Introduction: The Dream vs. The Clark Reality
The Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon 2026 takes place on January 17-18, 2026, at the Clark Global City Concert Grounds, Pampanga. This year’s Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon features the historic IV of Spades reunion (Day 2) and Flow G (Day 1). While gates open at 6:00 AM for balloon activities, the Main Concert Grounds specifically open at 4:00 PM.
If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok waiting for a sign to book that trip to Pampanga, this is it. The Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon isn’t just another weekend gig; it is the manifestation of a “dream” (literally, Hiraya). We are talking about a duality that rarely happens in the local scene: a massive OPM festival anchored by the IV of Spades reunion we’ve been begging for, set against the cinematic backdrop of a world-class aviation exhibition.
For two days, Clark Global City will transform into the epicenter of Filipino pop culture. The Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon has curated a lineup that sells out in minutes. But if you think you can just waltz in at 5:00 PM wearing white sneakers and expect a chill time, you are mistaken.
The LakbayPinas Reality Check
Let’s be real for a second. We’ve covered every major event at the Clark Freeport Zone—from the early Aurora fests to the chaotic New Year countdowns—and we know the terrain better than we know our own playlists. Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon is a logistical beast.
While the lineup is absolute fire, the venue itself is an open field of pulverized lahar (volcanic ash). The combination of the January Amihan winds and 50,000 pairs of feet creates a “dust bowl” that will coat your lungs and your outfit by sunset. And then there’s the notorious “Carmageddon” on M.A. Roxas Highway, where a 10-minute drive to the SCTEX exit can turn into a 3-hour parking lot.
Why You Need This Expanded Guide
This isn’t just a generic list of who is playing. This is your operational survival manual for the Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon. We have updated this guide with the latest official advisories released this week—including the crucial mandatory printed ticket policy, the specific age restrictions for the concert pit, and the new rules on camping chairs.
We are going to break down exactly how to navigate the NLEX traffic, which parking zones will save you from getting stuck in the mud, and why you absolutely need to bring an N95 mask to the Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon. Let’s get you in, keep you hydrated, and get you home safely.
The Cheat Sheet: Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon Quick Facts
The Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon runs from Jan 17-18, 2026. Re-entry is strictly prohibited after 2:00 PM. Tickets must be printed physically. Small camping chairs are allowed inside the Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon grounds.
| Feature | Detail |
| Event Name | Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon 2026 |
| Dates | Jan 17 (Saturday) – Jan 18 (Sunday), 2026 |
| Venue | Clark Global City, Pampanga (Open Field) |
| Event Start | 6:00 AM (Balloon Rides/Activities) |
| Concert Open | 4:00 PM (Main Stage Area) |
| Re-Entry | STRICTLY PROHIBITED after 2:00 PM |
| Ticket Print | Mandatory (Digital copies not accepted for scan) |
| Chairs | Allowed (Small/Foldable Only) |
| Age Limit | Festival: Open to All |
Table of Contents
Hiraya Music Festival Lineup: Day 1 vs. Day 2 (Who You Are Seeing)
Day 1 of Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon (Jan 17) brings the urban energy with Flow G. Day 2 (Jan 18) is the massive “Reunion” event featuring IV of Spades, Juan Karlos, and SunKissed Lola.
Based on the official Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon poster layout and artist confirmations, here is how you should plan your energy.
Day 1: The Kickoff (Saturday, Jan 17)
Headliner: Flow G (The King of Filipino Trap/Hip-Hop).
Support: Amiel Sol, Cuatro, Raya, Carl Timbol, Kim Leo.
The Vibe: High energy, heavy bass, and a younger, rowdier crowd. Expect mosh pits in the General Admission area during Flow G’s set at the Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon.
Strategy: This is the “Party Day.” It’s less about nostalgia and more about hype.
Day 2: The Powerhouse Sunday (Sunday, Jan 18)
The Main Event: IV of Spades (The Reunion). This is the set that will define the Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon weekend.
Co-Headliners: Juan Karlos (Expect “Ere” to be the loudest singalong of the night), SunKissed Lola (“Pasilyo” hour), Rob Deniel, Dionela.
Support: Earl Agustin, Bandang Lapis (“Hugot” rock), DJ Lovezy.
The Vibe: Emotional anthems, massive sing-alongs, and OPM icons.
