Balloons & Pilots
See Our Beautiful Balloons and the Pilots that Fly them!
Discover an incredible array of hot air balloons, from whimsical special shapes and classic leisure balloons to sleek racers and uniquely themed designs. Our talented pilots, including both festival newcomers and long-time favorites, will be onsite during the mesmerizing balloon glows, ready to meet and share their passion for ballooning with you!
🎈 Morning Balloon Flights – Where to Watch
During the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, our morning competition flights take place at sunrise when conditions are best for flying. While balloons launch from various locations based on wind direction, spectators can often catch a great view of the action over the soccer fields off Highway 98 between approximately 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM (weather permitting). Because balloon flight paths are determined by real-time weather and wind conditions, locations and timing may vary.
For the most up-to-date information each morning, we encourage you to tune in to WHEP Radio, where live updates will be shared as pilots prepare for flight.
It All Depends on the Weather!
Hot air balloon flights and displays are all about the right weather! Flights are scheduled at dawn and dusk when conditions are just right, and even our daytime balloon displays (where balloons stay on the ground) depend on Mother Nature’s cooperation. And yes—tethered rides? Same deal! If the weather says “no-go,” we listen. The safety of our pilots, crews, equipment, and most importantly, you—our amazing attendees—is always our top priority!
2026 LINEUP 🎈
Amaluna
PILOT:
Dave Sullivan
Location:
Fayetteville, GA
America
PILOT:
Frank Anger
Location:
Belden, MS
Bourbon Flight
PILOT:
Dan Gerbus
Location:
Lewisville, NC
Briar Rose
PILOT:
Ben Noyce
Location:
Bolivar, TN
Carolina Twist
PILOT:
Anthony Seeger
Location:
Travelers Rest, SC
Dolphin Legacy
PILOT:
Jason Myers
Location:
McKinney, TX
Dreams & Legacies
PILOT:
Matthew Hunter
Location:
Lake Wells FL
Flip Flop Fantasy
PILOT:
Roger Clark
Location:
Greer, SC
Foley
PILOT:
Ken Walter
Location:
Waukesha, WI
Freedom Flyer
PILOT:
Mark Fritze
Location:
Tallahassee, FL
Geaux Biggs
PILOT:
Colton Krause
Location:
Pride, LA
Georgie Girl
PILOT:
PaddyNilz
Location:
Tucson, AZ
Gravity's Rainbow
PILOT:
Geoffrey Jones
Location:
Meridian, MS
HiLeigh Kentagious
PILOT:
Ken Johnston
Location:
Canton, MS
Holocron
PILOT:
Luke Van Camp
Location:
Tallahassee, FL
Hosanna Pinwheel
PILOT:
David Koenig
Location:
Menasha, WI
Hot Ta Molly
PILOT:
Molly Richardson
Location:
Brandon, SD
Hyggelig
PILOT:
Dale Pattyn
Location:
Kennesaw, GA
IVO
Justin Cox
Carmel, IN
JOurneY
PILOT:
Fred Poole
Location:
Meridian, MS
Karen’s Dream
PILOT:
Karen Kent
Location:
Port Allen, LA
Knight Rider
PILOT:
Steven Stokoe
Location:
Lutz, FL
Kubi
PILOT:
Rob Nutting
Location:
Ackworth, GA
Koola Koala
PILOT:
Frank Anger
Location:
Belden, MS
Laska
PILOT:
Tom Warren
Location:
Land O Lakes, FL
Marilyn
PILOT:
Chad Hebert
Location:
Zachary, LA
Marvelous
PILOT:
Andrew Nels
Location:
Smyrna, GA
Miss Lou
PILOT:
Mike Hanson
Location:
Greenwood, MS
Night Fury
PILOT:
Erik Eaton
Location:
Lakeland, FL
OWA
PILOT:
Jason Gaines
Location:
Foley, MO
RE/MAX
PILOT:
Jason Jones
Location:
Overland Park, KS
Really!?!?
PILOT:
Shawn Krause
Location:
Zachary, LA
Screwed Up Gator II
PILOT:
Bud Person
Location:
Gainesville, FL
Seasons
PILOT:
Benjamin Drennan
Location:
Cordele, GA
Ski Lift
PILOT:
Bob Pulaski
Location:
Pineville, LA
Sky Walker
PILOT:
Carlton Sumner
Location:
Rincon, GA
Spirit of The Lord
PILOT:
Tom Tomasetti
Location:
Raleigh, NC
Stained Horizons
PILOT:
Marshall Gower
Location:
Town Creek, AL
Stairway To Heaven II
PILOT:
Rick Ferrall
Location:
Lawrenceville, GA
Stars and Stripes
PILOT:
Rusty Miller
Location:
Atmore, AL
SunCatcher
PILOT:
Joseph Hurdt
Location:
Shelby, NC
The Castaway
PILOT:
David Griffin
Location:
Frisco, TX
Tickled Pink
PILOT:
Kay Gaines
Location:
Foley, MO
Touchstone Energy Cooperatives
PILOT:
Cheri White
Location:
Lakeway, TX
Walter
PILOT:
Phillip MacNutt
Location:
Winston Salem, NC
Walter
PILOT:
Brian Critelli
Location:
Webster, TX
Wind Waker
PILOT:
Gary Jones
Location:
Diamondhead, MS
The Wisdom Racer
PILOT:
John Good
Location:
Praireville, LA
Yutta Hey
PILOT:
Todd Hastie
Location:
Fleming Island, FL
Hot Air Balloon Rides
We do not offer FULL hot air balloon rides to the public at our festival. Morning (dusk) flights are reserved exclusively for our generous sponsors. We encourage the public to tune in to WHEP Radio Baldwin for flight updates so you can find them in the skies over Baldwin County! Here's more info on our A.M. flights
If you're interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact
Director Rachel Spear
rachel@southbaldwinchamber.com.
Visitors can still experience the magic of ballooning with our TETHERED RIDES, where you can rise into the sky while remaining securely anchored to the ground. All flights are weather-dependent and subject to safety conditions.
Looking for a Full Hot Air Balloon Ride?
During the festival, full hot air balloon rides are exclusively available to sponsors. However, several of our experienced commercial pilots in the Southeast region offer private ballooning adventures for the public!
Check out the list to connect with a pilot and schedule your own unforgettable flight.