Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Returns to New Clark City on Valentine’s Weekend

The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta returns to New Clark City from February 13 to 15, bringing its signature mix of aviation, technology, and large-scale outdoor entertainment back to the skies just in time for Valentine’s weekend.

Now on its 26th edition, the country’s longest-running hot air balloon festival offers visitors the rare opportunity to experience balloon rides and aerial showcases locally, without traveling abroad. The three-day event transforms New Clark City into a hub for flight demonstrations, live performances, and family-friendly attractions.

Three Days of Aerial Displays and Festival Activities

Each festival day begins early, with hot air balloons scheduled to lift off as early as 6:30 a.m., weather permitting. Morning launches remain one of the event’s main highlights, drawing crowds eager to witness dozens of balloons rising simultaneously against the sunrise.

Beyond balloon flights, the Fiesta features a wide range of aerial activities, including drone exhibitions, paragliding displays, and paramotor performances. These are complemented by ground attractions such as car shows, drifting exhibitions, kite-flying demonstrations, and the Fly Market, which hosts food stalls and local merchants throughout the venue.

Valentine’s Weekend Programming and Night Glow Experience

February 14 is set to feature a Valentine’s-themed evening program, highlighted by a special dinner experience staged beneath illuminated hot air balloons. The Night Glow segment, a long-standing Fiesta tradition, showcases tethered balloons lighting up the grounds in sync with live music, offering a different visual experience after sunset.

Live performances continue into the evening across all three days, turning the festival grounds into a full-scale outdoor celebration once daytime flight activities conclude.

Aviation Seminar and Emerging Flight Technologies

The Aviation Seminar returns as part of the 2026 program, offering students, aviation enthusiasts, and professionals a closer look at flight safety, industry developments, and emerging technologies. The educational segment runs alongside the public festivities, reinforcing the Fiesta’s role as both an entertainment and learning platform.

Visitors can also expect demonstrations of next-generation flight concepts, including the Kyxz Hoverbike showcase, which presents a glimpse into future personal aerial mobility.

International Balloon Lineup Debuts and Returning Favorites

This year’s edition introduces several special-shaped hot air balloons making their Philippine debut, including Finley the Turtle from the United Kingdom, Tuca the Toucan from Brazil, and character balloons such as the Red Macaw, Blue Macaw, and Walrus from Brazil. These additions bring new visual elements to the Fiesta’s already diverse international lineup.

Returning crowd favorites are also set to fly once again, with pilots from Belgium, the United Kingdom, the United States, Switzerland, and the Netherlands bringing back well-known balloon designs that have become fixtures of the event over the years.

Competitions and Tech-Driven Attractions

Competitive events form a key part of the program, with the Paragliding Accuracy Competition testing pilot precision, while FPV Drone Races and Drone Soccer highlight the growing role of drone technology in modern aviation sports.

These activities place equal emphasis on skill, speed, and innovation, appealing to both enthusiasts and casual spectators.

Tickets and Event Access

The 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta runs from February 13 to 15, 2026, at New Clark City, Tarlac.

Tickets are available on-site and through HelixPay, SM Tickets, and Klook. General admission is priced at ₱750, with a bundled option that includes access to the Aviation Seminar available at ₱1,000. VIP passes are priced at ₱8,500.