Affordable Family Fun Launching At Mesquite Balloon Festival

As the song goes: “Up, up and away in my beautiful balloon!” You’ll see dozens of beautiful, brightly colored, hot air balloons at the Mesquite Balloon Festival. It’s happening this weekend, Friday January 26^th through Sunday morning, January 28^th.

Without a doubt, this is some affordable fun for you and your family. And, with the way Las Vegas now caters to high rollers and tourists, we could all use some affordable family fun. So, pile everyone in the family roadster and take the drive up the I-15 to Mesquite, Nevada this weekend for the Mesquite Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Each morning, over 30 brightly colored hot air balloons will rise into the desert sky. According to MesquiteNV.gov, the morning launches will take place beginning at 7:30 a.m. Of course, they correctly advise that all launch times are “approximate and dependent on weather conditions.” In fact, they’ll inflate and launch these eye-catching hot air balloons from the Oasis parking lot. It’s located across the street from the CasaBlanca Resort and Casino.

Here’s the best part. Free admission for all morning balloon launches! You can’t beat that for affordable family fun. All ages are welcome at the Mesquite Hot Air Balloon Festival too.

Besides the three morning launches, you and the kids can enjoy a spectacular evening event as well. Per the event website, from the 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday the “Night Glow – Candlestick Show” will light up the night sky. The evening event takes place under the CasaBlanca Resort and Casino video marquee sign in the southwest parking lot. Once again, it’s free admission for all ages.

Furthermore, you should check out the CasaBlanca Resort and Casino website for some awesome photos of past hot air balloon festivals. On their “Pilots” website page I count 36 hot air balloons expected at this year’s festival. Pilots come from all over North America from as far away as North Carolina and Canada. Plus, plenty come from the southwest states, including Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, and New Mexico.

It should be a lot of fun for you and the family this weekend, just 75 to 90 minutes away from the Las Vegas valley. Now, feel free to scroll down for more content which you may enjoy.

The one thing we can all agree on is that we have a very unique skyline. But where are those places to take in the best views of Las Vegas? Depending on what you're looking for, whether it be the strip, the overall view or with the mountains as the backdrop...you have quite the choice.

With The Mike & Carla Morning Show being apart of Las Vegas for decades, we think we are well versed when it comes to the best views of our city. And if you've lived here as well for as many years, you have a pretty good idea of where to direct people too. And then again, if you're coming in for the "Big Game", take notes and it's your first time, take notes!

For me, one of my favorites is just outside Boulder City driving north. Coming down 95, specially as the sun is setting, to see the entire city with the lights is amazing! Same could be said as you comeback from Southern California on the 15. About the same time, as you hit that curve, between the two mountains. It's just like in the movies...beautiful!

Closer to the city, you have a few choices as well. Depending on what you're looking for...especially for that perfect picture. And the time of day or night is a little more important. Me personally, I like the night time view of our Strip as a backdrop for a picture or just hanging out to take it all in!

If you're looking for a nice panoramic view, The Ghost Bar at The Palms or the Top of the Rio. Facing the Las Vegas Strip on the 51st and 52nd floors, it still offers one of the better views of the strip, down town and all around.

For the other favorites, scroll down and enjoy!

Has to be one of the best views day or night! 550 feet high and in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip next to the Linq. But you have to take it all in quick! Constantly going around, have your phone camera ready to get the pics!

This has to be the best vantage point of Las Vegas from the north. A full panoramic view of the entire city at night. 60 floors above Downtown Las Vegas that features a very cool patio, fire pits and more!

First time in Las Vegas or a regular, this view never gets old! A top Mandalay Bay from the balcony at The Foundation Room. You are looking north down the strip for one of the best backdrops for any pic!

Still one of the best views of Las Vegas overall. Day or night, The Top of the World Restaurant at the Strat is 800 feet above the north end of the Strip. The cool thing about this view, it rotates 360 degrees while you take in the view. You get the full Monty of the entire valley! A must if you're coming to Las Vegas!

This view ranks up there as well. 46 stories above the strip, there is no way you don't get a great view of the Las Vegas Strip. With a great restaurant to enjoy along with the sites. Another great view of our incredible city! Just enjoy and take it all in!

Larry Martino is the long-time afternoon drive personality on 96.3 KKLZ. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of Larry Martino and not necessarily those of Beasley Media Group, LLC.

Follow us: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram