Frequently Asked Questions
Morning balloon launches are free to attend, free to park and no tickets are required.
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.
Cathedral City Festival Lawn & Amphitheater – 68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero, Cathedral City, CA 92234
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.
Friday, November 20 is FREE to attend — no ticket required.
Saturday, November 21 tickets (all fees included):
- Saturday Festival-Only Admission (Early Bird): $6
- Saturday General Admission (includes the Robin Thicke concert): $30
- Saturday Preferred Seating: $40
- VIP Table for 2: $160 · VIP Table for 4: $300 · VIP Table for 8: $500
- 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. Tickets go on sale to the public on August 14 (email-list presale begins August 12); prices increase August 21, and Last Call pricing begins November 18.
Buy tickets here. All sales are final; the event happens rain or shine.
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 ($30, all fees included) includes the Robin Thicke concert and access to the rest of the festival.
FREE parking on first 2 levels of the garage. Additional parking across Hwy 111 with crosswalk access.
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.
The festival features artisan vendors, food trucks, carnival rides, family activities, balloon coloring stations, photo opportunities, and more. Tethered balloon rides are available for $25 during pre-sale ($30 during festival week), operated by Zion Balloons. All balloon activities are subject to weather.
Children 8 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult. Friday, November 20 is free for everyone — no ticket required.
Yes. Space available inside the festival and amphitheater; first come, first served.
Yes. Accessible parking and accessible viewing areas are available.
Yes! The drone light show takes place Friday, November 20 — exact time coming soon. Friday is free to attend, with no ticket required.
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.
Tethered balloon rides are $25 during pre-sale and $30 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.
