By Lawrence Ruiz – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51197777
Every year, the skies of Pampanga and Tarlac come alive with color, excitement, and wonder as thousands of balloons rise above New Clark City.
The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, or simply the Hot Air Balloon Festival, promises to be one of the most anticipated events in the Philippines, drawing local and international guests eager to witness breathtaking hot air balloon displays, dazzling aerial shows, and a full weekend of music, food, and family fun.
Held at the expansive festival grounds in Clark City, near New Clark City and Clark Global City, this iconic festival is a celebration of aviation, creativity, and Filipino pride that continues to unite generations under one sky.
Whether you’re traveling from Quezon City, nearby Tarlac, or other parts of the world, this guide will help you plan, prepare, and fully enjoy the 2026 Hot Air Balloon Festival.
A Look at the Festival’s Origins
Known to many as the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta or the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon event, this spectacle began as a small gathering of aviation enthusiasts and pilots. Over the years, it evolved into a major international hot air balloon showcase featuring pilots, skilled artists, and performers from around the world.
The Hot Air Balloon Fiesta has a storied past. Some of its notable moments include the mass launch of hot air balloons in the morning, dramatic ultralight flybys, and unforgettable fireworks lighting up the skies at night.
Recent editions have also featured the Hiraya Night Sky Festival, the Hiraya Music Festival, immersive drone light show segments, and crowd-favorite drone light formations spelling messages of hope and unity.
Under the leadership of the organizers and project manager Marvin Atienza, the weekend-long event continues to grow. Past press conference announcements teased ambitious plans for the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta involving paragliding, RC models, motorsports, and performances by groups like Cuatro Band, as well as collaborations with Filipino icons such as Kim Leo and other skilled artists and Filipino talents.
Image source: https://www.facebook.com/pihabf/
What to Expect at the International Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026
The 2026 Hot Air Balloon Festival is expected to be a two-day event (with some activities spilling into a third day), typically held between late January and early February in New Clark City, spanning Pampanga and Tarlac.
The venue near Clark offers wide open ground perfect for balloon launches and aviation exhibitions.
Here’s what you can expect:
- A sunrise mass launch of dozens of colorful balloons
- Spectacular hot air balloon displays throughout the day
- Ultralight fly-bys, paragliding, and other aerial shows
- Evening fireworks and a magical drone light show
- Live music, performances, and cultural showcase
- Food stalls and the popular Fly Market
- Family-friendly zones with kiddie rides on the ground
- Exhibits featuring aviation, RC models, and classic aircraft
- Guest appearances by artists, pilots, and aviation experts
Your Practical Guide to Enjoying the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
To truly enjoy this once-a-year event, preparation is key.
Here are practical, actionable tips to help your weekend at the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival flow smoothly:
1. Buy Tickets Early
Secure your tickets as soon as sales open. Early-bird rates are usually cheaper, and popular entry slots (especially sunrise) sell out fast.
2. Arrive Before Sunrise
If you want to witness the iconic mass launch for which the International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is known, be at the festival grounds by 5:00 AM.
Balloons fly best in calm morning winds, when the skies are most magical.
3. Bring Essentials
Pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a light jacket. Mornings can be chilly, but it warms up quickly in Clark City.
Don’t forget to bring power banks for photos and videos.
4. Plan Your Transport
If you’re driving a car, leave early to avoid traffic entering Clark City. Carpool with friends or family to reduce parking hassle.
Shuttle services are often available from major pick-up points.
5. Explore Beyond the Balloons
If you have more time to spend in Clark City, you can explore the other activities the organizers have in store.
Check the schedule for performances, music, and special segments like the Hiraya Music Festival or the Hiraya Night Sky Festival. Watch out for sets by Cuatro Band, Drifters, and surprise guest artists.
6. Visit the Fly Market
The Fly Market offers local food, crafts, and souvenirs. It’s a great place to sample Kapampangan dishes and support small businesses.
7. Bring the Kids
The kiddie rides and interactive exhibits make this a fun event for all ages. It’s a perfect way to introduce children to aviation and creativity.
8. Stay for the Night Shows
Don’t miss the evening fireworks and drone light formations. The synchronized visuals, music, and illuminated balloons create unforgettable excitement.
9. Follow Official Updates
Monitor announcements from the organizers, especially after each press conference, for updates on weather, schedules, and added attractions like motorsports demos or special aerial shows.
Image source: https://www.facebook.com/pihabf/
Why This Festival Matters
More than just a visual spectacle, the 2026 Hot Air Balloon Festival aims to inspire awe, creativity, and unity.
It aims to showcase Filipino ingenuity, global teamwork, and the joy of flight. With international pilots, local skilled artists, and enthusiastic audiences, the festival reflects the best of the Philippines and Central Luzon: vibrant, warm, and full of wonder.
From Raya-themed balloons to heart-shaped designs and fantasy characters, each balloon tells a story that makes people pause, look up, and dream of soaring higher.
Live Near the Action with Camella
If you’ve ever wished the festival could be part of your everyday life, living near Clark makes that dream possible. Just a short drive from New Clark City, Camella in Tarlac and Camella in Pampanga both offer a strategic, comfortable home base for festival lovers and modern families alike.
These Camella properties place you close to major centers, expressways, and growth hubs like Clark Global City, while still providing peaceful communities designed for real living. Whether you’re hosting guests during festival season, enjoying quiet days with friends, or building a future for the next generations, Camella offers the space, security, and lifestyle you deserve.
With thoughtfully planned neighborhoods, accessible amenities, and proximity to key venue locations, Camella lets you enjoy both everyday convenience and front-row access to world-class events like the 2026 hot air balloon festival.
Read more about Camella in Tarlac City and Pampanga, and discover a home where you’re always ready when the skies over Clark are filled with balloons once again.