Three-day event marks 12th year with balloon glows, drone light shows and free admission on Friday and Sunday
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif.
The Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival returns Nov. 20-22 for its 12th year, bringing balloon displays, live music and family activities to the Cathedral City Festival Lawn and Amphitheater.
Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum recording artist Robin Thicke will headline Saturday night. Organizers say about 20 hot air balloons will take part.
Schedule
On Friday, Nov. 20, attendees can watch morning balloon launches nearby and possibly meet a pilot. The festival kicks off at 5 p.m. and closes with a mini balloon glow and a drone light show produced by Grizzly Entertainment.
Saturday, Nov. 21, begins with the official balloon lift-off at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa at 6 a.m. The festival opens at 3 p.m. at the Cathedral City Festival Grounds with an opening DJ. Thicke performs at 6:30 p.m. The Festival Balloon Glow follows, then another Grizzly Entertainment drone show. Organizers call the glow the weekend’s signature moment, when illuminated balloons light up the desert sky.
On Sunday, Nov. 22, visitors can watch one last early morning balloon launch. All launches depend on the weather.
Food, Activities and Venues
The festival will feature more than eight gourmet food trucks, a beer and wine garden, a kids’ zone with interactive family activities, art installations and an outdoor artisan market.
Events will take place at the Cathedral City Festival Lawn and Amphitheater, The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, and Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage.
Tickets
Friday and Sunday are free. Saturday events are ticketed:
- Saturday festival-only admission (early bird): $12
- Saturday general admission, which includes the Robin Thicke concert: $35
- Saturday preferred seating: $45
- Balloon Glow VIP Viewing add-on: $15. It requires a Saturday ticket and is included with VIP tables.
- Tethered balloon rides: $30
- Balloon flights: $350 per person
Ticket prices increase the week of the event. Children 8 and under are free with a ticketed adult.
Cathedral City residents can get a free voucher for Saturday’s Thicke performance at the ACE Club at Agua Caliente Casino, beginning Monday, Oct. 12. Vouchers must be redeemed online before 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19. Guests must be or become ACE Club members and show a valid photo ID with a Cathedral City address. Residents are limited to one voucher each. Only 500 are available, first come, first served.
Growing Event
The festival began in 2015 and has grown from several thousand attendees to a record 35,000 visitors. Organizers say it now draws nearly 25,000 people annually, mostly from the greater Southern California region. U.S. News & World Report named it among the top 14 hot air balloon festivals. It was also voted sixth best balloon festival in the world and received the Palm Award for Visitor Experience.
“Cathedral City is proud to host this internationally recognized festival for the 12th year,” Mayor Raymond Gregory said. “This event has become a signature celebration for our community — one that showcases the beauty of the Coachella Valley, supports our local businesses, and brings residents and visitors together to share in the wonder of the desert sky.”
Ryan Hunt, the city’s director of communications and engagement, said the festival’s scale is what makes it work. “Balloons over the valley at sunrise, a full festival grounds downtown, and a headline concert at the amphitheater, all in one weekend,” he said.
Soundskilz, the marketing and production agency organizing the festival for the city, praised the 2026 lineup. “With three days of programming, 20 hot-air balloons, and Robin Thicke headlining Saturday night, the 2026 festival is shaping up to be one of our most exciting celebrations yet,” said Steve Clayton, the company’s president.
Agua Caliente Casinos returns as presenting sponsor. Other 2026 sponsors are the City of Rancho Mirage, The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa and Visit Greater Palm Springs. Organizers are still accepting sponsors.