12th Annual Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival
Plan your weekend at the 12th Annual Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival presented by Agua Caliente Casinos — Friday, November 20 through Sunday, November 22, 2026.
Three days of balloon tether rides, nighttime balloon glows, a drone light show, live musical entertainment, gourmet food trucks, interactive family activities, art installations, an outdoor artisan market, and carnival rides and games. Events happen at the Cathedral City Festival Lawn & Amphitheater, The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, and Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage. Explore the daily lineups below and get ready for a weekend full of color, music, and adventure.
Lineup:
Friday, November 20 (Cathedral City Festival Lawn & Amphitheater)
- 6:00am | Sunrise Launch at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage – the festival’s traditional kickoff and first launch of the weekend
- 5:00pm | Festival opens at the Cathedral City Festival Grounds with music, games, rides, artisan vendors, craft food, and educational sessions led by balloon pilots
- 6:00pm | U2 tribute concert
- 7:30pm | Mini balloon glow
- 7:45pm | Drone light show
Saturday, November 21 (Cathedral City Festival Lawn & Amphitheater)
- 3:00pm | Festival Doors Open — vendors, food, games & kids activities
- 3:30pm | Just A Girl (No Doubt Tribute) — Glow Stage
- 5:00pm | Amphitheater Opens — DJ A-One, Main Stage
- 6:30pm | Robin Thicke — Main Stage
- 8:00pm | Official Balloon Glow
Sunday, November 22 (Cathedral City Festival Lawn & Amphitheater)
- 6:00am | Morning launch at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, lifting off from the driving range
- TBD | Launch breakfast at The Westin Rancho Mirage
With additional support from the City of Rancho Mirage, The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, and Visit Greater Palm Springs.
Mark your calendars and visit www.cchotairballoonfest.com/schedule for the full schedule! This community celebration continues Cathedral City’s tradition of creating shared memories that last a lifetime as families experience the majestic beauty of hot air balloons sailing above our desert oasis.