Thanksgiving Hot Air Balloon & Polo Bash
WRISTBAND PICKUP TODAY plus BALLOONS AND POLO TOMORROW!!! ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW!
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EVENT: A fun, casual event in the Heart of the Texas Hill Country in Fredericksburg, Texas. Guests can pick up their wristbands at Bankersmith, TX on Friday from 6PM-8PM to avoid lines on Saturday. Saturday’s event is from 3PM-8PM. Balloons are extremely weather contingent!
WEEKEND WEATHER UPDATE!!! : Good News! Forecast is showing a sunny day with low winds by evening. Gates open at Grapetown Farm and Vineyard for polo, balloon activations (weather contingent), helicopters and more at 3PM on Saturday. The weather forecast currently shows Balloons being able to inflate around 5PM on Saturday. That may change, in one direction or the other (and oftentimes does). When you enter the Grapetown Vineyard and Farm property, stay in your vehicle and NEVER get close to fences. Maintain a car speed under 10MPH. We have free ranging livestock, children and guests. Please DO NOT SPEED on property. Watch your Weather Channel App for wind speeds under 7MPH. Be prepared to come and enjoy the music, polo, vendors etc. while we wait for the winds to moderate for our Hot Air Balloon activation. We will have 3-4 balloons and full crews on site to conduct tethered rides. Helicopter rides should also be available throughout the day. The balloons are 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. This is why we have incorporated helicopters. When the balloons cannot inflate, due to unsafe conditions, all Balloon rides are automatically upgraded and transferred to helicopter rides!
PARKING: Pre-purchasing a parking pass is mandatory. Purchase your parking today. When you enter the Grapetown Vineyard and Farm property, stay in your vehicle and NEVER get close to fences. Maintain a car speed under 10MPH. 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: www.thebestoftexas.org
LODGING: We have lodging available onsite! Check out our AirBnB and camping listings here: https://bankersmithtexas.com/lodging/
WRISTBAND PICKUP: IT’S STEAK NIGHT. Eat like a KING or QUEEN tonight (Friday) for $20!!! Come enjoy some Live Music and the BEST STEAKS in TOWN TONIGHT! Stop on by between 5 PM and 8 PM TONIGHT at Bankersmith Texas Dance Hall and Saloon (7905 Old San Antonio Road, Fredericksburg Texas 78624)! FRIDAY NIGHT IS STEAK NIGHT! PRIME RIB, RIBEYES & LOADED BAKED POTATOES Bankersmith’s Famous Steak Plate w/ Sides $20 Live Music 6:30PM-9:30PM
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 (www.bankersmithtexas.com). All our ticket holders can enjoy Bankersmith Friday, Saturday AND Sunday during the day and all weekend!
10% DISCOUNT: Our sponsor The Stable Cocktail Bar has graciously agreed to give all of our guests 10% off their tab ANY DAY THIS WEEKEND. Will you be in downtown Fredericksburg this week? Go grab a drink or lunch/dinner at the Stable across from HEB! Open during the day and evenings, they serve the best cocktails and food in town. Just stop by ANYTIME this WEEK or WEEKEND and mention “POLO”. You can use the discount ALL WEEKEND until SUNDAY at 10PM!
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! We have local artists and bands playing throughout the day Saturday. Head to Bankersmith on 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 at Grapetown Farm and Vineyard for polo, balloon activations (weather contingent), helicopters and more at 3PM. 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 cool. The VIP Food & Drink Service will run from 3 PM until 6 PM on Saturday at Grapetown Farm and Vineyard (or until sold out) in our VIP Tasting Room Area!
DANGEROUS ANIMALS: When you enter the Grapetown Vineyard and Farm property, stay in your vehicle and NEVER get close to fences. Maintain a car speed under 10MPH. 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!
PRINTED TICKETS: Wireless service and internet do not work on the property. PLEASE PRINT YOUR TICKETS in ADVANCE and HAVE THEM READY at entrance!
HOURS OF FESTIVAL OPERATION: The Bankersmith property opens at noon (food and drink will be available for sale) on Saturday (and closes at 10PM). But the main Event Service opens at Grapetown Farm and Vineyard on Saturday at 3 PM and again goes until 8PM on Saturday (or until the last Balloon or Helicopter Ride ends). Avoid long lines by coming early on Saturday! VIP Food and Drink Service areas and ALL OTHER areas at Grapetown Vineyard will open on Saturday at 3 PM and go until 6 PM (or until Sold Out). VIP Food and Drink will be available until SOLD OUT.
EVENT LOCATION & PARKING: Address for Bankersmith Bar and Dance Hall is 7905 Old San Antonio Road, Fredericksburg, Texas in a historic Texas Ghost Town called Bankersmith, Texas! Address for Grapetown Farm and Vineyard (across the street) is 8142 Old San Antonio Road, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
GRAPE STOMP & SAFARI TOURS: The Grape Stomp is scheduled to occur at 3PM’ish on Saturday. All guests are invited to take part in this fun and time honored tradition at Grapetown Winery! Take some pictures! Want to meet our camels, zebras and more? Safari Tours are available but must be purchased in advance at www.grapetownvineyard.com
Need Local Recommendations? Check out: www.thingstodoinfredericksburgtexas.com
