The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is held annually at OWA in Foley, Alabama. This great event brings in hot air balloon pilots from across the country. Visitors can enjoy night balloon glows, a new drone show, live music, and festival events, and watch morning flights over Foley.
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Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival
- Dates - Thursday April 30 - May 2, 2026
- Location - OWA Parks & Resort, Foley
- Cost - FREE to attend
Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival Schedule
All balloon activities, including glows and tethered rides, are weather dependent to ensure the safety of pilots and guests.
I highly suggest arriving EARLY for the Balloon Glow events! This is one of the most popular annual events of the year, and the parking lot will fill up.
We tried to go a couple of years ago and missed getting a parking space a couple of hours before the Glow started. If you get to OWA and the parking is crazy, and you don't want to walk to get to the glow, we ended up watching the Balloon Glow from The Brick Oven Pizza across the street, and it was a fun date night in the car with delicious pizza.
49 balloons are attending the 2026 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival!
Thursday, April 30 - The Kickoff
Festival grounds open from 4:00 pm - 9:30 pm
- 4:30 - 6:30 pm: Live music by Yeah Probably on OWA Island
- 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Live music by Justin Jeansonne on OWA Island
- 7:30 pm: Balloon Glow (book a glowing kayak or pedal boat)
- 9:15 pm - 9:30 pm: Drone Show on the Festival Grounds (book a glowing kayak or pedal boat)
Friday, May 1 - Glow & Show
- 7 - 9 am: Morning Competition Hot Air Balloon Flights (weather permitting)
Festival grounds open from 4:00 pm - 9:30 pm
- 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm: Live music by the Shrimp Shack Shooters on OWA Island
- 4:00 - 6:00 pm: Meet animals from the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
- 4:00 - 6:00 pm: Interactive Hot Air Balloon Display (weather & wind permitting)
- 5:00 - 5:35 pm: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show
- 5:30 - 7:00 pm: Live music by Renee Amelia on OWA Island
- 7:00 - 7:35 pm: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show
- 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm: Live music by The M-80s on OWA Island
- 7:30 pm: Hot Air Balloon Glow & Tethered Rides (weather & wind permitting) (book a glowing kayak or pedal boat)
Saturday, May 2 - The Grand Finale
- 7 - 9 am: Morning Competition Hot Air Balloon Flights (weather permitting)
Festival grounds from 10:00 am - 9:30 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
- 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm: Porch Creek Indians Pow Wow
- 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Live music by Symone French on OWA Island
- 2:30 - 4:30 pm: Hot Air Balloon Pilots Meet & Greet
- 3:00 -3:35 pm: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show
- 4:00 - 6:00 pm: Interactive Hot Air Balloon Display (weather & wind permitting)
- 4:30 - 6:30 pm: Live music by JB Dyess Trio on OWA Island
- 6:30 - 7:05 pm: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show
- 7:00 pm - 9:15pm: Live music by The Molly Ringwald's on OWA Island
- 7:30 pm: Hot Air Balloon Glow & Tethered rides (weather & wind permitting)(book a glowing kayak or pedal boat)
- 9:15 pm - 9:30 pm: Drone Show on the Festival Grounds (book a glowing kayak or pedal boat)
What to expect at the Hot Air Balloon Festival
While the night hot air balloon glow is the star of the show, there are also a ton of other events, vendors, and more to enjoy.
5 food vendors will be set up, along with the amazing OWA Restaurants, open during the event. There will also be 46 arts & crafts vendors, 14 retail companies, and tons of fun during the hours leading up to the balloon glow.
There will also be kids activities, caricature drawings, live chainsaw carving, a K9 frisbee dog show, live music, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo meet & greet tent, and so much more happening.
Balloon Glow
📅 7:30 pm Thursday, Friday & Saturday
The Balloon Glow is the centerpiece of the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival and one of the most photographed events on the Alabama Gulf Coast all year. As the sun sets, 49 hot air balloons light up in sequence on the festival field, glowing from the inside as their burners fire.
The Balloon Glow happens all three nights of the festival at 7:30 PM weather and wind permitting. Thursday's glow is the kickoff. Friday and Saturday's glows are followed by the new Drone Show. All balloon activities are weather dependent, confirm the current status at gulfcoastballoonfestival.com the day of your visit.
