Blog Layout

Hot Air Balloons to Fill Foley Skies During Annual Festival

OBA Staff • March 27, 2025

Annual celebration draws locals and visitors for springtime festivities on the Gulf Coast

Foley Hot Air Balloon Festival

Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – 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.

Share this article w/ Friends...

Camp Under the Stars on the Beach at the Gulf Shores State Park

Camp Under the Stars on the Beach at the Gulf Shores State Park

By OBA Staff • March 30, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf State Park invites families to the Spring Beach Campout. The cost is $45 per tent for up to four people, with additional guests at $5 each. A parking pass is included. This family-friendly event is open to adults and children of all ages. Participants under 18 must have a responsible adult with them. Families should bring their own food, nonalcoholic beverages, and camping essentials. All drinks must be in non-glass containers.
American Red Cross Hosts Blood Drive at Orange Beach City Hall

American Red Cross Hosts Blood Drive at Orange Beach City Hall

By OBA Staff • March 30, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at Orange Beach City Hall to help meet the ongoing need for blood donations. The drive will take place on Monday, March 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 4099 Orange Beach Blvd.
The City of Foley is Rebuilding its Urban Tree Canopy

The City of Foley is Rebuilding its Urban Tree Canopy

By Guy Busby • March 29, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Foley is making progress in bringing back the trees lost nearly five years ago when Hurricane Sally hit the area. City crews have started replanting trees to help restore the urban forest.
Elberta German Sausage Festival Happening Today

Elberta German Sausage Festival Happening Today

By OBA Staff • March 29, 2025
Elberta, Ala. – (OBA) – The Elberta German Sausage Festival kicks off today, March 29th at 8 am and runs until 5 pm. The Festival takes place at Elberta Town Park. This biannual event, held every March and October, celebrates Elberta's German heritage and supports the Elberta Volunteer Fire Department.
Orange Beach Honors Longtime Coach David McLain at During Opening Day Celebrations

Orange Beach Honors Longtime Coach David McLain at During Opening Day Celebrations

By R. Ken Cooper • March 28, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The City of Orange Beach kicked off its 2025 Baseball and Softball Season with a heartfelt tribute to longtime volunteer coach, David McLain. During the opening ceremony, Mayor Tony Kennon and the City Council surprised Coach McLain by dedicating Field 5 in his honor. Unaware of the plan, McLain read aloud the plaque's inscription at the center of Field 5, realizing the field now bears his name. He then threw the ceremonial first pitch, marking the official start of the season.
Lake Shelby Park from Google Maps

LOL Festival Kicks Off Today in Gulf Shores

By OBA Staff • March 28, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Gulf Shores & Orange Beach community will be celebrating this weekend at the inaugural L.O.L. Festival (Love Our Locals). The Festival kicks off today at the Gulf State Park’s Lake Shelby Picnic Area. This three-day event is dedicated to honoring local artists, musicians, food vendors, and businesses that make the coastal community thrive.
Mayor Ralph Hellmich presents author Colleen Coble with the key to the city.

City of Foley Honors Bestselling Author Colleen Coble

By Guy Busby • March 28, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The City of Foley recently honored celebrated Christian author Colleen Coble during a special presentation hosted by the Foley Public Library. Coble, along with her co-author Rick Acker, participated in a series of events organized by the library. On Saturday, March 22, the Foley Civic Center hosted a book launch, author talk, and signing to celebrate the release of their latest novel, Ambush, which debuted on March 4.
Velcro Pygmies Inspire Career Exploration in Gulf Shores

Velcro Pygmies Inspire Career Exploration in Gulf Shores

By OBA Staff • March 27, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Velcro Pygmies, known for their dynamic performances, will entertain and engage students in an interactive experience that promotes career exploration. This initiative offers insights into various industries, including music, production, and business, helping students discover their passions and potential career paths.
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Announce C.A.K.E. Day

Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Announce C.A.K.E. Day

By OBA Staff • March 27, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Mayors from Orange Beach and Gulf Shores have declared May 10, 2025, as C.A.K.E. Day. The event supports young entrepreneurs in starting and running their own businesses in the local community. C.A.K.E. stands for "Creating And Keeping Enterprises." The program teaches students how to create and manage a business, including planning, marketing, and customer service skills.
City of Foley Extends Midday Melodies into April

City of Foley Extends Midday Melodies into April

By Guy Busby • March 27, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Foley's Midday Melodies, a free weekly music series held at Heritage Park, is extending its schedule by two weeks into April due to popular demand. The series, which featured performances each Wednesday in March, attracted large lunchtime crowds. Organizers decided to continue the concerts with two additional performances into April.
Show More
Share by: