Hanoi's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has announced that the 2026 Hanoi Autumn Festival will be held from October 16 to 18, replacing the previously scheduled dates in late September. Other elements of the programme will proceed as planned.
Hanoi Autumn Festival 2023 (Photo: Manh Quan).
The change is intended to ensure the festival can be delivered to the required schedule and standards while continuing to promote Hanoi's image as a cultural and tourism destination.
The festival had originally been scheduled for September 25-27 at Thong Nhat Park and several other locations across the city.
Held under the theme “Hanoi autumn-a journey of emotions”, the festival will showcase the capital's distinctive autumn character through its cultural heritage, arts, cuisine and tourism products.
Organisers expect the event to promote Hanoi as a tourism destination, stimulate demand, attract visitors, encourage longer stays and increase tourist spending.
The festival is expected to cover about 5,000 square metres, featuring stalls, festival spaces, interactive areas, decorative installations and supporting facilities.
The programme will include nine main spaces dedicated to heritage, tourism, traditional craft villages, community culture, cuisine, the arts and international exchange.
The Hanoi Heritage space will recreate iconic images of the capital in autumn, alongside displays of documents and photographs highlighting its cultural heritage, historic sites and scenic attractions.
The Tourism and Experience space will showcase tours and tourism products, including offerings centred on Hoan Kiem and the Old Quarter, West Lake, Ba Vi, Huong Son and Soc Son.
Digital technologies including smart tourism maps, QR codes, LED screens and virtual reality experiences will be used to help visitors explore destinations and connect tourism businesses with potential customers.
The Craft Villages and Community Culture space will highlight traditional craft centres including Bat Trang, Van Phuc and Duong Lam. Visitors will be able to watch demonstrations and take part in activities such as pottery making, silk weaving, to he figurine making, fan making and conical-hat crafting.
The festival will also feature displays of publications, documents and photographs on Hanoi's culture, sports and tourism, as well as an art and photography exhibition themed around Hanoi in autumn.
Creative workshops and a main stage will host the opening and closing ceremonies, along with a programme of artistic performances.
Other activities will include an experience programme at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism, a community fun run, traditional and contemporary performances, street arts, folk games, cultural workshops and creative hands-on activities.