Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival

Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival The Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival returns November 20–22, 2026, bringing three days of colorful skies, live entertainment and family-friendly festivities to the Coachella Valley. Since launching in 2015, the festival has grown into one of the desert’s signature annual events, attracting nearly 25,000 visitors from across Southern California. The 2026 celebration will feature 20 hot air balloons, sunrise balloon activities, tethered balloon rides, spectacular nighttime balloon glows and a drone light show. The festivities continue on the ground with live music, gourmet food trucks, an outdoor artisan market, art installations, interactive family activities, carnival rides and games. On Saturday night, Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum recording artist Robin Thicke takes the stage as this year’s headline performer. Recognized among the Top 14 Hot Air Balloon Festivals by U.S. News & World Report and honored with the Palm Award for Visitor Experience, the festival combines the spectacle of hot air ballooning with the distinctive atmosphere of the Greater Palm Springs area. Events will take place throughout the weekend at the Cathedral City Festival Lawn & Amphitheater, The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, and Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage.