Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival

The Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival runs November 20–22, 2026, with a festival kickoff at 5 PM on Friday, November 20, at the Cathedral City Festival Lawn & Amphitheater, featuring a mini balloon glow and drone light show, and free admission. Weekend activities include 20 hot air balloons, sunrise and tethered balloon rides, nighttime balloon glows, live music, more than eight gourmet food trucks, a beer and wine garden, a kids' zone, an outdoor artisan market, art installations, interactive family activities, and carnival rides and games. Saturday, November 21, features a 6 AM balloon launch at The Westin Rancho Mirage, grounds opening at 3 PM, and Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum recording artist Robin Thicke at 6:30 PM, followed by the Balloon Glow and drone show; tickets are $12 for early-bird festival admission, $35 for general admission including Thicke, and $45 for preferred seating. Admission is free on Sunday, November 22, which includes a final early-morning balloon launch; launches are weather permitting, and children 8 and under are free with a ticketed adult.

Summary compiled from listings on The Palm Springs Post — Events Calendar and Visit Greater Palm Springs — Events and Gay Desert Guide event directory.