We were thrilled to join WKRG News 5  this morning for a special Red Couch Interview  to preview the highly anticipated 21st Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival , happening this weekend in Foley! Reagan  sat down live with anchors Shamonee Baker and Bill Riales  to share all the exciting details about the 3-day celebration. From hot air balloon launches and glows to arts & crafts vendors and live entertainment, Reagan gave viewers a sneak peek of what to expect when the skies over Baldwin County fill with colorful balloons once again. 🎥 If you missed the live segment, check out the full interview below! 🌤️ Festival Highlights Hot Air Balloon Glows  each evening at dusk—watch balloons light up the night sky in a spectacular display! Tethered Balloon Rides  for a taste of flight without leaving the grounds. Live Music  from talented local and regional performers. Artisan Vendors , kids' activities, food trucks, and more family fun. Thank You, WKRG! A huge thank-you to WKRG News 5 , Shamonee Baker , and Bill Riales  for having us on the Red Couch Interview  this morning. We’re grateful for the opportunity to share the joy and excitement of this cherished annual tradition with your viewers. And a big shoutout to Reagan for representing our team so well on live TV! The Sky’s the Limit at the 21st Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival! Get ready to witness a sky filled with vibrant colors and soaring balloons as the 21st Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival takes flight this weekend in Baldwin County! This beloved event promises a weekend of family-friendly fun, breathtaking balloon displays, and unforgettable memories. A Weekend of Sky-High Excitement The festival kicks off Thursday, May 1, and runs through Saturday, May 3, at OWA Parks & Resort, offering a vibrant lineup of activities for all ages. From the mesmerizing evening balloon glows and thrilling tethered balloon rides (weather permitting) to the high-flying Disc-Connected K9s Frisbee Dog Show  and live animal encounters with the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo —there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, enjoy live music, local artisan vendors, and mouthwatering food trucks to keep the energy high all weekend long. It’s a weekend full of color, excitement, and unforgettable moments for the whole family. 🔗 Plan Your Visit

Foley, AL – APR 15, 2025  – The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the launch of the brand-new website for the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival , offering an enhanced and user-friendly experience for festival-goers. The revamped website, GulfCoastBalloonFestival.com – same address, new vibe – serves as the ultimate destination for event details, schedules, vendor applications, sponsorship opportunities, and more. The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, a beloved annual event in Foley, Alabama, draws thousands of visitors from across the country to witness the breathtaking spectacle of colorful balloons filling the sky. With the festival’s continued growth, the new website was designed to make it easier than ever for attendees to access information, plan their visit, and stay up to date on the latest announcements. “Our goal was to create a digital experience that reflects the excitement and magic of the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival,” said Lori Pressley, Director of Communications at the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. “The new website offers improved navigation, vibrant visuals, and all the essential details our guests, vendors, and sponsors need in one convenient place.” The updated website features: A modern, mobile-friendly design for easy access on any device Festival schedule with event highlights Vendor application portals Sponsor highlights Frequently asked questions and festival maps Photos throughout the site showcasing past festivals The 2025 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is set to take place on MAY 1-3, 2025,  at OWA Parks & Resort , promising another unforgettable weekend of balloon glows, live entertainment, arts & crafts vendors, and family-friendly fun. Browse through the site today and start planning your festival adventure! About the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, organized by the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, is an annual event celebrating the beauty and thrill of hot air ballooning. Held in Foley, Alabama, the festival features live music, arts and crafts, local food vendors, and the awe-inspiring sight of hot air balloons soaring above the Gulf Coast.

3/25/2025, Foley, AL  – The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, presented by Columbia Southern University , returns to OWA Parks & Resort from May 1-3, 2025, with a dynamic schedule packed with activities, live music, and hot air balloon glows and displays that promise fun for the entire family. This three-day event features not only breathtaking hot air balloon excitement but also an array of attractions that capture the spirit of community celebration. Below is the daily schedule ( subject to change; see webpage for the latest updates and complete list of events ): Thursday, May 1 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm:  Festival opens to the public 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm:  The Undertow Band 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm:  Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm:  Style Entertainment 7:30 pm:  Balloon Glow (weather permitting) Friday, May 2 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm:  Festival opens to the public 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm:  Vibe Irie 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm:  Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo at the Meet & Greet Tent 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm:  Interactive Hot Air Balloon Display (weather permitting) 5:00 pm – 5:35 pm:  Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm:  Cadie Calhoun 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm:  Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 7:30 pm:  Tethered Rides and Balloon Glow (weather permitting) 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm:  Fly By Radio Saturday, May 3 10:00 am – 10:00 pm:  Festival opens to the public 11:00 am – 2:00 pm:  Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo at Meet & Greet Tent 11:30 am – 12:05 pm:  Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm:  Interactive Hot Air Balloon Display (weather permitting) 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm:  Hot Air Balloon Pilots at Meet & Greet Tent 3:00 pm – 3:35 pm:  Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm:  Dorsten 6:30 pm – 7:05 pm:  Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 7:30 pm:  Tethered Rides and Balloon Glow (weather permitting) 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm:  The Tip Tops Note:  The festival is free  to the public. Please note that hot air balloon activities are highly weather-dependent; flight and glow times may be delayed or canceled due to weather. Balloons are typically visible at dawn and dusk, subject to weather conditions. Additional Information Tropic Falls Twilight Tickets: Make a splash and save during the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival—get Tropic Falls Admission after 4 pm with a Twilight Ticket for just $34.99, May 1-3 only! Learn More at  https://visitowa.com/special-offers/ . Off-Site Shuttle Service: Beat the traffic with our complimentary shuttle available at Liberty Church. Friday:  4:00 pm – 11:00 pm Saturday:  2:00 pm – 11:00 pm For the complete schedule of activities, please visit   gulfcoastballoonfestival.com/schedule . Stay connected by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter). About the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is an annual community event that brings together families, balloon enthusiasts, and local talent for a spectacular celebration of flight and creativity. Showcasing mesmerizing hot air balloon displays alongside live music, interactive arts and crafts, and diverse culinary offerings, the festival has become a beloved springtime tradition in the Gulf Coast region. Presented by Columbia Southern University, the festival aims to create an immersive experience that fosters community spirit and showcases the beauty of aerial adventure. For further information or media inquiries, please contact Rachel Spear at rachel@southbaldwinchamber.com or via phone at (251) 943-5550.

Foley, AL – We are excited to announce Mallory Ingram of Robertsdale, AL as the winner of the 21st Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival poster design contest. The 2025 festival will take place May 1-3 at OWA Parks & Resort. In addition to being the official poster for this year’s festival, Mallory’s artwork will also be displayed on the official Balloon Fest t-shirt and other merchandise. Mallory Ingram of Robertsdale, Alabama Mallory is a Baldwin County artist best known for her pet portraits and homestead-focused paintings. Her passion for slow living and nostalgia serves as the focus and inspiration for her artwork. When she’s not holding a paintbrush, Mallory enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children, gardening, being outdoors, and tending to the homestead, The Piddlin’ Farm. Through her art, she seeks to preserve traditional ways of life and inspire others to see the value in the ordinary. Official posters and t-shirts will be available for purchase at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival or through the website post-event for any remaining merchandise. You can find more of Mallory Ingram’s artwork on her Facebook, The Piddlin’ Farm, or Instagram, @thepiddlinfarm. Mark your calendars to join us on Thursday and Friday, May 1 and 2, from 4 - 9 PM, and Saturday, May 3, from 10 AM - 10 PM, for an epic weekend you won't want to miss at OWA Parks and Resort! The 21st Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival will feature a variety of family-friendly activities, food, arts & crafts vendors, live music, weather-dependent balloon glows & tethered rides, and the return of the Disc-Connected K9s dog show. ■

The Alabama Tourism Department  honored its 2021 award winners during the Alabama Governor's Conference on Tourism , held at The Lodge at Gulf State Park . Among the prestigious accolades, the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival  was named "2021 Event of the Year,"  a testament to its remarkable growth and impact on the region. Pictured: Tommy Rachel, Donna Watts - SBCC CEO, Rachel Spear - Event Director, Candice Martinez, Kylee Raulerson - SBCF ExecDir, Mayor Ralph Hellmich What began as a simple idea in 2005 has since soared to new heights . Tommy Rachel , owner of Taking Off Hot Air Balloon Co.  in Magnolia Springs, first pitched the festival concept to fellow aeronauts before bringing it to Donna Watts, President & CEO of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce . With her support, the idea quickly gained momentum, leading to a collaboration with the City of Foley  to launch what would become one of Alabama’s most beloved events. Originally held at the Foley Sports Complex , the festival has since found its home at OWA , where it has continued to flourish. In its 17th year, the 2021 event recorded its largest attendance to date , with over 120,000 visitors  experiencing the magic of hot air balloons filling the Gulf Coast sky. Accepting the Award & Looking to the Future Rachel Spear, Event Director for the South Baldwin Chamber , along with festival founder Tommy Rachel , proudly accepted the award on behalf of the festival. Spear reflected on the journey, saying: "For the past seven years of working with the South Baldwin Chamber’s event team, I have watched the festival morph and grow into what it is today. Nothing in my career has been more satisfying than seeing the smiles on visitors' faces as they watch hot air balloons inflate all around them. This event would not be possible without our wonderful sponsors and the partnership and support of the City of Foley and OWA. So from the bottom of my heart, I thank you." With the festival’s reputation soaring higher than ever , the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival  continues to bring breathtaking sights, family-friendly fun, and a unique celebration of aeronautics  to Foley, Alabama. As the event moves forward, it remains a shining example of what vision, community support, and dedicated leadership can achieve . Photos from the Alabama Governor's Conference on Tourism: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzxLTL

Alabama Tourism Department recognizes industry leaders The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival has long been a beloved event in Alabama, drawing thousands of visitors annually to the picturesque skies of Baldwin County. In 2021, this vibrant festival received a prestigious honor from the Alabama Tourism Department, being named the Attraction of the Year . This accolade not only solidified the festival’s place as a must-visit destination but also highlighted its significance in the state's tourism landscape. Balloon Glow at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival A Sky-High Achievement Each year, the Alabama Tourism Department recognizes the people, organizations, and events that make outstanding contributions to the state's thriving tourism industry. The 2021 awards celebrated a variety of honorees, from historical landmarks to industry leaders, but the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival stood out as a shining example of community spirit, entertainment, and tourism excellence. Hosted in Foley, Alabama, the festival has grown exponentially since its inception in 2005. What began as a small gathering of balloonists has evolved into a three-day spectacle featuring more than 40 hot air balloons, live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, and family-friendly activities. Moving to OWA Parks & Resort in recent years has further expanded the festival’s reach, providing attendees with enhanced entertainment options and amenities. Celebrating Excellence in Alabama Tourism The Alabama Tourism Department’s recognition extends beyond the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival. Other winners included the Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration  as the 2022 Attraction of the Year , and the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center , which held the same title in 2021. Additionally, awards were given to influential advocates such as Herb Malone, CEO of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Senator Greg Albritton named winner of the Government Advocate Award of the Year. Each of these honorees represents the diverse experiences Alabama offers, from cultural enrichment to scientific discovery. However, the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival's recognition as Attraction of the Year  speaks to its unique ability to captivate audiences of all ages, blending breathtaking visuals with an immersive festival atmosphere. Rachel Spear Recognized with Prestigious BFA Director Award Rachel Spear, Director of Events at the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, was awarded the Balloon Federation of America (BFA) Director Award in 2022 for her outstanding contributions to the ballooning community. Her leadership and dedication have played a vital role in the continued success and growth of the festival, making it one of the premier events in the region. A Bright Future Ahead With its well-earned title, the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival continues to soar to new heights. The festival’s impact on Baldwin County's economy and tourism industry is undeniable, drawing visitors from across the country to witness the magical sight of colorful balloons dotting the sky. As it grows and evolves, this cherished event remains a testament to Alabama’s dedication to providing unforgettable experiences. For those who have yet to experience the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, this award-winning attraction is a must-see. Whether you're a longtime attendee or a first-time visitor, the festival offers an unparalleled celebration of aeronautics, artistry, and community—a true Alabama treasure recognized at the highest level.