With two great May celebrations, Foley offers fun for all ages. Get up in the air with the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival and discover talented artists at Art in the Park.
Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival
The high-flying fun is May 4 – 5 at the Foley Soccer Complex as the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival returns for another year. Admission to the festival grounds is free. Shuttle service from key points around Foley is only $2 for a round trip. On-site parking comes with a fee and is limited. Traffic frequently backs up during the peak hours, making the shuttle a very good option.
During the festival you can enjoy tethered rides (weather permitting), carnival rides, performances by the Disconnected K9 Dog Show and live music. Of course there will be plenty of tempting food and beverage vendors on hand to serve up your favorite festival treats. Arts and crafts vendors will showcase their wares.
Get a jump start on the fun May 3 with the popular Balloon Glow at the Tanger Outlets. Eight balloons will set up in the parking lot and inflate balloons to provide a beautiful glow! Like all balloon activities, this is weather dependent. If the winds are too strong, it won’t be safe to inflate.
If you like your fun much closer to the ground, the festival includes the Balloon Fest 10k/5k on Saturday, May 5. The race will begin and end at the Balloon Festival Grounds.
Bid farewell to the balloons on Sunday morning, May 6, 6:00 am, with the final flight. The festival activities and vendors will not be available. Throughout the event, please keep in mind that the grounds are smoke-free, no pets are allowed and all balloon activities are weather dependent.
Art in the Park
The 46th Annual Art in the Park comes to downtown Foley May 12 – 13. The Mother’s Day weekend event begins at 9:00 am both days, closing at 5:00 pm on Saturday and 4:00 pm on Sunday. The festival is located on the lawn of the John B. Foley Park – on the corner of Highway 59 and 98.
More than 100 fine arts and crafts booths will be available, positioned among the backdrop of spring blooms. The variety of vendors means you can find something truly unique for yourself, your mom, or anyone on your list. Selected from impressive and culturally relevant original art and handcrafted goods.
Festival food and beverages will be available for sale. You might even catch some homemade baked goods before they sell out. And children’s art activities will be available along with light entertainment.
Explore the park’s landscape and include a visit to the adjacent Heritage Park that includes a large gazebo, Centennial Plaza and the Foley Depot Museum, home to a historic train car that makes its home on the lawn. Pets (on leash) are welcome.
Visit Foley throughout the year for wonderful events, shopping, dining, recreation and more.