Entertainment Enjoy live music, exciting performances, and activities for all ages! Highlights include the Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show, local bands, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo animals, free lawn games on OWA Island, and an interactive Hot Air Balloon Display—fun for the whole family! Interactive Balloon Display Info *See Schedule of Events An interactive hot air balloon display is a unique, up-close experience where guests can explore the inside of a real hot air balloon! The balloon is laid on its side and inflated with cool air, creating a massive, colorful space for visitors to walk through. This free attraction offers a rare perspective of these majestic giants, making it perfect for stunning photos and unforgettable moments. Whether you're admiring the vibrant fabric from within or capturing the magic on camera, it’s a must-see experience for all ages! REMINDER: The interactive hot air balloon display is weather and wind dependent. Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show Info *See Schedule of Events The “Disc-Connected K9s – World Famous Frisbee Dogs” are the most professional and accomplished Frisbee Dog Team in the world. With over 10,000 shows to their credit, 160+ appearances in the Frisbee Dog World Finals, the most World Champion Dogs and Championships appearances, and a “Disc-Dog Hall of Fame Member” (Lawrence), they are truly an entertaining show to be viewed by young and old alike. Shows are choreographed to music, each dog has their own specialty routines and tricks, and every show has completely different dogs for your viewing pleasure. These dogs and humans are guaranteed to put a smile on your face and in your heart to last you a lifetime. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Info *See Schedule of Events The zoo is about 6 miles from the beach. Tucked just off the main highway, visitors feel like they have entered a tropical urban oasis filled with intriguing sounds from our rich diversity of exotic animals. Whether it’s the distinctive call from our peacocks or chatter from our monkeys, you are instantly transported out of life’s hustle and bustle into our peaceful kingdom. Voted the “#1 Zoo in Alabama” for two years running! Stop by the Meet and Greet Tent to meet some of their friendliest friends! LIVE BANDS Info Thursday / Friday / Saturday TBA ENTERTAINMENT INQUIRIES For entertainment inquiries, including information about performance opportunities or booking a spot to perform at the festival, please reach out to OWA directly. Email: events@visitowa.com

Local Lodging We’re delighted to extend a warm welcome to you for the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival in South Baldwin! Our accommodations cater to every requirement. Explore the map below of nearby hotels and campgrounds below to discover the ideal place to rest your head. Thank you to our Accommodations Sponsors for graciously hosting our Balloon Pilots!

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EXPERIENCE THE FUN Immerse yourself in the excitement of the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, where hot air balloon activities, live musical performances, children’s activities, and a variety of food, arts, and crafts booths await! Balloons & Pilots Meet the skilled pilots and explore the stunning hot air balloons and their creative names that take center stage of our festival. WHO'S TAKING FLIGHT!? Live Music Enjoy the incredible lineup of live musical entertainment, with performances throughout the event to keep the energy high! From local bands to talented headliners, the music adds a vibrant backdrop to the festival's hometown atmosphere. SEE WHO'S PLAYING! ENTERTAINMENT INQUIRIES For entertainment inquiries, including information about performance opportunities or booking a spot to perform at the festival, please reach out to OWA directly. events@visitowa.com Our Vendors The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival features a diverse lineup of vendors offering something for everyone! Our vendor village is the perfect place to find local creations and festival-inspired treats while enjoying the lively atmosphere of the fest. Don’t miss out on this vibrant marketplace! EXPLORE SHOPPING & EATS!

Here’s a quick and simple guide to how hot air ballooning works and what to expect at the Gulf Hot Air Balloons 101: What You Need to Know Before You Go Hot air balloons are one of the most exciting parts of the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival—but they’re also a little tricky. Because of weather and safety rules, the balloons can’t always go up when we’d all like them to. To help clear things up , here’s a quick and simple guide to how ballooning works and what to expect. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you better understand how it all works: 🌤️ Balloons Aren’t Out All Day—Here’s Why: While we’d love to have balloons floating in the sky all day, it’s simply not possible. Balloons rely on very specific weather conditions, and unfortunately, that means they can’t be inflated or flown around the clock. 💨 Weather & Wind Matter—a Lot: Hot air balloons need calm, stable air to safely lift off. That’s why you’ll only see scheduled launches in the early morning and late afternoon—times when the air is more stable. During the day, the sun heats the ground, creating rising columns of warm air (called thermals), which make flying unsafe. 🌧️ No Rain, Please: Even light rain or the potential for rain will ground a balloon. Wet fabric can affect the balloon's weight and performance, and safety is always the priority—for the pilots, passengers, and spectators. 🌙 No Flights After Dark: The FAA prohibits balloon flights in the dark, but we can still enjoy the beauty of balloons during our Balloon Glow events. These are tethered displays (weather permitting), where balloons light up the night sky—but even this depends on low wind conditions (ideally under 8–10 mph). 🔥 The Cost of Flight: Even if balloons could stay up all day, the cost of propane alone would be through the roof. Flying is special—and it’s meant to be. 🤝 Get Involved—Join a Balloon Crew: Want a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to launch and pack up a hot air balloon? We offer opportunities to volunteer as balloon crew members! It’s a great way to learn the process and see firsthand why some calls get made at the last minute. 🎪 More Than Balloons: While balloons are the heart of the festival, they’re not the only attraction. You’ll find live entertainment, shopping, food vendors, and a carnival throughout the weekend. It’s a time to gather with family and friends, soak in the festive atmosphere, and enjoy all that the event has to offer—balloons or not. 😎 A Note on Coastal Weather If you’ve spent any time in South Alabama, you know how quickly the weather can change—especially with coastal winds rolling in from the Gulf of America. Even if balloons are scheduled to go up at a certain time, that doesn’t guarantee they will. Wind speed, direction, storms, and even pop-up showers can delay or cancel a balloon activity altogether. We do our best to wait until the last possible moment before making the call, just in case the weather shifts in our favor. The festival is scheduled across several days, and some years the weather is perfect the whole time. Other years, not so much—and unfortunately, that part is out of our control. The best way to stay in the loop? Watch the forecast and follow our social media channels and the News section of our website for the most up-to-date info. We’ll keep you posted on any schedule changes, delays, or cancellations as soon as decisions are made.

