FAQs

Balloon flights and displays are weather dependent, taking place only at dusk and dawn when conditions permit.

We want you to enjoy the festival and have the best experience possible. Below we’ve listed the most common questions asked. Check out the responses and event tips to help you plan, prepare, and know what to expect.

For the balloon festival event, no pets/animals are allowed on the festival field. OWA Parks & Resort allow only leashed pets in Downtown OWA.

*See our Press Releases

Balloons fly early in the morning (around dawn) and late in the afternoon (around dusk). All flights are weather dependent. Balloons can only fly in perfect weather, including wind speeds of 7mph or less. See the full schedule for this year’s planned flight times.

Our experienced balloonmeister monitors weather conditions right up until scheduled flight times to ensure flight safety, which is always our number-one priority. Variations of wind speeds at various altitudes, as well as other weather conditions, cannot be pinpoint-forecast for our specific flight locations in advance. Therefore, they must be monitored up until scheduled flight time, when a final determination is made.

Pilots are scheduled to fly on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings between 6 AM & 8 AM. The takeoff location is determined each morning before the flight. (Weather permitting; locations may vary). It is the decision of the pilot as to where the landing spot will be. Our official Facebook page and WHEP Radio will have the most up-to-date information for takeoff times and locations! 

Balloons fly best in stable winds of 4-6 miles per hour and clear visibility. Even though it may seem like wonderful weather on the ground, our experienced balloonmeister has access to weather conditions in the air and must follow the protocol for the safety of the passengers and pilot.

The balloons are tethered to the ground and rise up to about 35-50 feet in the air and last 3 – 5 minutes. Ticket holders can meet the pilot, climb into the balloon and rise above the crowd. Tethered rides require a pre-purchased ticket and a signed waiver of liability (available onsite).

No, tickets to tethered balloon rides are non-refundable. Rides are weather permitting and our experienced balloonmeister monitors weather conditions right up until scheduled flight times to ensure flight safety.

If time permits and the weather is good, additional tethered ride ticket may be sold onsite after the rides begin approximately 7:30 – 8 PM. Tickets are first come first serve and often sell out during this time. Prices: Adults $20, Children 12&under $15. 

Hot air balloons do not inflate during the day. When surface winds are calm, hot air balloon pilots can control the altitude of the balloon very finely by heating or venting the air inside. During the day these light surface winds are broken up by “thermals.” These are rising columns of warm air that spiral skywards, caused by the heating effect of the sun on the ground. Birds and glider pilots love them, but for a hot air balloon thermals make it very difficult to control the balloon. So the warmer the day, the greater the possibility of thermals. This is the reason that dusk and dawn are the most optimal times to inflate.

Current local weather conditions are available here. Stay tuned to our social media pages for event updates. 

Tethered balloon rides are based on weight, and the pilot will make the final decision. Usually two adults can ride at a time, weather permitting.

No, there is no age limit to ride a tethered balloon ride. ALL riders MUST purchase a tethered balloon ride ticket to be allowed in the balloon. PURCHASE TICKETS

The festival grounds are located at the 100 N OWA Blvd., Foley, AL. (See our Map & Parking page for details)

Here is a link to current weather conditions! Tethered balloon rides are weather permitting and our experienced balloonmeister monitors weather conditions right up until scheduled flight times to ensure flight safety.

Handicap (ADA) Parking is Free. Please enter by way of N. OWA Blvd; OWA Theater entrance. (See map for location).

VIP Parking can be purchased online HERE (while they last).

General Parking is FREE!

No. Tents and/or canopies are not permitted on the festival grounds.

Bicycles should be parked outside the park; no bikes are permitted in Downtown OWA or on the balloon festival field. It is the owner’s responsibility to secure their bicycle(s) in the parking lot. At this time OWA does not have bicycle parking racks. 

The only ‘wheels’ allowed inside the park are for the handicapped/elderly (wheelchairs, mobility scooters) and children (strollers, wagons). 

No. Guests are not allowed to drive golf carts on the festival fields or around OWA Parks & Resort.

The only ‘wheels’ allowed inside the park are for the handicapped/elderly (wheelchairs, mobility scooters) and children (strollers, wagons). 

Pets are not allowed on the festival field. OWA Parks & Resort allow only leashed pets in Downtown OWA. Owners are responsible for all pet clean-up; no pet can be left unattended at any time; pet must have on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

We apologize, but outside food and drink are prohibited. We have lots of great food vendors! Hope to see you soon.

Smoking is not allowed on the festival grounds.

No, drones are not permitted during the festival for safety of our pilots and their balloons.

No, all personal property must leave with you when you leave.