Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026 At A Glance
The 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026 takes flight from February 13–15, 2026, at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac. General Admission tickets are ₱750 per day, granting access to the 6:30 AM Mass Ascent and the 7:00 PM Night Glow. Gates open before dawn, so plan to be at the venue entrance by 4:30 AM.
We know the drill: you want the hard details before you book that hotel in Tarlac. This year’s theme, “A Weekend of Everything That Flies,” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a promise of non-stop aerial action at the massive New Clark City grounds.
Here is the essential data you need to plan your Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026 itinerary:
| Feature | Details |
| Official Dates | February 13 – 15, 2026 (Friday – Sunday) |
| Official Venue | New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac (Stadium & Open Grounds) |
| Theme | “A Weekend of Everything That Flies” |
| Opening Call | National Anthem Fly By at 6:00 AM (Gates open earlier) |
| Ticket Prices | Gen Ad: ₱750 / VIP: ₱8,500 |
| Main Highlights | Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascent (6:30 AM) & Night Glow (7:00 PM) |
The “Weekend of Everything That Flies” Returns
The 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival happens on February 13–15, 2026, at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac. Gates open as early as 4:30 AM for the signature 6:30 AM Mass Ascent. Important: This Hot Air Balloon Festival is in Tarlac, not the old Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga—ensure your navigation is set to the “New Clark City” exit via SCTEX.
There is nothing quite like the silence of a Tarlac dawn being broken by the roar of burners. As the first light hits the New Clark City stadium, you aren’t just watching balloons; you are witnessing the Hot Air Balloon Hare and Hound Event, where dozens of colorful giants chase a “Hare” balloon across the sky. This spectacle kicks off the 26th edition of the longest-running aviation sports event in Asia, staying true to its theme: “A Weekend of Everything That Flies”.
For our LakbayPinas readers planning their DIY itinerary, we need to address the biggest confusion right now: the venue for this year’s Hot Air Balloon Festival.
If you have been to this Hot Air Balloon Festival before, you might instinctively drive to the old Omni Aviation grounds in Angeles. Don’t make that mistake. The Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival has permanently shifted north to the New Clark City complex in Capas, Tarlac. This is a massive, world-class sports hub distinct from the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga. The drive to the Hot Air Balloon Festival is smoother thanks to the SCTEX New Clark City Exit, but the location is different enough that auto-pilot driving will get you lost.
Insider Tip: Don’t underestimate the size of the New Clark City complex. The walk from the Gen Ad parking to the Athletics Stadium entrance can take 10-15 minutes depending on crowd density. Since the Hot Air Balloon Festival starts strictly at 6:00 AM with the National Anthem, we recommend hitting the parking lot queue by 4:30 AM. If you arrive at 6:30 AM, you’ll likely be stuck in the security line while the balloons are already launching overhead.
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How to Get to New Clark City
The Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026 is located at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac—NOT the old Clark Freeport Zone. Drivers must take the SCTEX New Clark City Exit or Dolores Exit to reach the stadium. Commuters should board a Victory Liner or Five Star bus to Capas Junction, then take a tricycle or shuttle from McDonald’s Capas to the Hot Air Balloon Festival grounds.
We cannot repeat this enough: do not drive to Angeles City. The Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026 has moved north to Capas, Tarlac. If you auto-pilot to the old Omni Aviation grounds, you will be 45 minutes away from the action. The venue is the New Clark City Athletics Stadium, a massive complex that requires a specific route via SCTEX.
By Private Car (The Fastest Route)
If you are driving from Manila to the Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026, take NLEX (North Luzon Expressway) all the way to the SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) interchange.
Merge onto SCTEX heading toward Tarlac/Baguio.
Ignore the Clark North and Clark South exits.
Take the New Clark City Exit (preferred) or the Dolores Exit.
Follow the access road straight to the Athletics Stadium.
Insider Tip: Do not just type “Clark” into Waze. You might end up at the airport. Specifically pin “New Clark City Athletics Stadium” or “Aquatics Center New Clark City” on Google Maps. Signal can be spotty on the SCTEX access road, so download your offline maps before you leave the NLEX toll plaza.
By Public Transport (Bus & Trike)
Commuting to the Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival is doable, but expect transfers.
Step 1: Board a Victory Liner or Five Star bus from Pasay, Cubao, or Caloocan bound for Capas, Tarlac or Tarlac City.
Step 2: Tell the conductor specifically to drop you off at Capas Junction. Your main landmark here is McDonald’s Capas or the Capas Public Market.
Step 3: From the junction, walk to the tricycle terminal. Hire a tricycle directly to the New Clark City Stadium. During the Hot Air Balloon Festival, local shuttles and jeepneys often ply this route to service the crowd.
Philippine Hot Air Baloon Festival Schedule 2026
The prime viewing window for the Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026 is strictly between 5:30 AM and 7:30 AM for the Mass Ascent at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium. Gates open as early as 4:30 AM. Activities continue all day, but the second major highlight of the Hot Air Balloon Festival, the Night Glow, begins promptly at 7:00 PM.
One thing I love about this year’s setup at New Clark City is the consistency. Unlike previous years where specific events were scattered, the organizers have streamlined the itinerary. Whether you visit the Hot Air Balloon Festival on February 13 (Friday) or February 15 (Sunday), the schedule remains identical.
This means you don’t have to stress about missing the “main” day—every morning features the Mass Ascent, and every evening ends with the Night Glow.
Here is the full, hour-by-hour breakdown of the Day 1–3 Schedule for the Hot Air Balloon Festival:
| Time | Activity | Zone / Location |
| 6:00 AM | National Anthem Fly By | The Stadium |
| 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM | Hot Air Balloon Hare & Hound Event (Mass Ascent) | The Stadium / Sky |
| 8:00 AM | Paramotor Formation Flying | The Stadium |
| 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | FAI FPV Drone Racing (All Day) | The Oval Track |
| 8:30 AM | Car Show Display | Motor Sports Area |
| 9:00 AM | Paragliding Exhibition | The Stadium |
| 9:30 AM | Paramotor Beach Ball Competition | The Stadium |
| 10:00 AM | Ultralight/Microlight Aircraft Fly-by | The Stadium |
| 10:30 AM | Kyxz Hoverbike Demo | The Stadium |
| 10:30 AM | Car Drifting Show (Morning Session) | Motor Sports Area |
| 11:00 AM | Kite Flying Exhibition | The Grass Field |
| 12:00 PM | Paramotor Formation Flying | The Stadium |
| 1:30 PM | Paragliding Accuracy Landing | The Stadium |
| 1:30 PM | Car Drifting Show (Afternoon Session) | Motor Sports Area |
| 3:00 PM | Paper Plane Event | The Stadium |
| 4:00 PM | RC Racing and Combat | The Stadium |
| 5:00 PM | Kyxz Hoverbike Demo | The Stadium |
| 5:30 PM | Drone Soccer Demo | The Stadium |
| 6:00 PM | FPV Drone Race Demo | The Stadium |
| 7:00 PM | Hot Air Balloon Night Glow | The Stadium |
| 7:30 PM | Musical Performances & Fireworks Display | The Grass Field |
Insider Tip: Most first-timers make the mistake of leaving immediately after the 6:30 AM Mass Ascent. Don’t do it. The traffic exiting New Clark City at 8:00 AM is a nightmare. Instead, I walk over to the Oval Track to watch the FPV Drone Racing—it’s surprisingly intense to see these machines zip through obstacles at 100kph. If the midday heat gets too intense around 11:00 AM, we usually retreat to the covered areas of the Fly Market for an early lunch before the afternoon crowd swells for the Car Drifting Show.
Ticket Prices and Where to Buy
Tickets for the Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026 range from ₱750 (General Admission) to ₱8,500 (VIP). You can book online via HelixPay or visit any SM Tickets outlet nationwide. Children aged 0-2 years old enter for FREE. Warning: Add-on activities like Tethered Rides sell out online weeks in advance, so do not wait for the Hot Air Balloon Festival event day.
Budgeting for New Clark City is straightforward, but choosing the right tier depends on how much heat you can tolerate. We’ve broken down the official 2026 ticket tiers below to help you decide if the VIP upgrade is worth the splurge for this year’s Hot Air Balloon Festival.
| Ticket Tier | Price (Per Day) | Key Inclusions |
| General Admission | ₱750 | Access to Athletics Stadium (First-come seating), Fly Market, Aerial Shows, and Evening Concerts. |
| Gen Ad + Seminar | ₱1,000 | All Gen Ad perks + Access to the Aviation Career Lecture (Best for aspiring pilots/students). |
| VIP Pass | ₱8,500 | Air-conditioned VIP Lounge, Buffet Service (Breakfast, Lunch, High Tea), and Priority VIP Parking. |
The VIP Experience: Is It Worth It?
Honest review time: New Clark City is an open stadium. By 10:00 AM, the Tarlac sun is unforgiving. If you are traveling with seniors or small kids, the ₱8,500 VIP Pass is a lifesaver solely for the Air-Conditioned Lounge and the dedicated VIP Parking Slot. The walk from the General Admission parking to the stadium entrance is quite a trek, so having a guaranteed spot near the gate is a luxury I’d pay for again.
Add-On Flying Activities
Entrance tickets do not include rides. You must purchase these separately to fly during the Hot Air Balloon Festival, and slots are extremely limited.
Hot Air Balloon Flight: ₱25,000 per person (The full 30-minute to 1-hour experience).
Tandem Paramotor: ₱7,000 per person.
[Insert screenshot of the HelixPay booking interface or a photo of the “Sold Out” notice for Tethered Rides to warn users to book early.]
Insider Tip: If you see the Tethered Hot Air Balloon Ride (usually ₱500) available online, book it immediately. These are the first to sell out—often weeks before the Hot Air Balloon Festival starts. I’ve seen dozens of frustrated guests at the Help Desk trying to buy ride tickets on the spot, only to be turned away. Also, save your HelixPay QR Code to your phone gallery; mobile data signal around Capas can jam when the crowd peaks, and you don’t want to be stuck at the gate trying to load your email.
Best Spots to Watch the Balloons
For the 6:30 AM Mass Ascent, the best vantage point is the lower tier of the New Clark City Athletics Stadium facing the oval track. General Admission seating is first-come, first-served, so enter the gates by 5:00 AM to secure a central view. For the afternoon, move to the Grass Field for Kite Flying, but return to the Stadium by 6:00 PM to get seats for the Night Glow.
Navigating the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026 is different from the old Clark days. The action is no longer confined to a single airfield; it is split across three distinct zones within the New Clark City complex. Knowing where to stand at what time is the difference between a perfect Instagram shot and staring at a crowd’s back.
Here is how I break down the zones based on the official layout of the Hot Air Balloon Festival:
The Athletics Stadium: This is the “Main Stage” of the Hot Air Balloon Festival. You need to be here for the National Anthem Fly By at 6:00 AM and the Mass Ascent at 6:30 AM. It is also the venue for the Night Glow at 7:00 PM. Since Gen Ad tickets don’t have assigned seats, it’s a race for the best bleacher spots.
The Grass Field: Located adjacent to the stadium, this is the “Activity Hub.” Go here between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM if you booked a Tethered Hot Air Balloon Ride. It’s also the spot to watch the Kite Flying Exhibition at 11:00 AM and catch the Musical Performances later at 7:30 PM.
Motor Sports Area: This is a separate zone for the gearheads. If you want to see the Car Drifting Show at 10:30 AM or 1:30 PM, you will need to walk over here from the main stadium.
Insider Tip: The Athletics Stadium is an architectural marvel, but it is effectively a giant sun trap. By 9:00 AM, the sun hits the east-facing bleachers hard. I usually bring a distinct “seat saver” (like a bright shawl) and rotate between the stadium and the shaded concourse. Also, don’t try to sprint from the Motor Sports Area back to the Stadium exactly at 6:55 PM for the Night Glow. The pedestrian traffic at the Stadium tunnels gets gridlocked. We start heading back to our seats at 5:30 PM, right during the Drone Soccer Demo, to beat the rush.
Tips for Surviving the Heat and Crowds
The New Clark City Athletics Stadium is a massive open-air venue, meaning zero shade once the sun rises. Bring umbrellas, hats, and sunblock. Arrive at the gates by 4:30 AM to beat the SCTEX traffic and secure bleacher seats. Bring small bills for the Fly Market, as mobile data often jams, making GCash/Maya unreliable.
We love the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival, but let’s be honest: surviving the Tarlac heat requires strategy. Unlike the old venue with its grassy treelines, the New Clark City Athletics Stadium is a concrete bowl. It is spectacular for viewing, but by 10:00 AM, it radiates heat like an oven.
Here is your survival checklist to ensure you enjoy the aerial show without passing out:
What to Bring (Your “Go-Bag” Essentials)
Sun Protection: The stadium seating is fully exposed. I pack a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a high-SPF sunblock.
Cash (Small Bills): While some Fly Market stalls accept e-wallets, the cell signal in Capas often drops when the crowd swells to 30,000 people. Cash is still king here.
Valid IDs: If you bought a discounted ticket, you must present your Senior Citizen or PWD ID at the gate. The rule is strictly 1 Ticket = 1 ID presented. No ID, no entry.
Critical Rules & Regulations
Guard Your Wristband: Once you scan your ticket and get your wristband, do not remove it. Wristbands are non-transferable and void if they look tampered with. If it falls off, you will be denied re-entry.
No Refunds: Tickets are strictly non-refundable unless the organizers cancel the Hot Air Balloon Festival. Rain or shine, the show (or at least the ground activity) goes on.
Children: Kids 2 years old and below enter for FREE. Bring a birth certificate copy just in case security asks for proof of age.
Food & Comfort
Hungry? Head to the Fly Market. This open-air bazaar is located near the Grass Field and features dozens of local concessionaires selling everything from Pampanga’s famous sisig to quick aviation souvenirs.
Insider Tip: Buy your lunch early—around 10:30 AM. By 12:00 PM, the queues at the Fly Market food stalls become unmanageable, and finding a table is impossible. I usually grab a heavy breakfast at the stalls immediately after the 6:30 AM Mass Ascent finishes, then snack on trail mix I brought in my bag to avoid the lunch rush entirely. Also, utilize the portalets near the Motor Sports Area; they tend to have shorter lines than the ones right next to the stadium entrance.
How to Plan Your Day at PIHABF 2026
To catch the Mass Ascent, you must be parked at New Clark City by 4:30 AM to secure a seat at the Stadium before the 6:00 AM National Anthem. For a relaxed visit, arrive at 3:00 PM to catch the afternoon RC Racing, enjoy an early dinner at the Fly Market, and watch the Night Glow at 7:00 PM without the morning rush.
Navigating the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026 depends entirely on what kind of traveler you are. Are you here for the golden hour shots, or are you dragging three toddlers along? Since the schedule runs from dawn till dusk, we have crafted two distinct attack plans to help you survive the chaos at New Clark City during the Hot Air Balloon Festival.
Option 1: The “Sunrise Chaser” (Photographers & Early Birds)
This itinerary is for those who want the classic “balloon-filled sky” photo. Warning: You will be sleep-deprived, but the shots are worth it.
04:30 AM: Arrival at New Clark City parking. Walk briskly to the Athletics Stadium gates.
05:00 AM: Secure your spot on the lower bleachers facing the Oval Track.
06:00 AM: National Anthem Fly By begins. Stand up and get your settings ready.
06:30 AM: Hot Air Balloon Hare & Hound Event (Mass Ascent). This is the golden window.
08:00 AM: While the crowd is still stunned, exit the stadium and grab breakfast at the Fly Market before lines form.
09:00 AM: Head to the Oval Track to watch the FAI FPV Drone Racing qualifiers.
