Step Inside the Magic: Explore Our Interactive Balloon Experience

Have you ever dreamed of standing inside a real hot air balloon? Now’s your chance!

As part of the 21st Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon 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.

This unique attraction features a cold-inflated hot air balloon laid safely on its side, allowing visitors to walk inside the colorful envelope and get an up-close look at just how massive these aircrafts really are. It’s a rare opportunity to learn more about how hot air balloons are made, how they operate, and what makes them soar — all while snapping unforgettable photos from inside the balloon itself!

Best of all? This experience is completely FREE and open to everyone attending the festival.

📍 Location: Tethered Ride Field (see the festival map)

🗓️ Dates & Times:

• Friday, May 2 | 4 PM – Until

• Saturday, May 3 | 1–4 PM

☁️ Please note: The experience is weather and wind permitting.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning fan of the festival, the Interactive Balloon Experience is an absolute must-see! It’s just one of many exciting features at this year’s event, which includes live music, artisan vendors, delicious food trucks, tethered balloon rides, a frisbee dog show, and more — all at OWA Parks & Resort in Foley, Alabama.

🎈 Join us May 1–3, 2025 for a weekend full of color, excitement, and community fun!

Check out the full festival schedule, vendor lineup, balloon team bios, maps, parking details, and more right here on our site.