Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival

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Food & DrinkTemecula
DatesDates TBA · Usually MayCheck locally before booking
DurationSpringEstimate from available data
CrowdMediumAbout 50,000 people
Best forRegional food & drinkStarted in 1983 as the Rancho California
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryFood & DrinkFestival type
The story

Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival in Temecula

The Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival has run since 1983 at Lake Skinner Recreation Area, combining sunrise hot air balloon launches and evening balloon glows with wine tasting from area wineries and multi-genre concerts. In March 2026, Riverside County's Board of Supervisors voted to terminate its contract with festival organizers over unpaid bills, leaving the event's near-term future uncertain.

Its balloon visuals and Southern California wine setting make it a strong destination event.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Started in 1983 as the Rancho California Balloon and Wine Festival by pilot Walt Darren and organizer Evelyn Harker, the event grew from 35 balloons and a handful of wineries into one of Southern California's signature spring gatherings, reflecting the Temecula Valley's own transformation from a small ranching community into a major wine appellation now home to more than 40 wineries

02

The mystery stays covered

Its dual identity, part aviation spectacle, part wine festival, has always set it apart from typical wine events, with morning balloon launches and evening balloon glows framing the wine tasting, concerts, and arts and crafts faire held at Lake Skinner

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival's core traditions are its sunrise balloon launches and nighttime balloon glow

Water and renewal

Living ritual

in which dozens of tethered hot air balloons illuminate simultaneously after dark

The sacred route

Living ritual

paired with wine tasting that reflects the Temecula Valley American Viticultural Area's growth from a handful of pioneer wineries in the early 1980s into a nationally recognized wine region today

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually May

Getting around

Driving from San Diego, Orange County, or Inland Empire is common.

What to wear

Layered outdoor spring attire suits the festival's traditional late May or early June dates at Lake Skinner; mornings can be cool for the sunrise balloon launches while afternoons warm...

Safety

Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival is easier with a small bag, charged phone and group plan that survives poor signal.

Where to stay

Temecula

Tickets/cost

Entry may be free while tastings, meals, or special tables are paid locally.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map33.59 N, 117.19 WOpen in Google Maps

Temecula, CA

TransportDriving from San Diego, Orange County, or Inland Empire is common.
Stay areaTemecula

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Temecula via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Temecula, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for May.Compare faresFestival gearLayered outdoor spring attire suits the festival's traditional late May or early June dates at Lake Skinner; mornings can be cool for the sunrise balloon launches while afternoons warm considerably, and closed-toe shoes work best on the grass and dirt festival grounds.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival?

Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival is listed for May · Spring. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Temecula, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Spring is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Temecula, CA

How big is it?

Medium: 50000

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLtemeculavalleyfestival.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually May
Source statusOfficial source linked
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