Schedule

All Balloon activities are weather dependent. Flights/glows take place only at dusk and dawn when conditions permit.

As the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival approaches its 20th year of soaring high, we’re thrilled to have you join us for this year’s festivities, showcasing over 50+ balloons from across the nation! Come and be part of the excitement at OWA for a weekend packed with fun!

Interested in seeing the hot air balloons fly? Morning flights are scheduled for Friday and Saturday (weather/wind permitting) approximately between 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM, before the festival opens. Tune into WHEP Radio Baldwin 92.5 FM and the WHEP App for live updates regarding morning (and possibly evening) flight information, and follow our Facebook Event and Page! Find out details on planned launch sites and flight paths so you can catch them in the skies!

2024 Schedule of Events

Thursday, May 2, 2024

 

Balloon Glow Kick Off Event
4 pm – 9 pm

 

* Amphitheater on the Island

4:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Festival Open with food & retail vendors, and arts & craft vendors

4:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Kids Activities and Caricature Artist in Downtown OWA

4:30 – 6:00 pm: 🎶 This Side of 49*

4:30 pm – 8:00 pm: Free Lawn Games on OWA Island

5:00 pm: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 🐾

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: 🎶 Tri-City Saviors *

7:00 pm: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 🐾

7:30 pm: Balloon Glow (weather & wind permitting)

Friday, May 3, 2024

 

Festival opens to public
11:00 am – 10:00 pm

 

* Amphitheater on the Island

** Meet & Greet Tent in Festival Field 

11:00 am – 10:00 pm: Festival Open with food & retail vendors, and arts & craft vendors

11:00 am – 2:00 pm: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Meet & Greet **

11:30 am: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 🐾

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Interactive Hot Air Balloon Display (weather & wind permitting) 

2:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Balloon Artist in Downtown OWA

2:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Free Lawn Games on OWA Island

2:30 pm – 4:30 pm: Hot Air Balloon Pilots Meet & Greet **

3:00 pm: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 🐾

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm: 🎶 Funky Lampshades *

6:30 pm: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 🐾

4:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Kids Activities in Downtown OWA

4:00 pm – 8:00 pm – VIP Tent Only: Dinner is available to VIP ticket holders

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: 🎶 Eric Michael Taylor *

7:30 pm – 9:00 pm: Tethered Rides & Balloon Glow (weather & wind permitting)

7:00 pm – 9:30 pm: 🎶 Southbound 75 *

Saturday, May 4, 2024


Festival open to public
11:00 am – 10:00 pm

 

* Amphitheater on the Island

** Meet & Greet Tent in Festival Field

11:00 am – 10:00 pm: Festival Open with food & retail vendors, and arts & craft vendors

11:00 am – 2:00 pm: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Meet & Greet **

11:30 am: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 🐾

1:00 pm: OWA Theater Showcase in OWA Theater (Free)

1:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Free Lawn Games on OWA Island

2:00 pm: OWA Theater Showcase in OWA Theater (Free)

2:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Pow Wow Club Performance *

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm: 🎶 Ryan Dyer *

3:00 pm: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 🐾

3:00 pm: OWA Theater Showcase in OWA Theater (Free)

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Interactive Hot Air Balloon Display (wind & weather permitting)

2:30 pm – 4:30 pm: Hot Air Balloon Pilots Meet & Greet**

4:00 pm: OWA Theater Showcase in OWA Theater (Free)

4:00 pm – 8:00 pm – VIP Tent Only: dinner is available to VIP ticket holders

4:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Kids Activities in Downtown OWA

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: 🎶 Hannah Anders *

6:30 pm: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 🐾

7:30 pm – 9:00 pm: Tethered Rides & Balloon Glow (weather & wind permitting)

7:00 pm – 9:30 pm: 🎶 Drive!Drive! *