Fredericksburg Hot Air Balloon Festival

The Fredericksburg Cheese and Wine Festival is this weekend! Polo, Great Food, Cheese Plates, Drinks and Hot Air Balloons! Are you ready for a GREAT WEEKEND?

To comply with social distancing requirements, we are hosting a portion of this event (same services, same schedule and same setup) on an 85 acre equestrian property across from Bankersmith Dance Hall in Fredericksburg, Texas.

IMPORTANT INFO - MUST READ

Please read through this important information below:

Full schedule here, updated daily: https://thebestoftexas.org/cheese-and-wine/schedule/

The Cheese and Wine Festival will take place on both Friday and Saturday. All guests are encouraged to attend both days, but especially our VIPs so you will be able to take full advantage of your passes. A Cheese, Wine and Oyster service will occur at Bankersmith Dance Hall on Saturday 10 AM to 1 PM and again 8 PM until sold out. We have added Hot Air Balloons Saturday morning as well (7 AM until 10 AM - Weather Contingent) and Horse Polo on Saturday.

VIP’s: Please read our updated schedule carefully. You should plan on attending both days if possible to take full advantage of your VIP Passes. Full schedule here, updated daily: https://thebestoftexas.org/cheese-and-wine/schedule/

AVOID the LINES: WRISTBAND PICKUP: Get your wristbands without waiting in line! Come pre-register between 4 PM and 8 PM on Thursday or Noon to 2PM on Friday at Bankersmith Texas for the September 4-5 events! Get your wristbands in advance so you do NOT have to wait in LONG lines Friday and Saturday!

PRINT YOUR TICKETS!!!: Remember, this is a ghost town and the wireless and internet service on the property is not capable of processing tickets electronically. PLEASE print out your tickets and have your parking cash and ID ready at registration! If you do not PRINT your tickets you may have to wait in line much, much longer! Help US, help YOU!

VIP FOOD SERVICE: Get ready to CHOW DOWN! The VIP Oyster service will occur on Friday 8 PM until sold out and on SATURDAY from 10AM until 1PM and again from 8PM until sold out in the Bankersmith Dance Hall. All levels of VIP’s are strongly encouraged to attend on both Friday and Saturday during these times to get the full value for your ticket.  VIP’s will have access to food at other times, but will have to purchase at those times. Therefore, for all VIP’s PLEASE attend the scheduled lunches and dinners and arrive early. Do not be late. VIP’s can come and enjoy the open Oyster Bar during these times, while Oyster supplies last.

POLO and HORSES: All equestrian activations (Polo, Trophy Presentation, and the Kentucky Derby Races) will be held at ‘Bankersmith Too’ and not at the Bankersmith Dance Hall, for obvious reasons. The address is 8142 Old San Antonio Road, Grapetown, Texas 78624 on a beautiful 85 acre equestrian property! Polo will be held a good walking distance so wear your best walking shoes.

BALLOONS:  Hot Air Balloons are EXTREMELY weather contingent and may be grounded for safety or weather, therefore come prepared. All Hot Air Balloon and Helicopter activations will be held at ‘Bankersmith Too’ and not at the Bankersmith Dance Hall, for obvious reasons. Hot Air Balloon activations will typically be held early morning and late afternoon (likely after 4PM on Friday and Saturday and before 9 AM on Saturday), into evening and held at ‘Bankersmith, Too’. Weather permitting, Hot Air Balloon Glow & Tethered Rides will be available both Friday and Saturday nights and Saturday morning. Experience these magical giants up close. A Night Glow is a gathering of hot air balloons that inflate at night. If balloons are unable to activate due to safety, you can automatically upgrade to a Helicopter Ride! The address for all Hot Air Balloon activations and Helicopter activations is 8142 Old San Antonio Road, Grapetown, Texas 78624 on a beautiful 85 acre equestrian property! 

EVENT EXPECTATIONS: Whoaaaa Trigger, whoa! Please don’t come expecting a Ritz Cartlon in New York! Manage your expectations cowboy. This is a fun, casual Food and Wine Event and Hot Air Balloon Festival with a Texas twist! You will be spending your time between two unique properties. This is our very first Polo event on our ranch and we will be working out the kinks accordingly. We want your input! Please be patient with us. Polo guests are encouraged to dress up but make sure you are comfortable! Take a breath and get ready to enjoy the country! Our VIP Area is in the rustic ol’ Bankersmith Dance Hall and some picnic tables under some Oak Trees in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. This is a little place, population 0, with lot’s of Texas character (AND characters). We just built this new Polo Field and it is being played on the dirt, so for those coming to Polo wear boots or your best walking shoes! 

