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.

The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival will return April 30 – May 2, 2026 , and planning is already underway for another unforgettable weekend in Foley, Alabama! Each year, this beloved community event attracts tens of thousands of visitors who come to enjoy the sights of colorful hot air balloons, live music, delicious food, unique shopping, and family-friendly fun. We are excited to announce that vendor applications for 2026 are now officially open!  Whether you’re a retail business, artisan, commercial vendor, or food vendor , we invite you to apply to be part of the festival experience. 🛍 Retail, Arts, & Commercial Vendors If you offer handmade goods, boutique items, specialty products, or business services, our vendor marketplace is a wonderful opportunity to share what you do with a large and enthusiastic audience. 🍴 Food Vendors We welcome food trucks, trailers, and tent vendors offering a variety of cuisines. With high foot traffic and weekend-long programming, the festival provides strong exposure and sales potential. How to Apply To view vendor details and submit your application, please visit our Vendors page on this website . From there, you’ll find separate application links for both Retail + Arts + Commercial Vendors  and Food Vendors . A Few Helpful Notes Vendor spaces are limited  and are reviewed on a first-come, best-fit basis. Past participation does not guarantee acceptance. You will not be charged  unless your application is approved. Full details—including fees, setup, schedules, and requirements—are listed on the Vendors page. We look forward to welcoming new and returning vendors as we gear up for another year of soaring sights and unforgettable moments. Mark your calendars and apply early! See you at the 2026 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival , April 30 – May 2, 2026! 🎈

FOLEY, AL –  The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival Committee is excited to announce an open Call for Artists  to design the official t-shirt and poster artwork for the 22nd Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival , set to soar in 2026. This is a unique opportunity for artists to showcase their creativity while contributing to one of the Gulf Coast’s most beloved events. Artists are invited to submit original artwork that reflects the theme: Hot Air Balloons, Art, and Music . Submissions must incorporate the following elements and agree to the guidelines: Artwork must be artist’s original creation . No AI (Artificial Intelligence) allowed. The design should reflect the theme: Hot Air Balloons Art Music The artwork must include: 22nd Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival The year 2026  must be featured Foley, AL  should appear in the design Final commissioned poster size will not exceed 18 inches wide by 24 inches tall . If selected, the artist agrees to relinquish ownership of the artwork. Selected artwork becomes the sole property of the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival  and the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce , and may be used in any manner the Chamber deems appropriate without further compensation. The commissioned artist will receive a one-time payment of $500 . Artists may submit up to three drafts  for consideration. To confirm your participation or ask questions, please contact: Rachel Spear (251) 943-5550 rachel@southbaldwinchamber.com Deadline for submissions:   Wednesday, October 1, 2025 Deliver submissions to: South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce 200 N Alston St., Foley, AL 36535 Or mail to: PO Box 1117, Foley, AL 36536 We look forward to your creative contributions! About the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival Hosted annually in Foley, Alabama, the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors from around the region and beyond. With vibrant balloons, live music, local art, and family-friendly entertainment, the festival is a celebration of community, creativity, and the spirit of the Gulf Coast.

The 2025 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival may have wrapped up a couple of weeks ago, but it’s not too late to grab a piece of the magic! If you didn’t get a chance to shop during the event—or just want to snag an extra tee or keepsake—you’re in luck. We’ve added remaining merchandise to our website, available for a limited time while supplies last! Our online shop features a colorful collection of 2025 t-shirts, tanks, youth sizes, and cozy long sleeves, plus fun souvenirs like posters, lapel pins, mugs, sunglasses, water bottles, and more. It’s the perfect way to relive the memories or surprise a balloon-loving friend with something special. We even have 'throwback' swag from past years, but it is limited in size and quantity. 🎨 This year’s poster and t-shirt artwork was designed by our 2025 Poster Contest winner, Mallory Ingram!  Her vibrant, original design captures the spirit and beauty of the festival and is a must-have for collectors and fans alike. 🎉 Browse the collection and shop now at: gulfcoastballoonfestival.com/merch Join us next year—be sure to mark your calendars— the 2026 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is set for April 30 – May 2, 2026 ! Interested in being a part of the fun as a sponsor next year? Reach out to our Events Director, Rachel Spear , to learn more about exciting partnership opportunities. Thanks for another wonderful year—and happy shopping! 🎈

