Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival Readies For 22nd Year
Gulf Shores News Staff • April 5, 2026
Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival takes place at OWA
One of the most popular events along the Alabama coast readies for the smiling crowds and festivities. The 22nd Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is returning to OWA Parks & Resort in Foley, Alabama, with a busy schedule of events.
Sponsored by Columbia Southern University, the festival will showcase colorful hot air balloons, live music, family-friendly activities, and impressive nighttime displays. The event is supported by partners including OWA Parks & Resorts, the City of Foley, Coca-Cola, and Riviera Utilities. Organizers say the weekend offers something for everyone.
The festival takes place from Thursday, April 30, to Saturday, May 2, 2026. Gates open at 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
One of the biggest highlights this year is a brand-new drone show. Hundreds of synchronized drones will illuminate the night sky with choreographed formations. The show is scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings at 9:15 p.m., weather permitting.
Also returning are the fan-favorite Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Shows. The high-energy performances feature canine athletes performing leaps, flips, and precision catches. Multiple shows are scheduled throughout all three days of the festival.
Live music will take center stage at the OWA Amphitheater throughout the entire weekend. Thursday's lineup features Yeah Probably and Justin Jeansonne. Friday offers Shrimp Shack Shooters, Renee Amelia, and The M-80's. Saturday wraps up the weekend with Symone French, JB Dyess Trio, and The Molly Ringwalds.
Balloon activities remain a highlight of the event. Guests can enjoy interactive hot air balloon displays on Friday and Saturday afternoons. Tethered balloon rides and the popular balloon glow are scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings, weather permitting. Additionally, a balloon glow will happen at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday evening.
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo will host meet-and-greet sessions on Friday and Saturday. Hot air balloon pilots will also be available to meet festivalgoers on Saturday afternoon at the Meet & Greet Tent.
Below is the official schedule of events for the 2026 festival:
Thursday, April 30
- 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Festival Open to the Public
- 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Yeah Probably at OWA Amphitheater
- 7:00 PM – 7:35 PM: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show
- 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Justin Jeansonne at OWA Amphitheater
- 7:30 PM: Balloon Glow (weather permitting)
Friday, May 1
- 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Festival Open to the Public
- 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Shrimp Shack Shooters at OWA Amphitheater
- 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo at the Meet & Greet Tent
- 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Interactive Hot Air Balloon Display (weather permitting)
- 5:00 PM – 5:35 PM: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show
- 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Renee Amelia at OWA Amphitheater
- 7:00 PM – 7:35 PM: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show
- 7:30 PM: Tethered Rides & Balloon Glow (weather permitting)
- 7:30 PM – 9:15 PM: The M-80’s at OWA Amphitheater
- 9:15 PM: Drone Show (weather permitting)
Saturday, May 2
- 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM: Festival Open to the Public
- 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo at Meet & Greet Tent
- 11:30 AM – 12:05 PM: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Symone French at OWA Amphitheater
- 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Hot Air Balloon Pilots at Meet & Greet Tent
- 3:00 PM – 3:35 PM: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show
- 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Interactive Hot Air Balloon Display (weather permitting)
- 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM: JB Dyess Trio at OWA Amphitheater
- 6:30 PM – 7:05 PM: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show
- 7:30 PM: Tethered Rides & Balloon Glow (weather permitting)
- 7:00 PM – 9:15 PM: The Molly Ringwalds at OWA Amphitheater
- 9:15 PM: Drone Show (weather permitting)
For more information about the festival and a full schedule of events, visit gulfcoastballoonfestival.com.
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