Colorful hot air balloons are floating above Foley as the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival returns. Dozens of massive balloons in various shapes and bright colors create a spectacular aerial display. Residents and tourists gather to witness the impressive sight. The annual event transforms the Gulf Coast skies into a canvas of floating art.

Thousands of visitors are expected to attend the festival at OWA through May 4. The popular annual event draws guests from across the region each spring.

Weather forecasts show a 50% chance of rain today, 80% on Saturday, and 30% on Sunday. However, Gulf Coast residents know these predictions can often change quickly.

Morning balloon flights start at 6:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Evening glows, where tethered balloons light up after sunset, will happen on Friday and Saturday nights.

Festival guests can take tethered balloon rides for $20 per person. These rides lift passengers about 50 feet above ground while the balloon remains secured to the earth.

Kids can enjoy face painting and inflatables in the children's area. Live music performances will entertain crowds throughout the festival.

Food vendors will offer various options for hungry visitors. Local craft makers will sell their goods at booths across the festival grounds.

Local businesses look forward to the tourism boost during this popular event. The festival has become an important economic driver for the Foley area.

Admission to the festival is free, but parking costs $5 per vehicle. A free shuttle service runs from the Foley Municipal Airport parking lot to the festival grounds.

The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival began in 2004. It has grown into one of the region's most anticipated spring events.

Balloon pilots from across the country participate in the festival. Weather conditions play a key role in flight schedules, as balloons cannot fly in rain or strong winds.

Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras to capture the colorful sights. The early morning and evening hours offer the best lighting for balloon photography.

The festival opened at 2 p.m. yesterday and continued until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., while Sunday's schedule runs from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Jennifer Ponto, Foley's Director of Marketing, says the festival showcases the beauty of hot air balloons while bringing economic benefits to the community.

The festival is organized by the City of Foley and the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. Volunteers help manage the crowds and assist with balloon operations.

Organizers note that all balloon activities are subject to change based on weather conditions. Attendees are encouraged to check the festival website for updates and a complete schedule of events.

Daily Schedules: 

Friday, May 2

• 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Festival opens to the public
• 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Vibe Irie
• 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
  5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Cadie Calhoun
• 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show
• 7:30 pm: Tethered Rides and Balloon Glow (weather permitting)
• 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm: Fly By Radio
  
  

Saturday, May 3

• 10:00 am – 10:00 pm: Festival opens 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
• 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Interactive Hot Air Balloon Display (weather permitting)
• 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
• 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Dorsten
• 6:30 pm – 7:05 pm: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show
• 7:30 pm: Tethered Rides and Balloon Glow (weather permitting)
• 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm: The Tip Tops

Beat the traffic with our complimentary shuttle available at Liberty Church.

• Friday: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
• Saturday: 2:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Note: The festival is free to the public. Please note that hot air balloon activities are highly weather-dependent; flight and glow times may be delayed or canceled due to weather. Balloons are typically visible at dawn and dusk, subject to weather conditions.