PH Hot Air Balloon Festival returns to Clark in 2026

The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF), the country’s longest-running aviation sports event, will mark its 26th year from February 13 to 15, 2026, with its biggest and most ambitious edition yet at New Clark City.

Branded “A Weekend of Everything That Flies,” the three-day festival will bring together hot air balloons, helicopters, skydivers, paragliders, radio-controlled aircraft, kites, and drones in continuous flying exhibitions designed for families, aviation enthusiasts, and the general public.

This year’s edition will feature the largest lineup of special-shaped hot air balloons in the event’s history, with 22 uniquely designed balloons flown by pilots from the United Kingdom, United States, Belgium, Netherlands, Macedonia, Switzerland, Germany, and Brazil.

PIHABF Event Director Capt. Joy Roa said the expanded program reflects the festival’s long-standing commitment to delivering a true airshow experience.

“Bringing all these aerial spectacles together within a three-day celebration reminds us how meaningful it is to keep offering a true airshow experience—one we’ve honed and shared with the public for more than two decades,” Roa said.

The festival will be held at New Clark City, a premier sports and events hub developed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

The venue includes a 20,000-seat Athletics Stadium, a world-class Aquatics Center, and wide open grounds suitable for large-scale outdoor gatherings.

BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang welcomed the event’s relocation, calling it a milestone for the city.

“For New Clark City to welcome and witness this amazing festival is truly special. It deserves to be celebrated in our world-class facilities, which are comfortable, spacious, and accessible to ensure an exceptional experience for all,” he said.

For more than 25 years, the PIHABF has grown into a major celebration of aviation, sports, and culture.

Since Capt. Roa and his team assumed leadership in its third year, the festival has showcased international air rallies, aerobatic teams, skydiving exhibitions, and cultural exchanges, featuring performers such as the Breitling Jet Team, Wing Walkers, and renowned stunt pilot Mark Jeffries.