Option 2: The “Family Day Out” (Leisure & Kids)
If waking up at 3:00 AM sounds like torture, skip the morning ascent. The afternoon lineup is just as packed and much friendlier for kids.
03:00 PM: Arrive at the venue. Traffic is usually lighter entering Capas at this hour.
03:30 PM: Head to the Stadium to watch the Paper Plane event or RC Racing and Combat.
05:00 PM: Move to the Grass Field for the Kite Flying Demo. This is perfect for kids to run around while waiting for sunset.
05:30 PM: Early dinner at the Fly Market. Secure a spot on the grass or return to the stadium bleachers.
07:00 PM: Hot Air Balloon Night Glow. The balloons inflate on the ground and light up to music—magical and less chaotic than the morning launch.
07:30 PM: Stay for the Fireworks Display and Musical Performances to cap off the night.
Insider Tip: If you choose the “Sunrise Chaser” route, do not leave between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM. This is peak “exodus” traffic where thousands of cars try to leave New Clark City at once. We usually stay until the Car Drifting Show starts at 10:30 AM. By then, the outbound traffic on the access road to SCTEX has thinned out significantly, saving you an hour of gridlock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can buy tickets at the entrance gates on the day of the event, but we strongly advise booking online to skip the queue. Children 2 years old and below enter for FREE. Note: The venue is in New Clark City (Capas, Tarlac), which is a 30-45 minute drive north from the old Clark Freeport Zone.
We get a flood of questions in our DMs every year, so here are the quick answers to save you time.
Are tickets available on the day of the event?
Yes, walk-ins are allowed! You can purchase tickets at the Entrance Gates of the New Clark City Stadium on Feb 13, 14, or 15. However, signal reception for GCash is unreliable at the gate, so bring cash if you plan to buy on-site.
How much are tickets for children?
Toddlers aged 2 years old and below enter for FREE. Proof of age (like a photo of a birth certificate) may be asked at the gate. Children 3 years old and above must pay the full ₱750 General Admission rate.
Can I get a refund if I don’t go?
No. Tickets are strictly non-refundable. The only exception is if the PIHABF organizers officially cancel the event. If you can’t make it, your best bet is to transfer the ticket to a friend (Regular tickets are transferable; Senior/PWD tickets are not).
Is the venue in Clark Freeport Zone?
No. This is the most common mistake. The festival is in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. If you book a hotel in Angeles City, allow 45 minutes to drive to the stadium via SCTEX.
Who do I contact for ticket issues?
If your HelixPay QR code hasn’t arrived or you have specific concerns, email the organizers directly at balloonfiesta.ph@gmail.com.
Why You Can’t Miss The 26th Year
The Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026 is more than just an Instagram backdrop—it is a rare chance to see world-class aviation right here in Central Luzon. Whether you are there for the silence of the 6:30 AM Mass Ascent or the high-octane energy of the Night Glow, New Clark City delivers a bucket-list experience that is worth the early wake-up call.
Don’t wait for the “Sold Out” announcement. Secure your spot now via HelixPay or visit your nearest SM Tickets outlet. The VIP slots typically vanish weeks before the opening salvo, so book your tickets today and see you in the skies of Tarlac!
But wanna comment on few general things, The website design is perfect, the subject matter is real superb : D.
There’s certainly a lot to know about this topic.
I love all the points you made.
Thanks for finally talking about > Ultimate Guide To Hot Air Balloon Festival 2025 | New Clark City < Loved it!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I truly appreciate your
efforts and I will be waiting for your further write ups thank you
once again.
It is a good website with lots of information. However, it does not give the DATES in February when the Festival takes place and the link to buying tickets brings you to a general site for balloon rides (as opposed to the specific one in the Philippines).
Thank you for your feedback! We appreciate your input regarding the dates for the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. Unfortunately, the official website (https://ww12.balloonfiesta.ph/?usid=18&utid=29321322467) appears to have expired. For the most up-to-date information, we recommend reaching out to their official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pihabf. They should be able to provide you with the latest details on event dates and ticketing.
when is it schedule?