The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival will return April 30 – May 2, 2026 , and planning is already underway for another unforgettable weekend in Foley, Alabama! Each year, this beloved community event attracts tens of thousands of visitors who come to enjoy the sights of colorful hot air balloons, live music, delicious food, unique shopping, and family-friendly fun. We are excited to announce that vendor applications for 2026 are now officially open!  Whether you’re a retai

Call for Artists: Submit Your Design for the 2026 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival

The 2025 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival may have wrapped up a couple of weeks ago, but it’s not too late to grab a piece of the magic! If you didn’t get a chance to shop during the event—or just want to snag an extra tee or keepsake—you’re in luck.

"The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is not only our largest event of the year, it’s one that truly brings our community together."

2025 GCHABF Balloon Glow FOLEY, AL  — The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival continues its vibrant celebration tonight, Friday, May 2,...

One of the most breathtaking and crowd-favorite moments of the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is the Balloon Glow — an unforgettable experience that lights up the night sky with vibrant color, glowing flames, and community wonder.

At the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival , we strive to create a fun and safe experience for everyone—guests, volunteers, pilots, and...

As part of the Festival, guests are invited to explore the wonder of ballooning like never before with our Interactive Balloon Experience — a hands-on, family-friendly display designed to educate, inspire, and wow festivalgoers of all ages, and it's FREE!

We were thrilled to join WKRG News 5 this morning for a special Red Couch Interview to preview the highly anticipated 21st Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, happening this weekend in Foley!

With the festival’s continued growth, the new website was designed to make it easier than ever for attendees to access information, plan their visit, and stay up to date on the latest announcements.

On Friday and Saturday mornings of the festival (May 2 & 3, 2025), our participating balloon pilots may launch between 6 AM & 8 AM from various locations around the area.

Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival Unveils Daily Schedule of Events

VIP Experience tickets for the 2025 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival (May 1-3, 2025) are now on sale!

Congrats to Mallory Ingram, winner of the 21st Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival poster design contest.

In 2021, this vibrant festival received a prestigious honor from the Alabama Tourism Department, being named the Attraction of the Year.

The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival was named 2021 Event of the Year by the Alabama Tourism Department.