Foley, AL – May 5, 2025  – The 2025 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, presented by Columbia Southern University, brought thousands together for a colorful and fun-filled celebration at OWA Parks & Resort. Festivalgoers were treated to a magical Thursday night Balloon Glow, a lively and festive Friday, both with music, shopping, and family activities. “We’re incredibly grateful to Columbia Southern University for joining us as our presenting sponsor for this year,” said Travis Valentine, President/CEO of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. “Their partnership played a key role in making this year’s festival such a success, and we truly appreciate their support of this special community event.” Presenting Sponsor: Columbia Southern University President, Dr. Ken Styron, DBA, with Sir Maximus, the CSU mascot! Although we hoped for a repeat performance Friday night, Mother Nature had other plans. We waited as long as we could, watching the weather closely, but with developing storms and high winds in the area, we made the difficult decision to cancel the Friday night balloon glow and all Saturday activities to keep our guests, pilots, vendors, and volunteers safe. Safety is always our top priority. Even with the Saturday cancellation, we’re so grateful to everyone who came out to enjoy the festival. From the live music and Disc-Connected K9s dog shows to the unique vendor booths and all the fun throughout OWA’s shops, dining, and theme parks — we hope you had a blast! “The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is not only our largest event of the year, it’s one that truly brings our community together. We’re proud to host an event that supports our local economy, highlights South Baldwin’s hospitality, and creates unforgettable experiences for locals and visitors," said Valentine. “This festival was the brainchild of balloon meister Tommy Rachel and then-CEO Donna Watts, who brought the idea to our board 21 years ago — and we’re honored to continue building on that legacy.” A big thank you to our event partner, OWA Parks & Resort, for their incredible support in hosting and coordinating this unique experience, along with the amazing live entertainment on the Island Stage! This free community event takes many months to plan and could not happen without the incredible support of the City of Foley, Foley Fire & Police Departments, and our generous sponsors. A heartfelt thank you to our tireless volunteers and all of the amazing balloon pilots and crews who traveled from across the country to be here and share their passion with us. “We’d like to thank everyone who came out to the 21st Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival presented by Columbia Southern University! While Saturday’s weather didn’t cooperate, we were thrilled with the fantastic turnout and the energy everyone brought to the event," said Rachel Spear, Director of Events for the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. “We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from our community, visitors, sponsors, vendors, and volunteers — and especially the City of Foley and OWA Parks & Resort. This event takes months of planning, and seeing it come to life is always rewarding. We can’t wait to watch it continue to grow and evolve in the years to come — and we hope to see everyone back at next year’s fest.” A heartfelt thank you to the talented pilots  who traveled from near and far to attend and provide our guests with such a magical experience. We’re also deeply grateful to our incredible entertainers  and vendors  for sharing their amazing talents. It’s an honor and a privilege to host this special event—one that brings together residents and visitors alike to celebrate and enjoy the beauty of South Baldwin County! 📅 Save the date!  The 2026 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival will be held April 30 – May 2, 2026, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back for even more fun, color, and community. [photo by OWA Parks & Resort] Follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates and future announcements — More photo shares will be posted soon! NOTE ABOUT TICKETS: The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is a free event open to the public. VIP parking passes are valid all weekend for flexibility. As ballooning is weather-dependent, all ticketed experiences follow a no-refund policy outlined at purchase. However, if you purchased VIP parking and did not check in or attend any day of the event, we’ll contact you about a refund. For those who purchased the $150 VIP Experience, we’ll reach out via the email provided at checkout regarding a partial refund for Saturday.

2025 GCHABF Balloon Glow FOLEY, AL  — The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival continues its vibrant celebration tonight, Friday, May 2, 2025, at OWA Parks & Resort  in Foley, Alabama. Festival gates open at 3 PM , with a full lineup of exciting activities, including live music, vendor shopping, the Disc-Connected K9s Dog Show , and the much-anticipated Balloon Glow . However, due to severe weather predictions including heavy rain and thunderstorms for Saturday, May 3 , all activities for Saturday’s  festival day have been canceled . This decision was made to ensure the safety of festival guests, pilots, volunteers, vendors, and staff. Friday Night’s Festivities Are ON! Festivalgoers are invited to join the fun this evening! Guests can enjoy a variety of activities on the festival grounds, including: Live music performances A selection of unique vendors The Disc-Connected K9s Dog Show Delicious food and treats In addition, the Balloon Glow  is scheduled to take place tonight. The balloon glow field  will be open once it’s safe for festivalgoers to enter. Announcements will be made over the intercom once the field is ready for access. For safety, please stay behind the barricades  and allow the balloon crews ample room to safely inflate the balloons. Additionally, the gravel road  near the balloon field must remain clear for emergency vehicles at all times. The festival team will post an update after the pilots meet at 5:30 PM  regarding the balloon glow’s status. 2025 GCHABF Balloon Glow Saturday’s Weather-Related Cancellation Due to the forecasted inclement weather, including rain and potential thunderstorms, Saturday’s scheduled events are canceled to prioritize the safety of attendees and participants. Festival organizers have worked closely with weather officials to monitor the situation and made this decision out of an abundance of caution. “We are grateful for everyone who has joined us so far and want to express our appreciation for their understanding regarding the cancellation of Saturday’s activities,” said event organizers. “We encourage festivalgoers to join us tonight for a fantastic evening of entertainment and fun before the weather takes a turn.” Looking Ahead Thank you to everyone who attended the festival this week, and we look forward to seeing you at next year’s event in 2026. Despite the weather challenges on Saturday, the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is an event full of joy and excitement, and the community support has been overwhelming. For updates and more information, please visit the official Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival website: www.gulfcoastballoonfestival.com . Stay connected with us on social media to get real-time event updates and announcements.

