My Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2026 Experience

The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta returns once again after a 1 year hiatus and it gave me goosebumps once I stepped into the New Clark City Stadium. On its 26th year, the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta gave the audience #AWeekendofEverythingthatFlies!

Read also: Panagbenga 2026 Schedule of Activities

The 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

This 3-day affair featured new and returning hot air balloon designs! From the favorites like Yoda and Princess Nelly (both from Belgium), Busby (from the United Kingdom), Party (from USA), Bagger (from Switzerland), and La Cartuja (from the Netherlands).

This year also features new balloons like Tuca the Toucan (from Brazil), Red Macaw and Blue Macaw (also from Brazil). Fiesta goers can also witness Walrus (also from Brazil), Master Zaba and Finley the Turtle (both from the United Kingdom), Gnome (from North Macedonia), Winnie (from the United Kingdom),  Iggy the Purple Baby Dragon (from the Netherlands), Te Amo (from USA), Frank Boy (from Brazil), Babbe the Witch (from Belgium), Saxon and Boo (both from USA), and Cupid’s Heart (from Switzerland) fly into the blue sky!

My own Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2026 Experience

If my memory serves me right, this is my fourth Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Experience and I remember attending it first in 2017 when it was still held at the OMNI Aviation Runway near Clark International Airport. It was also my first time going to New Clark City when it was held in 2024. At least the venue in New Clark City is more spacious and comfortable as there are enough seats for everyone!

Flight Action right before my Eyes

When I arrived on the afternoon of the second day of the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (which was Valentine’s Day, by the way), I was just in time for the FAI FPV Drone Racing and the Paragliding Accuracy Landing Events. It was simultaneous with the Tethered Hot Air Balloon rides, Kite Flying Competition, and the Car Show Display around the stadium’s vicinity.

Then evening came – the Hot Air Balloon Night Glow Show was my first time. All balloons lined up in the middle of the stadium and were lit up at the same time. The venue was jam-packed and everyone was just busy capturing the moment – it is one for the books in my core memory!

The next day, the final day of the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, I rushed to the stadium early in the morning to capture the sunrise and see the final Hot Air Balloon Hare and Hound Event. This is where they prepare the balloons for take off and fly in the wee hours of the morning. I got to see how they prepared these giant balloons up close and had the opportunity to be inside one of the balloons while it was being lit. (This may be a precursor to my trip to Laos when I will be riding a Hot Air Balloon in Vang Vieng later this year. Hopefully!)

As the night welcomed the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, live musical performances lightened the mood of the stadium.

Fun on the Ground!

After the morning events, I got to see and explore the different merchants in the Fly Market participating in the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. If you get the chance to experience this event in the future, you will never go hungry and empty-handed as everything “that can fly” can be found here! From balloon souvenirs, trinkets, and everything unique, to food that will make you come back for more – the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is one of the events I always look forward to attending.

Here are some of the photos I took during the fiesta:

Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2026 Photos

 

We’re born to travel!