[2026] For overseas music festivals, head to Vietnam: electrifying local events brimming with energy

The Hà Nội International Jazz Festival is an international jazz festival held in Hanoi, Vietnam. In 2026, from September 17 to 19, more than ten ensembles from both Vietnam and abroad will gather, with events centered around the outdoor Music Garden next to the Hanoi Opera House. Under the official theme “Hà Nội Jazz – The Borderless Melody,” the festival is distinguished by its attempts to fuse jazz with Vietnamese traditional instruments such as the đàn bầu (monochord) and bamboo flutes, as well as traditional theatre and electronic music.

HipFest is a hip-hop festival held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, touted as one of the largest in the country. It brings together global hip-hop culture through diverse categories such as breaking and dance battles, rap/freestyle, DJing, and graffiti. More than 100 acts from over 40 countries participate, and attendance is said to exceed 40,000. In 2026, it will take place in Ho Chi Minh City from December 14 to 15.

Desert Party, held on the sand dunes of Mui Ne in southern Vietnam, is a one-night celebration featuring outdoor DJ music, lights, and bonfires. Officially positioned as one of the few regularly held full moon parties in southern Vietnam, the event also offers experiences beyond music, including a market with handmade jewelry and crafts, a tattoo booth, and jewelry workshops, drawing travelers, backpackers, and locals alike. It is scheduled to take place in May 2026.