The second World Culture Festival in Hanoi will take place from October 1st to 4th, 2026.
On the afternoon of September 21st, in Hanoi, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong chaired a meeting with the Diplomatic Corps to provide information about the second World Cultural Festival in Hanoi. At the meeting, the Organizing Committee provided information on the program, content, preparation work, and main activities of the Festival; and also emphasized strengthening coordination with diplomatic missions in organizing the event. Following the success of the first event in 2025, the second World Cultural Festival in Hanoi, themed “Gathering Heritage – Shaping the Future,” will take place to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's membership in UNESCO.
This year's festival brings together 50 countries, international organizations, and businesses, with an expanded scale and content. It's an opportunity for countries to showcase their unique identities, heritage, and cultural values; and to broaden opportunities for cooperation in the fields of culture, arts, tourism , and creative industries.
A sample check-in layout at the Imperial Citadel.
According to the organizers, the festival features 45 cultural spaces, 35 food stalls, a film screening program with participation from 18 countries, a fashion space with traditional costumes submitted by 19 countries, and the participation of 20 international art troupes. Activities range from exhibitions, art performances, food, film, fashion to music and cultural experiences, creating a diverse space for cultural exchange.
A new feature at this year's festival is the "Spreading Creativity from Heritage - International Games Festival" area, connecting historical and cultural values with technology and creative industries. Here, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in collaboration with Vietnamese businesses, will introduce, release, and operate video games inspired by Vietnamese history and culture. The public can directly experience and explore heritage values through modern interactive formats.
Perspective view of the main entrance
In addition, there will be cosplay activities and dance performances based on the Audition game, combined with LED screen effects, creating a youthful and vibrant experience for the public, especially young people. Through the combination of heritage and creativity, tradition and contemporaneity, Vietnam and the world, the festival aims to build an open cultural space where cultures not only meet and interact but also forge new connections.
The second World Culture Festival in Hanoi is expected to become a highlight of cultural diplomacy in 2026, contributing to promoting the image of Vietnam, the capital city of Hanoi, and the country's cultural values and heritage to international friends.
View of the booths of various countries.
The event also contributed to affirming Hanoi's position as a UNESCO Creative City – a meeting point of diverse global cultures, where traditional values are celebrated, contemporary innovations are disseminated, and friendly connections between Vietnam and the international community are strengthened.
Source: https://baosonla.vn/van-hoa-xa-hoi/50-quoc-gia-tham-du-le-hoi-van-hoa-the-gioi-tai-ha-noi-mgX0TvuDR.html
