Temecula Valley Balloon And Wine Festival Is Here: What To Know When You Go In 2025

TEMECULA, CA — The Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival has returned at last, in its latest opening weekend yet. The event runs Friday through Sunday at the Lake Skinner Recreation Area in Winchester. On Friday, gates were expected to open at noon, later than ever for the event run by Events.com, the new festival owner.

We've gathered your music lineup, a map, and more information for visitors heading out to Winchester. Drivers should expect weekend wine country traffic to be busy in the area, and advanced parking permits are recommended, according to event staff.

This Riverside County Park is the backdrop for country music entertainment and experiences. However, there are no morning hot air balloon launches planned from the Lake Skinner area during mornings of the event, a big difference from years past.

The folks at Events.com say they have plans to make it one of the best years yet.
One of the most significant changes this year is that the only balloons at the festival will be filled for the daily sunset glow, an Events.com spokesperson told Patch.

Other changes include the new map, published for eventgoers, which includes the locations of venues and bars during the festival.

As in years past, the festival is partnering with the City of Temecula, Riverside County Parks, the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Riverside County to celebrate and spotlight the region’s "vibrant local culture and community ties," they say.

Though no hot air balloons are launching in the mornings of the event, the weather remains conducive to flying high. The new festival team has partnered with A Grape Escape Balloon Adventure, and attendees can elevate their experience with sunrise balloon rides available for booking during the event here.

"In addition to the daily rides, guests can enjoy the breathtaking Balloon Glow at sunset on Friday and Saturday evenings, an annual fan favorite that lights up the festival grounds in a kaleidoscope of colors," they said.

This year, the Winery Village returns, where attendees can sample a curated selection of premium wines from local vineyards and even participate in a grape stomping event, according to the planners.

In 2025, the presenting sponsor is Peltzer Winery. Other local Temecula wineries slated to take part during the weekend are Europa Village Wineries & Resort, Lasorda Family Wines, Oak Mountain Winery, Pamec Winery, Ultimate Vineyard & Maurice Car'rie Winery, and Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards.

"Guests can indulge in Temecula’s signature hospitality, sip varietals, and even participate in the crowd-favorite grape stomping contest on Saturday and Sunday," they say. Look for more information on that when you arrive.

Country Music Concerts All Weekend:

In 2025, the live music programming will take place across three primary stages: Stage A (Events.com), Stage B (Toyota), and the newly announced Stage C (Bloom) -- see the map for further details.

The lineup has dropped for the main stages with headliners that include Walker Hayes, Cody Jinks, Alabama, and many more.

Many acts will be playing simultaneously, or immediately following one another, during the event, so plan your foot traffic accordingly.

The Bloom Stage Lineup has just been announced and includes acts like Honey Buckets, Ash Easton, Fresh Veggies, and others.

Stay in the know when you go:

The daily schedule is live now in the concert app and at temeculavalleyfestival.com. With top talent and rising stars, the festival promises non-stop entertainment across genres.

New Owner, New Festival Experiences:

It's expected that with Events.com at the helm, tried and true might change, but some new promised locations to visit prove to be exciting.

• Outpost Honkytonk – A high energy country hangout at the heart of the festival featuring rustic Western décor, mechanical bull riding and other redneck lawn games. With tented seating, tall tables and the festival’s biggest and best bar, the perfect spot for line dancing, cold rinks and Ol’ fashioned fun.
• Dive Bar Speakeasy – A hidden gem with an edge- the Dive Bar Speakeasy is tucked away with all its old-school chopper charm. Featuring a working jukebox, pool tables, and other biker bar staples, this nostalgic hangout will be a leather jacket paradise!
• Citrus Farm – Kick off your botts and cool off under the shade! Enjoy a full bar, ice cold cocktails, and freshly squeezed juice straight from the grove. The perfect spot to relax, reset, and sip slow.

Camping & Tickets:
Dry camping remained available for late bookers, offering options with electric and water hookups. Camping includes two general admission tickets. Festivalgoers are encouraged to secure their camping passes as soon as possible as they were expected to sell out.

Follow social media for other Know Before You Go details over Instagram and Facebook.
Visit their homepage for FAQ planning information.

Don't forget! send Patch your pictures and a bit about your experience at the festival, for a chance to be featured on the festival 2025 roundup!

Related:

New Temecula Valley Balloon And Wine Festival Owners Making Big Changes: What To Know