The skies above Foley will fill with color and light as the 22nd Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival returns to OWA Parks & Resort from April 30 through May 2, bringing a mix of tradition and new technology to the popular spring event.

The three-day festival, known for its glowing hot air balloons, will introduce a new feature in 2026: a choreographed drone show set for Friday and Saturday nights. Hundreds of drones will take to the sky in synchronized formations, adding a modern element to the festival’s signature displays.

Festival activities begin Thursday, April 30, with gates open from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Live music will include Yeah Probably at 4:30 p.m. and Justin Jeansonne at 7 p.m., followed by a Balloon Glow at 7:30 p.m., weather permitting.

Events continue Friday, May 1, from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Visitors can meet animals from the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Live music performances will feature Shrimp Shack Shooters, Renee Amelia and ‘80s tribute band The M-80’s. Tethered balloon rides and a Balloon Glow are scheduled for 7:30 p.m., with the drone show beginning at 9:15 p.m.

The festival concludes Saturday, May 2, with a full day of activities from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Highlights include Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee dog shows and a hot air balloon pilot meet and greet from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Musical performances will include Symone French, the JB Dyess Trio and headliners The Molly Ringwalds. The final Balloon Glow is set for 7:30 p.m., followed by the drone show finale at 9:15 p.m.

Beyond the balloon field, OWA Parks & Resort offers additional attractions for festivalgoers, including a 23-ride amusement park, indoor water park, outdoor wave pool and the shops and dining options of Downtown OWA. A limited-time Tropic Falls Theme Park admission deal will be available for $19.99 on Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and throughout the day Saturday, providing access to rides and attractions. Water park admission is sold separately.

Festival admission is free. All balloon activities, including glows and tethered rides, are weather dependent to ensure safety.

More information and a full schedule are available at https://visitowa.com/event/gulf-coast-hot-air-balloon-festival/ and www.gulfcoastballoonfestival.com.