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Festival Committee Invites Artists to Create the Signature Poster and T-Shirt Design for the 23rd Annual Event FOLEY, AL – The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival Committee is excited to announce a Call for Artists to create the official poster and t-shirt artwork for the 23rd Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, taking place in 2027. This is a unique opportunity for artists to leave a lasting mark on one of the Gulf Coast's most celebrated annual events. The selected artwork will be featured on the festival's official commemorative poster, event merchandise, promotional materials, and marketing campaigns leading up to the 2027 festival. Artists are invited to submit original artwork that captures the spirit of the Gulf Coast while celebrating the festival's signature blend of hot air balloons, art, music, and coastal culture. Artwork Requirements Submitted artwork must meet the following guidelines: Artwork must be the artist's original creation - drawing, painting, graphic design, and/or a combination. AI-generated artwork will not be accepted. Designs should reflect the theme: Hot Air Balloons Art Music The Gulf Coast Artwork must include: 23rd Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival 2027 Foley, AL Final commissioned poster size will not exceed 18 inches by 24 inches. If selected, the artist agrees to relinquish ownership of the artwork. The 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 deemed appropriate without additional compensation. The selected artist will receive a one-time commission of $500. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, October 1, 2026. Artwork may be delivered to: South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce 200 N. Alston Street Foley, AL 36535 Or mailed to: South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 1117 Foley, AL 36536 Artists with questions or those wishing to confirm their participation are encouraged to contact: Rachel Spear Director of Events South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce (251) 943-5550 Rachel@SouthBaldwinChamber.com "The artwork selected each year becomes part of the festival's legacy and helps tell the story of our community through creativity," said Rachel Spear, Director of Events for the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. "We look forward to seeing fresh interpretations that capture the excitement, color, and energy that make the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival such a special experience." The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival Committee welcomes submissions from artists of all experience levels and looks forward to showcasing the talent and creativity found throughout the region and beyond. 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 across the Southeast. The family-friendly festival features colorful hot air balloons, live entertainment, local artists and vendors, children's activities, and a celebration of the culture and hospitality of Alabama's Gulf Coast. The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce proudly hosts the festival in partnership with the City of Foley and OWA Parks & Resort.

The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival has officially launched its online merchandise store, giving festival fans another chance to grab their favorite keepsakes from the 2026 event and past festival years while supplies last. Festival merchandise now available online includes a variety of collectible items such as festival t-shirts, lapel pins, teddy bears, and other souvenirs celebrating one of the Gulf Coast’s favorite annual traditions. Limited inventory from previous festival years is also available, making this a great opportunity for collectors and longtime festival supporters to complete their collections. The online merchandise shop is hosted through the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce’s online store platform and can be accessed through the festival website’s merchandise page. To help guests save on shipping, only one shipping fee will be charged when multiple items can fit within the same shipping container or box. Local customers also have the option to pick up their purchases in person at the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce office with no shipping charges. Festival officials encourage shoppers to carefully review their cart, item quantities, and shirt sizes before completing checkout. Questions before ordering can be directed to Rachel Spear, Events Director, at 251-943-5550 or by email at Rachel@SouthBaldwinChamber.com. The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival thanks the community for its continued support and looks forward to welcoming everyone back for the 2027 festival, scheduled for April 29 – May 1, 2027, in Foley, Alabama.

