Search this site

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: When : Friday & Saturday evenings during the festival. 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. Follow our Facebook page for the latest updates! 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. 🎈 Morning Balloon Flights – Where to Watch One of the most breathtaking sights of the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival happens at sunrise, when conditions are best for flight. Morning flights, reserved for sponsors and select media, take place on Friday and Saturday between approximately 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM, weather permitting, before the festival grounds officially open. While balloons launch from various locations based on wind direction, spectators can often catch a great view of them soaring over the soccer fields off Highway 98 between approximately 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM. Because balloon flight paths are determined by real-time weather conditions—including wind speed, direction, and landing permissions—locations and timing may vary each day. For safety and respect of private property , exact launch sites are not announced. 📻 Stay Updated For the most accurate, real-time information each morning, we encourage you to: • Tune in to WHEP Radio Baldwin (92.5 FM / 1310 AM) or download the WHEP App • Follow our Facebook page for official updates and announcements Pilots meet daily to assess conditions, and decisions are made based on weather at that time. We do our best to provide updates as quickly as possible—so stay connected and don’t miss your chance to see these incredible balloons take flight! 🎈

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!

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! Yeah Probably Info Thursday, 4/30/26 • 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM A live performance presented via those willing and able is a moment in time one will never forget. Yeah Probably is a group that does that and more. Based out of Mobile, this group of passionate players blends every bit of musicality and diversity to provide a show that really brings those an unique experience. With an excellent display of smooth harmony, grooving vibes, and melodic flow, they have quickly become the crowned jewel of Soul and Pop in Alabama. Justin Jeansonne Info Thursday, 4/30/26 • 7:00 - 9:00 PM Justin Jeansonne is a talented singer-songwriter who discovered his passion for music after serving in the United States Marine Corps. His journey has taken him across the country, sharing heartfelt stories through his songs advocating for grief and mental health crisis after the loss of his two year old son Little Jake in 2023. Shrimp Shack Shooters Info Friday, 5/1/26 • 3:30 - 5:00 PM Shrimp Shack Shooters at OWA Amphitheater. Renee Amelia Info Friday 5/1/26 • 5:30 - 7:00 PM Tasty, Soulful, Feel Good Music! The M-80's Info Friday, 5/1/26 • 7:30 - 9:15 PM The M-80s recreate the magic of the original artists with true-to-era instruments, killer costumes, creative arrangements, and a huge catalog of songs from the early days of MTV! Symone French Info Saturday, 5/2/26 • 2:00 - 4:00 PM "Mobile's Mistress of Soul" -Stephen Centanni, Lagniappe magazine Coined Mobile's "Mistress of Soul", Symone French has worked earnestly to establish herself as a vocal powerhouse since beginning her career in 2014. Throughout her journey, French has participated in nationally televised talent competitions (American Idol and NBC's The Voice), performed at the Joshua Tree Music Festival and performed in the Mobile Ballet's adaptation of The Princess & the Frog. Most recently, French and her band opened for Grammy award winning artist Macy Gray on the Mobile stop of her On How Life Is 25th anniversary tour. JB Dyess Trio Info Saturday, 5/2/26 • 4:30 - 6:30 PM JB Dyess trio at OWA Amphitheater. The Molly Ringwalds Info Saturday, 5/2/26 • 7:00 - 9:15 PM Those who have seen them know The Molly Ringwalds take every stage they step on with force. They dazzle and engage their audiences with energy and passion, while taking them on a musical journey filled with all the hits that transcended the 80s and defined a generation. The Molly Ringwalds' show is loaded with the visual enormity and glam that encompassed the essence of the decade’s music scene. 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

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.

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!

ABOUT US The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival has brought color, excitement, and community spirit to Foley, Alabama. What started as a small gathering has grown into a beloved annual tradition, drawing visitors from near and far to experience the magic of hot air balloons. FESTIVAL FOUNDER Tommy Rachel Tommy Rachel, a seasoned hot air balloon pilot from Magnolia Springs, Alabama, is the visionary behind the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival. Drawing from his extensive experience in ballooning, Tommy proposed the idea to the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, leading to the festival's inception in 2005. Beyond organizing, Tommy serves as the festival's balloonmeister, ensuring the safety and coordination of balloon activities. His dedication to the community and the sport was recognized in 2020 when he was honored as the Walton M. Vines Free Enterprise Person of the Year by the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. Our Journey So Far . . . 2005 TAKING FLIGHT: THE BEGINNING In the wake of Hurricane Ivan, the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival lifted off for the first time at the Foley Sports Complex. Local balloonist Tommy Rachel brought the idea to the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, which embraced the vision. Together, they launched an event that has since become a cherished tradition. From its humble beginnings, the festival quickly became a beloved annual celebration, filling Baldwin County’s skies with vibrant color and wonder. 2010 A GROWING TRADITION By 2010, the festival had firmly established itself as a must-attend event on the Gulf Coast. Attendance surged as balloonists from across the country participated, thrilling crowds with dazzling balloon glows and tethered rides. Family-friendly activities, arts and crafts vendors, and live entertainment enhanced the experience, creating a true community celebration. The festival’s success was a testament to the dedication of organizers, volunteers, and local businesses that helped it grow year after year. WE EXTEND A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS ♡ The City of Foley All Departments including Police, Fire, and Public Works OWA Parks & Resort

How to Reach Us Have questions or need more information? We're here to help—feel free to reach out. Our team will get back to you as soon as we can, but please note that during busy times, especially leading up to the event, responses may be delayed as all hands are on deck. We appreciate your patience! For vendor-related questions , please contact Reagan at reagan@southbaldwinchamber.com . We can’t wait to have you be part of the fun! 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 📬 Need to get in touch? We’re happy to help — just a quick note... Our online support hours are limited. If you message us after hours, please know we’ll respond as soon as we’re able. In the meantime, be sure to check our FAQ page and follow us on Facebook for the latest updates, including any weather-related changes and festival announcements. Thank you for your understanding — and enjoy the festival! Festival Location 100 N OWA Blvd Foley, AL 36535 Phone 251-943-3291 Office Location 200 N Alston St Foley AL 36535 First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting! Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram

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

< Back 2024 Poster 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

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 festival map) The free ADA parking is 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.