Set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept.13, the event offers a rare glimpse into five private residences that reflect the town’s eclectic character, artistic spirit and deep connection to nature. Now in its 22nd year, the home tour draws visitors from across Southern California Each selected home tells a story — not just of design and craftsmanship, but of the people and history that shaped Idyllwild’s evolution from a remote logging outpost to a vibrant cultural haven.

This year’s lineup includes two homes designed by celebrated local architect David Lilieholm, known for his organic approach to mountain architecture. One features soaring windows that frame the forest like a living mural; the other, a cozy retreat with handcrafted woodwork and passive solar elements. Another standout is a cabin once used as a filming location for an Elvis Presley movie, offering a nostalgic nod to Idyllwild’s cinematic past. Participants begin their journey at the will call booth between the Idyllwild Monument and the Idyllwild Inn on North Circle Drive, where they receive a detailed tour booklet with maps, home descriptions and historical notes. From there, guests embark on a self-guided adventure, driving or walking between sites. Docents stationed at each home share insights into architectural features, renovation stories and the families who’ve lived there. Tickets are $30, with proceeds supporting the society’s mission to preserve and promote local history. They can be purchased online or on the day of the event. Children are welcome with adult supervision, though pets are restricted to service animals only. While the homes vary in style from rustic log cabins to modernist hideaways — they all share a reverence for the natural surroundings. Expect stone fi replaces, exposed beams, vintage fixtures and panoramic views of the San Jacinto wilderness.

Many feature locally sourced materials and handcrafted details that reflect Idyllwild’s artisan roots. Accessibility varies, and guests are advised to wear sturdy shoes and bring water, as some homes require navigating uneven terrain. Parking assistants help manage logistics at each site, and volunteers are on hand to answer questions and ensure a smooth experience. Beyond the homes themselves, the tour offers a deeper connection to Idyllwild’s community. Visitors are encouraged to explore the town’s walkable village center, where local cafés, galleries and boutiques offer a warm welcome. The IAHS Museum, located on North Circle Drive, will also be open during the event, featuring exhibits on Native American heritage, early settlers and the town’s artistic legacy. For many attendees, the Idyllwild Home Tour is more than an architectural showcase — it’s a celebration of mountain living, storytelling and the enduring charm of a town that thrives on creativity and connection, according to society president Linda Allen. “These homes aren’t just structures— they’re reflections of the people who built them, lived in them, and loved them. The tour is our way of honoring that legacy and sharing it with the world,” she said.

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The free exhibition offers a fun way to celebrate the Fourth of July for resort and casino guests, as well as the entire Temecula Valley community, according to a recent news release.

Spectators can tune their car or portable radios to FM station Q103.3 to listen to a coordinated soundtrack along with the incredible pyrotechnic show. The fireworks will be viewable from many vantage points in the South Temecula area.

Pechanga guests and fireworks watchers may park in designated areas at Pechanga Resort Casino. Parking is available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are encouraged to come early and enjoy dinner at one of Pechanga’s 12 restaurants before settling down to enjoy a night of dazzling fireworks.

RV parking is prohibited on Pechanga grounds except within the Pechanga RV Resort. No day camping, grilling, open flames, glass, alcoholic beverages or illegal substances will be permitted at the fireworks viewing. In addition, no sparklers or other personal fireworks are permitted on Pechanga grounds. Guests are asked to follow the posted directional signage for the designated parking areas on the Pechanga property.

As a pillar and partner of the Temecula Valley community, Pechanga offers the free July 4th fireworks celebration as a way to encourage family and friends to share in the spirit of freedom and independence fought for by millions of service men and women, including hundreds of thousands of Native American enlistees.

For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook, Instagram and on X @PechangaCasino.

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Tickets went on sale Thursday for the fest, which returns June 20 to 22 for a weekend of camping, hot air balloons, music and of course, wine.

“The Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival is one of the region’s longest-running festivals and has been a longstanding cornerstone of Southern California’s vibrant cultural landscape. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of its continued growth,” said Stephen Partridge, President, Co-Founder and COO of Event.com.

Set against the backdrop of the Lake Skinner Recreation Area, the Southland festival typically brings a star-studded lineup to wine country. Aside from the three big headliners, the fest will host Big & Rich with Gretchen Wilson, Mitchell Tenpenny, Jamey Johnson, Wyatt Flores, Russell Dickerson, Midland and more.

During the three-day festival, guests can camp out just steps away from wine tastings from local wineries, a craft beer garden, gourmet food.

Don’t want to camp? Check out the hotel packages on offer here.

Each sunset, concert goers can behold the iconic evening Balloon Glow. For those who don’t want to just enjoy the spectacle from the ground, festival-goers can pay to ride the hot air balloons and experience scenic views while soaring above the Temecula Valley.

Balloon rides start at $29 for a short, scenic lift above the festival grounds and go up to $329 for a flight over the valley. Balloons will launch from the festival grounds between 6 and 10 a.m., weather permitting, and will also be available throughout the weekend for tether rides and at sunset each day for the Balloon Glow.

“Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, music lover, or looking for family-friendly fun, the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival is the perfect destination to make memories,” Organizers said Thursday.

Tickets And Weekend Passes

General Admission for a one-day ticket starts at $99, while a three-day pass starts at $289. VIP tickets for one day cost $350, while a three-day pass starts at $750.

Those with a military ID can get 10 percent off on any ticket level.

Find out more information and buy tickets here.

The post Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Fest 2025: See The Lineup appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Tickets for the private Beverly Hills event are going for $5,000 to attend the reception, $40,000 for a photo opportunity, $100,000 for VIP roundtable seating and $250,000 to be designated an event chair, according to the Republican Party of Los Angeles County.

The Saturday event in Newport Beach will be hosted by tech exec Palmer Luckey and Kimberly and John Word, according to the Republican Party of Orange County. Luckey also hosted a Trump visit in 2020.

Tickets for the Orange County event range from $3,300 to $100,000.

Trump’s trip west includes a Bay Area visit and rally in Nevada, another battleground state he lost narrowly in 2020.

The visit comes about a week after he was convicted of 34 felony charges in New York of falsifying business records and follows a campaign stop Thursday in Arizona. President Biden won Arizona by about 10,000 votes in the 2020 election, and it is expected to be a close contest in the state again this year.

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