Hue Festival 2021 - Main Events & Performances

Festival 2025 will showcase an array of highly anticipated events, promising to be an unforgettable experience for attendees. Detailed dates and an updated schedule of events will soon be announced. Below is a series of concerts and key events planned during the Hue Festival.

Opening Concert

This is one of the core activities of the Hue Festival. It is expected to be one of the most magnificent performances of this year’s festival, featuring participation from various art troupes from Hue City and across Vietnam.

Hue Festival Opening Night

In the past, Hue's opening night has revolved around themes such as Cultural Heritage Integration & Development. This year, the concert will reflect the Vietnamese community's enduring desire for independence and peace. The performance will lead audiences through various periods of Vietnam’s history, weaving together heroic tales and legends through royal court singing traditions.

“Am Vang Hao Khi Viet” Drum Concert

The drum holds a significant place in Vietnamese culture and history, making the “Am Vang Hao Khi Viet” drum concert a highlight of this year’s Hue Festival.

Drum Concert

The concert will showcase performances from 12 drum troupes representing different regions of Vietnam. Attendees will experience the powerful rhythms that resonate with Vietnam’s rich history—ranging from the bronze drums of the Hung King era to the resonant tones of the “Cong” and “Chieng” from the Central Highlands, and the refined sounds found in traditional Cheo performances from Northern Vietnam. This vibrant mix creates a quintessentially Vietnamese atmosphere.

“The Imperial Night” Concert

This has been the cornerstone event of the Hue Festival since its inception in 2000. This year, the activities during “The Imperial Night” will be held across a larger area around the Imperial Citadel, beginning at the Ngo Mon Gate and extending to Co Ha Garden, featuring a wider variety of performances and engaging content.

Imperial Night relives the glorious past of the Nguyen Dynasty

Scheduled activities include traditional welcoming ceremonies, dance and music performances from both Vietnamese and international art troupes, royal games, traditional feasts, and exhibitions showcasing calligraphy and imagery. New activities such as exhibitions highlighting the traditions of Hue through historical relics and themed performances like “Maiden’s Memory” and “Return of the Princess” will enhance the night’s allure.

“Trinh Cong Son” Concert

Trinh Cong Son's music is a part of Vietnam's intangible heritage

This concert, held on the Ngo Mon stage, pays tribute to the works of Trinh Cong Son, an iconic musician from Hue known for his profound influence on Vietnamese music and cultural identity. His music is widely recognized as a unique genre that deeply resonates with audiences and fosters emotional connections.

Ao Dai Fashion Show

Ao Dai Show - Ho Tinh Tam

This vibrant costume show celebrates the Ao Dai—Vietnam's traditional attire—drawing on various historical influences. Attendees will be delighted by the diverse range of designs that span different periods in Vietnamese history, showcasing the evolution and richness of this cultural garment.

Street Festival

The Street Festival, scheduled to take place along Hung Vuong, Le Loi, Nguyen Dinh Chieu, and Tran Hung Dao Streets, is one of the most exciting side events of the Hue Festival.

Street fest gathers performers from across Vietnam and around the world - Photo: Zing

The festival transforms the city into a lively celebration of diverse music, dance, and street art performances from artists not only in Vietnam but also from around the globe. It serves as a fantastic platform for visitors interested in exploring both Eastern and Western cultural traditions.