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About Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival

In its 35th year, the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival is calendared for June 1, 2 and 3, 2018. It will again be held on the spacious grounds of Lake Skinner Regional Park. 
This fun-filled three day event offers early morning Hot Air Balloon Flights, an evening Balloon Glow, Wine Tastings, Craft Beer Tastings, a Kids Faire as well as a Commercial Court with over 150 vendors - and a Food Court filled with your favorite Festival foods! 
Come experience the wonder of hot air balloons at the 35th annual Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival! 
Included in your Festival Admission are three ways to get up close and personal with a hot air balloon. Come early to observe a sunrise lift-off, mid-mornings to participate in a complimentary tethered balloon ride - or stay until dusk to experience the amazing evening hot air balloon glow.
 
SUNRISE MORNING BALLOON LAUNCHES 
*Weather permitting
FESTIVAL BALLOON FLIGHTS $225.00 per person – BOOK NOW!
Check in at 5:30 AM sharp, Wine Stage
Experience, for an additional fee, a once in a lifetime adventure by taking a sunrise hot air balloon flight from the Festival!  This is a unique opportunity to not only see the mass ascension of 40-50 hot air balloons, but to actually be a part of this spectacular event! 
The Festival balloon flight package includes:
  SAME DAY Festival Admission
  3 hour adventure (approximate)
  45-60 minute Hot Air Balloon flight
  Chilled champagne, orange juice, mimosas & water
 Souvenir Flight Certificate
MORNING BALLOON TETHERS
*weather permitting
TETHERED RIDES: INCLUDED WITH FESTIVAL ADMISSION (first come, first served)
Check-in at 7:30 AM, Wine Stage
A BALLOON TETHER is a hot air balloon that is anchored to the ground with special ropes that only allow it to rise to a low altitude of 50 – 75 ft, where it hovers briefly with its passengers and then slowly descends.  Because the balloon is secured to the ground, it does not float away with the wind, as it does in normal flight.  A balloon tether ride is a great way to introduce the hot air balloon flight experience.
Complimentary hot air balloon tether rides sponsored by the Toyota Dealers of Southern California will start at 7:30 am, and will operate for approximately 2 hours, weather permitting.  For insurance purposes, each passenger will be required to sign a Release of Liability Waiver when they check in for the balloon tether ride.  Arriving early is recommended, as the hot air balloon tether rides are very popular!
*All balloon tethers are weather permitting.
EVENING BALLOON GLOW
*weather permitting
BALLOON GLOW: INCLUDED WITH FESTIVAL ADMISSION
Approximately 8PM, Wine Stage
The BALLOON GLOW displays a gathering of hot air balloons at night, just after sunset when the winds are calm.  When inflated by propane burners, the illuminated balloons come to life with brightly glowing colors and the roar of the burners.  The spectacular effects of hot air balloons lit from within with bright, warm light against the night sky is indeed breathtaking!  The Balloon Glow is a must-see Festival favorite!
The balloons do not lift off, they stay on the ground offering a spectacular sight!  Plan to arrive early to get a great viewing spot and set up behind the marked line on the field, this is the area the balloons need to set up and inflate for the show!
All balloon glows are weather permitting.

FAQs
Why do balloons fly in the early morning?
Winds are generally calm and stable the first hours after sunrise.  Ideal winds for hot air ballooning are three to six miles per hour.  Wind conditions in the Temecula Valley allow for balloons to fly only at sunrise.
How high does a balloon fly?
Average flight altitude is from tree top level to 3,000 feet.  The flight plan depends upon wind velocity and direction.
What fuel does the balloon use?
The balloon is fueled by propane, which burns clean and is easy to obtain.
How does a hot air balloon fly?
Balloons operate through the basic principles of gravity and heat transfer.  As air inside the balloon is heated, it rises.  As the air inside the balloon cools, it descends.  To make the balloon fly, an inflator fan fills it with air, which is then heated.
How fast do balloons fly?
A balloon is carried by the wind, and thus moves at the speed of the winds.
Can you steer a balloon?
Winds determine a balloon’s direction.  Balloonists can steer a balloon to a limited extent, by adjusting the balloon’s altitude to make use of different wind speeds and directions.
What should I wear for a balloon flight?
The attire for ballooning is casual. We take off and land in open fields. To maximize your enjoyment, dress appropriately for the season, using casual active wear and closed sport shoes. Bring a sweater, sweatshirt or jacket. Shorts, open toed and high heeled shoes are not allowed. Due to heat generated by the balloon, a hat is preferable for tall passengers.
When should I arrive at the festival if I want to see the balloons?
The morning balloon launch will begin (weather permitting) at 6:30 am.  Gates open at 6:00 am for the general public.  After the first balloons take off, they will then set up for free Tethered Balloon rides that will operate from approximately 7:30 – 9:30 am weather permitting.  If you would like to see the balloon glow, plan on arriving earlier in the day to enjoy the festival and then make your way to the wine stage area to enjoy the show at dusk.  There are no balloon activities during the middle of the day due to weather conditions.
What does “weather permitting” mean?
Unfortunately, Mother Nature does not always provide safe weather conditions for hot air balloon operations. Our balloon meister in conjunction with the local fire department are trained and qualified to evaluate the weather forecast and current conditions and decide if it is safe to operate the balloons.  As much as we hate to disappoint the public, our first priority is the safety of our guests and pilots and crew.  We will notify you via public announcement if we need to cancel the balloon portion of the event.  NO REFUNDS, NO EXCHANGES
What do “Chase Crews” do?
Chase crews help the pilot inflate and deflate his/her balloon for each flight. If you are interested in being on a chase crew, you can register here .
GENERAL ADMISSION
Online Ticket sales are now available! Purchase tickets
Presale January 8, 2018 - May 30, 2018: 
General admission tickets include festival admittance and general admission seating to all concerts. Children 5 and under are free.
Friday: $25
Saturday: $35
Sunday: $25
Weekend Combo: $60
Youth, 6-12: $5
AT THE GATE
Friday: $30
Saturday: $45
Sunday: $30
Weekend Combo: $60
Youth, 6-12: $5
SILVER SEATING
$100 - Purchase tickets
Silver Seating tickets include daily General Admission to the Festival and your unassigned seat in the Silver Seating area in front of the Main Stage! 
Silver Seating opens at 3pm both Friday and Saturday and at 11am on Sunday.
CABANA CLUB
$200 - Purchase tickets
Cabana Club tickets include daily General Admission to the Festival and admittance to the Cabana lounge and dining area.  Ticketholders can relax between concerts in shady comfort - and come concert time, make your way FRONT and CENTER to the Gold Seating area and your (unassigned) seat at Main Stage.  Guests will be treated to a catered dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings (from 6-8p) or lunch on Sunday (from 1-3p) and four complimentary beverages. Special entrance/exit access and private restroom facilities are provided.
Cabana Club opens at 3pm Friday and Saturday; 11am on Sunday
Adults only, please. ID's are required from anyone wishing to consume alcoholic beverages, regardless of age. Menu and serving times are subject to change without notice. No special menu requests accepted.
EXCLUSIVE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
$1500 or 3x $500 payments + processing fees