THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi has unveiled the Creative Design Festival 2026, a groundbreaking year-long initiative transforming a once-annual event into a dynamic, city-wide creative ecosystem.
Exhibition space along the picturesque shores of Hoan Kiem Lake. Photo courtesy of the event organizer.
Organized by the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, this reimagined festival breaks free from its traditional year-end schedule. Throughout 2026, it will animate key cultural and tourism hubs, including the Hoan Kiem Lake pedestrian zone, Thong Nhat Park, and the Hanoi Children’s Palace.
This expanded format reflects Hanoi’s strategic vision to strengthen its cultural industries and position heritage-driven creativity as a cornerstone of urban development.
The festival kicked off this weekend with the “Creative Gathering Program,” featuring a diverse lineup of exhibitions, seminars, and public performances. At the Octagonal House in Ly Thai To Flower Garden, the Architecture Pavilion chronicles the festival’s evolution under the theme “From Annual Event to Creative Ecosystem.” Nearby, the Dong Xuan Market Creative Project exhibition celebrates the market as an iconic symbol of Hanoi’s commercial and cultural heritage.
Along Dinh Tien Hoang Street, the “Hanoi Cultural Industry Innovation Area” spotlights emerging talent with works by young artists, experimental art fair models, and innovative products from local schools and businesses. Handicrafts, design gifts, and a community performance venue offering weekend live shows further enrich the experience.
The Architecture Pavilion at the Octagonal House, Hoan Kiem Lake.
The Ho Guom Cultural Information Center presents “Local Essence,” an exhibition of 89 works by 98 artists exploring Vietnamese cultural identity (January 10–18). This is followed by “Connecting Hanoi,” a multi-genre showcase featuring over 40 works (January 10–February 28).
Beyond visual arts, the opening weekend includes policy discussions and industry events. On January 10, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square hosts presentations on sustainable urban housing and an award ceremony for a social housing design competition. The Octagonal House will feature seminars on identifying creative spaces and the launch of a book on building livable Southeast Asian communities.
The official opening ceremony of the Creative Gathering Program takes place at 7 PM on January 10 at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, culminating in the art performance “Tu hai giao tinh.”
The vibrant creative space at Thong Nhat Park.
On January 11, discussions on transforming festivals into urban creative ecosystems continue, alongside the launch of the Dong Xuan Market Creative Project and interactive games and mini shows at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square.
The festival extends beyond Hoan Kiem Lake to Thong Nhat Park, featuring installations and family-friendly attractions such as a historical photo exhibition, themed trains, play areas, simulators, and interactive activities.
Local cultural centers are hosting additional community events, while the Hanoi Children’s Palace offers workshops, performances, and traditional craft activities for young audiences.
Local officials emphasize that this expanded format underscores Hanoi’s commitment to establishing creativity as a long-term economic and cultural driver, rather than a fleeting seasonal attraction.
Hanoi Ao Dai Tourism Festival 2025: Experience Heritage Like Never Before
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi is set to dazzle as the 2025 Hanoi Ao Dai Tourism Festival returns from November 7 to 9, celebrating Vietnam’s iconic traditional attire and showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage. Hosted at the Hanoi Museum in Tu Liem Ward and along the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake walking street, this three-day […]
Enchanting Lights Illuminate Hoan Kiem Lake as Hanoi Celebrates Christmas and New Year
THE HANOI TIMES — On December 24, the captivating illumination of Hoan Kiem Lake and Turtle Tower marked the beginning of Hanoi’s cultural and artistic festivities, welcoming Christmas and the 2026 New Year. The mesmerizing light display transforms the lake into a nocturnal cultural haven during the festive season, fostering a warm, serene, and contemplative […]
Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2026: A Year-Long Celebration to Foster a Thriving Creative Ecosystem
The Hanoi Creative Design Festival, traditionally a biennial November highlight, is set to transform in 2026. Expanding from its conventional format, the festival will evolve into a vibrant urban creative ecosystem, spanning from January to November. This shift promises a more dynamic and immersive experience, redefining the boundaries of creativity in the heart of Hanoi.
Hanoi Unveils Spectacular 2026 New Year Countdown Plans
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi is set to dazzle with its 2026 New Year’s Countdown at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and the Hoan Kiem Lake pedestrian zone, where a vibrant fusion of lights, music, and excitement will mark the final moments of the year. Approved by Vu Thu Ha, Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi […]
Da Nang Aims to Rank Among Top 3 Cultural Industry Hubs by 2030
Da Nang’s central city is poised to emerge as Vietnam’s premier hub for cultural industries by 2030, with the sector projected to account for over 13% of the city’s GRDP.
