Plan your weekend at the 12th Annual Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival — Friday, November 20 through Sunday, November 22, 2026.


Three days of balloon tether rides, nighttime balloon glows, a drone light show, live musical entertainment, gourmet food trucks, interactive family activities, art installations, an outdoor artisan market, and carnival rides and games. Events happen at the Cathedral City Festival Lawn & Amphitheater, The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, and Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage. Explore the daily lineups below and get ready for a weekend full of color, music, and adventure.

Cathedral City Festival Lawn & Amphitheater
68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero, Cathedral City, CA 92234

The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa
71333 Dinah Shore Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage
32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival venue locations map

All times and acts are subject to change.

Friday, November 20

Cathedral City Festival Lawn & Amphitheater + Agua Caliente & The Westin, Rancho Mirage

  • Rancho Mirage · Agua Caliente
    6:00am arrival, ~7:00am launch | Sunrise Launch at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage – the festival’s traditional kickoff and first launch of the weekend

  • Cathedral City · Festival Lawn
    5:00pm | Festival opens at the Cathedral City Festival Grounds with music, games, rides, artisan vendors, craft food, and educational sessions led by balloon pilots

  • Cathedral City · Festival Lawn
    6:00pm | U2 tribute concert

  • Rancho Mirage · The Westin
    7:00pm | Grooves at The Westin – Balloon Glow Concert Event at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, featuring DW3 and BPM (Brian Bromberg, Paul Brown, Michael Paulo) with special guest Gregg Karukas. Separate ticket required, not included with festival admission. Tickets at GroovesAtTheWestin.com · Click for the flyer

  • Cathedral City · Festival Lawn
    7:30pm | Mini balloon glow

  • Cathedral City · Festival Lawn
    7:45pm | Drone light show by Grizzly Entertainment

Saturday, November 21

Cathedral City Festival Lawn & Amphitheater + Morning Launch at The Westin, Rancho Mirage

  • Rancho Mirage · The Westin
    6:00am arrival, ~7:00am launch | Morning launch at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa

  • Cathedral City · Festival Lawn
    3:00pm | Festival Doors Open — vendors, food, games & kids activities

  • Cathedral City · Festival Lawn
    3:30pm | Just A Girl (No Doubt Tribute) — Glow Stage

  • Cathedral City · Festival Lawn
    5:00pm | Amphitheater Opens — DJ A-One, Main Stage

  • Cathedral City · Festival Lawn
    6:30pm | Robin Thicke — Main Stage

  • Cathedral City · Festival Lawn
    7:45pm | Official Balloon Glow & Drone Light Show (drone show by Grizzly Entertainment)

Saturday, November 21 lineup at the Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival

Sunday, November 22

The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa

  • Rancho Mirage · The Westin
    6:00am arrival, ~7:00am launch | Morning launch at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, lifting off from the driving range
  • Free to watch
    Morning launches are free to watch, with free parking. No ticket needed. All balloon activity is weather permitting.