PLAN YOUR VISIT Experience the Wonder of Hot Air Balloons! What to Know About Hot Air Balloons Schedule of Events Map & Parking VIP Passes LOCATION: OWA Parks & Resort A 3-Day Festival full of fun activities & unique vendors Plan your visit to the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival with ease! Find parking details, festival maps, and shuttle info in Map & Parking, and check the Schedule of Events for balloon launches, entertainment, and more. Get ready for a weekend of fun! VIP Passes VIP Pass – $150 per person Upgrade your visit with exclusive perks: Dinner on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night VIP Parking included Unlimited Coca-Cola products Four free alcoholic beverages & access to a private VIP bar Air-conditioned restroom trailers VIP Parking – $30 Prefer just the convenience? VIP Parking is available separately! Skip the traffic and park closest to the action! VIP Parking includes shuttle service to the festival entrance. Previously situated in a paved lot near general parking, VIP guests often experienced delays due to peak-hour traffic congestion. To enhance convenience and reduce wait times, VIP parking was moved to a grassy area that is now the closest possible location to the VIP tent and balloon glow field. This change not only keeps VIPs out of general traffic but also allows us to provide a dedicated shuttle service with direct drop-off at the VIP entrance—making the arrival experience smoother and more enjoyable. Get Your VIP Tickets 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. VIP Passes & Parking – Elevate Your Festival Experience! The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is FREE to attend, but for those looking to enhance their experience, we offer VIP Passes and VIP Parking for purchase.

Get Involved! Volunteers are the heart and soul of our festival. From helping with event planning to assisting with balloon launches and ensuring that all activities and services run smoothly, our dedicated volunteers are essential to the success of the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival. By volunteering, you’ll play a crucial role in making this year’s event truly spectacular. Festival Volunteers As a volunteer at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, you can expect an exciting and rewarding experience! Whether you're working the bars, assisting with tethered rides, helping in the VIP tent, or supporting the clean-up crew, you’ll play a crucial role in ensuring the event runs smoothly. Volunteers will enjoy the thrill of being part of the festival’s vibrant atmosphere while making lasting memories and contributing to the success of this high-flying event! SIGN UP HERE Balloon Crew Volunteers Get up close and personal with these magical giants! As part of our balloon crew, you’ll help pilots inflate the hot air balloons and ensure a safe and unforgettable experience for our guests. No experience? No problem! Our team will guide you every step of the way. Not only will you gain hands-on experience, but you'll also have the best view in the house. Don’t miss this unique opportunity—your help is truly appreciated! SIGN UP HERE f.y.i. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, unless accompanied by an adult.

Tethered Rides: A Balloon Adventure Awaits! Experience the magic of a hot air balloon ride—without ever leaving the festival! A few select balloons will offer evening tethered rides –weather permitting– where you'll gently rise approximately 30-40 feet into the air while remaining securely tethered to the ground. It’s an unforgettable way to see the festival from a whole new perspective! Plus, you’ll have the chance to meet the pilot and step inside a real hot air balloon. Important Details: Weather Dependent: Rides will only take place if conditions are safe for all. Non-Refundable Tickets: Sales are final, even in the case of unfavorable weather. Arrival Time: We recommend arriving two hours before sunset (around 5 PM) for the best chance to ride. How to Get Tickets: Tickets are available ON SITE ONLY! Festival attendees may purchase tickets at the Tethered Ride Ticket Tent (marked on the festival map ). ALL SALES ARE FINAL. ALL RIDERS MUST SIGN A WAIVER. TICKETS ARE NON-TRANSFERABLE. Sales open at (approximately) 5:00 PM on Friday & Saturday of the festival. Pricing : Adults: $25 Children (12 & under): $20 Full Balloon Rides: Not available during the festival. Only balloon sponsors receive full-flight experiences. See the Balloons Take Flight! Want to witness these breathtaking balloons soaring through the sky? Morning flights, for our sponsors and specific media personnel, are scheduled for Friday & Saturday (6:00 AM – 8:00 AM), weather permitting before the festival grounds officially open. Evening flights may also take place at dusk if conditions allow. Stay Updated: Tune in to WHEP Radio Baldwin 92.5 FM or the WHEP App for real-time updates. Follow our Facebook event page for flight schedules and launch site details. Launch sites TBA from our local radio station, WHEP Radio Baldwin Where the balloons launch for morning flights will depend on wind direction, speed, and landing permissions, so locations may vary. Pilots meet daily at 5 PM to assess conditions. Stay connected for the latest updates, and don’t miss out on this spectacular sight!

The 2026 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is Presented By 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 and doctoral degrees such as business administration, criminal justice, fire administration and occupational safety and health. Visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu or call (877) 347-6050 to learn more. VISIT CSU 2026 SPONSORS Thank you to all of our incredible sponsors for making this festival possible! Your generosity and support help create an unforgettable experience for our community. We appreciate your commitment and partnership—this event wouldn’t be the same without you! See Sponsorship Opportunities Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Foley Alabama Propane Exchange Coastal Alabama Community College Bella Beach Properties RJ's Seamless Gutters White Sands RV Island House Hotel United Bank Foley Fox Pest Control Liberty Church Liberty Linen Dentistry of Foley Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q Alpha & Omega Construction Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo TownePlace Suites at OWA Spectrum Environmental South Shore Insurance Agency The Brick Oven