One of the most breathtaking and crowd-favorite moments of the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival  is the Balloon Glow  — an unforgettable experience that lights up the night sky with vibrant color, glowing flames, and community wonder. 2024 Balloon Glow at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival What Is a Balloon Glow? A Balloon Glow  is a special event where tethered hot air balloons are inflated and lit from within using their burners after dark. While the balloons remain grounded, their brilliant colors illuminate the night as they “glow” in rhythm with music or crowd countdowns, creating a magical spectacle for all ages. It’s a perfect opportunity to experience the size, beauty, and artistry of hot air balloons up close—without leaving the ground. This glowing display offers fantastic photo opportunities and a truly unique atmosphere as the fields light up with a kaleidoscope of color. You’ll often hear the crowd cheer as pilots fire up their burners in sync, creating a dazzling dance of fire and light. When and Where Do the Glows Take Place? 📍 Glow Field near S. OWA Blvd ( see map ) 🎈 Thursday, May 1 | After Sunset (approximately 7:30 PM) 🎈 Friday, May 2 | After Sunset (approximately 7:30 PM) 🎈 Saturday, May 3 | After Sunset (approximately 7:30 PM) All hot air balloon activities — including the Balloon Glows — are weather and wind permitting . Safety is our top priority. The Balloon Glows typically begin shortly after sunset, when the skies darken just enough to allow the balloons to shine at their brightest. Tips for Enjoying the Balloon Glow ✨ Arrive early  to grab a great viewing spot and enjoy food, vendors, and live entertainment leading up to the glow. 🚫 NO PETS are allowed on the balloon field. 📸 Bring your camera or phone  — these glowing giants make for stunning photos! 🧥 Dress for comfort  — evenings can be breezy, sometimes hot and humid. 🚫 Please remember  that balloon glows (like all balloon activities) are subject to change or cancellation depending on weather and wind conditions . We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize the safety of our guests, pilots, and crews. Stay Informed Any updates or changes to the glow schedule will be posted on our Facebook page . Please note that due to the high volume of messages, we may not be able to respond to private inquiries—check our posts for the latest information.

FOLEY, AL – The highly anticipated Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival  is set to return May 1-3, 2025 , bringing a sky full of color and excitement to Foley, Alabama. While the festival is FREE to attend , a limited number of VIP Experience tickets  are now on sale—so don’t wait to secure your spot! The VIP Pass  ($150 per person) includes: Dinner  on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night VIP Parking Unlimited Coca-Cola products Four free alcoholic beverages  and access to a private VIP bar Air-conditioned restroom trailers Guests can also purchase VIP Parking separately  for $30 if they don’t wish to buy the full VIP Pass . A significant upgrade to our VIP Experience in recent years has been the relocation of VIP parking . 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 ( see the festival map ). 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. Please note: VIP Parking is included with the purchase of a VIP Experience Pass ($150), but for those who only want the parking benefit without access to the VIP tent, a standalone VIP Parking Pass is available for only $30. These exclusive tickets sell out fast , so don’t miss your chance to enjoy the festival’s best amenities. For more details VIP Experience , visit our Plan Your Visit webpage . Please note: VIP tickets are non-transferable, and no refunds will be given within seven days prior to the event's first day.

