Frequently Asked Questions
Morning balloon launches are free to attend, free to park and no tickets are required.
FREE parking on first 2 levels of the garage. Additional parking across Hwy 111 with crosswalk access.
Yes, in designated chair-only zones. Small individual-sized folding chairs and blankets only. One per person. Based on space capacity. Once security has determined there are no spaces left for chairs or blankets, you may not be able to bring those inside the amphitheater. Security has final say on chairs. No refund provided if chair space is not available at time of entry.
Children 8 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult. Friday, November 20 is free for everyone — no ticket required.
The festival features artisan vendors, food trucks, carnival rides, family activities, balloon coloring stations, photo opportunities, and more. Tethered balloon rides are available for $30 during pre-sale ($35 during festival week), operated by Zion Balloons. All balloon activities are subject to weather.
The Official Balloon Glow takes place Saturday, November 21 at 8:00pm at the Cathedral City Festival Lawn & Amphitheater. A Balloon Glow VIP Viewing add-on is available for $15 (requires a Saturday ticket; already included with VIP tables).
Friday, November 20 features a free mini balloon glow at the Festival Lawn — time coming soon.
Robin Thicke headlines this year, performing Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 6:30pm on the Main Stage. No extra ticket is needed — Saturday General Admission ($35, all fees included) includes the Robin Thicke concert and access to the rest of the festival.
Friday, November 20 is FREE to attend — no ticket required.
Saturday, November 21 tickets (all fees included):
- Saturday Festival-Only Admission: $12
- Saturday General Admission (includes the Robin Thicke concert): $35
- Saturday Preferred Seating: $55
- VIP Tables: sold out for 2026
- Add-on — Balloon Glow VIP Viewing: $15 (requires a Saturday ticket; already included with VIP tables)
Children 8 and under are free with a ticketed adult. Regular pricing is in effect now; prices go up festival week (November 18) and are higher at the gate. Cathedral City residents: see “Are there free tickets for Cathedral City residents?” below.
Buy tickets here. All sales are final; the event happens rain or shine.
The 12th Annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival takes place Friday, November 20 through Sunday, November 22, 2026.
Friday, November 20: FREE to attend, no ticket required — times coming soon.
Saturday, November 21: Festival hours are 3:00pm-9:00pm (doors open at 3:00pm).
Sunday, November 22: Details coming soon.
Cathedral City Festival Lawn & Amphitheater – 68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero, Cathedral City, CA 92234
Friday launches takes place at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage
Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage – 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Saturday & Sunday morning launches both take place at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa at the golf driving range.
The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa – 71333 Dinah Shore Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Free Parking will be available in the parking lots with directional signs taking you to the launch sites.
Arriving at 6:00am should give you time to see the balloons launch. Balloon launches are subject to weather and variables outside of the balloon festival’s control. Remember to give yourself enough time to park and walk to the launch site. If you have a flight reservation, please arrive no later than 6am for check in. Free parking is available.
On Saturday, November 21: Just A Girl (No Doubt Tribute) performs on the Glow Stage at 3:30pm, DJ A-One takes the Main Stage at 5:00pm, and headliner Robin Thicke performs on the Main Stage at 6:30pm. All Saturday entertainment is included with festival admission.
More entertainment announcements — including the Sunday lineup — are coming soon. Lineup subject to change.
Yes! The drone light show, by Grizzly Entertainment, is scheduled for 7:45pm on both Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21. Friday is free to attend, with no ticket required.
Tethered balloon rides are $30 during pre-sale and $35 during festival week. Full balloon flights are $350 per person and require a 10% refundable deposit.
Reserve flights and tethered rides here: Book with Zion Balloons
All balloon flights and tethered rides are managed and operated by Zion Balloons, an independent third-party operator. Days and times are coming soon, and all balloon activities are subject to weather.
Yes. Accessible parking and accessible viewing areas are available.
Yes. Agua Caliente Casinos is giving Cathedral City residents 500 free ticket vouchers for Saturday’s Robin Thicke concert. Pick one up at the ACE Club at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City, 68960 E. Palm Canyon Drive, through 5pm Thursday, November 19. The voucher is not a ticket: scan the QR code on it, choose the Saturday General Admission Robin Thicke Concert, and enter your promo code at checkout to claim your free ticket by that same deadline.
Bring a valid photo ID with a Cathedral City address. Pickup is inside the casino, so you must be 21 or older, and an ACE Club member (you can sign up on the spot). Limit one voucher per resident, first come, first served while supplies last.
We would love the help. Volunteers guide guests, assist the balloon crews, support the music stages and help with the classic car showcase. Fill out the Volunteer Sign-Up form and our volunteer team will follow up with shift options and details.
