The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is an event that is highly anticipated by hot air balloon and aircraft enthusiasts, as it is the only airshow held in the Philippines. The airshow, dubbed “A weekend of everything that flies,” features flying exhibitions showcasing several different kinds of hot air balloons. Participants were also treated to shows with helicopters, skydivers, paragliders, drones, radio-controlled aircraft, and kites.
The festival also features on-ground activities and attractions like aviation career seminars, food booths, a fly market, and concerts, making sure there is something for everyone to enjoy.
This event used to be an annual celebration, but it went on a three-year hiatus because of the pandemic. It resumed in 2024, and after a 1-year hiatus in 2025, it will be welcoming guests again from February 13 to 15 in 2026.
While it was also known as the Pampanga Hot Air Balloon Festival because it was held in the province, this 2026, it will be held again in New Clark City in Tarlac Province.
Where is the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026 located?
The venue for the Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026 is New Clark City in the town of Capas in Tarlac Province. This new venue is a sports hub that is home to an aquatics center, various open grounds, and an athletics stadium that can seat up to 20,000 people.
When is the Hot Air Balloon Festival?
The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is scheduled for February 13 to 15, 2026, perfectly timed for a long weekend of colorful flights, family fun, and exciting outdoor activities. Since it falls on a weekend, you can easily plan a day trip—or stretch it into a full getaway—to make the most of the festivities.
If you want a hassle-free experience, you can book the ultimate festival package, which already includes your festival ticket and hotel stay in New Clark City. Choosing the 2-Day Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival Package lets you enjoy the shows, explore nearby attractions, and skip all the stressful planning. This prearranged package is perfect if you’re after convenience, great value, and the freedom to simply enjoy the event.
You can also opt for the 3-Day Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Package if you want even more time to soak in the festivities and make your getaway extra memorable.
How to Go to the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta?
If you’re coming from Manila City or nearby provinces like Pangasinan, Pampanga, and Zambales, you can reach New Clark City by land. If you don’t have a car, you can easily book a rental car for a smooth, hassle-free trip.
You can also book private transfers for even more convenience—this is the easiest and most direct way to get to the festival. Here are the best options depending on where you’re coming from:
From Pampanga Province
If you’re already staying within Pampanga Province, getting to New Clark City is quick and convenient. Private transfers are the easiest way to travel, giving you a comfortable ride straight to the festival grounds without worrying about navigation or parking. You can book:
From Clark Airport
If you’re flying in from other parts of the Philippines or abroad, the nearest gateway is Clark International Airport in Pampanga Province. Booking flights to Clark Airport is the most convenient way to reach New Clark City, as it’s the closest major airport to the festival grounds.
From here, you can rent a car in New Clark City or, if you’re staying nearby, book the Clark Airport transfer to the Hot Air Balloon Festival.
From Manila Airport
You can also choose to book flights to Manila City via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). From there, simply book a Manila Airport transfer to the Hot Air Balloon Festival for a comfortable and hassle-free ride straigh to the event venue.
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How much is the admission ticket price for the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026?
The price for the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival ticket varies depending on the type of pass you choose, as there are different ticket options available. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide which one fits your plans:
General Admission
Price: PHP 770 per person per day
Enjoy full access to the festival grounds, hot air balloon displays, and spectacular aerial exhibitions and competitions. Perfect for families and first-time festival-goers looking to experience the colorful atmosphere.
General Admission + Aviation Career Seminars
Price: PHP 1,020 per person per day
In addition to access to the festival grounds and main attractions, this pass includes entry to special aviation talks and workshops. Whether you’re a student or an aviation enthusiast, you’ll gain unique insights and enjoy interactive sessions with industry experts.
VIP Ticket
Price: PHP 8,520 per person per day
Experience the festival like never before with exclusive VIP access, including premium viewing areas for the best vantage points and priority entry to main events. This pass offers a more luxurious, immersive experience with fewer crowds and the ultimate convenience to fully enjoy the spectacular balloon displays and aerial performances.
What is the hot air balloon show? How much is the hot air balloon ride?
At the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, you can expect a dazzling display of hot air balloons from all over the world. The festival’s main attraction is the mass launch of colorful and uniquely shaped balloons, filling the sky all at once.
In the past, the skies have been graced by balloons shaped like a sunflower, a soda bottle, and even Vincent Van Gogh’s head. In 2024, festival-goers were enchanted by Princess Nelly the Pink Elephant, a kid-favorite that captured everyone’s hearts.
As the sun sets, the magic continues with the Hot Air Balloon Night Glow. Tethered balloons light up in sync with music, while fireworks illuminate the evening sky, making it a perfect moment for photos and unforgettable memories.
For the ultimate adventure, you can hop on a full hot air balloon ride. At the 2026 festival, a flight costs PHP 25,000 per person and usually lasts 30 minutes to an hour, depending on wind conditions. Passengers must be at least 4 feet tall, but the experience of drifting among the balloons and seeing the festival from above is truly unforgettable.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly thrill, try a tethered balloon ride. Safely anchored to the ground, this 10-minute ride costs PHP 500 per person and is perfect for capturing stunning photos while floating above the festival grounds. Passengers must be at least 3 feet tall, making it a fun option for families and kids.
Whether you’re there to watch, photograph, or soar among the balloons, the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is a must-see event that promises excitement, awe, and memories you’ll treasure forever.
