The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa and City of Rancho Mirage Partner with 11th Annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival

Premium Resort to Host Exclusive "Brunch & Balloons" Experience and Morning Balloon Launches

CATHEDRAL CITY/RANCHO MIRAGE, CA (September 3, 2025) - The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa is proud to announce its partnership as official hotel and venue sponsor for the 11th Annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival, taking place Friday, November 21 through Sunday, November 23, 2025.

As part of this exciting collaboration, The Westin Rancho Mirage will host multiple festival events at the resort, including morning hot air balloon launches and an exclusive new "Brunch & Balloons" experience on Sunday, November 23.

"We are honored to be the host resort and official hotel partner for this year's Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival," said Tim Lusher, General Manager of The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa. "The festival is one of the Coachella Valley's most iconic events, and we're especially proud to showcase it here in the beautiful city of Rancho Mirage. From morning balloon launches on our Pete Dye Golf Course to our new 'Brunch & Balloons' event, we look forward to creating unforgettable moments that highlight the beauty of our desert setting, the warm hospitality of our resort, and the community spirit of Rancho Mirage."

Exclusive "Brunch & Balloons" Experience

The festival weekend will conclude with an elegant "Brunch & Balloons" event at The Westin Rancho Mirage on Sunday morning, offering guests a premium dining experience paired with spectacular hot air balloon launches from the resort's Pete Dye Golf Course. This new signature event combines the resort's renowned culinary offerings with front-row views of the colorful balloons taking flight against the stunning desert mountain backdrop.

Festival Launch Sites

The Westin Rancho Mirage will serve as an official balloon launch site throughout the festival weekend, hosting morning launches on both Saturday and Sunday at the resort's Pete Dye Golf Course. The expansive fairways provide an ideal setting for balloon operations while offering guests and spectators unobstructed views of the launches and the surrounding Coachella Valley.

The partnership extends beyond hosting duties, with The Westin Rancho Mirage offering special accommodation for festival attendees, including discounted room rates and exclusive packages for balloon pilots and crews participating in the internationally recognized event.

The City of Rancho Mirage provides essential municipal support and coordination for the resort events, demonstrating the collaborative spirit that makes this festival possible.

"We're thrilled to expand our partnership with The Westin Rancho Mirage, a longtime partner that has been instrumental in the festival's success," said Cathedral City Mayor Nancy Ross. "This year we're excited to bring them into an even larger role with new events like the 'Brunch & Balloons' experience, showcasing the world-class hospitality and amenities that make our region a premier destination."

The Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival is produced by SoundSkilz and has grown significantly since its inception, now attracting more than 25,000 attendees annually from across California and beyond. Listed among the Top 14 Hot Air Balloon Festivals by US News & World Report and winner of the prestigious Palm Award for Visitor Experience from Visit Greater Palm Springs, it has become one of the most anticipated events in the Coachella Valley.

About SoundSkilz

With over 20 years of event experience, SoundSkilz is a leader in event planning, talent, and production. From concept to execution, SoundSkilz handles all aspects of event production in various sizes. The company has the experience to produce multi-day 100,000-person fairs and festivals as well as intimate 50-person executive meetings.

Complete festival schedule, ticketing information, and "Brunch & Balloons" reservations will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information about the Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival, visit www.cchotairballoonfest.com.

About The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa

The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa is a pet-friendly 512-room resort nestled in 360 acres of natural beauty, offering stunning views of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountains and lush green fairways. The resort features activities like pickleball, tennis, and championship golf on our Pete Dye course. Guests can relax at our luxurious Wellness Spa or enjoy fun at the renovated dual waterslides. Dining options include Pinzimini Restaurant, which now boasts a refreshed look and an all-new menu, and Fireside Lounge for handcrafted cocktails. Pinz & Pints offers duck pin bowling and an arcade for family fun. With 129,000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor and outdoor space, the resort is perfect for social events, meetings, and weddings. For more information, please visit www.westinranchomirage.com.