Foley is the spot for high-flying adventure and family fun at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival! EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC SOAR INTO FUN AT THE GULF COAST HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL! Foley is your destination for high-flying adventure and unforgettable family fun at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival! Explore daily entertainment, vibrant arts and crafts displays, and much more at the festival site. Admission is FREE—don’t miss this one-of-a-kind experience! Balloon flights and glows are weather-dependent, occurring only at dawn and dusk when conditions allow. 2026 PRESENTING SPONSOR As an innovator in online education for 30 years, CSU was established to provide an alternative to the traditional university experience. CSU offers online associate, bachelor’s, master’s & doctoral degrees. THANK YOU! The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival wouldn’t be possible without the support of our incredible sponsors. Their generosity helps bring the magic of hot air balloons, live entertainment, and family fun to life for everyone to enjoy. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to making this festival a memorable experience for our community and beyond! Read More MEET OUR PILOTS & SEE THE BALLOONS Balloon pilots are the heart of the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, bringing skill, passion, and a love for flight to the event. These talented individuals operate a diverse range of balloons, from classic shapes to creative designs, and share their expertise with guests during exciting flights, glows, and tethered rides. Whether they’re seasoned veterans or first-time participants, our pilots are eager to meet festival-goers and share the wonder of hot air ballooning! Read More OUR LOCATION In its early years, the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival was held at the Foley Soccer Complex, quickly becoming a beloved local tradition for families and ballooning enthusiasts alike. In 2021, the festival moved to OWA Parks & Resort, elevating the experience with OWA's diverse entertainment options, restaurants, and attractions. This exciting partnership and new location created a more accessible, vibrant setting, allowing the festival to grow, offer even more activities, and welcome a larger audience. Read More UPCOMING FESTIVAL DATES MAY 6-8, 2027 Balloon flights and glows are weather-dependent, occurring only at dawn and dusk when conditions allow. Catch the Action in the Skies! Stay updated on early morning and evening balloon flights by tuning in to WHEP Radio Baldwin 92.5 FM or the WHEP app . Get live updates on planned launch sites and flight paths, announced each morning and evening, so you never miss a moment of the magic! KNOW BEFORE YOU GO PLAN YOUR VISIT Planning your visit to the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival? Check out our FAQ section for any questions you might have! From event schedules and parking to balloon displays and safety guidelines, we’ve got answers to the most common questions to help make your experience smooth and enjoyable. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help! Read More OUR VENDORS: Crafts, Creativity, and Cuisine 7 FOOD VENDORS 39 ARTS & CRAFTS 7 SPECIALTY TREATS 29 RETAIL, PROMOS

