Mar 31, 2026

Discover the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival

Plan your visit to the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival at Lake Skinner. Hot air balloons, wine tastings, live music, and tips for exploring wine country.

Discover the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival

What Is the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival?

The Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival is one of Southern California's longest running festivals, held annually since 1983 at Lake Skinner Recreation Area in the Temecula Valley. The three-day event brings together hot air balloons, wine tasting from local Temecula Valley wineries, live music across multiple stages, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.

The festival typically takes place in June and draws around 38,000 to 40,000 visitors each year from San Diego, Riverside, Los Angeles, and Orange counties.

Hot Air Balloons at the Festival

The balloon experience is one of the biggest draws. Sunrise balloon flights are offered weather permitting through the festival's official partner, A Grape Escape Balloon Adventure. Watching dozens of colorful balloons lift off over the Temecula Valley at dawn is a sight that stays with you.

For those who prefer to stay on the ground, the evening Balloon Glow is a fan favorite. Balloonists fire up their burners at sunset, lighting up the festival grounds in a coordinated display of color. Tethered balloon rides are also available for guests who want to float above the valley without a full flight.

Balloon activities are always weather permitting, so keep an eye on conditions if you are planning to attend a morning launch.

Wine Tasting at the Festival

Wine tasting is at the heart of the festival. A curated selection of wines from Temecula Valley wineries is available to sample throughout the weekend. Past participating wineries have included Peltzer Winery, Europa Village Wineries and Resort, Wilson Creek Winery, Oak Mountain Winery, and others from across Southern California.

The festival also features a craft beer garden, gourmet food vendors, food and wine pairings, and activities like the crowd-favorite grape stomping contest.

Live Music and Entertainment

The festival features live performances across multiple stages throughout the weekend. Lineups change each year and have included major headliners across country, rock, and Americana genres. The 2025 festival featured ALABAMA, Cody Jinks, Walker Hayes, Russell Dickerson, Midland, Big and Rich with Gretchen Wilson, Jamey Johnson, Wyatt Flores, and more.

Beyond the music, the festival includes arts and crafts exhibits, a commercial court with over 100 vendors, a food court, and a kids' area with family-friendly activities.

Planning Your Visit

The Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival is held at Lake Skinner Recreation Area, located in Winchester just outside of Temecula. The festival typically runs Friday through Sunday in June.

Here are a few tips for planning your trip:

Check the official website early. Dates, lineups, and ticket tiers are announced in the months leading up to the festival. Visit temeculavalleyfestival.com for the latest information on tickets, camping packages, and schedules.

Consider camping. On-site camping at Lake Skinner is a popular way to experience the full weekend, but campsites sell out early. Hookup sites tend to go first, with dry camping options available longer.

Book balloon flights in advance. Sunrise balloon rides through A Grape Escape Balloon Adventure can be reserved ahead of time and are weather permitting.

Plan for traffic. Festival weekends bring heavier traffic to the Temecula area. Advanced parking permits are recommended.

Military discount. Guests with a valid military ID have received discounts on tickets in past years.

Explore Wine Country While You Are in Town

If you are visiting Temecula for the festival and want to explore wine country beyond the festival grounds, Van'N Boozy offers guided wine tours in vintage VW Buses throughout Temecula Wine Country.

Our tours include tastings at award-winning wineries, scenic backroad routes that larger vehicles cannot access, and a dedicated local host for your group. We handle all winery reservations and planning so you can focus on enjoying the day.

Private 3-Stop Wine Tour: $164 per person. Visit three wineries with 4 to 6 tastings at each stop. Private to your group. Up to 4 hours.

2-Stop Wine Tour: $119 per person. Visit two wineries with tastings included. A 2.5-hour tour with no minimum passenger requirement.

All tours have flat pricing with no hidden fees. We are open 7 days a week and same-day booking may be available. Text or email us at 951-401-1001 or info@vannboozy.com to check availability.

Book a Tour!

Nothing pairs better with festival weekend vibes than exploring Temecula Wine Country in a classic VW Bus.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Temecula Balloon and Wine Festival

When is the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival?

The festival is held annually, typically in June, at Lake Skinner Recreation Area near Temecula. Check temeculavalleyfestival.com for the latest dates and ticket information.

Where is the festival held?Lake Skinner Recreation Area in Winchester, California, just outside of Temecula.

Can I ride in a hot air balloon at the festival?Yes. Sunrise balloon flights are available through A Grape Escape Balloon Adventure and must be reserved in advance. Tethered rides and the evening Balloon Glow are also available. All balloon activities are weather permitting.

How much are tickets?Ticket prices vary by tier and type (GA, Golden Corral, VIP). Check the official festival website for current pricing and availability.

Can I combine the festival with a Van'N Boozy wine tour?Absolutely. Many of our guests visit Temecula for the festival weekend and add a Van'N Boozy wine tour to explore the wineries and backroads of wine country. Text us at 951-401-1001 or visit our booking page to plan your tour.