The 2nd Annual Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival will be a kaleidoscope of color, sound, art and enjoyment for the whole family on Valentine’s Day Weekend, February 12-14, 2016. We kick-off the events with a “Hot Breakfast and Balloons” on Friday, February 12th at 6:00 a.m. from Big League Dreams Sports Park at the corner of Dinah Shore Drive and Date Palm Drive. Attendees will enjoy an American Breakfast and watch nearly 30 Hot Air Balloons inflate on three ball fields as they prepare to ascend and race across the Coachella Valley to win prizes. Tickets are $10 per person plus a processing fee and can be purchased at www.HotAirBalloonFest.com.
On Saturday morning, attendees have two options to enjoy the balloon festival. At 7 a.m., capture the perfect picture as you watch more than 20 Hot Air Balloons inflate and mass ascend above the beautiful Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa, our title sponsor. Those looking for even greater excitement can elect to ride along with the pilots for a once in a lifetime opportunity to sail with so many other balloons in the greater palm springs area. Admission is free to watch, ride tickets can be purchased at www.HotAirBalloonFest.com.
Attendees can also come to Downtown Cathedral City at 7 a.m. for a whole day of festival activities with free admission and free parking:
• Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. (purchased onsite on a first-come, first-served basis)
• Art Show by West Coast Artists
• Gourmet Food Trucks
• Beer and Wine Garden
• Kid Zone with Games
• Outdoor Vendors
• LIVE Music on the Main Stage
• Wedding Fashion Show by CL Designer Studio
On Saturday night at 6:30 p.m., treat your Valentine to a Glow Dinner among a perfect 10 hot air balloons! Master’s Plaza at The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa is the outdoor setting for a spectacular buffet dinner that includes a bottle of wine or champagne, musical entertainment, dancing and hot air balloons lining the 18th green of the Pete Dye golf course at the resort. Make it a Valentine’s to remember! Tickets can be purchased at www.HotAirBalloonFest.com.
Also on Saturday night in Downtown Cathedral City, the fun continues at 6:30 p.m. with a free, 45-minute Hot Air Balloon Glow to Music. The balloon glow is simply spectacular. It is like having 20 of the most colorful candle shades towering high above with perfect lighting – a kaleidoscope of color, sound & enjoyment! You can enjoy watching the show on the festival lawn for free, or take advantage of watching from the 3rd floor of the parking structure at the VIP Viewing Area where you can see both glow locations without interruption while sipping a complimentary glass of champagne. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at www.HotAirBalloonFest.com.
At 7:30 p.m. in Downtown, bring the whole family, blankets and chairs for a free outdoor movie replay of Disney’s “Up.” You will enjoy watching the movie on a large outdoor screen under the night time stars and sharing a family experience.
On Valentine’s Day, all the balloon activities move to Downtown Cathedral City for a spectacular day! You can enjoy a tethered hot air balloon ride from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., browse the wonderful art pieces at the art show by West Coast Artists, enjoy cuisine from a great selection of gourmet food trucks, savor some of the best local brews, listen to music, and let the kids bounce at the Kid Zone.
Valentine’s evening at 5:30 p.m., treat your significant other to a Valentine’s Dining Experience atypical of a crowded restaurant by getting your tickets NOW for the Sunset Wine Dinner & Balloon Glow. This event sold out last year. Do not wait until it’s too late as you will be treated to a 3-course dining experience paired to wine by the Chefs at Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa. Enjoy live music from “Avenida Band” and watch the sunset behind the inflation of colorful hot air balloons in the near distance. After dinner, you will be able to watch the 45-minute balloon glow to music.
At 6:30 p.m., “Love is in the Air” for the Balloon Glow to Music which features nearly 30 Hot Air Balloons lighting up to music for a 45-minute show. It will be the largest balloon glow ever for Cathedral City with some amazing shaped balloons! A kaleidoscope of color, sound & enjoyment! You can enjoy watching the show on the festival lawn for free, or take advantage of watching from the 3rd floor of the parking structure where you can see both glow areas without interruption while sipping a complimentary glass of champagne. Purchase tickets in advance at www.HotAirBalloonFest.com.
Due to the nature of the festival, all balloon activities are weather permitting and with the FAA approval.
For more information about the Balloon Festival and other upcoming events, go to www.DiscoverCathedralCity.com. See you there!
