OWA is the Spot for High-Flying Adventure during the 21st Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival

Foley, Ala. — The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival will take sail again at OWA Parks & Resort on May 1st through 3rd. This festival promises high-flying excitement and tons of family fun, showcasing over 50-plus balloons from across the nation. This three-day event features not only breathtaking hot air balloon excitement but also an array of attractions that capture the spirit of community celebration.

In addition to the expansive amenities of OWA, including its 23-ride amusement park, indoor water park and outdoor wave pool, as well as a great selection of restaurants and retail shopping, there will be tons of entertainment during this action filled weekend. Guests can enjoy arts and crafts vendors, children’s activities, as well as live entertainment at the OWA Amphitheater throughout the festival. 

The fun kicks off on Thursday, May 1st at 4 p.m. with live entertainment by the Undertow Band, followed by the Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show. The day culminates with a Balloon Glow at 7:30 p.m. (weather permitting).  The festival will open to the public at 3:00 p.m. on Friday with more live music, another show by the Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee dog show, hot air balloon displays as well as tethered balloon rides and balloon glow. And be sure to head over to the Meet and Greet tent to see guests from the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.

On Saturday, the festival will begin at 10:00 a.m. with another full day of activities including lawn games, live music and displays that promise fun for the entire family! Be sure to stop by the Meet and Greet tent at 2:30 p.m. to meet some of the hot air balloon pilots. And live entertainment keeps the excitement going with the legendary Tip Tops on Saturday night.

While at OWA, take advantage of the fun at Tropic Falls with their Twilight tickets and save during the festival. After 4:00 p.m., get Tropic Falls admission with a Twilight Ticket for just $34.99, May 1-3 only.  Learn more at https://visitowa.com/special-offers/.

Festival admission is free. Hot air balloon activities are highly weather-dependent; flight and glow times may be delayed or canceled due to weather. ​Hot air balloons fly only at sunrise or within an hour of sunset when winds are calm and predictable.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit visitowa.com/event/gulf-coast-hot-air-balloon-festival or gulfcoastballoonfestival.com.

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About OWA Parks & Resort: Award-winning OWA Parks & Resort in Coastal Alabama is owned and operated by the Poarch Creek Indians.  OWA’s name is derived from a Creek word for “big water,” and the tropical theme of the 520-acre property was inspired by the Gulf of Mexico, minutes away via the Foley Beach Express.

At the heart of OWA is Tropic Falls, which includes a 23-ride theme park and the region’s largest indoor water park—bigger than a football field and covered by a convertible roof.  Adjacent to the indoor water park and connected by a retractable wall is Big Water Bay, a 30,000 sq. ft. wave pool and Coastal Curl wave simulator.  Just outside the ticketed areas is Downtown OWA. This pedestrian-only streetscape was inspired by Southern small towns and features numerous options for dining, shopping, and entertainment.  The destination resort offers a full calendar of events, from Downtown OWA’s own Mardi Gras Parade to the annual Christmas tree lighting with fireworks and snowfall.

For on-site accommodations, relax at OWA’s own award-winning TownePlace Suites by Marriott.  And for the RV traveler, Tropic Hideaway is a luxury RV resort that has everything you want, starting with its location at OWA Parks and Resort, just minutes from the Alabama beaches off the Foley Beach Express. The sites are all extra wide and feature a full complement of Wi-Fi and hook ups. Premium locations and pull-through sites are available.  OWA is the place in Coastal Alabama to thrill, then chill.