Strategy: Expect the highest crowd density on Sunday. If you want a good spot for IV of Spades, you need to be inside the concert grounds by 4:00 PM sharp.
Official Schedule: Sunrise at Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon
The Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon is an all-day affair starting at sunrise. If you want to ride the balloons, be there by 6:00 AM. If you are just there for the music, aim for 1:00 PM.
We’ve broken down the official timeline for the Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon so you don’t miss the side events.
6:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Hot Air Balloon Ride (Tethered).
Note: Slots are limited and require a separate ticket available on-site. Flights are 100% subject to weather conditions (wind speed <7 knots).
8:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Motor Show.
Vibe: Car enthusiasts and morning coffee. Good time to explore the Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon grounds before the heat kicks in.
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Car Drift & Car Show.
Action: Loud engines and burnt rubber. This happens away from the main stage but adds to the festival noise.
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Local Bands (Warm-up sets).
Location: Main Stage Area opens.
5:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Main Music Concert & Night Glow.
Highlight: The Night Glow usually happens around 6:00 PM (Sunset), where tethered balloons light up in sync with the music.
12:00 MN: Event Ends.
LakbayPinas Insider Tip:
“Don’t burn yourself out at the Car Drift show at 2:00 PM. The sun in Clark is unforgiving. Find shade, hydrate, and save your legs for the 5-hour concert marathon starting at sunset.”
Hiraya Music Festival Tickets, Entry & The HelixPay Protocol
Critical Rule for Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon: You MUST print your ticket. Digital copies on your phone are risky and the organizers explicitly require a printed QR code for scanning.
The “Print Your Ticket” Rule
We cannot stress this enough: Clark Global City becomes a digital black hole once the crowd hits 30,000. HelixPay delivers Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon tickets via an SMS or email link that opens a dynamic QR code. If you try to open that link at 12:30 PM while standing in the queue, it likely will not load.
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The Fix: Print two copies. Keep one in your pocket and one in your bag as a backup.
Ticket Prices & On-Site Buying
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VVIP: PHP 3,000 (Front row access, dedicated portalets).
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VIP: PHP 1,500 (Mid-field).
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Gen Ad: PHP 500 (Back of house).
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Buying On-Site: Yes, walk-ins are allowed at the entrance gate of Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon or at SkyMC Travel and Tours (Robinsons Starmills), but this is subject to availability. We highly recommend buying online in advance via hirayaevents.helixpay.ph.
Refunds & Transfers
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Transfers: Yes, Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon tickets are transferable. If you can’t go, give your printed QR code to a friend.
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Refunds: Strictly NO refunds and NO upgrades. Once you buy Gen Ad, you are staying in Gen Ad.
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Discounts: PWDs and Seniors are welcome, but there are no discounts available for tickets.
The “Golden Timeline”: Arrival & Re-Entry Strategy
The 2:00 PM Re-Entry Cutoff is the most important operational rule at Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon. Plan your day around it or risk being locked out.
The 2:00 PM Hard Deadline
“Re-entry is permitted only until 2:00 PM.” This is strict. If you arrive at 6:00 AM for the balloons and leave for lunch at 12:00 PM, you MUST be back inside the Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon gates before 2:00 PM. If you try to re-enter at 2:05 PM, you will be denied entry.
Strategy: We recommend doing a “Tailgate Brunch” at the parking lot around 11:00 AM, then entering the festival grounds for good by 1:00 PM.
Arrival Guide
For Balloon Riders: Arrive at 5:30 AM to queue for the 6:00 AM tethered rides.
For Concert Goers: Aim to arrive by 1:00 PM. This gives you time to park, clear security, and settle in before the re-entry doors close.
Survival Guide: Chairs, Kids & Water
Update: Small camping chairs are allowed at Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon! But leave the pets and large coolers at home.
Chairs & Mats: The New Rule
Unlike previous years where chairs were banned, Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon has softened the rules.
Allowed: Small foldable camping chairs (think Decathlon stools or low-back beach chairs) and picnic mats.
Banned: Large/oversized chairs, sofas, or loungers that obstruct the view of people behind you.
Food & Hydration
Food: Strictly NO outside food or drinks. Security performs thorough bag checks at Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon. Support the curated food concessionaires inside.
Water: You ARE allowed to bring a small empty tumbler. Free hydration stations are provided to keep everyone safe from the heat.
Age Restrictions & Kids
Festival Grounds: Open to all ages (for balloons/cars).
Concert Grounds: Restricted to ages 10 and above. If you have small children, they can enjoy the car shows and balloons, but they cannot enter the main concert pit of Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon.
Free Entry: Kids ages 1-4 enter for free (1:1 ratio with a ticket-holding guardian).
Proof: You must present a Birth Certificate (digital or physical copy) for free child entry.
Baggage & Safety
No Lockers: There is no baggage counter. Travel light. If you bring it, you carry it.
Cleanliness: Do not throw wrappers on the ground. Fines are issued for littering inside Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon.
Pets: NOT allowed for safety reasons.
Conclusion: Prepare for the Dust & The Dream
Let’s be honest: Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon 2026 is a high-effort tactical operation. You have to print your tickets, beat the 2:00 PM cutoff, and navigate the dust.
But is it worth it? One hundred percent. The chance to see IV of Spades reunite on a massive stage, flanked by hot air balloons against the Pampanga night sky, is a core memory in the making. This is history.
Respect the rules, bring your small chair and empty tumbler, and we’ll see you in the dust!
LakbayPinas Call to Action:
Have you survived a Clark festival before? We want to hear your war stories. Drop your best anti-dust tip or secret parking hack in the comments below!
Top 15 FAQ: Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon
Quick Answer Capsule: No outside food is allowed, but small empty tumblers are okay. Re-entry ends strictly at 2:00 PM. You must print your ticket; digital copies won’t work for scanning. Small camping chairs are allowed at Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon.
1. Can I leave the venue and come back later?
Strictly NO after 2:00 PM. The official Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon policy states: “Re-entry is permitted only until 2:00 PM.” Any exit made after this cutoff is considered final.
2. Do I really need to print my ticket?
Yes. The organizers of Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon have explicitly stated: “A printed copy of the QR code… is required for scanning.” Do not rely on your phone.
3. Can I bring a chair or picnic mat?
Yes! Unlike many other festivals, Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon allows small foldable camping chairs and picnic mats.
4. Is outside food and water allowed?
No. Outside food and drinks are strictly prohibited. However, you are allowed to bring a small empty tumbler.
5. Are kids allowed? Do they need tickets?
Yes, but with restrictions.
General Festival: Open to all ages.
Concert Grounds: Restricted to ages 10 and above only.
Free Entry: Children ages 1-4 enter for free (1:1 ratio with a ticket-holding guardian).
6. Can I bring my pet?
No. For safety and crowd management reasons, pets are NOT allowed inside Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon.
7. What happens if it rains? Will the balloons fly?
Balloon flights are weather-dependent. The tethered balloon rides (6:00 AM – 8:00 AM) and the Night Glow are subject to pilot discretion. The Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon concert will proceed rain or shine unless there is a severe weather threat.
8. Are tickets refundable or transferable?
Transferable: Yes. Refundable: No. If you cannot make it to Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon, you can give your printed ticket to a friend.
9. Is there a baggage counter or locker?
No. There are no baggage or locker services available at Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon.
10. Are there medical services available?
Yes. Multiple medical stations are situated throughout the venue to ensure safety.
11. Can I actually ride the Hot Air Balloons?
Yes, but it requires a separate ticket. There will be tethered hot air balloon rides available, but slots are limited. Tickets for the ride are sold separately on-site.
12. Can I buy tickets on the day of the event (Walk-in)?
Yes, subject to availability. Tickets may be purchased via walk-in at the entrance gate or through the official ticket partner, SkyMC Travel and Tours.
13. Are there discounts for PWDs and Seniors?
No. There are no special discounts available for Hiraya Music Festival & Hot Air Balloon tickets.
14. Apart from music, what else is there to do?
Plenty! The festival features art & light installations, interactive zones, car drifts, a motor show, food & lifestyle booths, and special shows like the drone show.
15. What is the best time to arrive?
It depends on your goal.
For the Full Experience: Arrive by 5:30 AM to catch the sunrise and the 6:00 AM balloon activities.
For the Concert: Arrive by 1:00 PM to park and settle in before the 2:00 PM re-entry cutoff.
