Balloon Fiesta HOP 2024
October 4 - October 13
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2024
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a breathtaking exhibition that has captivated the hearts of millions worldwide. The experience is nothing short of mesmerizing, weaving together a tapestry of colors, cultures, and awe-inspiring moments each morning as dawn appears over the Sandia Mountains.
From its humble beginnings in 1972, the Balloon Fiesta has grown into the largest balloon festival in the world, with its 365-acre Balloon Fiesta Park and a launch field the size of 54 football fields (78 acres). As dawn breaks over the Sandia Mountains each morning, the skies are filled with 600 bright, beautiful hot-air balloons. The fiesta is the world’s most photographed hot-air balloon festival—and no wonder, with 968,516 attendees in 2023!
This event is the only Balloon Fiesta in the world where the “box effect” comes into play. The box effect is a unique weather phenomenon that helps pilots navigate their balloons in a vertical, rectangular path, allowing them to hoover for hours in the air and return to the launch field or land next to your RV, making it a spectacular sight!
The Dawn Patrol signals the beginning of the day’s festivities. As the sky gradually brightens, a few balloons ascend into the predawn darkness, illuminating the heavens with their glowing envelopes. Their graceful dance against the twilight is a prelude to the Mass Ascension. Upon approval, the balloons lift off, and the “Zebras,” wearing black and white striped shirts, coordinate the launching of these balloons.
The Mass Ascension is also called the “Flight of the Nations” since it is where balloonists wave their national flag during launch. This, the Fiesta’s crown jewel, is a ballet of color and sound as hundreds of balloons ascend into the sky in orchestrated harmony. The sight of these majestic giants taking flight in unison is a sight that leaves an indelible imprint on the soul.
One of the most mesmerizing aspects of this event is the incredible array of special-shaped balloons. These balloons are anything but ordinary, taking on forms that range from the whimsical and playful to the realistic and awe-inspiring. Smokey the Bear, Airabelle, Darth Vader, Yoda, the Ladybug, and the Sweetest Mother, Daddy, and Baby Bumblebees are the most popular. The bumblebee’s hands have Velcro, so when they touch in midair, it appears they are holding hands or kissing! You can visit the balloon pilots and ask for their trading cards, which will explain the pertinent information about their special-shaped balloons.
Amidst the colorful balloons, a unique and thrilling event occurs: America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race. This race is a test of skill, strategies, precision and endurance. Unlike their hot air balloon counterparts, gas balloons rely solely on helium inflation and are at the mercy of the winds. Pilots must navigate vast distances and depend on their understanding of meteorology and currents to chart their course. You can watch these balloons take off and follow the courses they take. In this race, the winning team is the one that flies the farthest distance from the launch point.
At dusk, see the Twilight Glow, also known as the Balloon Glow, one of the most spectacular events. The burners are ignited, filling the balloons to see their bright bouquet of colors, illuminating them against the twilight sky, creating a magical and unforgettable sight.
The nights will finish with an extraordinary display of fireworks and a laser show.
Escapees will have Boondocking, “rally style” parking and a private tent for inclement weather, socials and catered meals.
What to expect on this HOP:
- Rain or shine.
- Considerable walking, often on uneven ground
- must be able to board a passenger bus without help
- strongly suggested to have a generator – this event is boondocking
*Special dietary requests cannot be accommodated.
*Note This itinerary may still be amended. We do our best to secure all activities ahead of time, but when dealing with the weather, traffic, length of tours, and our local vendors’ changes are sometimes necessary.
Payment Options
Early arrival dates are:
Final payment is due on September 3, 2024.
Reregister for this HOP online
- If you want to park near friends, please request this during registration.
- We highly suggest you register online.
- Tickets may sell out before you have time to call into the HOP Department.
- When registering for this HOP, you may pay half upon registration or for the entire HOP.
