The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival will return to Foley in the first weekend of May, bringing three days of live music, family activities, and hot air balloon displays to the area. Presented by Columbia Southern University, the annual event remains free to the public and continues to draw thousands of visitors from across the region.

Hot air balloons will be on display at dawn and dusk, with scheduled glows and tethered rides planned each evening, weather permitting. Alongside the balloon events, the festival will feature live performances, animal encounters with the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, and shows by the Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Team. A full entertainment lineup is planned for each day.

Volunteers Needed: Volunteers are the heart and soul of our festival. From helping with event planning to assisting with balloon launches and ensuring that all activities and services run smoothly, the dedicated volunteers are essential to the success of the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival. By volunteering, you’ll play a crucial role in making this year’s event truly spectacular. You can learn more HERE.

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: 

Thursday, May 1

• 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Festival opens to the public
• 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm: The Undertow Band
• 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show
• 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Style Entertainment
• 7:30 pm: Balloon Glow (weather permitting)
  
  

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.