October is one of the most interesting months for cultural travel in Vietnam. Northern Vietnam starts moving toward cooler autumn weather, while Central and Southern Vietnam can still have very different conditions depending on the destination.
The October 2026 calendar includes major cultural festivals, traditional Cham celebrations, a large international gong festival in the Central Highlands, craft and food events in Hanoi, international sports in Da Nang and Oktoberfest celebrations in several Vietnamese cities.
If you are planning a Vietnam trip around a specific event, this guide highlights the most useful October events for travelers and explains where they take place and what you can expect.
Before choosing your route, check our Vietnam Weather by Month Guide because October weather varies considerably between northern, central and southern Vietnam.
Best Vietnam Events in October 2026
| Event | Date | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi Craft Village Tourism & Gastronomy Festival | October 1–31 | Hanoi | Food, crafts and culture |
| Kate Festival | October 2026 | Cham communities in South-Central Vietnam | Traditional / Religious |
| Central Highlands Gong Culture International Festival | October 2026 | Gia Lai | Cultural / Heritage |
| GBA Oktoberfest | October 2 | Da Nang | International cultural event |
| GBA Oktoberfest | October 8–10 | Hanoi | International cultural event |
Hanoi Craft Village Tourism & Gastronomy Festival 2026
Date: October 1–31, 2026
Location: Hanoi
Type: Food, crafts and cultural tourism
The Hanoi Craft Village Tourism & Gastronomy Festival 2026 is one of the main month-long events on Vietnam’s October calendar.
The festival celebrates Hanoi’s traditional craft villages and culinary heritage, bringing together artisans, businesses and visitors.
For travelers, this is a particularly interesting event because it combines two things Hanoi does exceptionally well: traditional craftsmanship and food.
You can expect opportunities to discover traditional products, meet artisans and explore Vietnamese culinary culture connected with Hanoi and its surrounding craft communities.
The month-long format also makes this event easier to fit into a normal itinerary because you do not need to be in Hanoi on one specific weekend.
If you are visiting the capital for the first time, our Vietnam for First-Timers Guide is a useful starting point.
Why Visit?
- Experience traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship.
- Discover Hanoi’s food culture.
- See products made by local artisans.
- Combine the festival with Hanoi’s Old Quarter and historic attractions.
- Explore Vietnamese culture without leaving the capital.
The exact programme can vary during the month, so check the latest local announcements before traveling to a specific festival venue.
Kate Festival 2026
Date: October 2026; exact dates to be confirmed
Location: Cham communities in South-Central Vietnam
Type: Traditional and religious festival
The Kate Festival is one of the most important annual religious celebrations of the Cham Brahman community in Vietnam.
The festival is recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage and includes traditional rituals, music, dancing and offerings honoring gods and kings.
The celebration is especially associated with Cham communities in South-Central Vietnam, making it an opportunity to experience a cultural tradition that is very different from the large urban festivals found in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam Tourism currently lists Kate Festival as an October 2026 event but has not published a final day-by-day schedule. The festival is traditionally held around late September or early October.
Because of this, travelers should not book a special trip around a specific date yet. Wait for the final local programme before making detailed plans.
What Can Travelers Expect?
- Traditional Cham religious ceremonies
- Traditional music and dancing
- Ceremonial processions
- Offerings and community gatherings
- Traditional clothing and cultural performances
If you are interested in Cham history, consider combining the festival with a visit to Po Nagar in Nha Trang or other Cham heritage sites in Central Vietnam.
Our Nha Trang to Da Lat Guide can also help if you are building a longer Central Vietnam itinerary.
Central Highlands Gong Culture International Festival
Date: October 2026
Location: Gia Lai Province, Central Highlands
Type: Cultural, music and heritage festival
The Central Highlands Gong Culture International Festival is one of the most distinctive cultural events on Vietnam’s October calendar.
The festival takes place within the framework of Visit Vietnam Year 2026 – Gia Lai and promotes the UNESCO-recognized Space of Gong Culture in the Central Highlands.
Gong performances are deeply connected with the traditions and spiritual life of ethnic communities in Vietnam’s Central Highlands.
The festival is expected to combine performances, rituals and cultural experiences, giving visitors an opportunity to experience gong culture in the region where these traditions developed.
Vietnam Tourism currently lists the event for October 1–31 but does not provide a final daily schedule yet.
Why Go to Gia Lai for the Festival?
Gia Lai offers a very different travel experience from Hanoi, Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City.
Instead of focusing on beaches or major urban attractions, travelers can explore the landscapes and cultural traditions of the Central Highlands.
If you want a more unusual Vietnam itinerary, this event is one of the best reasons to travel inland during October.
Our South Vietnam Travel Guide can help when planning a broader route through southern and central-southern Vietnam.
GBA Oktoberfest Vietnam 2026
Location: Da Nang and Hanoi
Type: International cultural and food event
October also brings one of Vietnam’s largest international-themed celebrations: GBA Oktoberfest Vietnam.
The event is organized by the German Business Association and AHK Vietnam and brings German food, imported beer, live music and Bavarian-style entertainment to Vietnam.
The 2026 edition is being held in three Vietnamese cities, with the Ho Chi Minh City edition taking place in late September and the October events in Da Nang and Hanoi.
Da Nang Oktoberfest
Date: October 2, 2026
Location: Furama Resort Danang
The Da Nang edition takes place on October 2 and is particularly convenient for travelers already staying along the city’s beach area.
It is an evening event with live entertainment, German food and a large international crowd.
Because the event is held at a major resort, travelers should check ticket and venue information in advance rather than simply arriving without a reservation.
Hanoi Oktoberfest
Date: October 8–10, 2026
Location: JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi
The Hanoi edition runs for three evenings from October 8 to 10.
