Following its debut in 2025, the festival this summer shifts focus to the history of Ninh Binh, drawing inspiration from prehistoric discoveries at the Trang An complex. Its theme, Chien binh binh minh (warriors of the dawn), reflects research into early human adaptation to climate change.
The concept is rooted in findings from the SUNDASIA project, which since 2016 has explored prehistoric life in Southeast Asia. A notable discovery came in 2017 with an almost intact human skeleton dating back around 12,000 years at Thung Binh Cave.
Organisers say the festival aims to connect contemporary audiences with the region’s deep cultural and natural legacy.
The centrepiece will be a large scale concert on May 30 at Binh Minh Square, designed as an immersive outdoor experience combining sound, light and visual art.
The line up includes leading Vietnamese artists such as Ha Anh Tuan, Den, Binz, Hieuthuhai, Vu Cat Tuong, Bui Cong Nam, Grey D and Phung Khanh Linh, alongside groups including Maydays, UPRIZE, Lezii and 2pillz.
Beyond music, the festival is positioned as a broader creative and community platform. A creative camp, co organised by Storii and Vietcetera, will connect artists and designers through fieldwork, dialogue and idea development.
Sustainability remains central to the programme. Forestival 2026 will continue its partnership with the Rung Vietnam initiative to support reforestation in the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve in Gia Vien Commune.
The reserve is home to more than 300 endangered Delacour langurs. Tree planting will focus on native species that provide food and help restore habitats for wildlife.
The initiative will be open to the first 1,000 ticket holders attending the main concert.
Tickets are available via Ticketbox, with five categories inspired by the life cycle of a forest: seed, sprout, tree, forest and dawn.
The inaugural event in 2025 attracted more than 485,000 visitors during tourism week, with around 25,000 attending the main concert. It also led to the planting of 1,000 trees across 0.7 hectares in Cuc Phuong Forest and contributed VND 500 million (approximately USD 20,000) to conservation efforts for the endangered Delacour langur.