Event · Outdoors

Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival (12th Annual)

When

Fri, Nov 20 · 6:00 AMFri Nov 20: 6am sunrise launch (Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage), festival 5pm, glow 7:30pm, drone show 7:45pm; Sat Nov 21: doors 3pm, balloon glow 8pm; Sun Nov 22: 6am launch at The Westin Rancho Mirage

Where

Cathedral City Festival Lawn & Amphitheater68526 Avenida Lalo Guerrero, Cathedral City, CA 92234Open in Google Maps ↗

Ages

Families

Cost

varies

Organizer

City of Cathedral City (presented by Agua Caliente Casinos)

Upcoming dates: Fri, Nov 20 · Sat, Nov 21 · Sun, Nov 22

The 12th Annual Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival runs Friday, November 20 through Sunday, November 22, 2026, centered on the Cathedral City Festival Lawn & Amphitheater. Families can watch sunrise launches (6 am Friday at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage and 6 am Sunday from the Westin Rancho Mirage driving range), tethered balloon rides, a mini balloon glow and drone light show on Friday evening, and the official balloon glow at 8 pm Saturday. The festival grounds open at 5 pm Friday and 3 pm Saturday with games, carnival rides, kids' activities, food trucks, an artisan market, art installations and short talks by balloon pilots; evening concerts include tribute bands and Robin Thicke on Saturday. Pricing varies by activity (tether rides and concerts may be ticketed), so check the festival's schedule site before you go. Evening glows are the most kid-friendly highlight.