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Cathedral City previews fall and winter events, from Battle in the Desert to Hot Air Balloon Festival
Summary
Events coordinator Adam Chastain presented the Parks and Community Events Commission with a fall‑and‑winter calendar that includes a boxing event, Halloween dog contests, the ninth annual Spooktacular, the Hot Air Balloon Festival, Snowfest, and partnerships for Palm Springs Pride and the Palm Springs International Film Festival.
Adam Chastain, Cathedral City events and recreation coordinator, presented the commission with a fall and winter events preview that detailed dates, expected attendance and programming for multiple community events.
Chastain said the Coachella Valley "Battle in the Desert," produced by Police Officer Jesus Gonzales and sanctioned by USA Boxing, is scheduled for Oct. 11, 2025, at the City Community Amphitheatre and has protected attendance of "a thousand plus." He described the event as encouraging law‑enforcement participation and said some proceeds go to local charities.
Chastain reviewed Halloween programming: a dog Halloween costume event at Panorama Dog Park on Oct. 25 and the ninth annual Halloween Spooktacular in downtown Cathedral City on Oct. 26; he said last year's Spooktacular drew about 3,500 people and that organizers distributed 50,000 pieces of candy and ran out within about an hour, so organizers plan to increase candy reserves this year. Chastain also said the Spooktacular will include live DJ music, vendor food and beverage options, a costume contest and free bicycle giveaways.
The presentation included a new weekly "Taste and Sound" series at the amphitheatre in November with themed nights (a Pride drag show Nov. 4, a Veterans Day barbecue Nov. 11, and a Dreamboats performance Nov. 18). Chastain said Cathedral City expects to join the Palm Springs Pride Parade on Nov. 9 and will field a city contingent with branded shirts.
Key fall and winter events listed were the Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival (three days in November that include nightly balloon glows, a drone show and headline concerts), Snowfest on Dec. 13 with an expected attendance of about 5,000, and the Palm Springs International Film Festival in January 2026, for which Cathedral City will again sponsor screenings and host Family Day at the amphitheatre.
Chastain said DRD staff and other partners will support event logistics and thanked commissioners and volunteers who helped with previous events. The presentation was informational; the commission did not vote on event approvals during the meeting.
Ending: Commissioners expressed appreciation for the advance notice of dates and sponsors and encouraged continuing outreach to broaden participation and vendor options.
