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

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 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

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. 2025 VENDOR LIST Arts Evermore Permanent Jewelry Link Permanent Jewelry Arts Arts by Donna Link Knitted Plushies Arts BK Southern Creations Link Car Fresheners & Coasters Arts Nik's Creations Link Candles Arts Wildcat Soaps & Candles Link Candles & Soaps Arts Cat's Crafts Link Glass Flowers & Art Arts Cute Little Shop Link Handmade Jewelry, Keychains, Charms Arts Bethany's Best Link Homemade Jams, Jellies, Pickles, Breads Arts Lolo & Co Creations Link Handmade Earrings Arts Sassy Dip Sisters Link Packaged Dips Arts Space Air Airbrushing Link Airbrushed Tattoos Arts Giddie Grannies Link Candles, Soaps, & Crafts Arts Blade and Grain Wood Works Link Premium Woodworking Food Tin Tin's Rock & Roll Foodtruck Link Asian Flare Food Copeland's Ice Cream Link Ice Cream Food Burger Box Link Burgers & Sandwiches Promotional Sunny 105.7 Link Sponsor Promotional Young's Suncoast Link Sponsor Promotional NASA Stennis Space Center Link Promotional Promotional Columbia Southern University Link Sponsor Promotional Travel + Leisure Resort Development, Inc. Link Travel & Leisure Promotional Outpost Orchard Link Sponsor Retail Kat & Eddie's Balloon-tique Link Balloon-Themed Decor Retail A&O Boutique Link Boutique Women's Clothing Retail Bamagrl & Co Link Women's Clothing & Accessories Retail Back Road Boutiques Link Boutique Women's Clothing Snack Travelin' Toms Coffee Link Coffee Truck Snack Cups For a Cure Link Customized Lemonade Truck Snack Kona Ice Link Shaved Ice Arts Charmed & Linked by Hannah Link Permanent Jewelry Arts Palmer Williams Group Link Former NFL Player Arts Handmade Junction Link Specialty Hats, Purses, Signs, & More Arts The Twisted Mare Link Homemade Jams & Jellies Arts Bamabots Link Laser-Engraved Woodworking Arts West Coast Body Co Link Rings & Body Products Arts Below Zero Treats Link Freeze Dried Candy Arts Karen's Custom Creations Link Wooden Door Signs Arts Pond of Pearls Link Jewelry Arts Mallory Ingram Link Poster Contest Winner Arts Henna by Sabah Link Henna Tattoos Arts The Italian Cookie Company Link Gourmet Cookies & Desserts Arts Sharon Seawright Home Decor Link Sealife Home Decor Food Just Roll With It Link Sushi Food Rice Rice Baby Link Asian Flare Promotional LMS Investment Management/Allier Foley Link Promotional Promotional LeafFilter Gutter Protection Link Promotional Promotional Bass Pro Shops Link Promotional Promotional Jim 'N Nicks Link Sponsor Promotional Vacasa Link Sponsor Promotional Air Commando Outreach Squadron Link Air Force Squadron Retail CustomFit Baths Link Promotional Retail Alabama Adult & Teen Challenge Link Men's Hats & Apparel Retail Crumbl Cookies Link Cookies Retail Jeanne Storeim Link Bohemian Women's Clothing Retail McCollough Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa Link Promotional Snack Grandma's Shaved Ice Link Shaved Ice Snack Sweet Love Link Ice Cream & Milkshakes Arts Mojana Link Novelty-Shaped Soaps Arts Deco Design Custom Link Large Wooden Decor Arts Custom Face Painting Link Premium Face Painting Arts Mike's Macrame Link Art, Home Decor, Macrame Arts Beachin' Vibes Jewelry Link Handcrafted Jewelry Arts JOz Designs Link Dog Collars, Miscellaneous Clothing & Hats Arts Chaotic Raccoon Art Link Knitted Plushies Arts Sandy Beach Inspirations Link Glass Sea Art Arts Kimber's Kreations Link Handcrafted Jewelry Arts Salty Sailor Link Sea Paintings Art Arts Grace's Place Freeze Dried Candy Link Freeze Dried Candy Arts Milton Cross Woodworking Link Custom Woodworking Corporate T-Mobile Link T-Mobile Truck Food Vagabond Food Truck Link Award-Winning Handhelds Food 91YUM Link BBQ, Burgers, & Fries Promotional A&R Group Link Sponsor Promotional Crye*Leike Gulf Coast Real Estate Link Sponsor Promotional Encompass Health Link Sponsor Promotional Point Broadband Link Sponsor Promotional The Factory Link Sponsor Promotional Eco Clean Marine Link Sponsor Retail Little Rainbow Boutique Link Children's Clothing Retail Magnolia Boutique & Gifts Link Boutique Women's Clothing Retail Vintage Eyewear Link Luxury Sunglasses Retail Colorful Minds Link Children's Learning Toys Retail Rebex Cutlery Link Cutlery Snack Suzie Q's Lemonade Link Lemonade Truck Snack Summertime Snow Link Funnel Cakes

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.

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 retail business, artisan, commercial vendor, or food vendor , we invite you to apply to be part of the festival experience. 🛍 Retail, Arts, & Commercial Vendors If you offer handmade goods, boutique items, specialty products, or business services, our vendor marketplace is a wonderful opportunity to share what you do with a large and enthusiastic audience. 🍴 Food Vendors We welcome food trucks, trailers, and tent vendors offering a variety of cuisines. With high foot traffic and weekend-long programming, the festival provides strong exposure and sales potential. How to Apply To view vendor details and submit your application, please visit our Vendors page on this website . From there, you’ll find separate application links for both Retail + Arts + Commercial Vendors  and Food Vendors . A Few Helpful Notes Vendor spaces are limited  and are reviewed on a first-come, best-fit basis. Past participation does not guarantee acceptance. You will not be charged  unless your application is approved. Full details—including fees, setup, schedules, and requirements—are listed on the Vendors page. We look forward to welcoming new and returning vendors as we gear up for another year of soaring sights and unforgettable moments. Mark your calendars and apply early! See you at the 2026 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival , April 30 – May 2, 2026! 🎈