Five things you shouldn’t miss at the 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

New Clark City is set to lift off as the country’s biggest open-air runway with the 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) officially scheduled for February 13 to 15, 2026. 

Returning to New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, the latest iteration of the PIHABF entitled “A Weekend of Everything That Flies” brings together a litany of events, from hot air balloons, aerial sports, drone racing, to night spectacles.

The fiesta aims to boost sports tourism in Central Luzon and show the fruits of reimagining former military lands as people-first spaces. 

“What we wanted to do with this event was show what good planning and governance can achieve. From the start, New Clark City was developed to be a livable, functional space that people can actually use and return to. We hope that Filipinos can look to it as a space for sport and leisure long after this festival,” said Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and CEO Engineer Jake Bingcang.

Here are five things worth making time for, no matter what brings you to the field.

1. Hot air balloons you don’t see up close

In its 26th year, the heart of the fiesta remains the hot air balloons themselves as both classic designs and special-shaped balloons are set to fly in from different countries. Daybreak ascents offer a prime viewing window, when balloons lift off to drift across New Clark City’s open skyline. For many first-time visitors, this is a rare chance to see aviation up close in a space designed for public access.

2. Aerial sports, live and unscripted

From hoverbikes cutting through the air to paragliders and helicopters performing precision manoeuvres, the aerial shows are something of a love letter to the aviation community that has helped grow interest in air sports well beyond hobbyist circles. Radio-controlled aircraft demonstrations and fly-ins are also there for spectators who value function over form.

3. Drone racing and tech-forward competitions 

Drone racing has become one of the fiesta’s most anticipated components, with World Air Sports Federation-recognised competitions pushing speed and skill alike to their limits. Even for non-enthusiasts, the races are easy to follow as pilots demonstrate remarkable finesse. This year’s program also features drone soccer demonstrations, giving spectators a closer look at how drone technology is being adapted into emerging competitive sports that blend aviation, robotics, and teamwork.

4. Night glows that change the mood entirely

After dark, illuminated balloons will light up the field, paired with music, drone light shows, and fireworks that make the fiesta feel like a community event. Falling on Valentine’s weekend, it’s also one of the few moments when aviation turns romantic.

5. A venue designed for everyday Filipino life

What ties everything together is New Clark City. With open spaces and purpose-built event areas, the city made it possible to host tens of thousands of visitors. For the BCDA, this is by design. 

“With attention to detail given to transport access and crowd flow, what we got was a working example of how sports tourism and good governance can come together in a city built for people. For us, former military lands can be transformed into spaces that support sports and daily life without feeling out of reach,” Bingcang finished.