Schedule

All Balloon activities are weather dependent. Flights/glows take place only at dusk and dawn when conditions permit.

As the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival approaches its 20th year of soaring high, we’re thrilled to have you join us for this year’s festivities, showcasing over 50+ balloons from across the nation! Come and be part of the excitement at OWA for a weekend packed with fun!

Interested in seeing the hot air balloons fly? Morning flights are scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM, before the festival opens. Tune in to WHEP Radio Baldwin 92.5 FM for live broadcasts of flight plans, including launch sites and flight paths, so you can have the best chance to catch them soaring through the skies! 

2024 Schedule of Events

Thursday, May 2, 2024

 

Balloon Glow Kick Off Event
4 pm – 9 pm

 

* Amphitheater on the Island

4:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Festival Open with food & retail vendors, and arts & craft vendors

4:30 – 6:00 pm: 🎶 This Side of 49*

4:30 pm – 8:00 pm: Free Lawn Games on OWA Island

5:00 pm: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 🐾

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: 🎶 Tri-City Saviors *

7:00 pm: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 🐾

7:30 pm: Balloon Glow (weather & wind permitting)

Friday, May 3, 2024

 

Festival opens to public
11:00 am – 10:00 pm

 

* Amphitheater on the Island

** Meet & Greet Tent in Festival Field 

11:00 am – 10:00 pm: Festival Open with food & retail vendors, and arts & craft vendors

11:00 am – 2:00 pm: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Meet & Greet **

11:30 am: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 🐾

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Interactive Hot Air Balloon Display (weather & wind permitting) 

2:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Free Lawn Games on OWA Island

2:30 pm – 4:30 pm: Hot Air Balloon Pilots Meet & Greet **

3:00 pm: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 🐾

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm: 🎶 Funky Lampshades *

6:30 pm: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 🐾

4:00 pm – 8:00 pm – VIP Tent Only: Dinner is available to VIP ticket holders

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: 🎶 Eric Michael Taylor *

7:30 pm – 9:00 pm: Tethered Rides & Balloon Glow (weather & wind permitting)

7:00 pm – 9:30 pm: 🎶 Southbound 75 *

Saturday, May 4, 2024


Festival open to public
11:00 am – 10:00 pm

 

* Amphitheater on the Island

** Meet & Greet Tent in Festival Field

11:00 am – 10:00 pm: Festival Open with food & retail vendors, and arts & craft vendors

11:00 am – 2:00 pm: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Meet & Greet **

11:30 am: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 🐾

1:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Free Lawn Games on OWA Island

2:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Pow Wow Club Performance *

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm: 🎶 Ryan Dyer *

3:00 pm: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 🐾

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Interactive Hot Air Balloon Display (wind & weather permitting)

2:30 pm – 4:30 pm: Hot Air Balloon Pilots Meet & Greet**

4:00 pm – 8:00 pm – VIP Tent Only: dinner is available to VIP ticket holders

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: 🎶 Hannah Anders *

6:30 pm: Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 🐾

7:30 pm – 9:00 pm: Tethered Rides & Balloon Glow (weather & wind permitting)

7:00 pm – 9:30 pm: 🎶 Drive!Drive! *