Friday Programming and Saturday Morning Launch Canceled; Saturday Festival and Sunday Events Proceed as Planned

CATHEDRAL CITY, CA – Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of attendees, balloon pilots, crews, and performers, the City of Cathedral City and festival producer SoundSkilz Entertainment have made the difficult decision to postpone the Robin Thicke concert and cancel all Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, programming and Saturday morning balloon launches at the 11th Annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival, presented by Agua Caliente Casinos.

Palm Springs International Airport issued Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) conditions, which means weather is below safe visual flying minimums due to low cloud ceilings and reduced visibility. The forecast shows substantial rain throughout Friday with overcast skies. Rain is expected to continue through Saturday morning.

ROBIN THICKE CONCERT POSTPONED:

Multi-platinum recording artist Robin Thicke’s concert originally scheduled for Friday evening has been postponed to a future date, which will be announced in the coming weeks. Robin Thicke will still perform at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater at the rescheduled date. All ticketholders will receive full refunds and will have the opportunity to repurchase tickets for the new date once announced. Ticketholders will receive information directly from the ticket provider.

CANCELED:

Friday, Nov. 21, 2025: All programming including Agua Caliente Casinos Sunrise Balloon Launch and mini balloon glow
Saturday morning, Nov. 22, 2025: Balloon launches at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa

Balloon ride ticketholders for canceled launches will receive full refunds.

PROCEEDING AS SCHEDULED:

Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025:

Festival opens at noon at Cathedral City Festival Lawn & Amphitheater ($10 entry)
Tribute band concerts: Radio Ready (1:30 PM), So Petty (3:00 PM), Stevie Nicks Illusions (4:30 PM), and Queen Nation (6:15 PM)
Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival’s Official Balloon Glow (7:45 PM) – the festival’s most popular component, featuring Special Shape balloons, vibrant hot air balloons filling the Festival Lawn, and a signature giant inflatable pirate ship
Drone light show (pending FAA approval)

Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025:

Morning balloon launches at The Westin Rancho Mirage – the festival’s only morning launch of the weekend, featuring hot air balloons lifting off from the resort’s championship golf course with spectacular sights of the surrounding desert mountains. Free to attend. Details at https://www.westinranchomirageexperiences.com/#!/e/morning-balloon-launch-november-23-6144b51b
“Brunch & Balloons” experience at The Westin Rancho Mirage – an exclusive ticketed event featuring gourmet brunch cuisine with tethered hot air balloons on display. Limited tickets remaining. Details at https://www.westinranchomirageexperiences.com/#!/event/5aed1b69-a29b-43ce-8918-bc4e10e9743d

“This was not an easy decision, but the safety of our community, performers, pilots, and crews must always come first,” said Ryan Hunt, Communications & Events Manager for the City of Cathedral City. “We’re grateful to Robin Thicke and his team for their professionalism and understanding. Saturday afternoon and Sunday are expected to have much better conditions, and we’re excited to bring the community together for Saturday’s spectacular balloon glow – our most popular event – and all the wonderful programming we have planned for the weekend.”

Saturday and Sunday forecasts show significantly improved conditions, with Saturday afternoon and Sunday ideal for balloon glows and morning launches.

Listed among the Top 14 Hot Air Balloon Festivals by U.S. News & World Report and winner of the prestigious Palm Award for Visitor Experience from Visit Greater Palm Springs, the festival has grown from attracting several thousand attendees at its inception in 2015 to welcoming more than 35,000 visitors in 2024.

Produced by SoundSkilz Entertainment, the festival is presented by Agua Caliente Casinos, with additional support from The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, City of Rancho Mirage, and Visit Greater Palm Springs.

For the latest festival schedule updates and ticket information, please visit our event website at www.cchotairballoonfest.com or download the official Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival app at cchotairballoonfest.com/#App.

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