We have about a half a dozen local artists and bands playing throughout Saturday on both properties and will have a small, fun kids area for the kids! It will be HOT, Hot as Hades, and just like most Texas Dance Halls (from Luckenbach to Gruene) 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. It’s going to be hot, hot and hot! I’m saying HOT. We have made changes to help us meet social distancing requirements, and we ask for your understanding. Bankersmith Texas will be open all weekend. PLEASE read the schedule below thoroughly!

BANKERSMITH TEXAS: Much of the event schedule is being held at Bankersmith proper so check out our Bankersmith, TX website before you head to the event (www.BankersmithTexas.com). All ticket holders can enjoy Bankersmith during the day and all weekend but there are specific times for VIP activations. Please read your full schedule at www.VictoryCup.org  or www.TheBestofTexas.org 

10% DISCOUNT: Our sponsor The Stable Cocktail Bar and Lobster House at 102 East Ufer Street in downtown Fredericksburg has graciously agreed to give all of our guests 10% off their tab. Just go on Friday through Sunday and mention “POLO”. You can use the discount ALL WEEKEND! The Stable serves amazing craft cocktails. Open during the day and evenings, they serve the best cocktails and fresh Maine Lobster Rolls in town.

EVENT LOCATION & PARKING: The schedule for this event will be held at TWO LOCATIONS:

LOCATION ONE: 7905 Old San Antonio Road, Fredericksburg, Texas in a historic Texas Ghost Town called Bankersmith, Texas! Handicap parking is available onsite but limited. 

LOCATION TWO: 8142 Old San Antonio Road, Grapetown, Texas 78624 on a beautiful 85 acre equestrian property! Handicap parking, hay rides and limited shuttling on site from the Derby Party on Oak Hill to the Polo Field and Balloons will be available.

The Best of Texas Schedule

Thursday

Gates Open at Noon

BANKERSMITH, TX

Open to all guests! Live music, drinks and food available at Bankersmith TX Dance Hall, Saloon and Ghost Town. Come into town early and fully enjoy the old post office and General Store while listening to some live music, local artists. All ticketed guests have full access to Bankersmith, TX.

4 PM - 8 PM

WRISTBAND PICKUP PARTY at BANKERSMITH, TX

Get your wristbands without waiting in line! Come pre-register between 4PM and 8PM at Bankersmith Texas for the September 11-12 events! Get your wristbands so you do NOT have to wait in LONG lines Friday and Saturday! Live music, drinks and food plus all our furry and feathered farm friends will be on hand to greet you!

Friday

Noon - 2 PM

WRISTBAND PICKUP at BANKERSMITH, TX

Come pre-register between noon and 2PM at Bankersmith Texas for the weekend events! Come early and get your wristbands so you do NOT have to wait in LONG lines Friday evening and Saturday all day! Live music, drinks and food plus all our furry and feathered farm friends will be on hand at Bankersmith to greet you!

Gates Open at Noon - 10PM

BANKERSMITH, TX

Open to all guests! Live music, drinks and food available at Bankersmith TX Dance Hall, Saloon and Ghost Town. Come enjoy the old post office and General Store while listening to some live music, local artists. A Texas Gun Fight around 6PM is sure to break out as well as a brief Cowboy Comedy Show. All ticketed guests have full access to Bankersmith, TX both Friday and Saturday during normal operating hours.

12 PM - 10 PM

VENDOR VILLAGE, BAR AND FOOD TRUCKS

Bankersmith Dance Hall and Saloon Vendor Area OPEN for all ticketed guests to take a stroll through our diverse Vendor Village purchase a tasty cocktail and meal at the Bar.

3 PM - 6 PM

LIVE MUSIC at BANKERSMITH

Kim Carson & Buckshot Willie perform on the Outdoor Stage at Bankersmith, TX

4 PM - 6 PM

TEXAS GUNFIGHTERS at BANKERSMITH

Enjoy a Meet and Greet with the Texas Gunfighters and a brief cowboy comedy show on the Outdoor Stage at Bankersmith, TX. Great photo opportunities!

4 PM - 8 PM

HOT AIR BALLOONS & HELICOPTERS

Gates open at ‘Bankersmith, Too’ and Balloon Passholders can get their Helicopter or Hot Air Balloon Rides (weather contingent). Weather permitting, Hot Air Balloon Glow & Tethered Rides available. Experience these magical giants up close. A Night Glow is a gathering of hot air balloons that inflate at night. Hot Air Balloons are EXTREMELY weather contingent and may be grounded for safety or weather, therefore come prepared. If balloons are unable to activate due to safety, you can automatically upgrade to a Helicopter Ride! Watch the Weather and check for wind gusts under 5 MPH for best balloon weather. 

4 PM - 8:30 PM

HOT AIR BALLOON NIGHT ACTIVATION

VIP AREA OPEN at FREDERICKSBURG POLO FIELD

Get to see the balloons, enjoy Live Music, and a private bar (food and drinks not included). Live Music on Outdoor Stage by Rebel Roxie Band.

