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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival is painting the sky alive this summer

Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival is painting the sky alive this summer

By MBrand
Published Feb 23, 2026 10:45 am

The Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival makes its highly anticipated return this summer, reaffirming its stance as one of the biggest and most iconic hot air balloon festivals in the Philippines! 

Since its debut in 2014, the Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival has captivated its thousands of audiences with its unique blend of aviation spectacle, live music, and immersive on-ground experiences. 

After a 5-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the festival returned successfully to the skies over Lubao last April 2025. More than 70,000 people flocked to Pampanga to celebrate its much-awaited comeback. From hot air balloon flights to electrifying performances from your favorite local artists, this festival served it all! 

This 2026, we’re keeping the streak and bringing you two days of breathtaking hot air balloon flights, thrilling attractions, and an exciting lineup of artist performances you can’t resist! Happening on March 7-8, 2026, at Pradera Verde in Lubao, Pampanga, the Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival is set to be a landmark celebration and a must-attend destination event. 

Kicking off the festivities at sunrise, festival-goers can expect a mass ascension of over 25 colorful hot air balloons flown by both local and international pilots. Experience the skies of Lubao with spectacular balloon flights you can hop on right there and then. 

Throughout the day, attendees can also enjoy a wide range of activities. Take in the magnificence of Pampanga’s landscape with helicopter and ultralight rides, bask in gastronomic food bazaars, and immerse in nature with the crowd favorite outdoor zoo attraction. 

Pradera Islands, the newest theme park destination in Pampanga, located within the sparkling grounds of Pradera Verde also welcomes thrill-seekers and families alike for adrenaline-pumping rides, immersive attractions, and island-inspired adventures. 

At sunset, the festival transforms into a dynamic concert experience, featuring acts from the biggest names in the Philippine music scene, delivering high-energy performances to cap off each day in unforgettable fashion.

This year’s lineup fulfills every OPM fan’s fantasy with musical acts from jikamarie, Illest Morena, Hev Abi, Flow G, Arthur Nery, December Avenue, Dionela, Maki, IV of Spades, Kamikazee, and Parokya ni Edgar! 

And for the first time ever, former Rivermaya bandmates Rico Blanco and Bamboo will share the same stage at this year’s Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival!  Bamboo is set to perform on the first day (March 7) while Rico’s set takes place on the second day (March 8). It’s safe to say that this year’s lineup ate. 

Festival tickets are priced at PHP 500 for General Admission and  PHP 1,500 for VIP. To get the most out of Lubao, you can purchase two-day passes for PHP 800 for General Admission and PHP 2,500 for VIP. Get your tickets at all SM Ticket outlets nationwide and/or online atwww.smtickets.com. 

The Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival 2026 is organized by BLUE SKIES Hot Air Balloon AdVentures Association Inc. and Forthinker, Inc., in partnership with Pradera Verde and Pradera Islands Theme Park, with the support of the Provincial Government of Pampanga. 

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