6:40 PM Saturday 5/2/26 Great news—our pilots are preparing to set up for a possible balloon glow! 🙌 They’re closely monitoring the wind and truly want to give everyone that beautiful glow experience tonight. 🔥 As always, safety comes first, so if winds pick up, we may shift to a “candlestick” display—still a fun and glowing moment for the crowd to enjoy! 🔥🎈 🚧 For everyone’s safety, please remain behind the barricades until the announcer invites guests onto the field. If you see people on the balloon field - these are the crews and our photographers. Thank you for your patience and positive vibes—let’s hope for a beautiful evening on the field! 💛 6 PM Saturday 5/2/26 Due to current wind conditions, tethered rides and the interactive balloon display will not take place this evening. Our pilots are meeting now (6:00 PM) with the Balloon Meister and festival officials to evaluate conditions for a possible balloon glow. This meeting typically takes about 30–45 minutes, and we’ll share an update as soon as it concludes. 🎶🍴🛍️ We appreciate your patience and hope you’re enjoying the festival—there’s still plenty of great food, vendors, and live entertainment happening throughout OWA! 11: 15 AM Saturday 5/2/26 🎈 Happy Saturday from the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival! After all the rain Friday night and into this morning, our amazing crews have been working hard to get the grounds ready—and we’re excited to welcome everyone at 12 PM today at OWA Parks & Resort! 🙌 We know many of you are asking about the Balloon Glow tonight. Here’s the honest answer—we can’t guarantee it just yet. Our pilots, Balloon Meister, festival committee, and local officials will meet around 6 PM to evaluate conditions and make the safest call. We wish we had a crystal ball to give you a definite yes or no, but we always leave that window open and do everything we can to put on the show for our community. 🎈 👉 We truly wish we could reply to each comment individually, but the best way we can keep everyone informed at the same time is through our official posts—please take a moment to read our latest update/press release for the most accurate and up-to-date information. In the meantime, there is so much to enjoy today! 🎶 Live music on the Island Stage 🛍️ Wonderful local vendors 🍴 Delicious food 🐾 Family-friendly fun throughout OWA Please take time to support our vendors, thank a volunteer when you see one, and enjoy all the hard work that goes into making this FREE event special. We are so grateful for your positive vibes, patience, and support—it truly means the world to us. Let’s make it a great Saturday at the 22nd Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival! 💛🎈 The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival presented by Columbia Southern University continues Saturday at OWA Parks & Resort, with a delayed opening at 12:00 p.m. (noon) as festival officials monitor weather conditions. Saturday morning balloon flights have been canceled due to wind and weather forecasts. At this time, we’re unable to guarantee hot air balloon activities on Saturday due to inclement weather predictions. This includes a festival favorite, the balloon glow. A final decision will be made on Saturday as conditions are assessed in real time. Our pilots will be on site and ready in case there is a large enough break in the weather to safely proceed, but it doesn’t look promising. If possible, we will have a balloon glow, but if the weather is unfavorable on Saturday at dusk, we will not, simply put. Following Friday’s weather-related cancellation, Saturday's forecast is showing cooler temperatures and the potential for improving conditions for all other festival activities, and we are excited to invite festivalgoers to the grounds for a day of family fun! While hot air balloons are the highlight of the festival, there is still plenty to enjoy! Guests can experience live music on the island stage, over 80 vendors, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and the Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show, along with everything OWA Parks & Resort has to offer. And don’t forget our newly added Drone Show! See the Day's schedule here. Our festival committee emphasizes that safety remains the top priority, and decisions are made in collaboration with festival officials, the Balloon Meister, and safety partners to ensure the best possible experience when conditions allow. For the latest updates, guests are encouraged to visit our festival website and follow along on Facebook. We share information as soon as decisions are made so everyone receives timely and accurate updates. The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival remains a FREE community event, made possible by the support of sponsors, volunteers, vendors, and local partners. We look forward to welcoming everyone out to enjoy the day and make the most of the festival experience at OWA! A Short Note If you’re new to our hot air balloon event, here’s a helpful tip—balloons typically fly only at sunrise or near sunset, when winds are calm and predictable. Midday conditions—like heat, thermals, and shifting air—often make it unsafe to fly. We’re often asked why balloons aren’t flying during the day at the festival, and the answer is simple: it’s not safe. At the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, morning flights are reserved for sponsors. In the evening, guests can enjoy the popular balloon glow, where pilots inflate their balloons on the festival grounds for a beautiful, up-close experience (weather and wind permitting). When conditions allow and the balloons are secured, guests are often invited onto the balloon field to get an up-close look—something many find to be a highlight of the festival. While full flights don’t typically take place in the evening, a few pilots may offer tethered balloon rides. You can learn more about that here. Interested in becoming a sponsor? We’d love to have you—please reach out to Rachel Spear, Events Director. And if a full hot air balloon ride is on your bucket list, several of our experienced commercial pilots across the Southeast offer private flights. Visit our Balloons & Pilots page and scroll to the bottom for their contact information.

12:30 Announcement From OWA Parks & Resort Still happening TONIGHT: Live entertainment is still happening indoors tonight! A FREE show with the M-80s from 7:00–9:00 pm inside OWA Theater. Also, opening the show at 6:00 pm is Renee Amelia, don't miss it! Stay dry and rock on with us at the OWA Theater! 11:30 AM Festival Announcement Following the 10:00 AM meeting with festival committee members, balloon pilots, and local officials, the difficult decision has been made to cancel all Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival activities for Friday, May 1, 2026. This decision was made in the interest of safety for our guests, vendors, volunteers, balloon pilots and crews, and festival property, based on the latest forecast from direct communication with the National Weather Service, which includes scattered rainstorms and the potential for wind gusts. These types of conditions are difficult to predict and track in real time, making it unsafe to proceed with today’s activities. Additionally, Saturday morning balloon flights are also canceled, and our pilots share in the disappointment. Many travel from across the country to be here and to provide the beautiful balloon experiences our community looks forward to each year. We understand this is disappointing and share in that sentiment, but safety must always remain our top priority. We extend our sincere thanks to our presenting sponsor, Columbia Southern University, the City of Foley, along with our dedicated volunteers, vendors, partners, and event team for their continued support, flexibility, and commitment to this event. Looking ahead, Saturday’s festival schedule will have a delayed opening, moving from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (noon). We are encouraged by the current forecast, which is expected to bring cooler temperatures and improved conditions, and we are excited for the opportunity to continue the festival! Guests are encouraged to check the updated event schedule and follow our official Facebook page and press releases for the latest information regarding Saturday’s timing and activities. Some good news: OWA Parks & Resort is currently working to provide live entertainment indoors for tonight! We encourage guests to follow OWA’s Facebook page for updates on those activities. 7:00 AM Announcement Festival officials and pilots met this morning at 5:30 AM to assess weather conditions. Based on that meeting, hot air balloons will not be flying this morning due to unfavorable conditions. We know this is disappointing for many, and it is for us as well—but unfortunately, weather is something we cannot control. A small number of balloons may be inflated briefly this morning on the grounds at OWA Parks & Resort for sponsor photo opportunities. This will not be a full balloon display, but if you are already in the area, you may catch a brief glimpse during these limited moments. Festival officials will meet again at 10:00 AM to evaluate conditions and determine plans for today’s festival opening. We will update this news release following that meeting, along with any additional announcements for the day. As always, conditions can change quickly. For the most timely updates, please follow our official website & Facebook page, where information is shared as soon as decisions are made.

