The grounds at Foley Sports Tourism and OWA are the site of several overlapping events from Thursday, May 6, through Sunday, May 9. There will be lots to do, including the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival; OWA’s offerings of amusement park, shopping, restaurants and shows; and three events at the sports tourism complex.
The combination of these events will have a huge impact on traffic. Those traveling along County Road 20 between Hwy. 59 and the Foley Beach Express and on East Pride Blvd., South Juniper Street, Kenny Stabler Avenue and the surrounding area are asked to pack their patience as there may be delays. Temporary traffic patterns will be assigned to accommodate the influx of visitors. Please see the above map for event weekend traffic patterns.
The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival begins on Thursday, May 6, with a balloon glow and continues through Sunday. Watch for beautiful balloons in the sky during early morning hours and at dusk, weather permitting. Tethered balloon rides and a balloon glow are scheduled nightly (weather permitting) at 7:30. Enjoy special entertainment, arts and crafts displays and more at the festival site daily. More than 50 hot air balloons ,including two special, shaped balloons, will participate this year. For details and tickets, contact gulfcoastballoonfestival.com.
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Women’s Soccer National Championship is wrapping up with the title being awarded at the Foley Sports Tourism Championship Field on May 3. The event drew 10 teams from around the country. All games were live streamed, drawing a huge spotlight onto the city.
The USA Pickleball South Atlantic Regional Championship is poised to draw hundreds of players from around the country. This event will be held at the Foley Event Center May 6–9, while the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is taking place at OWA.
The Big Wave Classic soccer tournament will also be taking place May 8–9, at the FST Fields. The event reached its registration capacity of more than 150 teams weeks ago and has an active waiting list as its popularity has grown exponentially with teams from around the country.
OWA—a 520-acre family fun destination in Foley that includes an amusement park with 23 rides, a selection of restaurants, a variety of unique shopping venues, and live performances—is situated along a beautifully landscaped 14-acre lake. For details and tickets, contact www.visitowa.com.