F.A.Q.
We want you to have an unforgettable time at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival! To help you plan and make the most of your experience, we’ve put together answers to the most frequently asked questions, along with helpful event tips.
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
The festival grounds are at 100 N OWA Blvd., Foley, AL. See our Map & Parking page for details.
You can see balloons fly for sponsor flights early in the morning (around dawn) and late in the afternoon (around dusk). These are a sight to see! (Most lauch sites TBA morning of.) All flights are weather-dependent and require certain wind speeds.
Scheduled Flights (typically): Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings between 6 AM – 8 AM (weather permitting).
Launch Locations: Vary daily and are announced before each flight via our Facebook & WHEP Radio.
Landing Spots: Determined by the pilot based on wind direction and conditions.
For Viewing Only: Full hot air balloon flights during the festival are reserved for sponsors only.
📢 Stay Updated: Follow our Facebook page and WHEP Radio for real-time announcements!
Hot air balloons do not inflate during the day due to thermals—rising columns of warm air that make it difficult to control the balloon. The safest conditions for inflation and flight occur at dawn and dusk when winds are calmer.
☀️ Daytime Interactive Balloon Display: Guests can experience a walk-through balloon display, where a balloon is inflated with a fan and lays on its side. Weather permitting, visitors can step inside the envelope for a unique, up-close look!
While conditions on the ground may appear ideal, hot air balloons require stable winds between 4-6 mph and clear visibility for safe flight. Our balloonmeister carefully monitors upper-level winds and other atmospheric conditions that aren’t always visible from the ground. Safety is our top priority, and flights will only proceed if all conditions meet strict safety standards.
Our experienced balloonmeister continuously monitors weather conditions leading up to scheduled flight times. Wind speeds, visibility, and other factors must be assessed in real time to ensure safety. Because conditions can change quickly, the final decision is made just before takeoff and before any hot air balloon activities begin.
Pets are not allowed on the festival field for safety reason. However, leashed pets are permitted in Downtown OWA. Owners must clean up after pets and ensure they are never left unattended.
Handicap (ADA) Parking is free (enter via N. OWA Blvd, OWA Theater entrance). This parking area fills up quickly!
VIP Parking is available online while supplies last.
General Parking is free! See the map for details.
Golf carts are not permitted on the festival grounds or around OWA Parks & Resort.
Only wheelchairs, mobility scooters, strollers, and wagons are allowed.
Our event staff and OWA will have golf carts for festival use only.
Bikes must be parked outside the park. No bikes are allowed in Downtown OWA or the festival field. OWA does not provide bicycle racks, so riders must secure their bikes themselves.
On average in Foley, Alabama, April & May bring warm, pleasant weather with highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F and lows in the upper 50s to mid-60s°F. Expect moderate humidity, occasional rain showers, and plenty of sunshine!
Stay updated on local weather conditions that will affect glows, flights, and interactive hot air balloon activities by following our Facebook page.
WHEP Radio Baldwin is our local radio station that will be broadcasting festival updates.
Tethered hot air balloons are securely anchored to the ground, rising 35-50 feet for a 3-5 minute hot air balloon experience. Ticket holders will have the chance to meet the pilot, step into the basket, and take in the view from above.
🚨 Important: A non-transferable waiver must be signed at the time of purchase.
There’s no age limit, but there is a HEIGHT requirement!
Riders must be able to stand in the basket on their own and cannot be held by an adult for safety reasons.
All ticket sales are final and non-refundable. A signed waiver is required at the time of purchase, and tickets are non-transferable. Tickets are available on-site only. All rides are weather-dependent, with safety decisions made by our balloonmeister up until the scheduled flight time.
The number of riders per flight is determined by total weight, with the pilot making the final decision for safety. Typically, two adults can ride at a time, weather permitting.
🚨 Important: Riders must be physically able to climb in and out of the basket without assistance.
Tethered ride tickets are available on-site only on a first-come, first-served basis—and they sell out fast! Ticket sales typically begin about two hours before the scheduled event, weather permitting.
🎟 Prices:
$25 for adults
$20 for kids (must be taller than the basket and able to stand on their own)
All rides are weather and wind-dependent, with final decisions made by our balloonmeister for safety.
Guests can bring lawn chairs and blankets! However, all personal belongings must be taken with you when you leave the festival.
NOTE: No chairs or blankets will be allowed on the 'balloon glow field' – see the map for that location!
No, drones are not allowed during the festival for the safety of pilots and balloons.
No, tents and canopies are not allowed on the festival grounds.
🚭 Smoking is prohibited on the festival grounds.
No outside food or drinks are allowed. A variety of food vendors will be available on site!
The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is FREE to attend, but for those looking to enhance their experience, we offer VIP Passes and VIP Parking for purchase. Check out our Plan Your Visit webpage for more info!
REMINDER
Balloon flights and displays are weather-dependent. Flights take place only at dusk and dawn when conditions permit. Displays will take place during scheduled times when conditions allow.
Tune into WHEP Radio Baldwin 92.5 FM or the WHEP APP for live updates regarding morning and evening flight information. Find out details on planned launch sites and flight paths so you can catch them in the skies!