Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta: Clark Area Guide
The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) is the country’s long-running aviation sports weekend. Organisers call recent editions a weekend of everything that flies: hot air balloons, plus other air and ground attractions announced for that year. It began in 1994. It is an aviation event first, not a religious fiesta.
As of 12 September 2026, the 26th edition has already run. The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and festival organisers announced the event for 13 to 15 February 2026 at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. Earlier decades used Clark Freeport in Pampanga.
Recent editions use New Clark City. Confirm the next year on philballoonfest.net before you treat any February weekend as locked.
Key facts
| Item | What to use |
|---|---|
| Event name | Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) |
| 2026 venue | New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac (BCDA / organiser announcements) |
| Historic venue note | Long held at Clark Freeport, Pampanga; recent editions moved to New Clark City |
| Founded | 1994 |
| 2026 dates | 13 to 15 February 2026 (26th edition) |
| 2026 theme framing | “A Weekend of Everything that Flies” (BCDA / organiser materials) |
| Organiser contact point | https://www.philballoonfest.net/ |
| What it is not | A free-for-all drone day for visitors, or a copy of a town religious fiesta |
Visitor choices
| Choice | What it means on this page | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| General admission vs VIP packages | Admission and VIP packages change by edition | Buy only through channels named on philballoonfest.net; do not reuse old blog prices |
| Morning launch viewing vs paid balloon rides | Morning launches are a core spectator draw when weather allows; ride prices and availability are edition-specific | Confirm ride rules and tickets on the official site before you travel |
| New Clark City field vs Clark Freeport memory | Recent editions, including 2026, used New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac | Do not navigate to the old Clark Freeport field from habit |
| Spectator day vs drone hobby day | This is an aviation sports weekend with posted airspace rules | Personal drone flying is commonly restricted; follow posted safety rules |
What PIHABF is, and what it is not
Visitors come for morning balloon activity, special-shape balloons when flown, and other air sports or ground attractions listed for that edition.
BCDA’s 2026 preview also named helicopters, skydivers, paragliders, radio-controlled aircraft, kites, and drones as part of the wider programme. Exact flight windows depend on weather and safety rules. A launch can be delayed or grounded.
This event sits in the Clark development corridor of Central Luzon. For other Pampanga cultural calendars, see festivals in Pampanga and the Giant Lantern Festival. For month planning, use the February festivals hub and the complete festivals guide.
In one line: PIHABF is the Philippines’ long-running hot air balloon and air-sports weekend, with the 26th edition on 13 to 15 February 2026 at New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac.
Venue: Clark Freeport history and New Clark City now
People still say “Clark” in casual talk. For travel planning, separate the labels. Clark Freeport Zone is in Pampanga. New Clark City, used for recent PIHABF editions, is in Capas, Tarlac, under BCDA development. Use the year’s official map for parking, shuttle points, and entry gates. Do not assume a 2018 Clark Freeport pin still works.
Timing pattern
| Year | What sources support | Status for visitors |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | New Clark City edition in February (organiser / BCDA-linked coverage) | Completed |
| 2026 | 13 to 15 February 2026, 26th edition, New Clark City (BCDA; SunStar; tribune coverage) | Completed as of this review |
| Next edition | Not treated as settled here | Confirm dates, tickets, and gates on philballoonfest.net |
Tickets, rides, and rules
Admission, VIP packages, and balloon-ride prices change by edition. Do not reuse an old blog price as a current fare. Buy only through channels the organiser names. Personal drone flying is commonly restricted at aviation events. Follow posted airspace and safety rules.
- Arrive early for morning launches when weather allows.
- Carry sun and rain protection. Open fields change quickly.
- Keep children away from inflation fans, tether lines, and vehicle lanes.
- Assume bag checks and clear walking paths on busy afternoons.
Confirm it here
- Official site: https://www.philballoonfest.net/
- BCDA 26th edition announcement: http://bcda.gov.ph/news/26th-ph-hot-air-balloon-festival-lands-new-clark-city
- February hub: https://festivepinoy.com/must-visit-festivals-in-the-philippines-in-february/
- Pampanga festivals hub: https://festivepinoy.com/festivals-in-pampanga/
Quick summary
The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is the country’s long-running aviation sports weekend, founded in 1994.
The 26th edition was announced for 13 to 15 February 2026 at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, under the theme framing “A Weekend of Everything that Flies.” Earlier decades used Clark Freeport in Pampanga. As of 12 September 2026 the 2026 weekend is finished.
Confirm the next dates, tickets, and entry rules on philballoonfest.net. Reviewed 12 September 2026.
FAQ
When is the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta?
It is usually a February weekend. The 26th edition was 13 to 15 February 2026. Confirm the next edition with the organiser.
Where is it held?
Recent editions, including 2026, use New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. Older editions used Clark Freeport in Pampanga.
Is it in Pampanga or Tarlac?
Use the year’s venue name. New Clark City is in Capas, Tarlac. Clark Freeport is in Pampanga. Both sit in the wider Clark corridor people mention in travel talk.
Can I ride a hot air balloon?
Only if the organiser offers rides that year and weather allows. Prices and slots are edition-specific. Confirm on the official site.
Can I fly my own drone?
Usually no for casual visitors at an aviation event. Follow the organiser’s airspace rules.
What should I confirm before booking?
Dates, venue gate, ticket type, shuttle or parking instructions, and whether balloon rides are offered. An old price list is not a plan.
Last reviewed against BCDA and philballoonfest.net materials as of 12 September 2026. Always confirm with the host.
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