Imagine waking up before sunrise, sipping coffee, hot chocolate, or warm tea, and watching the sky come alive with hundreds of colorful hot-air balloons floating over the breathtaking Sandia Mountains.
It’s a scene straight out of a dream!
Since its humble beginnings in 1972, the Balloon Fiesta has grown into the largest hot-air balloon festival in the world.
Held at the expansive Balloon Fiesta Park, which spans 365 acres with a launch field the size of 54 football fields (78 acres), it’s no surprise that this is also the most photographed balloon festival on the planet. In 2025, 838,337 attendees witnessed the magic firsthand!
One of the most fascinating things about this event is the “box effect”—a unique weather phenomenon found only at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, due to the Sandia Mountains. This unique wind pattern allows skilled pilots to steer their balloons in a vertical, rectangular path, hovering in place, returning to the launch field, or landing right next to your RV. Talk about an up-close-and-personal experience!
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Fiesta fan, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of watching 600+ hot-air balloons take to the skies at dawn. It’s a festival full of color, culture, and unforgettable moments—one that belongs on every travel bucket list!
Highlights of this HOP
Highlights including, but not limited to:
Catered breakfast
Dawn Patrol Show
Special Shape Rodeo
Competition Flying
AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational – Professional Carvers
Social Hours
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HOP Location
Event Details
Date
Oct 3-12, 2025
Host Name
Hosts: Donna & Bill Gavin, Co-hosts: Larry & Robyn Schultz, Dean Tumilty and Charlene Cuthbertson
Location
Balloon Fiesta Park
5000 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy NE
Albuquerque, NM 87121
(35.197881, -106.596834)
Venue Contacts
https://balloonfiesta.com/
Get Directions
What's Included in Your Registration
Highlights including, but not limited to:
9 Night, 10 Day Stay at Balloon Fiesta Campground
Private party tent with tables and chairs
4 entry tickets per person for the launch field
9 catered breakfasts
6 catered dinners
Your HOP hosts & co-hosts
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What to expect on this HOP
Every member is welcome at all Escapees RV Club events and every activity is optional. With that said, be aware of the following when registering for this HOP:
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This event is BOONDOCKING only.
This event is BOONDOCKING only, a strong solar set up or generator is strongly recommended.
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The parking is Rally Style.
You will be close to your neighbors, but you will also have balloons flying right over your head.
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First Come, First Served
We expect this event to sell out quickly.
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Uneven Ground
A considerable amount of walking on uneven ground.
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Bring Leveling Blocks
All sites are uneven at the balloon fiesta grounds.
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Bus to Event Grounds
Must be able to board a passenger bus without help.
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Special Dietary Requests
Unfortunately, we cannot be mee special requests. If you have special dietary needs, bring your food and enjoy it with us!
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Parking Requests
If you wish to park near friends, please indicate this during registration. While we will do our best to accommodate such requests, sites are assigned based on RV length, so we cannot guarantee adjacent parking. Additionally, all parties must arrive together.
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Early Arrival
Due to the popularity of this event, early arrival is recommended. This will help eliminate the stress of driving in the peak times of high-volume traffic and make parking your RV easier. Early arrival is $60 per night.
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Rain Or Shine
This event will be held Rain or Shine. Be prepared with umbrellas or ponchos if the weather looks like it may call for them.
Disclaimers
By registering for this HOP, you are representing and agreeing to the following:
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You are physically capable of participating in the event.
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Your recreational vehicle, other vehicles, and any other equipment you may use to participate in the event will be in working condition.
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You will observe all applicable laws (including obtaining relevant licenses) and event rules and will conduct yourself in a safe and prudent manner while participating in the event.
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Although volunteers may be directing and assisting you to your parking area, 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 your property or the property of others.
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You accept and assume all risks arising from participation in the event and waive and release all claims against Escapees, Harvest Hosts Opco LLC or its affiliates relating to such participation.
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You consent to receive medical treatment deemed necessary if you are injured or require medical attention during your participation in the event and agree that you are solely responsible for all related costs.
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You grant your permission to be filmed, videotaped, audiotaped, or photographed and grant to Escapees full use thereof without compensation.
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You will receive occasional email notifications of future Escapees events; however, you can opt out of these notifications at any time.
The above is only a summary. Please carefully read the full terms and conditions, assumption of risk, and waiver of claims agreement that will be provided to you during the registration process.
Cancellations
All cancellations must be submitted in writing to registration@escapees.com
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Cancellations 60+ Days Before the Event: You may cancel your registration for a full refund minus a 10% fee of the entire cost of the HOP any time before 11:59 pm CDT on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
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Cancellations 59-30 days before the event: You may cancel your registration for a 50% refund of the entire cost of the HOP before 11:59 pm CDT on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
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No refunds will be given for cancellations after 11:59 pm CST on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
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All ticket sales on and after Wednesday, September 3, 2025 are final.
This cancellation policy is firm. There are no exceptions.
After You Register
1
Email Confirmation
Once registered, a receipt notification will be emailed regarding this HOP’s dates, activities, and essential information. If you do not receive it, please check your SPAM files or email us at registration@escapees.com
Travel Insurance
Things can happen; and we don’t want you to be even more disappointed by not receiving a refund.
We highly suggest you purchase travel insurance to protect your investment in this Hangout should you need to cancel. Insurance can also help cover unexpected illnesses, emergency medical and trip interruption expenses during the Hangout. If you or a family member has a pre-existing medical condition, consider purchasing trip cancellation or interruption insurance.
See You at the HOP!
Let us know if you have any questions. For Cruise HOPs, please contact our Travel Agency.
HOP Manager
Lisa Koca
936-329-6499
