Held under the theme The Essence of Thai Xoe-Colours of the Northwest, the festival celebrates Thai Xoe, the cultural traditions of Lao Cai's ethnic communities and five years of heritage preservation since its UNESCO inscription.
The opening ceremony on September 26 at Nghia Lo Stadium will feature a cultural performance, including a mass Thai Xoe dance with 2,026 participants. The province will also honour organisations and individuals for their contributions to preserving the heritage.
Other events include an incense offering to President Ho Chi Minh and fallen soldiers, exhibitions on northwestern culture and Thai Xoe, the 2026 Northwest Tourism Fair showcasing OCOP products, and a street parade featuring performers from across the province.
Localities across the province will stage parallel events, including community-based tourism experiences, traditional sports, folk festivals, agricultural tours and cultural activities.
The programme also includes the Lao Cai Shan Tuyet Tea Festival 2026, the Mu Cang Chai Ultra Trail, the New Rice Festival in Pung Luong Commune, and the Flying over the Golden Season paragliding event in Tu Le Commune.
Local authorities said the festival aims to promote Muong Lo as a cultural destination while supporting tourism development in Lao Cai.