Arrive early. The parking fills up and the best viewing spots on the festival field go fast.
Tethered Balloon Rides
During the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival visitors can take a tethered ride 30-40 feet in the air. This is a great opportunity to experience a hot air balloon flight while still connected to the ground.
Tethered Balloon Rides are weather permitting and offered by select balloon pilots. Tickets for tethered balloon rides can be purchased on site starting at approximately 5pm Friday & Saturday.
Morning Balloon Flights
Look to the sky on Friday and Saturday Mornings between 6 and 9 am to see the early morning balloon flights. These flights are weather dependant with the hot air balloon pilots meeting in the morning to assess the weather and wind conditions.
Flights are not available to the public, but you can watch the balloons rise and soar over Foley. I had the opportunity to go up in a balloon a few years ago and it was amazing. So cool seeing Foley from the air as we gently rode the wind.
The best opportunity to see the morning balloon flights is over the soccer fields off Hwy 98 between 7-9 am weather permitting.
Aura Adventures Glow in the Dark Kayak Rides during the Balloon Glow
You can watch the Hot Air Balloon Glow at OWA from a Glow in the Dark Kayak or Peddle Boat!!! This is such a fun experience.
I loved paddling around checking out OWA from the water. Being able to see the Balloon Glow would be amazing from the kayaks or peddle boats.
View availability on the calendar below. Times are marked for during the Balloon Festival.
Drone Show
📅 9:15 pm Friday & Saturday
The Drone Show is a brand-new 2026 addition to the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival and has already become one of the most talked-about parts of the event.
Hundreds of synchronized drones illuminate the night sky with choreographed formations in a display that runs 15 minutes from 9:15 PM to 9:30 PM. The show runs after the Balloon Glow on both Friday and Saturday nights, weather permitting.
Why you will love attending the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival
- Free to attend - one of the best free events on the Alabama Gulf Coast all year
- 49 hot air balloons with pilots from across the country
- Balloon Glow all three nights at 7:30 PM
- Brand-new 2026 Drone Show Friday and Saturday at 9:15 PM
- Tethered balloon rides $20 per person - experience the view without leaving the ground
- Watch the Balloon Glow from a glow-in-the-dark kayak or pedal boat with Aura Adventures
- Morning competition flights Friday and Saturday 7 to 9 AM over Foley
- Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo meet and greet Friday and Saturday
- Balloon pilot meet and greet tent Saturday afternoon
- Poarch Creek Indians Pow Wow Saturday 1 PM to 1:30 PM
- Free kids activities and free lawn games Friday and Saturday
- Live music all three days on the OWA Island Amphitheater
Things to know when planning a visit
Address - 100 N OWA Blvd., Foley, AL.
The festival takes place on the south side of OWA Parks & Resort in the grassy field area.
Accessibility - ADA parking is available in a paved parking area next to the OWA theater. This parking are WILL fill up quickly! Make sure to get there early to get a parking space.
Plus Size Seating - We suggest bringing your favorite beach/camping chair with you for comfortable seating.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual, weather-specific, depending on what our lovely spring Alabama Gulf Coast weather decides to do. I highly suggest layers, especially for the night glows. The temperature will get cool if there is any wind.
Pets - Pets are not allowed on the festival field for safety reason. However, leashed pets are permitted in Downtown OWA.
Parking - Parking is free and can get full quickly! There is a lot of parking available at OWA but it can be quite a walk to get to the Balloon Glow area.
VIP Parking Passes can be purchased to make sure you are close to the festival grounds.
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 to 11 PM on Friday and from 2 PM to 11 PM on Saturday.
Foley and OWA Restaurants and Attractions nearby
The Brick Oven Pizzeria Foley - Right across the street from OWA. If the parking fills up and you can't get in for the Balloon Glow, grab a pizza here and watch the balloons rise from across the street - speaking from experience, it makes for a surprisingly fun date night.
Groovy Goat at OWA - Sports bar and restaurant right inside Downtown OWA. Great food, big screen TVs, and steps from the festival grounds.
Tropic Falls at OWA - The Gulf Coast's largest indoor water park right at OWA. A great daytime activity before the evening Balloon Glow.
