Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival
Over 50 balloons fill the Alabama sky every spring at OWA in Foley — just 20 minutes from Gulf Shores. Free general admission, tethered rides, evening balloon glows, and a new drone light show make it one of the Gulf Coast's premier annual events.
Stay close to the festival
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach rentals put you 20–30 minutes from OWA — with full beach access for before and after the event.
One of Alabama's most recognized spring festivals
The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival has been filling the Alabama sky for over two decades. Presented by the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, the event draws pilots and their balloons from across the country to OWA Parks and Resort in Foley — a 20 to 30-minute drive from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Named Event of the Year by the Alabama Tourism Department and recognized by the Southeast Tourism Society, the festival has grown from a local tradition at the Foley Sports Complex into one of the Gulf Coast's premier annual events. The 2026 edition added a brand-new drone light show to its lineup, featuring hundreds of synchronized drones in choreographed formations after the evening balloon glow.
General admission is free. Tethered balloon rides are available on-site for purchase and sell out quickly — plan ahead if rides are a priority.
What to expect at the festival
Three days of balloons, music, rides, food, and family activities at OWA in Foley. Here's what the event includes.
Balloon Glows at Dusk
The signature event — 50+ balloons inflate and glow simultaneously at dusk each evening, weather permitting. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. The glow typically begins around 7 PM.
Morning Competition Flights
Balloons launch for competition flights on Friday and Saturday mornings from approximately 7–9 AM, weather permitting. Morning flights offer a different perspective than the evening glow.
Tethered Balloon Rides
Climb into a balloon and rise 50 feet above the crowd. Rides are sold on-site only and sell out fast. Arrive early if tethered rides are on your list.
Drone Light Show (New 2026)
Hundreds of synchronized drones illuminate the night sky in choreographed formations after the Balloon Glow on Friday and Saturday nights — running approximately 9:15–9:30 PM.
Live Music & Entertainment
Daily live performances across genres — country, rock, blues, and more — keep the festival grounds energized throughout each day. Check the official schedule for confirmed performers.
Family Activities & Vendors
Kids activities, face painting, pony and camel rides, local artisan vendors, food, and a kids zone round out the three days. The event is designed for all ages.
Planning your festival visit
Festival Location
OWA Parks & Resort, 100 N. OWA Boulevard, Foley, AL 36535. ADA parking is available in a paved area adjacent to the festival grounds.
Arrive Early for the Glow
Evening balloon glows are the most popular element of the festival. Arrive well before 7 PM to claim a good viewing location on the grounds.
Weather Dependent
All balloon flights, glows, and rides are weather and wind permitting. Check the official festival site or social channels for real-time updates during the event weekend.
Tethered Ride Tickets
Ride tickets are sold on-site only — no advance purchase online. They sell out. If a tethered ride is the priority, arrive early on the first day.
Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach
The festival is a 20 to 30-minute drive from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach — easy enough for a day trip while staying on the beach. Brett/Robinson vacation rentals give you the best of both: full beach access and a convenient base for the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival?
The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is held annually in late April and early May in Foley, Alabama. The 2026 event took place April 30 through May 2 at OWA Parks and Resort. Confirm 2027 dates at gulfcoastballoonfestival.com as the event approaches.
Where is the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival held?
The festival is held at OWA Parks and Resort, located at 100 N. OWA Boulevard in Foley, Alabama. Foley is approximately 20 to 30 minutes north of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach vacation rentals.
Is the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival free?
Yes, general admission to the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is free. Tethered balloon rides are available for purchase on-site and typically sell out quickly. Confirm ticket details and ride pricing at gulfcoastballoonfestival.com before your visit.
What happens at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival?
The festival features over 50 hot air balloons from across the country, balloon glows at dusk, morning competition flights, tethered rides for guests, live music, arts and crafts vendors, food, kids activities, and a drone light show. Balloon flights are weather permitting and typically occur at dawn and dusk each day of the event.
How far is the Balloon Festival from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach?
The festival site at OWA in Foley is approximately 20 to 30 minutes by car from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. It makes an easy day trip from any Brett/Robinson vacation rental on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Where should I stay for the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival?
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach vacation rentals offer the most convenient base for the festival — close enough for an easy drive to Foley with full beach access before and after the event. Brett/Robinson manages condos and beach houses across both areas available for direct booking at brett-robinson.com.
Stay close to the Gulf Coast Balloon Festival
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach put you 20 minutes from the festival — with over 1,000 vacation rentals, direct beach access, and no third-party booking fees. Plan your spring trip around the balloons and stay on the coast.