The opening art programme, themed Wonders shining in a new era, will take place at 30/10 Square in Quang Ninh Province on the evening of April 30.
This year’s event expands beyond a single stage, stretching along the coastal road to create a continuous festival space. Parades and street performances will unfold along Bai Chay and Hon Gai beaches before converging behind the provincial museum, library and Planning and Expo Centre.
Organisers expect 54 groups representing communes, wards and special zones, alongside international troupes and more than 1,000 performers. The programme will feature circus acts, dance, stilt walking and other cultural displays.
Audience participation is central to the revamped format, with street dance zones, interactive activities and a fusion of live art with modern sound and lighting designed to create immersive experiences.
The opening show will begin at 8 pm and include a fireworks display. Performers such as My Tam, Quang Hung Master D and Rhyder are set to appear.
Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, deputy director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the 2026 edition marks a shift towards more experiential programming, combining live performance, international participation and modern staging along the shores of Ha Long Bay.
She said the event is intended not only as entertainment but also as a platform to reinforce Quang Ninh’s position as a cultural destination on both national and international stages.
The carnival also serves as the opening event for Quang Ninh Culture, Sports and Tourism Week, which runs from April 25 to May 3, as part of efforts to promote night-time tourism and cultural industries while presenting the province as a modern destination rooted in heritage.