There’s nothing quite like the peaceful beauty of hot air balloons lifting off at dawn—and during the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, you just might catch a glimpse of that magic floating across the South Baldwin skies! On Friday and Saturday mornings of the festival (May 2 & 3),  our participating balloon pilots may launch between 6:00 and 8:00 AM  from various locations around the area. These exclusive flights  are not part of the public ride experience—they’re specially reserved for our sponsors and selected media personnel . Because launch sites are determined by wind direction and other weather conditions, specific times and locations cannot be announced in advance . While we encourage everyone to enjoy the beautiful sight of balloons in the sky, we do not share exact launch locations —both for safety reasons and out of respect for private property owners. So how can you keep up with the action? 🎙️ Tune in to WHEP Radio for Real-Time Updates We’ve teamed up with our friends at WHEP Radio Baldwin  (1310 AM / 92.5 FM)  to keep the community informed. Each morning, Clark Stewart , our official festival announcer, is on-site with the balloon meister and pilots , sharing live updates as balloons prepare for takeoff and head into the sky. TuneIn: https://tunein.com/radio/WHEP-1310-s29278/ WHEP online: https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/WHEP 📱 You can follow along from the comfort of your home, hotel, or wherever you may be to have an idea of where you may spot them in flight: Download the free WHEP Radio app  on your smartphone Listen live online  at WHEP.com Or tune in on the radio : 1310 AM or 92.5 FM 🚫 No Live Social Media Updates for Morning Sponsored Flights Please note: To avoid confusion and streamline communication, we will not be sharing live morning flight updates on our social media channels . For accurate, real-time info, we encourage everyone to tune in to WHEP Radio Baldwin .

At the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival , we strive to create a fun and safe experience for everyone—guests, volunteers, pilots, and crews alike. One of the most important factors that affect our festival activities is the weather , and because hot air ballooning is highly weather-dependent, we take every precaution to ensure that everyone’s safety comes first. The Role of Weather in Balloon Activities 🎈 Weather conditions, particularly wind speed and direction, play a crucial role in hot air ballooning. For this reason, balloon-related activities like launches, glows, and tethered rides are subject to change based on the forecast . While we always aim to stay on schedule, there are times when weather conditions may force us to delay, adjust, or even cancel these activities to ensure safety. The Importance of Monitoring Weather 🌦️ Our team works closely with local officials and our experienced Balloon Meister , who carefully monitor weather conditions in real-time. The decision to proceed with any balloon-related activity is made after thoroughly evaluating wind patterns and other factors that might affect safety. Even in the hours leading up to an event, we rely on the expertise of our Balloon Meister and local authorities to make informed decisions . Balloon Glow at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival Why We Prioritize Safety 🛑 The safety of our festival attendees, volunteers, pilots, crews, and the balloons themselves is our top priority . We understand that delays or cancellations can be disappointing, but the weather is simply something we cannot control. The balloons are large, intricate machines, and their operation requires calm and stable weather conditions. If the conditions aren’t right, it’s in everyone’s best interest to adjust or postpone activities. Balloon envelope inflation at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival What to Expect ⏳ While we do everything possible to ensure that the festival runs smoothly, there may be instances when balloon-related events are delayed or canceled due to weather. These changes can sometimes happen right up until the scheduled event time. We ask for your understanding and patience as we work to keep everyone safe. Stay Updated on Schedule Changes 📱 To stay updated on any schedule changes, please check our Facebook page  regularly. We will post timely updates and any adjustments to the schedule as needed. Please note that due to the high volume of messages we receive, we may not be able to respond to all social media inquiries. We kindly ask that you refer to our public posts for the most current information , rather than sending private messages. Balloon envelope inflation at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in making the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival  a safe and memorable event for everyone. Whether you’re enjoying a tethered ride or marveling at the glowing balloons at night, we’re committed to delivering an unforgettable experience—safely. Make sure to share your photos with us on our social media channels!

Have you ever dreamed of standing inside a real hot air balloon? Now’s your chance! As part of the 21st Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival , guests are invited to explore the wonder of ballooning like never before with our Interactive Balloon Experience  — a hands-on, family-friendly display designed to educate, inspire, and wow festivalgoers of all ages. This unique attraction features a cold-inflated hot air balloon  laid safely on its side, allowing visitors to walk inside the colorful envelope and get an up-close look at just how massive these aircrafts really are. It’s a rare opportunity to learn more about how hot air balloons are made, how they operate, and what makes them soar — all while snapping unforgettable photos from inside the balloon itself! Best of all? This experience is completely FREE  and open to everyone attending the festival. 📍 Location:  Tethered Ride Field ( see the festival map ) 🗓️ Dates & Times: • Friday, May 2 | 4 PM – Until • Saturday, May 3 | 1–4 PM ☁️ Please note: The experience is weather and wind permitting. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning fan of the festival, the Interactive Balloon Experience is an absolute must-see! It’s just one of many exciting features at this year’s event, which includes live music, artisan vendors, delicious food trucks, tethered balloon rides, a frisbee dog show, and more — all at OWA Parks & Resort  in Foley, Alabama . 🎈 Join us May 1–3, 2025 for a weekend full of color, excitement, and community fun! Check out the full festival schedule, vendor lineup, balloon team bios, maps, parking details, and more right here on our site .