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Foley, Ala. — The skies above Foley are set to come alive with color as the 22nd Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival returns April 30 through May 2 at OWA Parks & Resort. The 2026 event blends the timeless beauty of hot air balloons with fun, family-friendly entertainment.
While the glowing balloons remain the centerpiece, this year introduces a dazzling new feature: a choreographed Drone Show. Taking place Friday and Saturday nights, hundreds of drones will illuminate the sky in synchronized formations, adding a modern twist to the festival’s signature spectacle.
Check out the fun!
Thursday, April 30 – The Kickoff
Festival grounds open from 4:00 pm–9:30 pm
Friday, May 1 – Glow & Show
Festival grounds open from 4:00 pm–9:30 pm
Saturday, May 2 – The Grand Finale
Festival grounds from 10:00 am–9:30 pm
The fun doesn’t stop when you leave the balloon field! Festival goers can make the most of their weekend at OWA Parks & Resort by enjoying its expansive lineup of attractions including a 23-ride amusement park, indoor water park, outdoor wave pool, and the shops and dining of Downtown OWA. Extend the excitement with a special Tropic Falls Theme Park admission offer for just $19.99. Available for a limited time on Friday evening (4 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.) and all day Saturday, this deal provides access to rides, attractions, and classic midway fun, making it the perfect way to keep the celebration going. (Theme park admission only; waterpark access sold separately.)
Festival admission is free. All balloon activities, including glows and tethered rides, are weather dependent to ensure the safety of pilots and guests. 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.
