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Writer's pictureKathy Condon

Special Events in Coachella Valley

Updated: Nov 14


A pond in the foreground, and line of people on the other side for Live With Kelly and Mark Show
Westin Rancho Mirage Resort and Spa Line to Live with Kelly and Mark Photo by Kathy Condon

As a resident of Palm Springs, I eagerly await learning what events our 350 days of sunshine will attract each season to Coachella Valley. We certainly are off to a great start—just this week, I attended a preview of the 10th International Hot Air Balloon Festival in Cathedral City and the Live with Kelly and Mark Show in Rancho Mirage.


10th International Hot Air Balloon Festival

Agua Caliente Casinos is the Presenting Sponsor for the 10th Annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival. Activities begin on Friday, November 22, 2024, and occur throughout the weekend.


To help understand the breadth of the weekend, I was fortunate to attend a Media Event at Century Park. A few hearty souls met at 6:00 a.m. for a hot-air balloon experience with Fantasy Balloon Flights. This company provides opportunities to have hot-air balloon rides over Coachella Valley.

Agua Caliente Casino balloon being inflated with hot air.
Agua Caliente Casino Hot Air Balloon Being Inflated with Hot Air Photo by Kathy Condon

We watched as the balloons unfurled and began reading them for the flights of two balloons—one blazon with the Agua Casino logo and the other Visit Greater Palm Springs.


I entered the basket of the Agua Casino balloon and patiently waited as the hot air continued to be infused into the balloon, which slowly righted itself. Then, we could feel a small lift and soon found ourselves floating above the Valley.


One quickly notices the silence, except when the pilot regulates the hot air by adding some at various intervals. We spent about a half hour floating and enjoying the panoramic view.


All good things must come to an end. The pilot guided us, and we soon found ourselves on the ground—everyone intact and smiling.


A chase car had been following us, so they saw us land and stood by as we walked to the car to take us back to our beginning spot, about 4 miles away. Yes, it was delightful. I would do it again; it was a beautiful way to start a day.

A basket filled with people ready to take off.
Getting Ready to Take Off in Agua Casino Balloon

Special Events in Coachella Valley Connected to the Hot Air Balloon Festival


·       Friday, November 22, 2024: The Hot Air Balloon Launch and Competition will be held adjacent to Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage Casino. It is a great place to watch the flights.


·       Food trucks at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheatre in the evening.


·       Saturday, November 23, 2024, Sunrise Balloon Launch at Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort. Then head back to Cathedral City Festival Lawn and Community Amphitheatre for activities (ACE Club Members and Cathedral Residents admitted for free.)


·       Leann Rimes performs that night in the Amphitheatre—ACE Club members and Cathedral Residents can pick up free tickets at the Aqua Caliente Casino Cathedral City ACE Club.


·       The Balloon Glow, with free admission, will light up the sky all night.


·       The weekend closes on Sunday with a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Launch.


Go to: VisitHotAirBalloonFest.com or AguaCalienteCasinos.com for more information.


Live with Kelly and Mark Show at Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort and Spa

With two tickets for Live with Kelly and Mark in hand, I asked my friend, Mary Guiane, to attend. We developed our logistics plan for arriving at the resort. Finding the right line, we wound our way first to get our tickets validated and get our wristband for this massive undertaking, rumored to be 2,000 for each of the two shows on Sunday at the Westin Rancho Mirage Resort and Spa.


I was impressed we were greeted with music, but alas, we were soon in line out of earshot of music as we waited to be ushered to the 18th hole, where the stage, large screen, and chairs were set up. It took standing, winding our way on the walkway to our seats about 1.5 hours.


Our weather report's “cloudy” sky was merely wispy clouds, so we were glad we had used sunscreen and longed for a hat, which was not allowed at the taping.


Gelman took the mike and, with a great sense of humor, explained how the taping would proceed. Mary and I looked at each other when he said, "If you clap shorter and more, it makes more noise." Sure enough, it worked.


A round circle picture of Kelly and Mark at Live Show sitting at desk
Live with Kelly and Mark Show at Westin Rancho Mirage Resort and Spa Photo by Kathy Condon

Kelly and Mark Wound Their Way Through the Chairs

Recording time was approaching—this was on Sunday but taped for Veteran Day release. Kelly and Mark came through the aisle and headed to the stage. One of the first things they did was welcome the assembled Veterans—a lovely gesture under our beautiful Coachella Valley sun.


My Observations:

·       The audience was a mixture of ages, genders, and diverse couples.


·       Watching what happens between the scenes is busy—moving furniture, checking makeup, and getting directions from staff.


·       Once those things were accomplished, Kelly, in particular, interacted with the assembled audience.


·       They never seem to stop smiling.


·       Their love for our area was evident, and they did an excellent job explaining we are nine cities to the television audience.


·       Everyone, including the guests, must talk loudly, at least outside, to come off sounding normal on television.


Winding our way to our seats was an adventure, but in the end, we both said it was worth it because it was a unique way to spend a Sunday morning. Now, it will be even more fun to watch Live with Kelly and Mark each weekday morning.


These two special events in Coachella Valley are a sample of what will happen in the coming months. Think about it. We are only in mid-November; we have a long, active season ahead, so stay tuned. I plan to keep you updated as much as possible about our corner of paradise in the winter.


Kathy Condon wearing white shirt and gold beads.
Kathy Condon Travel Writer and Award-winning Author

Kathy Condon is a Travel Journalist and an Award-winning Author. Her niche is luxury experiences and communities living in the shadows of larger cities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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