Head in the Clouds Manila

Head in the Clouds is 88rising's pan-Asian pop, hip-hop and R&B festival, and the Manila edition (2026: May 23–24) brings its globally-marketed lineup — the likes of KATSEYE, XG, Jackson Wang and Joji — to Metro Manila. It is an English-language, internationally-branded event with a young, English-comfortable crowd, which makes it one of the easiest festivals in Southeast Asia for an overseas visitor to attend. With Wanderland on hiatus for 2026, it is the strongest international festival in the Philippines this year.

No 2026 Head in the Clouds Manila lineup has been announced — 88rising's confirmed 2026 editions are Los Angeles and Japan, not Manila. For reference, the last Head in the Clouds Manila edition (2022) featured:

• Joji
• Jackson Wang
• NIKI
• Rich Brian
• YOASOBI
• ZEDD
• ATARASHII GAKKO!
• SB19
• Jessi

1. Buy in English online. Philippine festival tickets are sold through English-language platforms — primarily SM Tickets (smtickets.com) for this promoter, with Klook often carrying an international-friendly allocation. No Philippine ID or address is required to buy.
2. First-come, not a lottery. Tickets go on sale at a set time and popular tiers sell fast; there is no ballot. Buy early for the lower-priced early-bird / GA tiers.
3. Foreign cards work. International Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted; a one-time OTP / 3D-Secure step may appear, so use a card with online verification enabled and keep a backup card ready.
4. You get a QR e-ticket. Delivery is a QR e-ticket by email or app; no local phone number is needed to receive it. On site, expect an RFID wristband exchange with cashless top-up for food and drink.
5. If it sells out. Use only reputable resale — Klook or the official platform's resale is safer than private sellers. The Philippines rarely enforces strict real-name gate checks.

Route: Fly into Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). Recent editions have been held on open grounds around the SM Mall of Asia complex in Pasay — confirm the exact 2026 site on the official page. From central Manila, Makati or BGC it is a 20–40 min Grab/taxi ride.

⚠️ Traffic: Metro Manila traffic is severe; there is no train to the venue, so leave much earlier than the map suggests.

Staying: This is a city festival — no camping. Base yourself in a hotel in Pasay/MOA (walkable to the grounds), Makati or Bonifacio Global City and commute by Grab. Book early, as a festival weekend tightens hotel availability.

Bring: Late May in Manila is hot and humid with a chance of tropical downpours — bring sun protection, water and a light poncho. Download your QR ticket offline before you travel.