A Celebration for the Ages: The 2025 Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival Soars to New Heights
- All Country News
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
As the final chords rang out and balloons lit up the twilight sky over Lake Skinner, the 2025 Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival wrapped with a weekend that perfectly blended country music’s past, present, and future. Held June 20–22, this year’s celebration of music, wine, and wonder delivered on every promise and then some.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Southern California’s wine country, the festival brought together a dream lineup of legendary headliners, modern hitmakers, and rising stars. From vintage twang to viral hits, soulful ballads to outlaw grit, each day carried its own energy and left behind unforgettable moments.
Day One: Boots, Balloons, and Retro Cool
Friday launched the festival with swagger and style as Midland brought their throwback sound and sharp suits to the main stage and behind the bar. Their signature blend of smooth harmonies and honky-tonk charm had fans swaying and two-stepping through sunset to favorites like “Drinkin’ Problem” and “Cheatin’ Songs.” Earlier in the day, Walker Hayes lifted spirits with his signature blend of humor and heart, bringing the dance party with “Fancy Like” and tugging heartstrings with “AA.”
Meanwhile, Russell Dickerson injected infectious energy with arena-ready anthems like “Yours” and “Love You Like I Used To.” Fans floated between wine tastings and craft beer samplings, indulging in the rich flavors of Temecula Valley between sets.
Day Two: Outlaws & Anthems
Saturday leaned into grit and independence as Cody Jinks commanded the stage with his raw lyricism and unfiltered presence. Tracks like “Hippies and Cowboys” and “Must Be the Whiskey” rang out with the kind of crowd unity that only Jinks can stir. Mitchell Tenpenny added his blend of country-pop and heartache to the mix, giving the crowd plenty to sing along to. The momentum carried into the evening with Big & Rich lighting up the stage in pure party fashion,
Day Three: Heart, History, and Hometown Glory
Sunday delivered the soul. ALABAMA headlined the final evening with the kind of legendary presence only they possess. With a catalog of hits like “Mountain Music,” “Dixieland Delight,” and “My Home’s in Alabama,” the band transformed the evening into a multigenerational tribute to everything country music stands for, faith, family, and feeling.
Joining them were two artists whose storytelling struck deep chords: Jamey Johnson and Wyatt Flores. Johnson’s gravel-rich vocals gave weight to every lyric, especially during soul-stirring renditions of “In Color” and “High Cost of Living.” Rising star Wyatt Flores followed with a set that proved he’s not just one to watch, he’s already arrived. His emotional honesty and plainspoken style gave Sunday’s finale a grounding force.
Lexi Wheeler For All Country News
More Than a Festival
Beyond the stages and soaring balloons, the 2025 Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival continued to cement itself as one of the most beloved traditions on the West Coast. With early morning balloon launches, lakeside camping, curated culinary experiences, and family-friendly fun, the weekend offered something for everyone.
Stephen Partridge, President and COO of Events.com, captured the feeling best: “With this phenomenal lineup of performers, breathtaking balloon displays, fantastic food and beverage options, and a host of fun activities, the 2025 festival was one for the books.”
Looking Ahead
As tents folded and campers packed up, the collective buzz was undeniable: this year’s festival wasn’t just a success, it was a reminder of why live music, shared moments, and natural beauty matter. From start to finish, the 2025 Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival was an uplifting tribute to country music’s timeless charm and Temecula’s vibrant soul. It didn’t just rise, it soared.
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