Up, Up, and Away: The 22nd Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival Returns to Foley

The skyline over Foley, Alabama, is about to get a lot more colorful. The official schedule for the 22nd Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival has been released, marking the return of this beloved tradition to OWA Parks & Resort from April 30 through May 2, 2026.

Presented by Columbia Southern University—with support from the City of Foley, OWA, Coca-Cola, and Riviera Utilities—this year’s festival combines classic balloon magic with high-tech new spectacles.

New Heights and High-Tech Lights

While the heart of the festival remains the majestic hot air balloons, 2026 introduces a brand-new nighttime highlight: The Drone Show. This synchronized aerial display will feature hundreds of drones creating choreographed light formations in the night sky on Friday and Saturday.

Returning favorites include the Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Shows, featuring gravity-defying canine athletes, and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, which will host meet-and-greet sessions for families.

The Official 2026 Schedule

Thursday, April 30: The Kickoff

• 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Festival Grounds Open

• Live Music: Yeah Probably (4:30 PM) and Justin Jeansonne (7:00 PM) at the OWA Amphitheater.

• The Main Event: The first Balloon Glow of the weekend begins at 7:30 PM (weather permitting).

Friday, May 1: Glow & Show

• 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Festival Grounds Open

• Interactive Fun: Meet the animals from the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo or get up close with balloons at the Interactive Display (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM).

• Live Music: Performances by Shrimp Shack Shooters, Renee Amelia, and 80s favorites The M-80’s.

• Nightlife: Tethered rides and the Balloon Glow start at 7:30 PM, followed by the debut of the Drone Show at 9:15 PM.

Saturday, May 2: The Grand Finale

• 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM: Festival Grounds Open (All Day!)

• Family Afternoon: Catch three different K9 Frisbee shows and meet the Hot Air Balloon Pilots at the Meet & Greet tent from 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM.

• Live Music: A full lineup featuring Symone French, JB Dyess Trio, and headliners The Molly Ringwalds.

• Closing Spectacle: The final Balloon Glow (7:30 PM) leads into the festival’s ultimate Drone Show finale at 9:15 PM.

  
  

  

Plan Your Visit

Whether you are looking for the thrill of a tethered balloon ride, the nostalgia of live regional music, or the wonder of the new drone technology, the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival remains the premier family event of the spring.

Important Note: All balloon activities, including glows and tethered rides, are strictly weather permitting for the safety of the pilots and guests.

For more details and to plan your weekend, head over to gulfcoastballoonfestival.com.