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Balloon Fiesta HOP
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – SOLD OUT, Wait list only
September 30, 2022 - October 9, 2022
Option #1: Sept 30-Oct 5, 2022 - SOLD OUT, Wait list only
Option #2: Oct 5-Oct 9, 2022 - SOLD OUT, Wait list only
Option #3: Sept 30-Oct 9, 2022 - SOLD OUT, Wait list only
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Celebrating the 50th year!
Balloons, balloons and more balloons! If this world premiere event is on your bucket list, then join the Escapees RV Club HOP for the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Each morning, as dawn breaks over the Sandia Mountains, the skies will fill with 600 bright, beautiful hot-air balloons from all around the world.
From its humble beginnings in 1972, the Balloon Fiesta has grown into the largest International Balloon Fiesta, with a 365-acre Balloon Fiesta Park and a launch field the size of 54 football fields (78 acres). It is the most photographed hot-air balloon festival in the world, with 886,414 attendees in 2021.
Also, in 2021, there were 588 Hot Air Balloons, 4 Gas Balloons and 670 pilots, from around the globe. The winner of the America’s Challenge Cup, which are the gas balloons, launch during the Balloon Fiesta landing near Big Spring, Texas, making it the furthest traveled gas balloon at 356.20 miles.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the only Balloon Fiesta in the world, where the “box effect” comes into play. The “box effect” is a unique wind pattern that helps pilots navigate their balloons in a vertical, rectangular path; allowing them to return to the launch field, or even landing 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 the ones who coordinate the launching of the balloons.
One of the most exciting events is the Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension, where balloonists wave their national flag during the launch.
Even though there are always traditionally shaped balloons, there will be various specialty shapes, too, and some of the most popular are the cow, sun, pig, stagecoach, clock, skunk, the Ladybug 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 or kissing.
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. Past gas balloons have gone as far as the East Coast and across Canada. You can track their progress on the Fiesta website.
At dusk, you can see the Twilight Glow on the launch field. This is when the burners are ignited, filling the balloons with a bouquet of bright colors. Then, 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 and catered meals.
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.
Registration includes:
See the chart below for all that is included with the different options.
Rain or shine. Itinerary is subject to change without notice.
This HOP includes a considerable amount of walking, please wear comfortable walking shoes.
*Special dietary requests cannot be accommodated.
Payment Options
Pay half of the fee upon registration and the balance is due 60 days before the event. Ask the HOP department about this payment option.
Final payment is due on July 29, 2022.
There are two ways to register and pay: online or by phone.
• To register online (recommended), click the button below and follow the instructions on your screen.
• To register by phone, call Escapees HOP Registration at (936) 755-1060.
Note: the HOP may sell out online before you have a chance to register via phone.
Early arrival - Options #1 and #3 only
Due to the popularity of this event, we recommend early arrival for parking at the HOP location, which is for Options 1 and 3 only.
Early arrival is September 28, 2022. The cost for early entry is $40.00 per night up to the date of the HOP.
While registering for the HOP, please let registration know which day you plan to arrive 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 Sept. 30 and leaving the morning of October 5), 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 5 and leaving on October 9), 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, Sept. 30
- Arrival
- Welcome to the Balloon Fiesta HOP!
- Professional Balloon pilot presentation
- Announcements
- Meet and greet
- *Welcome dinner
Saturday, Oct. 1
- *Catered breakfast*
- Laser Light Show
- Dawn Patrol Show
- Morning Glow
- Opening Ceremonies
- Mass Ascension
- AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational – Professional Carvers
- 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. 2
- *Catered breakfast*
- Laser Light Show
- Dawn Patrol
- Morning Glow
- Mass Ascension
- Fiesta of Wheels Car Show
- Balloon Fiesta Pin Trading
- AIBF Chainsaw Carving
- Invitational
- Announcements and Social Hour
- Balloon Glow
- Laser Light Show
- AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show
Monday, Oct. 3
- *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. 4
- *Catered breakfast*
- Laser Light Show
- Dawn Patrol Show
- Balloons Launch
- Balloon Competition Flying Begins
- AIBF Chainsaw Carving Demonstrations
- Free Afternoon
- *Farewell catered dinner* For The Option #1
Wednesday, Oct. 5
- Arrival (Option #2)
- Free afternoon
- Announcements
- Meet and greet
- Welcome catered dinner for Option #2 and #3
- *Catered breakfast*
- Laser Light Show
- Dawn Patrol Show
- Balloons Launch
- Balloon Competition Flying Begins
- AIBF Chainsaw Carving Demonstrations
- Free Afternoon
- *Farewell Option #1, Safe travels!
