11th Annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival Presented by Agua Caliente Casinos November 21-23, 2025

Join us for three days of spectacular hot air balloon displays, family entertainment, and live music at Cathedral City’s internationally acclaimed signature event. Listed among the Top 14 Hot Air Balloon Festivals by US News & World Report and winner of the prestigious Palm Award for Visitor Experience from Visit Greater Palm Springs, this world-renowned festival has grown from attracting several thousand attendees at its inception in 2015 to welcoming more than 25,000 visitors from across California and beyond.

Operated by SoundSkilz with balloon operations led by industry veteran Carol Popejoy-Davis (former Executive Director of the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival), this year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience with 20+ colorful hot air balloons filling the desert skies, featuring pilots and crews from across the United States and around the world.

Featured Entertainment:

Friday, November 21: Headline concert at Cathedral City Community Amphitheater featuring multi-platinum recording artist Robin Thicke (ticketed), plus mini-balloon glow with drone light show at Cathedral City Festival Lawn

Saturday, November 22: FREE community concert at Cathedral City Community Amphitheater featuring Queen Nation and Radio Ready at 5:00 PM, followed by the spectacular balloon glow at Cathedral City Festival Lawn – our most popular event

Sunday, November 23: “Brunch & Balloons” experience at The Westin Rancho Mirage and additional festival programming

Balloon Launches: Experience breathtaking morning balloon launches with the Agua Caliente Casinos Sunrise Balloon Launch on Friday morning, and launches at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa on Saturday and Sunday mornings, offering spectacular viewing opportunities across the Coachella Valley.

The festival kicks off with lead-up events throughout November, including The Dreamboats performance on November 18th at the amphitheater to launch festival week.

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.