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 Friday and Saturday 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*. Watch the 2012 Video courtesy of Coast 360.
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 World Famous 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 Kid's Fun Zone offers hours of fun for any age.
Grab a cone of homemade ice cream or delicious BBQ plate as you shop through an eclectic array of local crafters, artisans, and retailers. Many crafters provide onsite demonstrations, find a one of kind piece of art, or grab a souvenir to commemorate your visit.
* 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 flights (approx. 6 a.m.) are 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. Beat festival traffic and arrive before 5:00 p.m. each day!
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, antique tractor displays, kid's entertainment, unique arts & crafts, and local cuisine.
Due to the overwhelming demand for balloon rides during the festival, regular rides are not available. However, 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.
Hot Air Balloon Tethered Rides are scheduled for Friday and Saturday Night. Hot Air Balloons carry passengers over 25 feet in the air giving them a bird’s eye view of the festival. Hot Air Balloons are tied to ground using ropes while passengers experience a smooth ascent and descent in the balloon. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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.
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.
