Temecula Valley Balloon And Wine Festival 2023: Food, Music, Fun

TEMECULA, CA — The Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival was slated to start at 3 p.m. Friday and continue through the weekend at Lake Skinner Recreation Area, just east of Temecula in Winchester.

In 2023, thousands will attend to watch balloons take off, hitch a tethered ride, or attend outdoor concerts, wine tastings and other entertainment at the many stages set up through the event on its 40th anniversary.

The festival is a staple Southwest Riverside County tradition that launched in 1983, back when Temecula was a "one-st0plight" kind of town. Things have changed significantly since then. When you go, look for the artistic rendering of the 40th-anniversary event - a poster that represents all that the balloon festival means to the valley, and is an ideal takeaway "souvenir" for the family. The event returned last year following a two-year hiatus stemming from the COVID public health lockdowns. For 2023, it's back in full form.

Friday night's Pala Main Stage entertainment will feature 80s icons REO Speedwagon, Night Ranger and John Waite.

Saturday is dedicated to Country & Western, with Brad Paisley, George Shingleton and Sara Evans performing. On Sunday, the venue will offer a mix of country and pop, featuring Scott McCreery and The English Beat.

Hot air balloon rides will be going all three days, with the traditional "balloon glow" after 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, during which the airships ignite their burners in unison. Hourlong daytime rides will be available Saturday and Sunday, organizers said.

All rides are subject to cancellation if the weather turns. In the past, balloon glows have halted due to extreme winds, and balloon launches may be difficult to see amid thick marine layer conditions.

Keep an eye on local weather if you're planning to drive out to witness those events. Often, you get a better view by cruising Rancho California Road and stopping at one of the many wineries along the way. Do not block the road remember, never drink and drive when going to or leaving the event. CHP will be watching the roadways.

Roughly 100 vendors will be on hand, including a bevy of vintners providing samples of the Temecula Valley's finest ports.

If you go to sample wine, be sure you stop and ask about specifics. Take a moment to learn about the history of wine in the area, the type of grapes which thrive in the region as well as the types of foods that are best paired with each varietal and blend. Those memories will linger when you take a bottle home either from the event, or from local wineries you'll pass on your way back out of town.

Be sure you stop by and grab a Famous PUDN dessertfrom our friends of the Murrieta homemade pudding shop.

If you're staying locally at a hotel or AirBNB, consider having breakfast at Epic Eats on Rancho California Road, or TOAST on Temecula Valley Parkway. From breakfast and lunch, to barbecue for dinner, Swing on over to the Swing Inn on Old Town Front Street, owned by Temecula's local celebrity of Breaking Bad fame, Dean Norris. Consider stopping by wineries like Miramonte, to take in the views from their impeccable outdoor patio, or stopping in at Peltzer Winery or Akash Winery, both off-the-beaten-path on Calle Contento. In short, you can't go wrong over a weekend in Temecula Valley Wine Country.

If you're planning on staying at the Lake Skinner campground, you're out of luck. Though those who know reserved their spaces early at the campground, organizers confirmed that no camping space is available.

There will be carnival rides, dancing and an array of adult beverages to enjoy.

Tickets run between $30 and $760, depending on what events a festival- goer intends to attend. Parking fees are separate from the price of admission.

All festival events will wrap up at 6 p.m. Sunday.

Visit www.tvbwf.com for more information.