Gelato Joe's Italian Restaurant - Italian food and gelato in Foley. A great dinner option before heading to the evening glow.
Cheeseburger Randy's - A Foley favorite for great burgers
Copper Kettle Tea Bar - A fairy-tale looking tea bar in Foley with a magical atmosphere. Great for a daytime stop during festival weekend.
Mugshots Grill and Bar - Casual Foley bar and grill with great food and a fun atmosphere.
Jim N Nick's Bar-B-Q Foley - Southern BBQ done right in Foley. A solid pre-festival dinner option.
Aura Adventures Kayak OWA - Glow-in-the-dark clear kayak experience right on the OWA water. During the festival Aura Adventures also operates glowing kayaks and pedal boats at night, one of the most unique ways to experience the Balloon Glow from the water.
Additional Alabama Gulf Coast Articles
Foley Railroad Museum and Model Train Exhibit - A great free museum for a daytime stop during festival weekend.
Holmes Medical Museum Foley - Unique Foley attraction worth knowing about.
What's New in Foley Alabama - New restaurants and things to do in Foley updated regularly.
OWA Foley AL - The full guide to everything at OWA Parks and Resort.
Unique Things to Do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - One-of-a-kind experiences across the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Best Breakfast in Gulf Shores - Top breakfast spots on the Alabama Gulf Coast to fuel up before a festival day.
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park - One of the best attractions on the Gulf Coast just south of Foley.
Foley Hotels and Lodging options
Planning a trip to Foley? Here are the best hotels and lodging options in the area. Foley makes a great base for visiting OWA, Tanger Outlets, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, and the nearby Gulf Shores and Orange Beach beaches.
🏨 TownePlace Suites by Marriott Foley at OWA - The most convenient hotel for OWA visitors, located right on the property. Features an indoor pool, full suites with kitchenettes, and easy walking access to The Park at OWA rides and Tropic Falls. Check Rates and Availability
🏨 Hampton Inn Foley (#1 Rated Hotel in Foley on Tripadvisor) - The top-rated hotel in Foley. Free breakfast, free parking, outdoor pool, and clean comfortable rooms. Located near Tanger Outlets and a short drive to OWA and the beach. A great all-around pick for families and couples. Check Rates and Availability
🏨 Home2 Suites by Hilton Foley - Spacious, pet-friendly suites with full kitchens, free breakfast, outdoor pool, BBQ grills, and a firepit. A great pick for extended stays or families who want more room to spread out. Check Rates and Availability
🏨 Holiday Inn Express & Suites Foley - Conveniently located near Tanger Outlets and just 7 minutes from OWA. Offers a free hot breakfast, outdoor pool, hot tub, and gym. One of the most consistently well-reviewed options in Foley. Check Rates and Availability
🏨 Cobblestone Hotel & Suites Foley (New in 2025) - Brand new hotel with an outdoor pool, fitness center, free breakfast, and a bar on site. Located 1.2 miles from OWA. A fresh, modern option if you want something newly built. Check Rates and Availability
🏨 Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Foley - A solid mid-range Marriott option with an outdoor pool and fitness center, close to Tanger Outlets. Check Rates and Availability
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
This map will show you the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tours
These are some of our favorite tours available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
Dolphin Tours - Book a dolphin cruise here
Check out our experiences on Hammock Time Tiki Tours, Explorer Dolphin Cruise, Southern Rose Dolphin cruise, Cruise OB (Orange Beach), Sail Wild Hearts, Sunset Sail and Dolphin Tour, and the Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise.
Slingshot Rentals - Use code GULFJOURNEY To save 10% off a Slingshot Rental with Gulf Coast Rental Co in Orange Beach
Pontoon Boat Rentals - Enjoy cruising the waters of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on a Pontoon. Check out the pontoon boats with slides for extra fun. Book your Boat Rental Here
Parasailing - Check out the epic views as you parasail in the Gulf of Mexico. Look for wildlife and you float high above the water. Book your Parasailing Trip Here
Jet Ski Rentals - Jet Ski Tours and rentals are a great way to explore the back bays of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Book your Jet Ski Rental Here
Click here to see all of the top rated tours and activities available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, and more.
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
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