From the Organizer
The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce proudly announces an exciting change for the annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival future. For the first time in 16 years, the festival will now have a new home and be extended to a three-day event. As the event draws a larger crowd year after year the Chamber, City of Foley, and its partners saw a great opportunity to collaborate with OWA and relocate to their state-of-the-art property located at 100 N OWA Blvd. A family-friendly event, the festival has activities for everyone! Festival admission is free with select activities available for an additional charge. Guests will enjoy the expansive amenities of OWA including delicious restaurants, unique retail shopping options, a variety of entertainment attractions, and of course, The Park at OWA, its themed amusement park with more than 20 rides and attractions. Traditional festival activities will also be added throughout the property during the festival weekend featuring children’s activities, tethered balloon rides, balloon glows, balloons in flight, artesian and food vendors, live music, and more! More than 40 hot air balloons will light up the green space at OWA and soar through the skies in the heart of Foley on May 7th, 8th, and 9th. Balloons fly at dawn and dusk each day, wind and weather permitting. The festival kicks off at OWA on Thursday, May 6 with a balloon glow from 6-8 pm. The excitement continues on Friday, May 7 from 2-10 pm, Saturday, May 8 from 9 am – 10 pm, and from 12 pm – 8 pm on Sunday, May 9. For a small fee, use of the VIP area gives you a place to eat, rest, and enjoy the fellowship! General Admission: FREE! Come watch live entertainment on Friday and Saturday night for free! There is no cost to come watch the balloons fly (weather and wind permitting)! [VIP$] **Balloons are NOT visible during the day. Balloons are ONLY visible at dusk & dawn wind & weather permitting! Visit our website to purchase: 🎈 VIP Parking Pass $20* 🎈 VIP Weekend Pass $80* 🎈 VIP One Day Pass $50* 🎈 Tethered Balloon Rides Adult $20* 🎈 Tethered Balloon Rides Child $15* *Additional processing fees https://gulfcoastballoonfestival.com/ ABOUT Tethered Rides: Hot air balloons will give rides to those who have paid for a ticket (wind and weather permitting). The balloons are tied to the ground using ropes and go up in the air about 45-50ft. Balloons will be visible and begin setting up around dusk (wind and weather permitting). This is great for all ages! Get the chance to get inside a hot air balloon and meet the pilot! We recommend you get to the festival grounds early! Rides are weather dependent and NO REFUNDS will be ALLOWED in the event of high winds or weather. We recommend you are there 2 hours prior to sunset (about 5:00pm)