The event combines Bavarian food, German beer, live music, games and entertainment and attracts a large international community as well as local visitors.
If you are staying in Hanoi during these dates, it is a good option for an evening activity that is very different from the city’s traditional cultural attractions.
For accommodation and sightseeing in the capital, see our Hanoi Airport to City Center Guide and Vietnam Cost Per Day Guide.
What About Hoi An in October?
Hoi An remains an attractive destination in October even without a single major month-long festival dominating the calendar.
The Ancient Town continues its famous lantern tradition, and the monthly full-moon lantern night in October falls on October 23, 2026.
This is a recurring cultural tradition rather than a separate one-off festival, but it can be an excellent reason to visit Hoi An if your dates are flexible.
Expect the Ancient Town and riverside area to become particularly atmospheric after sunset, with lanterns, traditional performances and evening activities around the Hoai River.
Our Da Nang vs Hoi An Comparison can help if you are deciding where to stay.
October Weather and Events in Vietnam
October is an important transition month for Vietnam’s weather.
Northern Vietnam generally becomes cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Hanoi and the northern mountains can be attractive destinations for travelers who prefer milder temperatures.
Central Vietnam is more complicated. Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue can experience periods of heavy rain and tropical weather during October, so outdoor plans should remain flexible.
Southern Vietnam is still within the rainy season, although conditions can vary from day to day.
This is particularly important when planning an event-based trip. A festival may be worth visiting, but you should understand the weather risks before booking non-refundable transport and accommodation.
See our Best Time to Visit Vietnam Guide for a broader seasonal overview.
Which Vietnam Events Are Best for Tourists?
Best for Food and Traditional Crafts: Hanoi
The Hanoi Craft Village Tourism & Gastronomy Festival is the easiest October event to combine with a normal city break.
You can visit traditional craft activities and food events while also exploring the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi’s major historical attractions.
Best for Traditional Culture: Kate Festival
Kate Festival offers a much deeper cultural experience and is particularly interesting for travelers who want to understand Vietnam’s Cham heritage.
However, because the exact October dates are not yet confirmed, it is better suited to flexible travelers.
Best for Unique Cultural Experiences: Gia Lai Gong Festival
The Central Highlands Gong Culture International Festival is the most unusual option on this list.
It takes you away from Vietnam’s standard tourist routes and into the cultural landscape of the Central Highlands.
Best for International Nightlife: Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is the easiest choice for travelers who want food, music and an international social atmosphere rather than a traditional Vietnamese festival.
October Events by Destination
| Destination | Main October Event | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | Craft Village Tourism & Gastronomy Festival | Food, crafts and culture |
| Hanoi | GBA Oktoberfest | Food, music and international nightlife |
| Da Nang | GBA Oktoberfest | International entertainment |
| Hoi An | Monthly Lantern Festival | Evening atmosphere and photography |
| South-Central Vietnam | Kate Festival | Cham culture and heritage |
| Gia Lai | Central Highlands Gong Culture International Festival | Ethnic culture and heritage |
Tips for Planning a Vietnam Trip Around October Events
- Check exact dates before booking: several cultural festivals currently have only month-level dates.
- Book popular hotels early: major international events can increase demand in Hanoi and Da Nang.
- Check the weather: October can bring heavy rain to Central Vietnam.
- Keep transport flexible: weather can affect roads, flights and other transport services.
- Check event venues: some festivals are spread across several locations rather than one central venue.
- Bring suitable clothing: northern Vietnam can be cooler while Central and Southern Vietnam can remain hot and humid.
- Use local transport: Grab is often convenient for reaching event venues outside the main tourist areas.
Our Grab Vietnam Guide explains how ride-hailing works for visitors.
If you are moving between several cities for different events, our Vietnam Transport Guide covers flights, trains, buses and other options.
Vietnam Events in October 2026: Quick Calendar
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| October 1–31 | Hanoi Craft Village Tourism & Gastronomy Festival | Hanoi |
| October 2026 | Kate Festival | South-Central Vietnam |
| October 2026 | Central Highlands Gong Culture International Festival | Gia Lai |
| October 2 | GBA Oktoberfest | Da Nang |
| October 8–10 | GBA Oktoberfest | Hanoi |
| October 23 | Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival | Hoi An |
Bottom Line
October 2026 offers a good mix of Vietnamese cultural events, traditional festivals and international activities.
Hanoi is the easiest destination for a culture-and-food-focused trip thanks to the month-long Craft Village Tourism & Gastronomy Festival. The city also hosts GBA Oktoberfest from October 8–10.
Da Nang is attractive for international entertainment, with Oktoberfest taking place on October 2.
For travelers interested in Vietnam’s ethnic and spiritual heritage, the Kate Festival and Central Highlands Gong Culture International Festival offer experiences that are very different from the country’s major tourist cities.
And if you are staying in Hoi An, the October 23 full-moon lantern night adds an easy cultural experience without requiring a special trip outside the Ancient Town.
Because several October 2026 events still have provisional or month-level scheduling, check the official programme before making a trip specifically around a festival.
For a wider Vietnam itinerary, start with our Best Places to Visit in Vietnam Guide and then use the individual destination guides to build your route.
Sources
- Vietnam Tourism — October 2026 Festivals & Events
- Vietnam Tourism — Hanoi Craft Village Tourism & Gastronomy Festival 2026
- Vietnam Tourism — Kate Festival 2026
- Vietnam Tourism — Central Highlands Gong Culture International Festival 2026
- Da Nang Tourism — 2026 Event and Festival Calendar
- GBA Oktoberfest Vietnam — Official 2026 Website
- German Business Association — GBA Oktoberfest Hanoi 2026
Planning a wider Southeast Asia trip?
Cambodia With Me — practical Cambodia travel guides
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Singapore With Me — Singapore travel guides
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