4 PM - 8 PM

LIVE MUSIC at POLO & BALLOON FIELD

Rebel Roxie performs on the Outdoor Stage at ‘Bankersmith, Too’

6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

LIVE MUSIC at BANKERSMITH

Bonnie Lang performs inside the General Store and Saloon at Bankersmith, TX

8 PM until Sold Out

RAW & GRILLED OYSTER SERVICE FOR VIP’s

After the Hot Air Balloon activation at ‘Bankersmith Too’, drive over to Bankersmith, TX for the VIP Oyster Service, raw and grilled, at Bankersmith TX Dance Hall, Saloon and Ghost Town!

Until 9 PM

(Approx)

HOT AIR BALLOONS & HELICOPTERS

Balloon Passholders can get their Helicopter or Hot Air Balloon Rides (weather contingent) until nightfall. Weather permitting, Hot Air Balloon Glow & Tethered Rides available. Experience these magical giants up close. Once the Balloon activation is complete, head on over to Bankersmith Dance Hall and Saloon for drinks, great live music and dinner.

Bankersmith Open until 10PM

BANKERSMITH, TX

Open to all guests! Live music, drinks and food available at Bankersmith TX Dance Hall, Saloon and Ghost Town. Come enjoy the old post office and General Store while listening to some live music, local artists. Bonnie Lang performs inside the General Store and Saloon at Bankersmith, TX until 9:30 PM. All ticketed guests have full access to Bankersmith, TX both Friday and Saturday until 10PM.

Saturday

7 AM - 10 AM

HOT AIR BALLOON MORNING ACTIVATION

Gates open at ‘Bankersmith, Too’ and Balloon Passholders can get their Hot Air Balloon Rides (weather contingent). Weather permitting, Hot Air Tethered Rides available if the weather cooperates. Watch the Weather and check for wind gusts under 5 MPH for best balloon weather. Experience these magical giants up close. A Night Glow is a gathering of hot air balloons that inflate at night. Hot Air Balloons are EXTREMELY weather contingent and may be grounded for safety or weather, therefore come prepared. If balloons are unable to activate due to safety, you can automatically upgrade to a Helicopter Ride Saturday afternoon!

10 AM - 10 PM

BANKERSMITH, TX

Bankersmith opens at 10AM! Come early and avoid the lines! Get your wristbands early! Live music, drinks and food vendors at Bankersmith TX Dance Hall, Saloon and Ghost Town. Come enjoy the old post office and General Store while listening to some live music, local artists. A Texas Gun Fight will break out around 4 PM as well! All ticketed guests for the Polo, Balloon and Cheese, Wine & Chocolate events have full access to Bankersmith, TX until 10PM.

10 AM -  1 PM

VIP CHEESE & WINE FESTIVAL

FREE OYSTER SERVICE for VIPs

VIP LUNCH & LIVE MUSIC

VIP Cheese, Wine & Oyster Party at Bankersmith TX Dance Hall, Saloon and Ghost Town! VIP guests will enjoy complimentary cheese, wine (with tickets), oysters (until SOLD OUT) and non-alcoholic beverages from 10 AM until 1 PM. To our VIP’s, please do NOT come late! All VIP’s should take full advantage of this activation from 10AM sharp until 1PM sharp Saturday (ONLY)! Live Music by the one and ONLY Colleen Michelle Miller Duo Backstage at Bankersmith.

10 AM - 1 PM

LIVE MUSIC at BANKERSMITH

The Collen Micehelle Miller Duo performs in the VIP Dance Hall at Bankersmith, TX

10 AM (sharp) until Sold Out

RAW & GRILLED OYSTER SERVICE FOR VIP’s

VIP Oyster Service, raw and grilled, at Bankersmith TX Dance Hall, Saloon and Ghost Town!

Noon - 3 PM

LIVE MUSIC at BANKERSMITH

Danny White performs on the Outdoor Stage for General Admission at Bankersmith, TX

2 PM - 5 PM

LIVE MUSIC at BANKERSMITH

Ransom Brothers perform in the VIP Dance Hall at Bankersmith, TX

3 PM - 6 PM

LIVE MUSIC at BANKERSMITH

The Frumkins perform on the Outdoor Stage for General Admission at Bankersmith, TX

2 PM - 9 PM

GATES TO POLO FIELD & HOT AIR BALLOON PARK OPENS

at BANKERSMITH, TOO

Gates open for the Balloon, Polo and VIP Areas at ‘Bankersmith, Too’ for all ticketed guests to take a stroll and enjoy the countryside. As the winds die down the balloons will attempt to activate safely. Winds typically become more favorable by late afternoon. Watch the Weather and check for wind gusts under 5 MPH for best balloon weather. Helicopter rides will be available 2PM Saturday until close.