Thursday, Oct. 6
- *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*
- Team Fastrax Skydiving
- Special Shape Glowdeo
- Laser Light Show
- AfterGlow Fireworks Show
Friday, Oct. 7
- *Catered breakfast*
- Laser Light Show
- Dawn Patrol Show
- Special Shape Glowdeo
- 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. 8
- *Catered breakfast*
- Laser Light Show
- Dawn Patrol Show
- Special Shape Rodeo – Balloon Launch
- Flying Competition begins
- AIBF Chainsaw Carving Invitational – Professional Carvers
- Announcements and social hour
- *Catered dinner*
- Special Shape Glowdeo
- Laser Light Show
- AfterGlow Fireworks Show
Sunday, Oct. 9
- *Catered breakfast*
- Laser Light Show
- Dawn Patrol Show
- Farewell Mass Ascension
- Departure – Safe Travels!
Subject to Changes
Rain or shine. This HOP includes considerable walking.
*Special dietary requests cannot be accommodated.
HOP confirmation email
- Once registered, a confirmation email will be sent to you regarding all the pertinent information, i.e., RV Park, schedule, etc.
- If you do not see it in your inbox, please, check your spam file.
- If you do not see it in the spam file, please log into your Escapees dashboard and see if we have your correct email address on file.
- To change or correct any personal data on your dashboard, click on escapees.com and sign into your account.
Travel Insurance
We highly suggest you protect your investment on this HOP by purchasing trip insurance.
If you or a family member has a pre-existing medical condition, consider purchasing trip cancellation or interruption insurance. Insurance can also help with covering unexpected illnesses or emergencies while on the trip.
To learn more about or purchase Travel insurance, click the banner below.
Cancellation Policy
If an attendee must cancel a HOP,
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
More Information
To view upcoming HOPs
Visit the HOP Facebook page:
To join our discussion forum
Escapees Club News: The HOPs or any Escapees RV Club information can be sent to you via Club News.
Stay informed with important club updates, advocacy issues and promotion items. If you want to stay updated, go to the right-hand side of this page and click on, Sign up for Club News
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. 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 to 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, you will be required during registration to agree that you will help provide a safe environment for everyone by complying with our health and safety rules, and to release Escapees from liability should you become ill during the event.
- By purchasing a ticket for this event, you are agreeing to all of the above including the Escapees Covid Policy
COVID policy:
NOTE: The below are for U.S. Land HOPs only
If you travel with Escapees HOPs on cruises or special adventure HOPs, we will supply the covid tour guidelines.
Escapees RV Club Covid Policy – https://escapees.com/coronavirus
Please join the waitlist if this HOP sells out by completing the form below.
There are usually cancellations before the event date, so we will email you if a spot becomes available. At that time, you will have 48 hours to respond.
Note: please do not join the waitlist until the HOP is sold out. We will not receive entries before the HOP sells out.
See you at the HOP!
Lisa Koca
HOP Director
escapees.com/hops
936-755-1060
Escapees RV Club
100 Rainbow Drive
Livingston, Texas 77351
escapees.com
Details
- Start:
- September 30, 2022
- End:
- October 9, 2022
- Event Category:
- Head Out Program
- Website:
- https://escapees.com/community/escapees-hops-head-out-program/
Organizer
- Lisa Koca
- Phone
- 936-329-6499
- registration@escapees.com
- View Organizer Website
Venue
- Albuquerque International Balloon Fiest
-
4401 Alameda Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113 United States + Google Map - View Venue Website
What’s the online link to pay the 2nd half of my Balloon HOP fee?
Following is the link for the Balloon Fiesta HOP: registration@escapees.com.
Does the site include any hook ups? I don’t see any mention about hookups.
No, no hookups available as all campsites are for boondocking only.
“Escapees will have Boondocking, “rally style” parking and a private tent for inclement weather, socials and catered meals.”