Calendar of Activities
Friday, Oct 4
- Arrival
- Balloon Pilot presentation
- Announcements and meet and greet
- **Catered welcome dinner
Saturday, Oct. 5
- *Catered breakfast*
- Dawn Patrol Show
- Morning Glow
- Opening Ceremonies
- Mass Ascension
- AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational
- Announcements and social
- America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Race Inflation
- *Catered dinner*
- America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Launch
- Twilight Twinkle Glow™
- America’s Challenge Gas Balloon Launch
- AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show
Sunday, Oct. 6
- **Catered breakfast
- Dawn Patrol Show
- Morning Glow
- Mass Ascension
- AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational
- Fiesta of Wheels Car Show – Launch Field – Free
- Balloon Fiesta Pin Trading (Group Tour Tent – North End of Main Street)
- AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational
- Announcements and social
- **Catered dinner
- Balloon Glow
- AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show
Monday, Oct. 7
- *Catered breakfast*
- Dawn Patrol Show
- Balloons Launch
- Balloon Competition Flying Begins
- AIBF Chainsaw Carving Demonstrations
Tuesday, Oct. 8
- *Catered breakfast*
- Dawn Patrol Show
- Balloons Launch
- Balloon Competition Flying Begins
- AIBF Chainsaw Carving Demonstrations
Wednesday, Oct. 9
- *Catered breakfast*
- Dawn Patrol Show
- Morning Glow
- Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension
- Balloon Competition Flying Begins
- AIBF Chainsaw Carving Demonstrations
Thursday, Oct. 10
- **Catered breakfast
- Dawn Patrol Show
- Special Shape Rodeo
- Balloon Competition Flying Begins
- AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational
- Announcements and social
- **Catered dinner
- Special Shape Glowdeo
- Laser Light Show
- AfterGlow Fireworks Show
Friday, Oct. 11
- **Catered breakfast
- Dawn Patrol Show
- Special Shape Rodeo
- Competition Flying Begins
- AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational
- Announcements and social
- **Catered dinner
- Special Shape Glowdeo
- AfterGlow Fireworks Show
Saturday, Oct. 12
- **Catered breakfast
- Dawn Patrol Show
- Morning Glow
- Mass Ascension
- AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational
- Balloon Fiesta Pin Trading (Group Tour Tent north end of Main Street)
- Music Fiesta (Extra charge by Fiesta-purchase tickets online)
- AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational
- Announcements social
- **Farewell Catered dinner
- Night Magic Glow
- AfterGlow Fireworks Show
Sunday, Oct. 13
- **Catered breakfast
- Dawn Patrol Show
- Morning Glow
- Farewell Mass Ascension
- AIBF Chainsaw Carving Q&A
- End of HOP – Safe travels!
Package also includes:
- 9 nights – RV boondock parking
- 9 catered breakfasts
- 6 catered dinners
- Souvenir HOP name badges
- Souvenir HOP bag
- Your HOP hosts
- All gratuities
- …AND much more!
After registering – confirmation email
Once registered, a receipt notification will be sent via email regarding all the pertinent information, such as name of the RV park, address, tour dates, times, etc.
If you do not receive it, please check your spam files, or email us at: registration@escapees.com
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be submitted in writing and emailed to registration@escapees.com
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 Friday, August 9, 2024.
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 Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
No refunds will be given for cancellations after 11:59 pm CST on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
Travel Insurance
- We highly suggest you purchase trip insurance to protect your investment on this HOP.
- If you or a family member has a pre-existing medical condition, consider purchasing trip cancellation or interruption insurance.
- Insurance can also help cover unexpected illnesses or emergencies on the trip.
To learn more about or purchase travel insurance, Click Here!
More Information
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By registering for 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 event, whether occurring prior to, during or after the event. No claim will be made upon Escapees, its volunteers, employees, or agents in the event of loss or theft.
- Volunteers may be directing and assisting you in your parking areas. However, the vehicle’s driver 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 permission to be filmed, videotaped, audiotaped or photographed, and giving Escapees RV Club the full use of any such recordings or images without compensation.
- By registering, you will also receive occasional email notifications of future HOPs. However, you can opt-out of these notifications at any time.
- In addition to the above, during registration, you will be required to agree that you will help provide a safe environment for everyone by complying with our health and safety rules and will release Escapees from liability should you become ill during the event.
- By purchasing a ticket for this event, you agree to all the above.
Safe travels!
Wait List
See you at the HOP!
Lisa Koca
HOP Director
Escapees RV Club
100 Rainbow Drive
Livingston, Texas 77351
For Cruise HOPs, call:
Escapees Travel Agency
936-329-6499
Office hours:
Mon. – Fri. | 8:00 – 4:00 CST
