October highlights Vietnam events October, celebrating heritage, gastronomy, and ethnic traditions. Vietnam Tourism recognizes three major events. They are Hanoi Craft Village Tourism & Gastronomy Festival, Kate Festival of Cham, and Central Highlands Gong Culture International Festival.
Weather-wise, Vietnam events October brings cooler autumn weather to northern Vietnam. While conditions in central and southern Vietnam vary considerably by region. It can be a particularly good month for exploring Hanoi and the northern highlands. If you’re planning to visit Central Vietnam, keep an eye on local weather forecasts as rainfall can be unpredictable.
Here is what’s happening across Vietnam events October, 2026, broken down by city and region. If you’re planning a longer journey, our 2-week Vietnam itinerary can help you plan.
Hanoi Events
Hanoi Craft Village Tourism & Gastronomy Festival 2026
Date: October 1–31, 2026
Location: Hanoi
Type: Cultural / Food / Craft
This month-long festival celebrates culinary excellence and Vietnam’s traditional craft villages. It serves as a platform to foster connections between artisans, businesses and visitors, showcasing the rich heritage of Hanoi’s surrounding craft communities.
Why go: A fantastic opportunity to taste authentic regional cuisine and witness traditional craftsmanship firsthand. For a full guide to the capital, check our Hanoi for First-Timers guide and our selection of best hotels in Hanoi.
Central Vietnam Events
Kate Festival
Date: October 2026 (exact dates to be announced)
Location: Cham communities in south-central Vietnam
Type: Religious / Cultural
The Kate Festival is the most important annual religious event for the Cham Brahman people in Vietnam. It is recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. The festival includes rituals such as bathing and dressing statues, traditional performances, and communal ceremonies.
Why go: This is a rare and deeply authentic cultural experience, offering insight into the spiritual life and traditions of Vietnam’s Cham ethnic minority. If you’re interested in heritage, consider pairing this with a visit to the ancient Cham temple in Nha Trang to understand the full historical context.
Central Highlands Events
Central Highlands Gong Culture International Festival
Date: October 2026 (exact dates to be announced)
Location: Gia Lai Province, Central Highlands
Type: Cultural / Music / Heritage
This festival is held within the framework of Visit Vietnam Year 2026 – Gia Lai. It promotes the UNESCO-recognized Space of Gong Culture in the Central Highlands through performances, rituals and cultural experiences.
Why go: The gong culture is a unique and mesmerizing part of Vietnam’s intangible heritage. This festival provides a rare chance to experience these traditions in their cultural context.
Da Nang Events
PPA Tour Asia – Vietnam Cup 2026
Date: Late September – early October 2026
Location: Da Nang
Type: International sport / Pickleball
The PPA Tour Asia – Vietnam Cup brings top regional pickleball players to Da Nang for a professional international tournament. The 2026 edition is scheduled for late September and early October, hosted at the Tiên Sơn Sports Palace and Tuyên Sơn Sports Village.
Why go: If you’re interested in pickleball or international sporting events, the tournament is another reason to include Da Nang in an early-autumn Vietnam itinerary. For accommodation, see our guides to best hotels in Da Nang and Da Nang for First-Timers.
Other Vietnam Events in October
Beyond these major events, October often features local harvest festivals and community celebrations across the country. For a comprehensive overview of the country’s highlights, browse our North Vietnam Travel Guide and South Vietnam Travel Guide.
Planning a Trip to Vietnam in October?
October brings cooler autumn weather to northern Vietnam, while conditions in central and southern Vietnam vary considerably by region. For detailed monthly breakdowns, see our Vietnam weather by month and best time to visit guides.
Whether you’re exploring the craft villages around Hanoi, witnessing the Kate Festival, or listening to the gongs of the Central Highlands, planning ahead is key. For Ho Chi Minh City, find the best places to stay in our best hotels in Ho Chi Minh City guide. Don’t forget essentials like our e-visa guide and best SIM card/eSIM recommendations to stay connected.
Coming Up Next
Planning ahead? See what’s happening in Vietnam in November 2026 →
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