Two Weeks. Endless Spring Break Fun.
Two Weeks. Endless Spring Break Fun.
Feb 28, 2026 | Experiences
Your guide to Spring Break at Horseshoe Bay Resort, March 6-22, 2026.
Balloons Over Horseshoe Bay Resort: Your Guide to the Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival
Mar 17, 2026
The 12th Annual Balloons Over Horseshoe Bay Resort is returning Easter Weekend 2026 at the Horseshoe Bay Resort Ranch. From colorful hot air balloons to live music, skydivers, a helicopter Easter egg drop, and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend, this beloved festival has become one of the Hill Country’s most exciting spring traditions.
Resort stay packages and day-pass tickets can be found here.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your weekend.
Friday, April 3
6PM – 9PM | VIP Texas Hill Country Cookout & Wine Tasting
Kick off the festival in true Texas style with an unforgettable evening under the Hill Country sky.
Guests will enjoy the VIP Texas Hill Country Cowboy Cookout & Wine Tasting, featuring delicious cuisine, curated wine selections, and live country music from Gunnar Latham and Alex Lambert. During the evening, festival balloon pilots will be introduced before the highly anticipated Hot Air Balloon Glow, where illuminated balloons light up the festival grounds in a stunning display. A retail market featuring local artisans adds even more charm, offering unique finds and handcrafted goods for guests to explore, while families can enjoy a variety of kids’ activities throughout the evening, including a rock-climbing wall and Euro Bungee.
Saturday, April 4
Saturday is the heart of the festival, with activities taking place in the early morning and evening.
Morning Session
6:30AM – 10AM
For the kids, the morning kicks off with exciting entertainment, including the Disc Dog Show, where incredible canine athletes showcase their speed, agility, and impressive tricks, along with a Helicopter Easter Egg Drop that sends thousands of pieces of candy and prize-filled golden eggs raining down from the sky. The rock-climbing wall and Euro Bungee will also be back for more high-flying fun, making it the perfect way for families to start their festival day together.
While the excitement unfolds, guests can enjoy breakfast favorites and sip on mimosas or Bloody Marys as they watch the skies come alive. At daylight (weather permitting), colorful hot air balloons will ascend into the Hill Country sky, creating a breathtaking sight you won’t want to miss.
Evening Session
4PM – 9PM
The festival grounds come alive again in the evening with food, music, and entertainment for all ages.
Guests can enjoy a wide variety of food concessions and local food trucks, along with full bars and beverage stations throughout the festival grounds. Family-friendly activities such as a rock-climbing wall, bungee trampoline, inflatables, pony rides, face painters, henna artists, and balloon artists ensure fun for guests of all ages.
The evening also features live music by The Outsiders, colorful Giant American Kites soaring overhead, thrilling paramotor demonstrations, the high-energy Disc Dog Show, and an exciting skydiving performance. The highlight of the night is the Balloon Glow Finale, when the balloons illuminate the ranch in a dazzling display set against the beautiful backdrop of the Texas Hill Country.
Please note that there will be no festival activities on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Sunday, April 5
9AM – 12:30PM | Easter Brunch in the Granite Ballroom
Wrap up the weekend with a spectacular Easter Brunch in the Granite Ballroom, where resort guests can indulge in a bountiful spread of breakfast and brunch favorites, savory carving stations, fresh salads and sides, and an irresistible array of decadent desserts. While enjoying brunch, guests can also step outside to view remote-controlled balloons displayed outside the hotel, adding a festive touch and one last nod to the weekend’s balloon-filled celebrations. It’s the perfect way to relax, savor delicious flavors, and celebrate Easter with family and friends in a festive setting.
Packages & Tickets
From full weekend resort stays to single-day Saturday admission, choose the option that best fits your plans.