 2 PM - 5 PM

LIVE MUSIC at POLO & BALLOON FIELD

Lauren Corzine performs in the Bankersmith Dance Hall

3 PM - 6 PM

LIVE MUSIC at BANKERSMITH

Danny White performs on the Outdoor Stage at Bankersmith, TX

4 PM - 5:30 PM

POLO MATCH at BANKERSMITH POLO FIELD

Cowboy Polo at ‘Bankersmith Too’ on The Field.  Get ready for a great Polo Match! National Anthem by local artist. Ceremonial ball is thrown out and Victory Cup Cowboy Polo Match begins. Polo Trophy presentation and Best Dressed Contest soon after!

6 PM - 9 PM

LIVE MUSIC at BANKERSMITH

Bonnie Lang performs inside the Saloon at Bankersmith, TX

6 PM - 8 PM

VIP CHEESE & WINE FESTIVAL

VIP LUNCH & LIVE MUSIC

VIP Cheese, Wine at Bankersmith TX Dance Hall, Saloon and Ghost Town! VIP guests will enjoy complimentary cheese, wine (with tickets), and non-alcoholic beverages from 6 PM until 8 PM. To our VIP’s, please do NOT arrive too late! All VIP’s should take full advantage of this activation until 8 PM Saturday (ONLY)! Live Music by Pete Tory on Outdoor Stage and by Bonnie Lang inside the Saloon.

 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

LIVE MUSIC at POLO & BALLOON FIELD

Rebel Roxie performs on the Outdoor Stage at ‘Bankersmith, Too’

6:00 PM

POLO TROPHY PRESENTATION

This is our first Victory Cup on this new field! We will be seeding the field for Spring events soon (mark your calendars)! Trophy presentation to the Winning Polo Team will happen Field Side! Guests will have an opportunity to take pictures with the winning polo team and The Victory Cup Trophy.

6 PM - 9 PM

LIVE MUSIC at BANKERSMITH

Peter Tory performs on the Outdoor Stage for General Admission at Bankersmith, TX

Until 9 PM

HOT AIR BALLOONS & HELICOPTERS

As the winds die down, the Balloons will begin to inflate. Gates open at ‘Bankersmith, Too’ at 2PM and Balloon Passholders can get their Helicopter or Hot Air Balloon Rides (weather contingent) Saturday afternoon. Weather permitting, Hot Air Balloon Glow & Tethered Rides available. Experience these magical giants up close. A Night Glow is a gathering of hot air balloons that inflate at night. Hot Air Balloons are EXTREMELY weather contingent and may be grounded for safety or weather, therefore come prepared. If balloons are unable to activate due to safety, you can automatically upgrade to a Helicopter Ride! Watch the Weather and check for wind gusts under 5 MPH for best balloon weather. 

6 PM - 9 PM

LIVE MUSIC at BANKERSMITH

Bonnie Lang performs inside the Saloon at Bankersmith, TX

8 PM until Sold Out

RAW & GRILLED OYSTER SERVICE FOR VIP’s

After the Hot Air Balloon activation at ‘Bankersmith Too’, drive over to Bankersmith, TX for the VIP Oyster Service (While supplies last!), raw and grilled, at Bankersmith TX Dance Hall, Saloon and Ghost Town!

Until 9 PM (Approx)

HOT AIR BALLOONS & HELICOPTERS

Balloon Passholders can get their Helicopter or Hot Air Balloon Rides (weather contingent) until nightfall. Weather permitting, Hot Air Balloon Glow & Tethered Rides available. Experience these magical giants up close. Watch the Weather and check for wind gusts under 5 MPH for best balloon weather. 

Bankersmith Open until 10PM

BANKERSMITH, TX

Open to all guests! Come party with the Hot Air Balloon Pilots and Polo Players! Enjoy live music and great food and drinks. Live music, drinks and food available at Bankersmith TX Dance Hall, Saloon and Ghost Town. Come enjoy the old post office and General Store while listening to some live music, local artists. All ticketed guests have full access to Bankersmith, TX both Friday and Saturday until 10PM. Get home safe and DO NOT drink and drive.

EVENT LOCATION & PARKING: The schedule for this event will be held at TWO LOCATIONS:

LOCATION ONE: 7905 Old San Antonio Road, Fredericksburg, Texas in a historic Texas Ghost Town called Bankersmith, Texas! Handicap parking is available onsite but limited. All Lobster, Oyster, Crab and Seafood service will be held HERE!

LOCATION TWO: 8142 Old San Antonio Road, Grapetown, Texas 78624 on a beautiful 85 acre equestrian property! Handicap parking, hay rides and limited shuttling will be available.