The Balloon & Wine Festival’s Future Is in Question
After nearly 40 years, one of Temecula’s most beloved traditions may be coming to an end. The Riverside County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously this week to terminate its contract with the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival after organizers failed to pay an invoice of over $73,000 for use of Lake Skinner Recreation Area in 2025 — a balance that has since grown to $76,100 with interest and penalties. Repeated outreach from the county reportedly went unanswered.
The financial issues don’t stop there. The county noted additional unpaid balances owed to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Riverside County Fire, and other local service providers. The City of Temecula responded by withdrawing its support from the festival until the debts are resolved, calling the situation a failure to honor commitments to local schools, law enforcement, and small businesses.
The contract termination takes effect April 30, 2026. County officials say festival organizers could apply for a new agreement down the road, but all delinquent payments would need to be settled first.
The festival, which has headlined acts like Blake Shelton, The Beach Boys, and REO Speedwagon since 1983, has not updated its website since last June’s event.
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