Balloon Festival VIP Package
Enjoy a two-night stay from Friday to Sunday, complete with Friday Night VIP access to the Texas Hill Country Cowboy Cookout & Wine Tasting, featuring live music and a balloon glow. Your experience also includes festival admission for both the Saturday morning and evening sessions, a festive Easter Sunday Brunch, and complimentary transportation throughout the festival for your convenience.
Balloon Festival One-Night Package
Enjoy a one-night stay on Saturday, along with festival admission for both the morning and evening sessions. Your experience also includes a festive Easter Sunday Brunch and complimentary transportation throughout the festival for added convenience.
Saturday Day-Pass
Perfect for local guests who want to experience the magic of the festival for the day.
Getting There
From Austin
Traveling from Austin is an easy and scenic drive through the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Head west on Texas State Highway 71 toward Marble Falls and continue for approximately 45 miles. As you approach Horseshoe Bay, follow signs for the festival, located near the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center and the Summit Rock neighborhood entrance. Enter through the Highway 71 entrance just before FM-2147 — there will be a large “ENTER HERE” banner on the fence. From Austin, the drive typically takes about an hour.
From Llano
Take Texas State Highway 71 east toward Horseshoe Bay. As you near the city, follow signs for the festival along the highway. You will pass FM-2147 and look for the big “ENTER HERE” banner on the fence at the Highway 71 entrance. From Llano, the drive typically takes about 30 minutes.
Don’t Miss This Unforgettable Weekend
Balloons Over Horseshoe Bay Resort is more than just a festival. It’s a Hill Country tradition filled with breathtaking views, family fun, live entertainment, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re watching the balloons rise at sunrise, enjoying live music with friends, or experiencing the magic of the evening balloon glow, it’s a weekend you won’t want to miss.
Don’t wait — secure your tickets now and join us for an incredible Easter Weekend celebration at Horseshoe Bay Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend bringing blankets or folding chairs to sit comfortably while enjoying the festival. Be sure to check the weather and dress accordingly—sunscreen, ponchos, umbrellas, and sunglasses are all great to have on hand. Cameras are encouraged to capture the fun, but please note that drones are not permitted.
No pets are allowed on the festival grounds. Please leave your furry friends at home!
While we’d love for everyone to enjoy a ride, hot-air balloon flights will not be available due to safety regulations. But don’t worry—there’s still plenty of fun to be had with stunning balloon glows and tethered displays!
There are no restrictions on the type of bag you can bring to the event. You’re welcome to bring the bag that best suits your needs!
Please reference your confirmation email for Saturday Day Passes to find your parking pass. Upon arrival, our team will direct you to the correct lot. Guests staying at the resort can also park at the hotel and take a complimentary shuttle to the event grounds and back.
Feel free to bring your lawn chairs to relax and enjoy the view near the balloons and other activities. There is also complimentary seating near the live stage.
There are two dedicated ticket sales tents inside the festival, accepting credit card, debit card, and Membership account numbers with a Member ID card, for the purchase of tickets. Once you pay, you’ll receive tickets that can be used as event currency for food, beverage, and activities. There will be an ATM on-site.
We have a variety of local retailers, including: Trevizo Hat Co., August Rose Precious Beads, Mom and Pup, Kendra Scott, Fiesta Feet, Keepers Harvest Honey, Primavera Collection, DH Fervent Glass, Toe Ring Queen, T Bird Leather, Linen and Lou, Rachel Nathan Design, Wandering Pages, and Anderson Window.
Friday Evening: Kettle Corn Chicks, Kona Ice, Fredericksburg Mini Donut Co.
Saturday Morning: Kona Ice, Fredericksburg Mini Donut Co., R.A.R Grill, Pecos Pete’s Soda
Saturday Evening: Kettle Corn Chicks, Kona Ice, Pop it Like it’s Hot, Fredericksburg Mini Donut Co., R.A.R Grill, Taco Baby, Corn Dog With No Name, Pecos Pete’s Soda, Wakepoint LBJ, Taco Baby Ice Cream Truck
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