The 2026 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival presented by Columbia Southern University is officially underway, and opening night at OWA Parks & Resort brought a great start to the weekend. Festivalgoers filled Downtown OWA, enjoying a lively evening of music, food, shopping, and family-friendly activities. The Junior Pilots Kids Zone was a hit with younger guests, while vendors and food trucks stayed busy serving up a wide variety of items and flavors. Live music on the Island Stage kept the energy up throughout the night, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere across the resort. As always, festival officials, our Balloon Meister, and Foley Fire Department closely monitored weather conditions throughout the evening. While some inclement weather presented challenges, adjustments were made to keep guests safe while still offering memorable moments. The drone show was moved up to allow attendees to enjoy it, and pilots were able to briefly inflate balloons for photo opportunities before winds increased. Crews then safely maneuvered the balloon envelopes back to the ground as conditions changed. Looking ahead to Friday, the forecast may present additional challenges, but pilots will still meet at 5:30 AM as planned. A special thank you to Groovy Goat for providing breakfast for the pilots as they prepare for the day. Updates on morning flights will be shared on Facebook. If you want to know more about those flights and where to see them if weather permits, visit our website’s Balloons & Pilots page. We know many attendees have questions throughout the event, and while we wish we could respond to each comment on our Facebook posts individually, the best way to keep everyone informed at the same time is through our official update posts. As decisions are made, we share them immediately on our Facebook page and update the schedule on our website to ensure the most accurate and timely information is available to all. The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival remains a free community event, and we encourage everyone to come out, support our vendors, enjoy the entertainment, and experience all OWA Parks & Resort has to offer. While weather is always a factor in ballooning, our team is committed to making the most of every opportunity to create a fun and memorable experience for our community and visitors.

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 After Sunset (approximately 7:30 PM) 🎈 Friday After Sunset (approximately 7:30 PM) 🎈 Saturday 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.

The skyline over Foley, Alabama, is about to get a lot more colorful. The official schedule for the 22nd Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival  has been released, marking the return of this beloved tradition to OWA Parks & Resort from April 30 through May 2, 2026 . Presented by Columbia Southern University —with support from the City of Foley, OWA, Coca-Cola, and Riviera Utilities—this year’s festival combines classic balloon magic with high-tech new spectacles. New Heights and High-Tech Lights While the heart of the festival remains the majestic hot air balloons, 2026 introduces a brand-new nighttime highlight: The Drone Show . This synchronized aerial display will feature hundreds of drones creating choreographed light formations in the night sky on Friday and Saturday. Returning favorites include the Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Shows , featuring gravity-defying canine athletes, and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo , which will host meet-and-greet sessions for families. The Official 2026 Schedule Thursday, April 30: The Kickoff 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM:  Festival Grounds Open Live Music :   Yeah Probably  (4:30 PM) and Justin Jeansonne  (7:00 PM) at the OWA Amphitheater. The Main Event:  The first Balloon Glow  of the weekend begins at 7:30 PM  (weather permitting). Friday, May 1: Glow & Show 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM:  Festival Grounds Open Interactive Fun:  Meet the animals from the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo or get up close with balloons at the Interactive Display (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM). Live Music :  Performances by Shrimp Shack Shooters , Renee Amelia , and 80s favorites The M-80’s . Nightlife:  Tethered rides and the Balloon Glow start at 7:30 PM , followed by the debut of the Drone Show at 9:15 PM . Saturday, May 2: The Grand Finale 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM:  Festival Grounds Open (All Day!) Family Afternoon:  Catch three different K9 Frisbee shows and meet the Hot Air Balloon Pilots at the Meet & Greet tent from 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM. Live Music :  A full lineup featuring Symone French , JB Dyess Trio , and headliners The Molly Ringwalds . Closing Spectacle:  The final Balloon Glow  (7:30 PM) leads into the festival’s ultimate Drone Show finale at 9:15 PM . Plan Your Visit Whether you are looking for the thrill of a tethered balloon ride , the nostalgia of live regional music, or the wonder of the new drone technology, the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival remains the premier family event of the spring. Important Note:  All balloon activities, including glows and tethered rides, are strictly weather permitting  for the safety of the pilots and guests. For more details and to plan your weekend, head over to gulfcoastballoonfestival.com .

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! 🎈