02/09/2024
WEATHER UPDATE & MORE!
Tomorrow’s event will not be canceled but the weather forecast may force us to modify the schedule. Please follow social media for updates. The wine tasting, live music, farm to table dinner and chocolate tastings will all go as planned. Safari Wine Tours for VIP’s will go as long as weather allows. VIP’s are encouraged to schedule these tours asap and in advance by emailing mailto: [email protected] Please dress appropriately for the wet weather. Should you no longer want to attend tomorrow, guests who purchased passes to tomorrow’s event can email us at mailto: [email protected] and we will issue you complimentary passes to any future event in 2024/25 (Full Listing Here: https://www.thebestoftexas.org )
PRE-PARTY is TONIGHT: Eat like a KING or QUEEN THIS FRIDAY at Bankersmith (Friday) for $25!!! Come enjoy some Live Music and the BEST STEAKS in TOWN on FRIDAY! Stop on by between 5 PM and 7 PM at Bankersmith Texas Dance Hall and Saloon (7905 Old San Antonio Road, Fredericksburg Texas 78624)!
REALLY IMPORTANT: This is not the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Festival. Do not come here expecting hundreds of balloons. You will be disappointed. This is a day of unique experiences and we will typically have 1-4 Hot Air Balloons on site. It is extremely important to understand, Hot Air Balloons are extremely weather contingent. We cannot guarantee that the weather will cooperate. We will guarantee you that we always do our best to inflate and activate balloons (we will have anywhere from 1-4 Balloons on site for the tethered rides and Hot Air Balloon Activation). We also guarantee you that we will always put safety first. When the weather does not cooperate, and if balloon rides are not completed we will refund any guest a complimentary Hot Air Balloon ride at a future event (for up to two years!).
EXPECTATIONS: You are coming to a farm-ranch operation. Choose your boots over flip flops, and your four by four over your tesla. You will be parking in a cow pasture (and its going to rain, likely). Think Texas not New York. Think Fredericksburg not Dallas. Dress Town and Country and prepare for farm life. A fun, casual event in the Heart of the Texas Hill Country in Fredericksburg, Texas. VIP are afforded early parking and entrance at Noon. All other guests will enjoy this event from 2PM’ish-8PM’ish. VIP’s are invited to arrive at 12PM for a VIP only Oyster Service and complimentary Wine Tasting at Noon until 2PM (or until supplies last) and complimentary polo lessons (for VIP Guests Only) starting around 1 PM’ish.
PRINTED TICKETS: Wireless and cell service and internet do not work on the property. Get ready to talk to each other, like it’s 1985. PLEASE PRINT YOUR TICKETS in ADVANCE and HAVE THEM READY at entrance!
TETHERED EVENT: Balloons are extremely weather contingent! If you are only coming for the balloon rides or to see the inflation you should NOT arrive until 6PM. REPEAT. IF YOU ARE ONLY COMING FOR BALLOONS DO NOT, NOT, NOT ARRIVE until 6PM. They will only inflate then, if the weather allows (right now it is looking rainy).
VIP CAMPING: The VIP Pass entitles guests to a free camping spot. Should you want to camp on site this weekend we have primitive camping spots available. Check in starts at 12PM on Friday or Saturday and ends at 7PM. Checkout is on Sunday by Noon. Email mailto:[email protected] with your request and any questions.
VIP SAFARI TOURS: For our VIP’s we will have animal interactions during our Safari Wine Tours on site during the day on Saturday. Your VIP Pass affords you a Safari Wine Tour via our Zebra Tram and a tour of the ranch. Email mailto:[email protected] with your Rsvp and any questions.
VIP FARM TO TABLE DINNER: The dinner is scheduled after the polo matches around 5-7PM’ish. We may begin service early if conditions allow (and to beat the rain). Check in with the Farm to Table area day of. Served with Organic Wheat Roll, Fall Farm Greens and a Country Potato Salad, VIP guests will be able to Choose One of the following: Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters (Sweet BBQ and Rosemary) or MTX Braised Beef (Mason, Texas). All are Served as quantities allow. VIP’s shall choose one protein. If quantities allow, VIP’s will be invited to return after all are served for another plate.
