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!
Come enjoy performances by the World-Famous Disc Connected Canines, musical entertainment, children’s activities and more amid retail, arts & crafts and food booths. Musical headliners follow balloon flights, glows and tethered rides (weather permitting) Friday and Saturday nights.
Schedule of Events
Check out the 2019 schedule of events below. The schedule will be updated as we get closer to the 2020 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival. Be sure to check back soon!
Thursday, May 2
Balloon Glow at Tanger Outlets
6-8 p.m.
The festival begins with the Tanger Outlet Balloon Glow, weather permitting. Eight balloons will set up in the parking lots and inflate balloons to provide a beautiful glow!
Friday, May 3
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
2:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Paint Art Live – Live Painting and Silent Auction and Make N Take Art Activity
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 followed by Miles Flatt Band
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 4
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 – 8:00 pm – Paint Art Live – Live Painting and Silent Auction and Make N Take Art Activity
9:00 am – Magnolia Dance Company Performance
9:30 am – 11:00 am – Christina Christian
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 – Elvis Remembered
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Yeah Probably
5:00 pm – Dusk – Interactive Hot Air Balloon Display
6:00 pm – Silent Auction for the Live Painting Closes. Winner announced from the stage.
7:30 pm – Tethered Rides, Balloon Glow and Mass Ascension begin (weather and wind permitting)
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Werewolf the Legendary 80s Cover Band
Sunday, May 5
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.