Festival Vendors Shop, Eat & Explore! Discover a vibrant marketplace filled with arts & crafts, delicious food, retail finds, and specialty treats! From handcrafted goods to festival favorites, our vendors offer something for everyone. Come shop, snack, and soak in the fun! Vendors listed below will be located on the festival grounds, see festival map . Want to Be a Vendor at the Festival? Complete the online application linked below, and our team will carefully review your submission. While booth locations aren’t guaranteed and past participation doesn’t ensure approval, you’ll only be charged once your application is accepted. Food Vendor Applications Arts & Retail Vendor Applications ALL VENDOR SPACES ARE FULL FOR 2026 If you would like to be added to the vendor WAITLIST, please reach out to Reagan at reagan@southbaldwinchamber.com NOTE: VENDOR APPLICATIONS FOR EACH YEAR WILL BE OPEN MID-NOVEMBER. 2026 VENDOR LIST Retail A&O Boutique Link Boutique Women's Clothing Snack Allergy Friendly Treats Link Sweet Treats Retail Back Road Boutiques Link Boutique Women's Clothing Arts Barb's Bakery Link Snacks - Butters, Jam, Jellies Retail Bella Mila Link Anti-Aging Products Arts Bethlehem Shop Link Wooden Figurines Food Burger Box Link Burgers & Sandwiches Promotional Columbia Southern University Link Education Arts Custom Face Painting Link Premium Face Painting Arts Done with Diamonds Link Decor, Balloon Decor, Wall Hangings Snack Grandma's Shaved Ice Link Shaved Ice Arts Henna by Sabah Link Henna Tattoos Arts Joe Diaco Art Link Glass Art (Out of Liquor Bottles) Arts KARI KARI Otaku Boutique Link Japanese Anime Clothing & Collectibles Arts Kimberly Madison Designs Link Jewelry Promotional LeafFilter Gutter Protection Link Promotional Arts One-Offs Creations Link Tie-Dye Clothing Retail Rebex Cutlery Link Cutlery Snack Rocket City Popperz Link Gourmet Popcorn Arts Sassy Dip Sisters Link Packaged Dips Arts Southern Pearl Boutique Link Pearl Jewelry & Accessories Snack Summertime Snow (Funnel Cakes ONLY) Link Funnel Cakes Promotional T-Mobile Link Cellular Service Promotional TidalWave Auto Spa Link Auto Spa, Giveaways & Coupons Arts Wildcat Soaps & Candles Link Soaps & Candles Promotional A&R Group Link Accommodations Arts Arts by Donna Link Knitted Plushies Arts Bailey & Co Link Children's Clothing; Embroidered Decor & Clothing Arts Barry's Bees Link Honey Arts Below Zero Treats Link Freeze Dried Candy Arts Biblical Art Link Biblical Art Arts Cat's Crafts Link Glass Flowers & Art Snack Copeland's Ice Cream Link Ice Cream Food Da Shrimp Pimp Link Shrimp & Seafood Arts Exotic Woodcrafts by John G Link Woodworking Arts Guy's Gourmet Twists Link Licorice Arts His & Hers Custom Trucker Hat Bar Link Custom Trucker Hat Bar Arts Joyfull's Bakery Link Snacks - Cookies, Cupcakes, Etc. Arts Karen's Custom Creations Link Wooden Door Signs Snack Kona Ice Link Shaved Ice Arts Mae Grace & Company Link Children's Clothing Arts Palmer Williams Group Link Former NFL Player Food Rice Rice Baby Link Asian Flare Retail Ryp Tyd Outfitters Link Clothing - Men's, Fishing, Hats Arts Sea Salt & Lavender Link Poster Design Winner / Hand Painting Artwork Arts Space Air Airbrushing Link Airbrushed Tattoos Snack Suzie Q's Lemonade Link Lemonade Truck Arts The Glue & Glitter Gang Link Handmade paint kits for kids & adults Snack Travelin' Toms Coffee Link Coffee Truck Arts Willow Farms / Dip'N Good Dips Link Honey, Dips Retail Alabama Adult & Teen Challenge Link Hats & Accessories Arts BFF Designs Link Sea Glass Decor Arts Bamagrl & Co Link Boutique Women's Clothing Arts Beachin' Vibes Jewelry Link Handcrafted Jewelry Arts Bethany's Best Link Jams, Jellies, Pickles Arts Blade and Grain Wood Works Link Premium Woodworking Arts Charmed & Linked by Hannah Link Permanent Jewelry Snack Cups For a Cure Link Lemonade Truck Arts Do It All Designs Link Clothing - T-shirts & Leisure wear Arts Fiery Fables Booktique Link Book Related Merchandise Arts Harvest Gourmet Foods Link Sauces & Dips Arts JOz Designs Co Link Hats, Dog Collars, Accessories Snack Juicy Lemons (Waffle Desserts) Link Waffle Desserts Retail Kat & Eddie's Balloon-tique Link Balloon-Themed Decor Arts Lana Rae Permanent Jewelry Link Permanent Jewelry Arts Milton Cross Woodworking Link Custom Woodworking (Birdhouses, License Plates) Arts Pond of Pearls Link Jewelry, Fishing Game Retail River and Ray Link Athletic T-Shirts & Hats Arts Sandy Beach Inspirations Link Glass Sea Art Arts Sharon Seawright Home Decor Link Sealife Home Decor Food SugarLove Link All of the Above Arts Sweet Peony Prints Link Toys Arts The Velveteen Moose Pawty Animals Link Build-A-Bear type stuffed animals Food Vagabond Food Truck Link Award-Winning Handhelds Promotional Young's Suncoast Link Accommodations

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! 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! Tethered Rides Sponsor Flights 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. Commercial Plots Frank Anger fjanger@yahoo.com 662-321-1669 Tupelo, MS Facebook Chad Hebert & Shawn Krause Really Hot Air Balloon Team reallyhotairballoon6769@gmail.com 225-772-9575 Zachary, LA Website Fred Poole fly@champagnesunrise.net 601-685-0205 Meridian, MS Website Karen Kent dkballooning@aol.com 225-202-0352 Port Allen, LA

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 .