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What other activities are there in the Hot Air Balloon Festival?
The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is more than just breathtaking balloons in the sky—there’s a wide variety of aerial and ground attractions that make the festival a full-day experience for the whole family.
Looking Back: 2024 Highlights
In 2024, festival-goers were treated to spectacular airshows, including helicopters, skydivers, paragliders, drones, radio-controlled aircraft, and kites. Two standout events included:
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Jet Paramotor Exhibition – Featuring the United Kingdom’s only formation paramotor team, the Jet Para Hawks, performing thrilling low-altitude stunts and coordinated aerial maneuvers.
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Aerobatic Pyro Show + Drone Light Show – The UK’s Global Stars aerobatic team wowed the crowds with smoke trails and pyrotechnics, followed by 500 illuminated drones forming intricate aerial shapes and messages.
Guests could also take flight themselves through tandem skydiving, tandem paragliding, and sightseeing helicopter rides over New Clark City and Capas National Shrine.
2026 Hot Air Balloon Festival Activities & Attractions
In 2026, the festival promises even more exciting experiences both in the air and on the ground:
Aerial Shows & Exhibitions
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Night Glow – Fireworks and tethered hot air balloons light up the evening skies in perfect sync with music.
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Drone Light Show – Hundreds of luminous drones create breathtaking formations, painting pictures and messages across the night sky.
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Paramotor Exhibition – Thrilling low-altitude maneuvers, flybys, and coordinated formations driven by engine thrust and paragliding.
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Ultralight Fly-bys – Small, lightweight aircraft sweep past spectators at low altitude, showcasing pilot skill and elegance.
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RC Models – Miniature, remote-controlled aircraft performing aerobatics, racing, and combat games.
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Kite Flying Demonstration – Colorful tethered kites of all shapes and sizes delight both kids and adults.
Ground Activities & Attractions
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Fly Market & Food Concessionaires – Sample local delicacies and shop for souvenirs, aviation memorabilia, and crafts.
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Musical Performances – Live concerts featuring homegrown talents throughout the festival.
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Kiddie Rides – Fun attractions and games for younger guests right on the festival grounds.
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Drone Soccer School Competition – A unique fusion of teamwork and technology, bringing soccer to the skies.
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FPV Drone Racing Competition – A high-speed, adrenaline-filled battle of skill, speed, and precision.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, foodie, or photography enthusiast, the Hot Air Balloon Festival has something for everyone. From sky-high adventures to festive ground attractions, it’s truly a must-visit event in the Philippines.
What are the hotels near the Hot Air Balloon Festival?
Photo by Quest Plus Conference Center Clark
If you’re planning to stay at Philippine hotels during the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2026, it is recommended that you book a hotel somewhere nearby. You can check out accommodations in Tarlac Province and hotels in Pampanga Province. If you prefer to stay in Pampanga, you can be close to New Clark City if you book with Angeles hotels.
For a hassle-free experience, you can book Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta accommodation packages with Quest Plus Conference Center Clark and Best Western Plus Metro Clark. You can even customize these packages so you can upgrade your tickets, go on a tour of nearby attractions, or enjoy hotel transfers to New Clark City.
In Tarlac, you can stay at Microtel by Wyndham Tarlac, a 3-star hotel with private parking, laundry facilities, and WiFi access. Another option is the Luisita Central Park Hotel, a 3-star hotel. It has similar facilities, and it also has a fitness center.
Photo by Microtel by Wyndham Tarlac
You have more options in Clark, including Park Inn by Radisson Clark, Widus Hotel and Casino Clark, Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort, Swissotel Clark, Midori Clark Hotel and Casino, and Clark Mariott Hotel.
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Tourist Spots and Activities Near Hot Air Balloon Festival
There are many things to do in Tarlac, but you can also visit nearby tourist spots in Pampanga Province during your stay at New Clark City.
The Capas National Shrine in Tarlac is just less than 5 kilometers away from New Clark City. This shrine features a 70-meter giant obelisk and commemorates the heroism of Filipinos in Bataan during World War II. Surrounding the obelisk are three walls on which the names of Filipino soldiers who died during the Bataan Death March are engraved.
Another must-visit attraction in the province is Monasterio de Tarlac. This monastery is located in the Mount Resurrection Eco Park in San Jose Tarlac. It is most famous for the 30-foot Jesus Christ statue that has its arms open and overlooks the landscape below.
Those who want to take unique travel photos for their social media feed can visit Goshen Resort and Hotel, which features Roman-inspired architecture in its buildings.
Photo by Goshen Resort and Hotel Tarlac
In Pampanga, you can explore the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone, where you can drop by the Clark Museum and 4D Theater, which feature four galleries that showcase Filipino ingenuity and bravery.
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Other spots to visit in Pampanga include the Holy Rosary Parish Church, a National Historical Landmark, and Museo Ning Angeles, a museum that allows visitors to learn about the history of Angeles City and Pampanga.
Plan your Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta trip now!
Whether you choose to go to PIHABF 2026 with friends, family, or even by yourself, there are sure to be enough hot air balloon festival activities that you will enjoy. For a hassle-free experience, plan your trip in advance.
Check out our article on outdoor tourist spots near Manila and see our collection of Philippine adventure tours and day tours near Manila so you can maximize your visit to New Clark City and the Philippines.
