Cathedral City Hot-Air Balloon Festival 2024 in California

Every November, Cathedral City’s hot air balloon festival brings together thousands of locals and visitors, making it one of the most popular events in the Coachella Valley of the Colorado Desert. Held between Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage, the three-day festival offers many attractions to suit any taste.

Hot-Air Balloon Festival Highlights

Family-friendly activities include tethered balloon rides, nighttime balloon glows, live music, food trucks, a Kids' Zone, bounce houses, an art show, a car show, and an outdoor market. In addition, there's a beer and wine garden for those over 21.

Each day of the festival begins with a hot air balloon launch from 6 to 8 a.m. Launch sites include Agua Caliente Resort and Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort. In the afternoon, the festival continues at the Amphitheater Park and other locations in downtown Cathedral City. Highlights include the Food Truck Fiesta, a free hot air balloon candy drop for kids, and a specially shaped balloon launch on Sunday, where the public can see unique balloons resembling Darth Vader, Yoda, and other popular characters.

The Balloon Glow Car Show is one of the festival’s main attractions. It begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday, featuring unique classic cars, followed by the spectacular 5 p.m. Balloon Glow at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City, located at the corner of Monty Hall and Buddy Rodgers Rd.

Cathedral City Hot-Air Balloon Festival Events and Activities

Friday, November 22, 2024

The festival kicks off with a Hot Air Balloon Launch and Competition Flight from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., with the balloons taking flight at 7 a.m. Guests can watch the show for free at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage.

The 10th Anniversary Festival Kick-Off will take place at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater from 4 to 8 pm, featuring live entertainment, tethered hot air balloon rides, a Kids' Zone, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and a Mini RC Balloon Glow. Admission for Cathedral City residents is $15 for adults, $10 for kids 12 and under, and free for kids 3 and under.

The Grooves At The Westin Jazz And Balloon Glow will run at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort and Spa from 7 to 10 pm.

Saturday, November 23, 2024

The Hot Air Balloon Launch And Competition Flight, featuring tethered hot air balloon rides and hot air balloon rides will start the festival day at 6 am and will last until 8 am at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort and Spa.

Afterward, guests can attend the Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival 10th Anniversary Celebration at the Cathedral City Festival Lawn and Community Amphitheater from 2 to 8 pm. The festivities will include a Community Stage with live entertainment, an interactive kids' zone, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, tethered hot air balloon rides, a car show, an artisan market, and an evening with Leann Rimes.

The 10th Anniversary Hot Air Balloon Glow, presented by Agua Caliente Cathedral City, will take place at 7 pm. The 10th Anniversary After Party at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City will conclude the festival day from 8 pm to 10 pm.

Sunday, November 24, 2024

The program on the last day of the festival will include a Hot Air Balloon Launch and Competition Flight at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort and Spa from 6 to 8 am, featuring both tethered and untethered hot air balloon rides. The hot air balloons will take flight at 7 am, and guests can watch for free.

Admission

Many festival events are free for the public, but some require tickets. Admission to Food Truck Fiesta is only $15 for an adult and $10 for a child, and Westin Rancho Mirage Flight is $268.61.