Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2026: A Weekend of Everything That Flies

Get ready for a thrilling weekend at the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, packed with hot air balloon rides, paragliding adventures, drone races, paper plane battles, high-flying demos, heart-pounding car drifting, and a buzzing fly market—all in one epic celebration of the skies

Mark your calendars as the 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta returns from February 13 to 15, 2026, for three action-packed days of color, energy, and sky-high excitement at New Clark City in Tarlac. This 26th edition is shaping up to be one of the festival’s biggest and most ambitious yet, headlined by 22 new special-shaped balloons—the highest number in its history. These unique balloons, ranging from whimsical characters to larger-than-life objects, will be piloted by international balloonists from the United Kingdom, the United States, Belgium, the Netherlands, Macedonia, Switzerland, Germany, Brazil, and other countries, turning the skies into a global showcase of creativity and skill.

Beyond the stunning morning and afternoon flights, visitors can enjoy on-ground attractions such as exhibitions, interactive booths, food fairs, musical performances, and other family-friendly activities, making the fiesta a full-day experience for all ages. Each festival day will end with two major crowd favorites: a dazzling hot air balloon glow, where balloons illuminate the night in sync with music, and a massive 500-drone show that will light up the New Clark City skyline with colorful formations, animations, and messages—creating a spectacular finale you won’t want to miss.

Guests can enjoy world-class aerial action through Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI)–sanctioned paragliding and First-Person View (FPV) drone racing competitions, both conducted under strict international safety and performance standards. These adrenaline-filled events will feature skilled pilots from at least six countries, including the UAE, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, and the Philippines, highlighting a broad spectrum of flying styles and technical expertise.

Spectators can witness dramatic paragliding launches, precise landings, and formation flights, as well as high-speed FPV drone races on a specially designed course that tests agility and control. Interest in the event continues to grow, with more competitors registering following the announcement that the Airsports Federation of Asia (AFA) will hold its first board meeting in 2026 in New Clark City during the balloon fiesta. This significant assembly of air sports officials is expected to draw additional international participants and media attention, further strengthening the event’s reputation on the global stage.

Injecting even more energy into the fiesta is the fast-rising Soccer Drone competition, a dynamic new sport that’s rapidly gaining fans worldwide. On-site, a dedicated demo court invites visitors to step into the action and experience the thrill of guiding agile drones across the field. At the same time, organizers aim to turn the Fiesta into a host venue for a global championship.

Eager to join the fray, school teams from Far Eastern Air Transport Incorporated University (FEATI University) and Philippine Air Transport and Training Services College of Aeronautics (PATTS College of Aeronautics) are assembling their own lineups of pilots, spotters, and crew members to compete. The ultimate goal: secure the title and earn the privilege of representing the Philippines in prestigious international tournaments and exhibitions worldwide.

The festive atmosphere continues with a playful Paper Plane competition, open to all ages, inviting everyone from wide-eyed children to hobbyists and aviation buffs to test how far and how gracefully their creations can fly. All day long, the skies above the venue will come alive with activity as RC airplane demos carve loops and rolls, aerial dogfights stage dramatic chases, and vibrant kite shows add splashes of color, transforming the horizon into a constantly shifting canvas of motion and excitement.

Filipino inventor Kyxz Mendiola will also showcase his groundbreaking, homebuilt manned flying drone. Spectators will see him pilot the open-frame aircraft as it lifts off and flies across the festival grounds, offering a striking glimpse into the future of personal air travel.

Ultralight aircraft will add to the aerial spectacle with their trademark formation flights, flying in coordinated patterns that highlight the precision and teamwork of their pilots.

On the ground, guests can enjoy high-energy car-drifting exhibitions, where expert drivers perform controlled slides and sharp turns, and a lively Fly Market featuring aviation gear, hobby items, local crafts, and souvenirs. Food lovers can savor Pampanga’s well-loved dishes—considered among the country’s best—alongside a wide selection of other popular food choices.

With the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) stepping in as a strong institutional partner, these initiatives are expected to further elevate Aero Sports in the Philippines and attract more non-traditional, experience-driven tourism. The PSC has begun supporting the country’s paragliding and paramotor athletes as they prepare for the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, providing help with training, equipment, and international competition.

These same paramotor athletes will perform during the event, demonstrating precision flying, creative maneuvers, and dynamic aerial routines that showcase both their skills and the unique capabilities of paramotors. Their participation will entertain spectators while promoting Aero Sports as a serious competitive field and a promising new driver of tourism and national pride.

“For over 25 years, this event has been our way of sharing the magic of flight with every Filipino,” shared Capt. Joy Roa, expressing his excitement for the 26th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. “We’re thrilled to bring even more experiences that inspire, amaze, and open doors to the world of aviation.”

Ms. Frances Canlas, Investment Promotions Officer of the Provincial Government of Tarlac, expressed the local government unit’s full support for the Balloon Fiesta. She says, “This stands as a beacon of innovative sporting events and ushers in a renewed vibrancy as it soars once again in the province of Tarlac at New Clark City. This exciting event is expected to catalyze transformative economic growth, drawing thousands of visitors into the province and driving demand across the hospitality, culinary, transportation, and experiential sectors, while strengthening resilient logistics and supply chains province-wide.”

Engr. Mark P. Torres, Senior Vice President and Officer-In-Charge of the Bases Conversion and Development Bases and Development Authority (BCDA), noted, “As we prepare for this return, we envision a festival that is not only bigger and more vibrant, but also more inclusive—one that brings benefit to our communities and highlights Clark’s readiness as a premier tourism and investment destination.”

For those interested in an aviation career, Capt. Joy explained that the Fiesta will feature passionate and successful aviation professionals sharing their journeys in depth—from their early interest in flight to their current positions. “We want to inspire the next generation of aviators by showing them how we started, what training and certifications we pursued, and what it really takes to succeed,” he said.

Attendees will learn about day-to-day work, major challenges, and key milestones, as well as training costs, study options, and possible scholarships. “Aviation offers excellent opportunities abroad, competitive salaries, strong career growth, and a chance to see the world while doing something you love,” Capt. Joy added. The lineup includes air traffic controllers, aircraft mechanics, flight attendants, safety inspectors, civilian and military pilots, and other aviation specialists, all ready to share their experiences and answer questions from aspiring aviators.

Over the years, with every ascent, flight, and daring stunt, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta has woven a tapestry of unforgettable experiences. Audiences have witnessed the stirring “100 Years of Flying” tribute, roaring aircraft rallies from across Asia, and breathtaking aerial shows from world-class performers such as the Breitling Jet Team, the gravity-defying Wing Walkers, and Mark Jefferies of the Global Stars team, whose smoke-trailing aerobatics paint intricate patterns across the sky. Beyond the spectacle in the air, the Fiesta has thrilled crowds with colorful annual skydiving exhibitions and exhilarating tandem jumps, glamorous Ms. Aviation competitions, and energetic ABS-CBN concerts that pulse with music and light beside the iconic hot air balloon night glow, where illuminated balloons stand like giant lanterns against the darkened horizon.

The celebration extends across cultures as well, through exchanges with countries like Turkey that bring traditional dancers in swirling costumes, master porcelain artists delicately crafting designs, and skilled carpet weavers creating vivid patterns by hand. The visual richness of the event is further enhanced by renowned Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor, whose distinctive designs have graced posters and souvenir programs, making them collectibles.

Inside the halls and seminar rooms, the Fiesta continues to inspire. Indoor aviation career seminars attract curious students and aspiring professionals, offering a rare glimpse into the aviation industry. Experienced pilots share stories from the cockpit, air traffic controllers explain the orchestration of busy skies, flight attendants describe life on board, and safety inspectors and mechanics reveal the precision and discipline behind every safe flight.

Together, these diverse experiences—from sky-slicing aerobatics and open-air concerts to hands-on educational programs and vibrant cultural showcases—have become the very soul and beating heart of “A Weekend of Everything that Flies.”

Discover more at www.philballoonfest.net and stay connected by following Philippine International Hot Air Balloon (@philballoonfest) on Facebook www.facebook.com/pihabf, Instagram www.instagram.com/philballoonfest, and TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philballoonfiesta.

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