June 15-17, 2012
Foley Sportspark, 18507 Highway 98 West, Foley, Alabama
The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, presented by Tanger Outlets, welcomes more than 50 hot air balloonists from across the country. Enjoy the floating works of art as they grace the skies of South Baldwin County on Saturday and Sunday morning*. Get up close and personal as the hot air balloons and their pilots light up the evening skies at the nightly balloon glows, held Friday and Saturday night*.
Guests enjoy free, fun entertainment featuring something for every member of your family. Spread out your blanket, grab an ice cold drink and enjoy a variety of live music daily, from country to rock and roll. Be sure to catch one of the many shows by the Disc Connected K-9 Frisbee Dog Show. Toss after toss you will be amazed as man’s best friend defies gravity catching their prized flying saucers.
Pet a baby alligator, dance like a butterfly to fun kid’s tunes, paint your face like a tiger or try a little family friendly game of limbo. The free children’s village offers hours of fun for any age.
Grab an ice cream cone or snack on popcorn as you stroll through our Arts & Crafts Village and Retail Marketplace featuring local crafters, artisans, and retailers. View daily demonstrations from crafters and chefs, find a one of kind piece of art, or grab a souvenir.
* All balloon flights and displays are weather permitting. Winds must be less than 5 mph to safely inflate balloons on the festival grounds.
Early morning flight’s (approx. 6 a.m.) is the best time to see balloons. It’s definitely worth getting up early to see balloons fly overhead, trying to hit competition targets on the Festival grounds. Balloons are also scheduled to fly at dusk (approx. 7 p.m.) on Friday and Saturday night.
Ballooning is extremely weather dependent. Winds must be less than 10 knots for balloons to fly. Listen to WHEP 1310 AM or 92.5 FM for the latest on flight information. For weather and wind conditions in Foley, AL visit the weather site.
Hot air balloons are not able to inflate during the day due to higher winds. Pilots, their family and crew enjoy the same things as any festival goer - live music, quality arts & crafts, and local cuisine.
Due to the overwhelming demand for balloon rides during the festival, rides are not available. So bring your chair and enjoy the view. Rides can be purchased before/after the festival from Taking Off Hot Air Balloon Company, a member of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. Visit Gulf View Balloning for more information.
Kids can enjoy inflatables, children’s interactive entertainment, reptile displays, and face painting just to name a few! These fun activities are located in the free, gated Children’s Village open 2 p.m. - 8 p.m. on Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. on Sunday.
Don’t miss the interactive Hot Air Balloon Display on the soccer field! A Balloon Envelope will be inflated horizontally each day allowing children the opportunity to walk around, explore and play inside the hot air balloon in a safe environment.
Smoking is not allowed on the festival grounds while the balloons are present. Please be courteous of other festival patrons.
Only service dogs are allowed on the festival grounds. Please make arrangements to leave your beloved pets at home while attending the festival. The noise of the balloons may be distressing or frightening to some animals.
Coolers, bottles and food are not permitted on the festival grounds for safety reasons. The festival provides an assortment of unique foods at our concessionaire stands.
While you cannot camp or park an RV on the festival grounds, there are camping options nearby. Click here for a complete list of member campgrounds and accommodations.
