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

Friday and Sunday lineups coming soon. All times and acts are subject to change.

Friday, November 20

Cathedral City Festival Lawn & Amphitheater

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

  • 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

  • 6:00pm | U2 tribute concert

  • 7:30pm | Mini balloon glow

  • 7:45pm | Drone light show

Saturday, November 21

Cathedral City Festival Lawn & Amphitheater

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

  • 3:30pm | Just A Girl (No Doubt Tribute) — Glow Stage

  • 5:00pm | Amphitheater Opens — DJ A-One, Main Stage

  • 6:30pm | Robin Thicke — Main Stage

  • 8:00pm | Official Balloon Glow

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

Sunday, November 22

Cathedral City Festival Lawn & Amphitheater

  • 6:00am | Morning launch at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, lifting off from the driving range
  • TBD | Launch breakfast at The Westin Rancho Mirage