Schedule of Events 🎈 Stay Up to Date on Balloon Activities! Hot air balloons fly only at sunrise or within an hour of sunset when winds are calm and predictable. Factors like heat thermals and atmospheric pressure also play a role in flight decisions. So, what does this mean for the festival? If the weather permits, look to the skies between 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM on FRIDAY and SATURDAY for breathtaking balloon flights. In the early evening, enjoy the mesmerizing Balloon Glow on the festival grounds (all 3 nights weather permitting). Plus, wind and weather permitting, interactive balloon activities are available throughout the day! REMINDER: All Balloon activities are weather dependent. Flights & Glows take place only at dusk and dawn when conditions permit. THURSDAY Apr 30, 2026 * Amphitheater on the Island ** Meet & Greet Tent in Festival Field 4:00 pm – 9:30 pm Festival Opens with vendors: Food, Retail, Arts & Crafts 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm 🍴 VIP Tent Only: Dinner available to VIP ticket holders 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Arts & Crafts Vendors Open in Downtown OWA 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Free Kids Activities throughout Downtown OWA 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm Free Lawn Games on the Island 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm 🎵 Live Music by Yeah Probably at OWA Amphitheater* 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 🐾 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm 🎵 Live Music by Justin Jeansonne at OWA Amphitheater* 7:30 pm 🎈 Balloon Glow (weather & wind permitting) FRIDAY May 1, 2026 * Amphitheater on the Island ** Meet & Greet Tent in Festival Field 4:00 pm – 9:30 pm Festival Opens with Vendors: Food, Retail, Arts & Crafts 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm 🎵 Live Music by Shrimp Shack Shooters at OWA Amphitheater* 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Meet & Greet** 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Free Lawn Games on the Island 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm 🍴 VIP Tent Only: Dinner available to VIP ticket holders 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Free Kids Activities throughout Downtown OWA 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm 🎈 Interactive Hot Air Balloon Display (weather & wind permitting) 5:00 pm – 5:35 pm Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 🐾 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm 🎵 Live Music by Renee Amelia at OWA Amphitheater* 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 🐾 7:30 pm 🎈 Tethered Rides & Balloon Glow (weather & wind permitting) 7:30 pm – 9:15 pm 🎵 Live Music by The M-80's at OWA Amphitheater* 9:15 pm ✨ Drone Show (weather permitting) SATURDAY May 2, 2026 * Amphitheater on the Island ** Meet & Greet Tent in Festival Field 10:00 am – 9:30 pm Festival Opens with vendors: Food, Retail, Arts & Crafts [NOTE: Vendors will close at 9 PM] 11:00 am – 2:00 pm Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Meet & Greet ** 11:30 am – 12:05 pm Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 🐾 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm 🎵 Live Music by Symone French at OWA Amphitheater* 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm 👨✈️ Hot Air Balloon Pilots Meet & Greet** 3:00 pm - 3:35 pm Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 🐾 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm 🍴 VIP Tent Only: Dinner is available to VIP ticket holders 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm 🎈 Interactive Hot Air Balloon Display (weather & wind permitting) 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm 🎵 Live Music by JB Dyess Trio at OWA Amphitheater* 6:30 pm – 7:05 pm Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 🐾 7:00 pm – 9:15 pm 🎵 Live Music by The Molly Ringwalds at OWA Amphitheater* 7:30 pm 🎈 Tethered Rides & Balloon Glow (weather & wind permitting) 9:15 pm ✨ Drone Show (weather permitting) FUTURE FESTIVAL DATES: APR 29 - MAY 1, 2027

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 APR 29 - May 1, 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 5 FOOD VENDORS 46 ARTS & CRAFTS 10 SPECIALTY TREATS 14 RETAIL, PROMOS

