Schedule
Balloon flights and displays are weather dependent, taking place only at dusk and dawn when conditions permit.
The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is approaching its 16th year of flying! We are excited you are interested in coming to this year’s event that will feature more than 40 balloons from across the country!
Schedule of Events
Thursday, April 30
Balloon Glow at OWA
6-8 p.m.
The festival begins with the OWA Balloon Glow, weather permitting. Eight balloons will set uP and inflate balloons to provide a beautiful glow!
Friday, May 1
Festival Grounds open to public
2-10 p.m.
2:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Carnival open to public
2:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Food vendors, arts and craft vendors, retail vendors open
2:30 pm, 4:30 pm, 7:00 pm – Disconnected K9 Dog Show
5:00 pm – Dusk – Interactive Hot Air Balloon Display
5:00 pm – Opening Ceremonies
5:30 pm – Roadside Glorious
7:30 pm – Tethered Rides, Balloon Glow and Mass Ascension begin (weather and wind permitting)
8:00 – 10:00 pm – Doctor Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster
Saturday, May 2
Festival Grounds open to public
9 a.m-10 p.m.
9:00 am – 10:00 pm – Carnival open to public
9:00 am – 9:00 pm – Food vendors, arts and craft vendors, retail vendors open
9:00 am – Magnolia Dance Company Performance
10:00 am, 1:30 pm, 4:30 pm, 7:00 pm – Disconnected K9 Dog Show
11:30 am – 1:30 pm – The Defrosters
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm – This Side of 49
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm – The Red Clay Strays
5:00 pm – Dusk – Interactive Hot Air Balloon Display
7:30 pm – Tethered Rides, Balloon Glow and Mass Ascension begin (weather and wind permitting)
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Category 6
Sunday, May 3
Enjoy the balloons from afar as they soar through the sky!
6:00 am – Pilots have their final competition flight and awards ceremony. Festival grounds will not be open, however, we invite you to come and watch the pilots in their final flight.