Events & Festivals in Hue

A celebration of Hue's and Vietnam's artisan heritage. Expect demonstrations of silk weaving, bronze casting, conical hat making, and wood carving by master craftsmen. Features workshops, exhibitions, and cultural performances highlighting traditional skills passed down through generations.

Vietnam's most important national holiday. Hue transforms with colorful flower markets, peach and kumquat trees decorating homes, and fireworks over the Perfume River. Families gather for ancestral offerings. The city is lively but many shops close for the first few days.

Brightens the riverbanks with elaborate floral displays, flower-boat parades, and photography exhibitions. Celebrates the arrival of spring with a focus on orchids, chrysanthemums, and traditional bonsai. Includes music performances and calligraphy demonstrations.

Hue's flagship international arts and culture festival, held every two years (even years). A spectacular program featuring royal ritual re-enactments, contemporary and traditional music, dance, theater, and circus from Vietnam and worldwide. The opening ceremony is a major highlight.

A national holiday commemorating the Hung Kings, the legendary founders of Vietnam. In Hue, the main observance is at the Nam Giao Esplanade or local temples with incense offerings, traditional music, and folk games. It's a day of patriotic reverence.

National holiday marking the fall of Saigon in 1975 and the reunification of North and South Vietnam. In Hue, expect flag displays, cultural performances, and a festive atmosphere. The Perfume River area is often decorated with lights and banners.

A public holiday in Vietnam. Often combined with Reunification Day for a long weekend. Locals enjoy time off, leading to busy tourist sites. Some special cultural performances or concerts may be organized in public parks.

A popular charity or community running event held at dusk. Participants run a 5km or 10km route around the illuminated Imperial Citadel moat and surrounding streets. Includes a warm-up, music, and a active, healthy atmosphere.

Regular performances of Nha Nhac Cung Dinh, the UNESCO-recognized Imperial Court Music of Hue. Musicians in traditional royal attire play ancient instruments in an authentic setting, offering a glimpse into the sophisticated arts of the Nguyen Dynasty.

A culinary showcase held to beat the summer heat. Features stalls from Hue's best restaurants and chefs specializing in local summer dishes like cold noodle soups (bun), sweet soups (che), and fresh seafood. Cooking demonstrations and competitions are often part of the fun.

A Buddhist holiday known as Mother's Day in Vietnam, dedicated to honoring parents and ancestors. Pagodas across Hue hold special ceremonies. The most visible tradition is people wearing a red rose (if parents are alive) or a white rose (if deceased).

A magical festival for children, celebrating the harvest. Hue's streets fill with colorful lantern parades, lion dances, and stalls selling mooncakes and toy masks. The Citadel and pedestrian streets host special cultural programs and lantern-making workshops.

An AIMS-certified marathon that attracts international runners. The scenic route passes major landmarks including the Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, and along the Perfume River. Offers full marathon, half marathon, 10km, and 5km distances.

A week-long series of events promoting Hue's heritage. Includes Ao Dai fashion shows, traditional boat racing on the Perfume River, poetry readings, photography exhibitions, and culinary tours focusing on royal cuisine.

Though a minority, Hue's Catholic community celebrates Christmas vibrantly. The Cathedral area is decked with lights and nativity scenes. Streets are busy with young people celebrating. Churches hold midnight mass, which visitors are welcome to attend respectfully.

A lively celebration to ring in the new year. The focus is along the Perfume River and Truong Tien Bridge, with live music performances, street food vendors, and a countdown followed by a modest fireworks display. A festive, family-friendly atmosphere.

A nightly market operating year-round, but especially active during the cool season. Stalls sell souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, and most importantly, Hue street food like banh khoai, banh beo, and nem lui. A great place for evening shopping and eating.