to one’s property or the property of others. As an attendee at this event, you are granting your permission to be filmed, videotaped, audiotaped, or photographed, and granting the full use without compensation.
