up, up, and away
Hill Country resort inflates its 10th annual hot air balloon festival

The Balloons Over Horseshoe Bay Resort festival includes more than balloons, with live music, tastings, and more.
Sometimes it is almost hard to believe how idyllic the Hill Country can be. The long drives and tall grasses are majestic enough, but add in hot air balloons during wildflower season and it's practically a Hallmark movie.
That's been going on for 10 years now, at the annual Balloons Over Horseshoe Bay Resort. It's returning March 29-31, or Easter weekend.
The family-friendly event an hour from Austin will offer daily programming to keep things fresh and fill the whole weekend, which is important since entry is sold in overnight packages. There are also plenty of campsites and opportunities for outdoor exploration nearby for those who would like to extend their stay by roughing it.
Saturday and Sunday's programming are open to any ticket holders, with Friday's events dedicated to VIP visitors, sponsors, and members of The Club at Horseshoe Bay. The events for everyone out on the wide-open lawn include watching the balloons take flight, rock climbing on a freestanding wall, jumping on a bungee trampoline, and a helicopter egg drop — and that's all before 10 am.
Later, from 5-9 pm, there will be shows involving magic, animals, skydivers, and parachuters (separately, fortunately); food vendors and a retail market; face painting; and live music. Gary Kyle, and Rick Huckabay will play as headliners. The night will end with a "balloon glow," when the balloons will look like lanterns lit from within.
VIP visitors, sponsors, and club members can kick things off early — on Friday — with a barbecue buffet and wine tastings, plus live music by Craig Wayne Boyd. Friday night will also feature a balloon glow. Similarly, Sunday offers a VIP extension in the form of Easter Brunch in the property's banquet hall.
The standard festival package includes Saturday's activities and a one-night stay (Saturday), starting at $434. The VIP package starts at $461 per night, for a two-night stay with admission to all the VIP events. Both packages include the Sunday brunch and complimentary transportation around the grounds. More information is available at hsbresort.com.