22nd Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival Announces Schedule of Events

FOLEY, AL — The schedule of events has officially been released for the 22nd Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, presented by Columbia Southern University, returning April 30 - May 2, 2026, at OWA Parks & Resort. This three-day celebration will once again bring colorful hot air balloons, live entertainment, family-friendly attractions, and unforgettable evening spectacles to the Gulf Coast. Special thanks to our partners and sponsors; OWA Parks & Resorts, The City of Foley, Coca-Cola & Riviera Utilities.

Festival guests can look forward to three days of balloon activities, live music at the OWA Amphitheater, interactive experiences, and exciting entertainment for all ages. Among the highlights this year are the crowd-favorite Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Shows, returning with multiple performances throughout the weekend. These high-energy shows feature incredible canine athletes performing leaps, flips, and precision catches that continue to wow audiences of all ages.

Another major highlight for 2026 is the all-new and highly anticipated Drone Show, a visually stunning nighttime spectacle making its appearance during the festival’s evening lineup. As hundreds of synchronized drones illuminate the night sky with choreographed light formations, the show promises a modern twist on the festival’s nighttime entertainment and a breathtaking experience for festivalgoers.

Live music will once again take center stage at the OWA Amphitheater, where guests can enjoy performances from talented regional and national acts throughout the weekend. These concerts provide the perfect backdrop for an evening at the festival as guests relax, enjoy food and beverages, and watch the night fill with glowing balloons.

Balloon activities remain the heart of the festival, with interactive hot air balloon displays, tethered rides, and the beloved balloon glow (weather permitting) lighting up the evening skies.

Below is the official schedule of events for the 2026 festival:

Thursday, April 30

4:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Festival Open to the Public
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Yeah Probably at OWA Amphitheater
7:00 PM – 7:35 PM: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Justin Jeansonne at OWA Amphitheater
7:30 PM: Balloon Glow (weather permitting)

Friday, May 1

4:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Festival Open to the Public
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Shrimp Shack Shooters at OWA Amphitheater
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
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Renee Amelia at OWA Amphitheater
7:00 PM – 7:35 PM: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show
7:30 PM: Tethered Rides & Balloon Glow (weather permitting)
7:30 PM – 9:15 PM: The M-80’s at OWA Amphitheater
9:15 PM: Drone Show (weather permitting)

Saturday, May 2

10:00 AM – 10:00 PM: Festival Open 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
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Symone French at OWA Amphitheater
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
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Interactive Hot Air Balloon Display (weather permitting)
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM: JB Dyess Trio at OWA Amphitheater
6:30 PM – 7:05 PM: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show
7:30 PM: Tethered Rides & Balloon Glow (weather permitting)
7:00 PM – 9:15 PM: The Molly Ringwalds at OWA Amphitheater
9:15 PM: Drone Show (weather permitting)

For more information about the event, visit gulfcoastballoonfestival.com.

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