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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.