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

Map & Parking The Festival Grounds at OWA Parks & Resort 100 N OWA Blvd, Foley, AL 36535 View PDF Festival Map OFF SITE SHUTTLES An off-site shuttle location will be available at Liberty Church [110 Riviera Blvd, Foley, AL 36535] for Friday and Saturday. Park off-site and ride the shuttle for FREE to beat the traffic! Shuttles will run from 4 PM – 11 PM on Friday and 2 PM - 11 PM on Saturday. The shuttle drop off location at the festival is close to the Tethered Balloon Field (marked on the map). VIP PARKING We recommend our VIP parking pass, which allows you to park closest to the festival grounds. Your $30 pass is good for the entire weekend. Purchase tickets online while they last and be sure to bring your printed proof of purchase for display onsite. Once you’ve made your online purchase, you will be sent an email with instructions on the entrance location and parking area. VIP Parking Passes GENERAL PARKING Paved onsite parking and overflow parking in fields are FREE for all attendees. See the map above for areas labeled Guest Parking (purple). HANDICAP (ADA) PARKING You MUST have a valid handicap parking sign. Handicap parking will follow the main festival traffic and will be directed to a paved parking area by OWA Theater. (*Dark Purple on site map below) The free ADA parking is a paved with sidewalk access to the festival grounds. DIRECTIONS TO THE FESTIVAL GROUNDS LOCATION: 100 N OWA Blvd, Foley, AL 36535 Driving directions from I-65 South Take Exit 34 – Hwy. 59 South to North Foley. Continue southbound on the Foley Beach Express. OWA is located at the northwest corner of the Foley Beach Express and County Rd. 20. Driving directions from I-10 South Take Exit 49 – Baldwin Beach Express Southbound. OWA is located at the northwest corner of the Foley Beach Express and County Rd. 20.

GET INVOLVED Whether you want to volunteer your time or showcase your business as a sponsor, there are countless ways to make a difference. Volunteers play a vital role in creating a seamless and memorable experience for attendees, while sponsors enjoy unparalleled exposure and the chance to connect with thousands of festival-goers. Sign up today! VOLUNTEER PICK A SPOT SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES

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 served in the VIP tent between 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM. Thursday (SugarLove): Spaghetti Marinara, Blackened Chicken Alfredo, Bowtie Pasta with Bolognese & Italian Sausage, Garlic Knots, Salad, and Mini Cannolis. Friday (SugarLove): Hamburger/Cheeseburger Sliders, Hot Dogs, Sausage Dogs with Peppers & Onions, Loaded Tater Tots, Pasta Salad, Cookies, and Brownies. Saturday (Chick N Sea): Fried Shrimp, Hushpuppies, Baked Beans, Steamed Potatoes, and Cole Slaw . 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.

< Back 2023 Poster $20 Designed by Ragan Winsor This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Previous Next

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.

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!

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Privacy Policy Last update: FEB 2025 Welcome to the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival website (gulfcoastballoonfestival.com). Your privacy is important to us, and we are committed to being transparent about how we collect and use your information. 1. Information We Collect We do not collect personal information such as names or email addresses. However, we may collect general user data through analytics and tracking technologies to improve our website and marketing efforts. 2. How We Use Data We use Google Analytics and cookies to track website traffic, user interactions, and preferences. This helps us understand how visitors engage with our site so we can improve the experience. 3. Third-Party Links & Services Our Website may contain links to third-party websites, including the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce for VIP ticket sales. We also connect to our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and X). These third parties have their own privacy policies, and we encourage you to review them. 4. Cookies & Tracking Technologies We use cookies and similar tracking tools to enhance your browsing experience and provide marketing insights. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. 5. Photo & Media Usage Images used on this Website come from our official social media accounts and select photographers who partner with the festival. 6. Opt-Out Options If you prefer not to be tracked, you can: Adjust your browser settings to block cookies. Use Google’s opt-out tool ( https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout ). 7. Contact Us If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact: the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. 📞 (251) 943-3291

< Back 2024 Poster $20 Designed by Tara McMeans This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Previous Next