Cathedral City Holds 9th Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival + Food Trucks

CATHEDRAL CITY, CA — Bring your cameras and look skyward in November for the 9th annual Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival and Food Truck Fiesta, coming Friday, Nov. 17 - Sunday, Nov. 19.

This is the third year Agua Caliente Casinos will launch their marquee racing balloon to kick off the festivities, according to Sr. Director of Marketing, Pearl Aguinaldo, who recently discussed the event.

“We are beyond thrilled to be the title sponsor of this incredible hot air balloon festival and to, again, put our very own hot air balloon in the sky with all of the other beautiful balloons,” Aguinaldo said. “This exciting and unique event features hot air balloons from all over the world, and we are looking forward to bringing our fantastic community together for this one-of-a-kind festival."

When the day arrives, be sure to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking beauty of the balloons lifting off!

Official kick-off begins with the balloon launch from Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage on Friday, November 17 at sunrise.

The Food Truck Fiesta takes place Friday evening and Saturday at the Cathedral City Amphitheater. They will feature food truck vendors from Southern California, a beer and wine garden, tethered balloon rides, a car show, kid zones, live music, and more.

Cathedral City Mayor Rita Lamb shared her thoughts on the coming event.

“Our community is incredibly excited to celebrate the award-winning Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival alongside Fantasy Balloon Flights and our title sponsor Agua Caliente Casinos,” Lamb said. “This annual signature event, which recently received a 2023 Champion of Hospitality Award from Visit Greater Palm Springs, brings in visitors from all over the world to our region, which is a huge boost to our local economy. We’re honored to add the International branding to one of the most memorable events in the Coachella Valley.”

Schedule of Events:

Friday, November 17
Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage |6A-8A

• Sunrise Balloon Flight. Coffee and Donuts available from Dippity Donuts.

Cathedral City Community Amphitheater | 4P-9P

• Food Truck Fiesta, Beer & Wine Garden, Kid Zone, Live Performances & a Drone Show

The Westin Rancho Mirage Gold Resort & Spa |7P-10P

• Balloon Glow to music featuring Grammy-nominated performers Mindi Abair & DW3

Saturday, November 18
Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa | 6A-8A

• Sunrise Balloon Flight. Coffee and pastries available for purchase.

Cathedral City Community Amphitheater | 11A-9P

• Food Fiesta, Beer and Wine Garden, Kids Zone, Live Performances, Music, Vendor Market, Car Show, and Pilot meet and greet.

Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City |5P-8P

• Balloon Glow to Music, Face Painting, Balloon Twister, Giveaways

Sunday November 19
Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage | 6A-8A

• Sunrise Balloon Flight. Coffee and Donuts available from Dippity Donuts.

Big League Dreams Cathedral City |7A-10A

• Pancake Breakfast with Special Shape Balloons

All Cathedral City residents and Agua Caliente Casinos ACE Card Members will receive free admission to the Food Truck Fiesta. A special 3-Day VIP All Access Pass is available for $100.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit, hotairballoonfest.com.