NEED RESERVATIONS DOWNTOWN? We suggest you try Jack’s Chophouse or Martini’s Seafood House. Both of these highly rated establishments are conveniently located in downtown Fredericksburg. You can make reservations for the Best Steakhouse in Texas at https://www.jackssteaks.com or the Best Seafood anywhere at https://www.martinisseafood.com
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY
BANKERSMITH PRE-PARTY 5PM-10PM
SATURDAY
VIP EARLY ADMISSION 12PM
VIP OYSTER SERVICE & WINE TASTING 12PM-2PM ONLY
THE GREAT GRAPE STOMP 3PM’ish
SAFARI WINE TOURS for VIP’s (Rsvp Required)
VIP POLO LESSON 1PM-2PM
GENERAL ADMISSION 2PM
POLO MATCH 2PMish-5PMish
LIVE MUSIC 4PM-7PM
The Strolling Strings (Farm to Table Area) 4PM-7PM
FARM TO TABLE DINNER 5-7PMish
HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES 6PMish-8PM (Weather Permitting)
BANKERSMITH LIVE MUSIC & AFTER PARTY Until 10PM
SUNDAY
COWBOY CHURCH & ADIOS LUNCH 10AM-1PM
SATURDAY - DRESS FOR THE COLD: It will be cold. Please dress accordingly. That said, please respect polo etiquette. Please no t-shirts, torn jeans etc. Look good. Feel great. See here for ideas on how to dress: https://victorycup.org/fredericksburg-hot-air-balloon-festival-nov-25/what-to-wear/
DANGEROUS ANIMALS: When you enter the Grapetown Vineyard and Farm property, stay in your vehicle and NEVER get close to fences. If you are outside your vehicle, and not authorized, you will be asked to immediately leave the property. No refunds awarded. Maintain a car speed under 15 MPH. We have free ranging livestock, children and guests. Please DO NOT SPEED on property. Do not attempt to pet or feed the animals. Stay 10 feet away from all fences. Some animals on our property are extremely dangerous. Take pictures from afar. Take a breath and get ready to enjoy the country!
WEATHER & BALLOONS: If you are ONLY coming to see the Hot Air Balloon, you should NOT arrive before 6PM on Saturday. Gates open at Grapetown Farm and Vineyard to VIPs at 12Pm and the GA Public at 2PM but the winds are not forecasted to drop until 6PM or so (if ever).
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EVENT LOCATION & PARKING: Address for SATURDAY PRE PARTY is Bankersmith Bar and Dance Hall at 7905 Old San Antonio Road, Fredericksburg, Texas in a historic Texas Ghost Town called Bankersmith, Texas! You can enjoy Bankersmith starting at 12PM on Friday or Saturday. The address for SATURDAY’S FESTIVAL is Grapetown Farm and Vineyard (across the street from Bankersmith Saloon) at 8142 Old San Antonio Road, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624.
BANKERSMITH TEXAS: Check out Bankersmith Dance Hall and Saloon if you have time! Literally across the street from Grapetown! Look at their website before you head to Bankersmith, Texas (https://www.bankersmithtexas.com). All our ticket holders can enjoy Bankersmith Saturday AND Sunday during the day and all weekend!
GRAPE STOMP: The Grape Stomp is scheduled to occur at 3PM’ish SATURDAY. All guests are invited to take part in this fun and time honored tradition at Grapetown Winery! Take some pictures!
PARKING: Pre-purchasing a parking pass is mandatory for everyone EXCEPT VIP’s. Purchase your parking pass today and save $. When you enter the Grapetown Vineyard and Farm property, stay in your vehicle and NEVER get close to fences. Maintain a car speed under 15 MPH. We have free ranging livestock, children and guests. Please DO NOT SPEED on property. Parking is cheaper online and when purchased in advance. Full details: https://www.thebestoftexas.org
DETAILS: We will have 1-4 Balloons and full crews on site to conduct tethered Hot Air Balloon rides. Please DO NOT SPEED on property. The balloon (on Saturday ONLY) is big and beautiful when inflated (weather contingent) and you will have a chance to get up close for photos. Please remember, we can only inflate when the winds allow. Balloons are extremely weather contingent.
WARNING: We ain’t fancy. Whoaaaa Trigger, whoa! If you are high maintenance and can’t appreciate the simple things, this is probably not the event to attend. Maybe try Dallas. You ain’t at the Ritz no mo’! Manage your expectations cowboy. This is not a festival with hundreds of balloons. If you are looking for a festival with hundreds of balloons, or even dozens - do not come to this event. You will be disappointed. This is a casual Balloon and Polo Party with a down home Texas twist! You’ll be driving into the country! Please don’t come expecting a Ritz Cartlon in New York! Do not attempt to pet or feed the animals. Stay 10 feet away from all fences. Some animals on our property are extremely dangerous. Take pictures from afar. Take a breath and get ready to enjoy the country! Alpacas. Goats. Bison. And more! Head to Bankersmith on Friday or Saturday (7905 Old San Antonio Road, Fredericksburg Texas 78624) at Noon for some live music, drinks, food and our Day Of pre party. Gates open for General Admission at Grapetown Farm and Vineyard for polo, balloon activations (weather contingent), Vendors and more at 2 PM. We have NATURAL HVAC and air conditioning. What’s that? A Hill Country Breeze and Ice Cold Beer. That’s it. So come prepared. Dress appropriately. The weather forecast is COLD & WINDY.
Need Local Recommendations? Check out: https://www.thingstodoinfredericksburgtexas.com
