Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

View on map
Carnival & ParadeNew Clark City/Clark
DatesDates TBA · Usually FebruaryCheck locally before booking
Duration3 daysListed event span
CrowdLargeAbout 100,000 people
Best forMasks, paradesThe festival was founded just three years
Language["en"]Currency: PHP
CategoryCarnival & ParadeFestival type
The story

Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in New Clark City/Clark

Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta began in 1994 at Clark, Pampanga, as a post-Pinatubo economic recovery initiative, drawing international balloon pilots each February and now held at New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, since its 2024 relocation. The inaugural edition welcomed 21 balloon pilots from 10 countries and just one Philippine entrant.

Three years after Mount Pinatubo's catastrophic 1991 eruption buried much of Central Luzon in ash and devastated the regional economy, a group of aviation enthusiasts saw an opportunity to help the area recover through an unlikely vehicle: hot air ballooning.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The festival was founded just three years after the catastrophic 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption, conceived by then-Tourism Secretary Mina Gabor together with British Airways general manager John Emery, South Korean balloonist Sung Kee Paik, and German aviation enthusiast Max Motschmann, specifically to help the Central Luzon economy recover and to establish hot air ballooning as a genuine aviation sport in the Philippines

02

The mystery stays covered

The first edition welcomed 21 balloon pilots from 10 countries but only a single Philippine entrant, reflecting how the sport had to be built almost from scratch domestically, a growth story still visible in the event's continued international pilot participation today

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival continues an aviation tradition established in the 1990s to build hot air ballooning as a recognized sport in the Philippines

Water and renewal

Living ritual

sustained through international pilot participation from its founding through the present day

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually February

Getting around

Use New Clark City/Clark transport around the venue or route first; event-day controls can change normal timing.

What to wear

Warm layers for early morning balloon launches, since dawn temperatures can be cool even in tropical Central Luzon, with comfortable closed shoes for walking across open grounds; sun...

Safety

Keep valuables light, set a meeting point, and give processions room to move.

Where to stay

Stay near workable transport in New Clark City/Clark, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Tickets/cost

Many carnival moments are public, but confirm paid areas or stands before travel.

Language/currency

["en"] · PHP

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map14.65 N, 121.05 EOpen in Google Maps

New Clark City/Clark, Central Luzon, Philippines

Nearest airportCRK — Clark International Airport / Clark Air Base
TransportUse New Clark City/Clark transport around the venue or route first; event-day controls can change normal timing.
Stay areaStay near workable transport in New Clark City/Clark, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to New Clark City/Clark via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near New Clark City/Clark, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for February.Compare faresFestival gearWarm layers for early morning balloon launches, since dawn temperatures can be cool even in tropical Central Luzon, with comfortable closed shoes for walking across open grounds; sun protection for the rest of the day.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Philippines and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

We may earn a small commission from trusted travel partners at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta?

Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is listed for Past edition: 13–15 February 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta take place?

The festival is listed in New Clark City/Clark, Philippines. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

3 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

New Clark City/Clark, Central Luzon, Philippines

How big is it?

Large: 100000

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLbcda.gov.ph
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually February
Source statusOfficial source linked
Related festivals

Continue the route.

Photo pending

Fiesta San Antonio

Past edition: 4 May 2026

San Antonio, United States
Photo pending

Ojude Oba Festival

Past edition: 29 May 2026

Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria
Photo pending

Panama Carnival

Past edition: 14–17 February 2026

Nationwide, Panama
Photo pending

Sao Paulo Pride Parade

Past edition: 7 June 2026

São Paulo, Brazil

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →