Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 2.C
Meeting Date: October 14, 2026
From: Ryan Hunt, Director of Communications & Engagement Title: Fall 2026 Special Events Preview
RECOMMENDATION:
To receive a presentation only, with no formal action required.
BACKGROUND:
The Fall 2026 special events season represents Cathedral City's continued commitment to providing high-quality community programming that celebrates our diverse culture, supports local economic activity, and enhances quality of life for residents and visitors. This annual preview provides the City Council with an overview of upcoming events and their alignment with City goals.
The fall season traditionally marks one of Cathedral City's most active periods for special events. All events follow the City's special event safety procedures, developed collaboratively with the Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works, other City divisions, and third-party event organizers, including safety logistics meetings approximately 30 days prior to each event and pre-event walkthroughs.
DISCUSSION:
The fall 2026 season runs from Halloween weekend through the holidays, anchored by the 12th Annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival and featuring community favorites like the Halloween Spooktacular, Tastes & Sounds, SnowFest, and more. • Halloween weekend. The Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest, sponsored by the Parks & Community Events Commission (PACE) with support from Grocery Outlet, returns Saturday, Oct. 24, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Panorama Park. The 10th Annual Halloween Spooktacular follows Sunday, Oct. 25, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Civic Center Plaza. Spooktacular serves as the City's version of National Night Out, pairing trick-or-treating with Police and Fire demonstrations.
• Palm Springs Pride. The City's float returns to the 40th annual Palm Springs Pride Parade on Sunday, Nov. 8, with the City Council riding along. The entry will promote Cathedral City Pride and the Hot Air Balloon Festival two weeks ahead of the event. • Tastes & Sounds fall series. The fall edition returns to the Community Amphitheater with Pulp Vixen on Tuesday, Nov. 3, presented with Cathedral City Pride, and Shades of Billy on Tuesday, Nov. 17, as the Balloon Festival kickoff. Tastes & Sounds will move from its usual Tuesday night to Saturday, Nov. 7, merging with the Cathedral City Evening Rotary Club's Fields of Valor, a Veterans Day celebration with live music and a flag display on the Festival Lawn. This follows a similar model as last spring's inaugural Festival of the Arts, where Tastes & Sounds provided the music for the Public Arts Commission's Saturday event.
• Hot Air Balloon Festival. The 12th Annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival runs Friday, Nov. 20, through Sunday, Nov. 22, at the Festival Lawn and Community Amphitheater, The Westin Rancho Mirage, and Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage. Multi-platinum artist Robin Thicke headlines Saturday, Nov. 21, following last year's weather postponement. Agua Caliente Casinos returns as presenting sponsor for a sixth consecutive year, and SoundSkilz Entertainment produces the festival, which features balloon launches, tether rides, the nighttime balloon glow, and live entertainment.
• Holiday season. The season closes in December with the PACE-sponsored Feliz Navidog holiday dog costume contest at Esperanza Dog Park and SnowFest in front of City Hall, featuring real snow, train rides, photos with Santa, and the Mayor's tree lighting ceremony.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this informational report. Fall event budgets were approved by the City Council through the FY 2026-27 budget process as part of the Communications & Events budget.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Action F-3: Promote additional community events and celebrations.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.