The countdown is officially on! The 2026 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival returns to OWA Parks & Resort in Foley, Alabama, April 30 – May 2, 2026 — and VIP Experience tickets are now on sale. While general admission to this three-day celebration remains completely FREE, our VIP Experience offers an elevated way to enjoy one of the Gulf Coast’s most anticipated events of the year. Upgrade Your Festival Weekend VIP Pass – $150 per person The VIP Experience is designed for guests who want comfort, convenience, and exclusive perks while enjoying the magic of hot air balloons lighting up the sky. Each VIP Experience pass includes: • Dinner each evening of the festival (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) • VIP-designated parking closest to the festival grounds • Unlimited Coca-Cola products • Four complimentary adult beverages • Access to a private VIP bar • Air-conditioned restroom trailers Whether you're entertaining clients, gathering with friends, or simply treating yourself to a premium festival experience, VIP offers the perfect setting to relax and take in the views. VIP Parking Also Available VIP Parking – $30 Looking for premium parking without the full VIP package? A standalone VIP Parking Pass is available for those who want the convenience of the closest parking lot to the festival field . A Weekend You Won’t Want to Miss The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival features colorful balloon glows and flights (weather permitting), live music, arts and crafts vendors, delicious food, family-friendly activities, and more — all set against the beautiful backdrop of Foley’s OWA Parks & Resort. VIP tickets are limited and historically sell out. If you’re planning to attend, we encourage you to CLICK HERE to secure your passes early. We’ll see you at the festival in 2026! 🎈 To enhance your arrival experience and minimize wait times, VIP parking is conveniently located in a dedicated grassy lot positioned as close as possible to the VIP Tent and Balloon Glow field. ( see festival map )This exclusive parking area keeps VIP guests separate from general event traffic and allows for a dedicated shuttle service with direct drop-off at the VIP entrance—ensuring a seamless, stress-free start to your festival evening. Please note: VIP tickets are non-transferable , and no refunds will be given within seven days prior to the event's first day. BE AWARE OF SCAMS ONLINE. ONLY TICKETS PURCHASED DIRECTLY THROUGH OUR SITE WILL BE HONORED . Certain festival areas, like the Junior Pilots Kid’s Zone , are pay-to-play , so plan accordingly.

Foley, AL – The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is excited to announce Nicole Goodbar of Gulf Shores as the winner of the Annual Festival Poster Contest. Her original design will serve as the official artwork for the 22nd Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival , which returns to Foley April 30 – May 2, 2026 , at OWA Parks & Resort . Nicole’s artwork will be featured on all official festival posters and t-shirts, along with select merchandise. Nicole Goodbar is an accomplished acrylic painter with a passion for coastal themes and more than 25 years of experience as a mural artist, land and seascape painter, and custom furniture maker. Her work blends skilled craftsmanship with vibrant artistry, resulting in pieces that feel both expressive and deeply rooted in place. Inspired by her close-knit family and strong ties to the Gulf Coast, Nicole draws creative influence from her husband Eric, daughter Kyleah, son Kole, and extended family. She credits her artistic journey to a mother who always believed in her talent and a faith that continues to guide her creative purpose. The winning poster design reflects Nicole’s love for landscape painting while capturing the quaint yet lively essence of Foley. Infused with whimsy and a sense of patriotism, the piece celebrates America’s 250th anniversary and honors the beauty, community, and character of this special part of the country. Through her artwork, Nicole aims to capture the heart and soul of Foley and inspire others to appreciate and embrace the place they call home. Official festival posters and t-shirts featuring Nicole’s design will be available for purchase at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival and online at gulfcoastballoonfestival.com after the event. The 22nd Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival will feature a wide range of family-friendly experiences, including the Disc-Connected K9 Dog Show, kids zone, local vendors, live entertainment, food and drink options, tethered hot air balloon rides, and an all-new drone show! Festival hours are Thursday and Friday, 4 to 9 PM, and Saturday, 10 AM to 9 PM. This three-day event continues to be a signature celebration for the region, bringing together arts & crafts, entertainment, and community spirit.