

11th Annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival
11th Annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival 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 veterans Carol Popejoy-Davis (former Executive Director of the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival) and Kim Lynch (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: FREE community concert featuring Queen Nation and Radio Ready
- Saturday & Sunday: Additional programming and balloon activities
The festival kicks off with lead-up events throughout November, including The Dreamboats performance on November 18th at the amphitheater to launch festival week.
Mark your calendars and stay tuned for the full schedule and complete entertainment lineup! This free 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.