Weather cancels some events at CC Hot Air Balloon Festival including Robin Thicke concert
Jesus Reyes
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Robin Thicke’s concert at the Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival has been canceled, as well as Friday programming and the Saturday morning launch due to weather concerns.
Festival organizers said the decision was made out of an abundance of caution for the safety of attendees, balloon pilots, crews, and performers.
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The concert was scheduled to take place on Friday.
Saturday festival and Sunday events are scheduled to proceed as planned.
According to festival organizers, Palm Springs International Airport issued Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) conditions, which means weather is below safe visual flying minimums due to low cloud ceilings and reduced visibility. The forecast shows substantial rain throughout Friday with overcast skies. Rain is expected to continue through Saturday morning.
Thicke’s concert will be rescheduled to a future date at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater, which will be announced in the coming weeks. All ticketholders will receive full refunds and will have the opportunity to repurchase tickets for the new date once announced. Ticketholders will receive information directly from the ticket provider.
CANCELED:
• Friday, Nov. 21, 2025: All programming including Agua Caliente Casinos Sunrise Balloon Launch and mini balloon glow
• Saturday morning, Nov. 22, 2025: Balloon launches at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa
Balloon ride ticketholders for canceled launches will receive full refunds.
PROCEEDING AS SCHEDULED:Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025:• Festival opens at noon at Cathedral City Festival Lawn & Amphitheater ($10 entry)
• Tribute band concerts: Radio Ready (1:30 PM), So Petty (3:00 PM), Stevie Nicks Illusions (4:30 PM), and Queen Nation (6:15 PM)
• Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival’s Official Balloon Glow (7:45 PM) – the festival’s most popular component, featuring Special Shape balloons, vibrant hot air balloons filling the Festival Lawn, and a signature giant inflatable pirate ship
• Drone light show (pending FAA approval)
Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025:
• Morning balloon launches at The Westin Rancho Mirage – the festival’s only morning launch of the weekend, featuring hot air balloons lifting off from the resort’s championship golf course with spectacular sights of the surrounding desert mountains. Free to attend. Details at https://www.westinranchomirageexperiences.com/#!/e/morning-balloon-launchnovember-23-6144b51b
• “Brunch & Balloons” experience at The Westin Rancho Mirage – an exclusive ticketed event featuring gourmet brunch cuisine with tethered hot air balloons on display. Limited tickets remaining. Details at https://www.westinranchomirageexperiences.com/#!/event/5aed1b69-a29b-43ce-8918-bc4e10e9743d
“This was not an easy decision, but the safety of our community, performers, pilots, and crews must always come first,” said Ryan Hunt, Communications & Events Manager for the City of Cathedral City. “We’re grateful to Robin Thicke and his team for their professionalism and understanding. Saturday afternoon and Sunday are expected to have much better conditions, and we’re excited to bring the community together for Saturday’s spectacular balloon glow – our most popular event – and all the wonderful programming we have planned for the weekend.”
For the latest festival schedule updates and ticket information, please visit our event website at www.cchotairballoonfest.com or download the official Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival app at cchotairballoonfest.com/#Ap