From Filipino Music Awards to Vogue Threads Manila, Things To Do in Manila this October 2026
Photographed by Gabriel Villareal
Vogue Philippines suggests some things to do and places to visit in and around Metro Manila this month, focusing on initiatives that highlight craft, community, and culture.
We’re finally down to the last quarter of the year, and the festive atmosphere is becoming more apparent with the activities and events lined up for October. With back-to-back festivals spanning fashion, music, film, and entertainment, there are plenty of reasons to stay out if you feel like it. From Filipino Music Awards to Vogue Threads Manila, here’s what to add to your calendar this month.
Filipino Music Awards 2026
What: A major music awards show organized by Modern Media Group Inc. and AGC Power Holdings Corp., celebrating outstanding achievements, recordings, and live performances across Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
Where: SM Mall of Asia Arena, Bay City, Pasay City.
When: October 6, 2026.
Why: It serves as a unified, high-profile platform co-supported by major media brands to honor both mainstream OPM icons and emerging local talent on a major arena stage.
To stay updated, follow The Filipino Music Award’s official Instagram page.
Shakespeare in the Park: Macbeth
What: The outdoor theater show is part of Makati’s month-long celebration of different art forms called “ARTober!” It will showcase activities across film, music, and visual art among others.
Where:
Película>Pelikula Spanish Film Festival
What: The 25th annual Spanish Film Festival, organized by Instituto Cervantes, showcasing a curated selection of over 20 feature-length films from Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines.
Where: Power Plant Cinema, Rockwell Center, Makati City
When: October 5-11, 2026
Why: It serves as a key cultural bridge between Spain and the Philippines, offering free public access to contemporary Spanish-language cinema and promoting cross-cultural dialogue through film, workshops, and director Q&A sessions.
To stay updated, follow Instituto Cervantes Manila’s official Instagram page.
Oktoberfest Manila 2026
What: A traditional Bavarian food, beer, and music festival organized in partnership with the German Club Manila.
Where: Grand Ballroom, Solaire Resort Entertainment City, Parañaque City
When: October 8-10, 2026
Why: It is Metro Manila’s largest authentic German cultural gathering, bringing long-standing Oktoberfest traditions, authentic culinary imports, and live brass music to the local community.
For inquiries, email [email protected].
Manila Fame 2026
What: The Philippines’ premier trade show for home, furniture, fashion, and lifestyle sectors, organized by DTI-CITEM.
Where: World Trade Center Metro Manila, Pasay City
When: October 15-17, 2026
Why: It acts as the country’s primary export-sourcing platform, connecting Filipino artisans, micro-enterprises, and industrial designers directly with international trade buyers to promote sustainable, native materials on a global scale.
To stay updated, follow Manila Fame’s official Instagram page.
ManilArt ’26
What: The Philippines’ official national art fair, featuring exhibitions from over 30 art galleries, master sculptors, and contemporary visual artists.
Where: SMX Convention Center Aura, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
When: October 14-18, 2026
Why: Operating under the theme “Where the Line Begins,” it establishes a centralized space for art collectors, curators, and the public to examine the evolution of Philippine visual art and support local gallery infrastructure.
For inquiries, email [email protected].
Gateway Art Fair 2026
What: A public art fair highlighting original works, live painting demonstrations, and panel discussions from over 200 local independent artists, collectives, and student groups.
Where: Quantum Skyview Atrium, Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City, Quezon City
When: October 1-4, 2026 (Exhibits extend through October 5)
Why: It decentralizes fine art by bringing gallery-level contemporary works directly into accessible commercial spaces, offering emerging and non-gallery-represented artists an open commercial platform.
For more information, follow Gateway Art Fair’s Facebook page.
BGC Art Mart
What: An outdoor community art and craft market organized by the Bonifacio Art Foundation.
Where: Alveo Central Plaza, BGC Arts Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
When: October 17-18 and October 24-25, 2026
Why: It bridges the gap between local independent creators and consumers by providing small-batch makers, illustrators, and crafters an affordable venue to sell directly to the public without traditional gallery commissions.
For inquiries, email [email protected].
Fifth Wall Fest
What: The Philippines’ first international dance film festival turned into an independent platform dedicated to presenting dance through multidisciplinary expression, founded by dance artist Madge Reyes.
Where: NBS Park
When: October 22-25, 2026
Why: It explores dance through multidisciplinary expression, shifting away from traditional stages to turn architecture, spaces, and unconventional venues into living art installations for movement.
Fashion Week Asia
What: An international fashion event designed to unite the continent’s designers, cultures, and creative voices in a single platform.
When: October 20-24, 2026
Why: The inaugural event showcases diverse Asian perspectives and promotes cross-border collaborations to promote each country’s crafts and creatives.
Contact: To stay updated, follow Fashion WeekFashion WeekA series of seasonal events where designers debut their latest collections, setting the tone for upcoming fashion trends and showcasing creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation across the global fashion industry.Go to Fashion Week Glossary Asia’s official Instagram page.
Vogue Threads Manila 2026
What: A three-day experiential gathering celebrating the intersection of Filipino fashion, beauty, and culture through curated spaces, exhibits, and discussions.
Where: 2680 F.B. Harrison Street, Pasay
When: October 26-28, 2026
Why: It honors the artisans, communities, and cultural stewards behind Filipino creativity. By reframing “A.I.” as Artistic or Ancestral Intelligence, the event celebrates the living craftsmanship, traditional knowledge, and cultural heritage that shape contemporary Philippine style and creative identity.
To stay updated, follow Vogue Philippines’ official Instagram page.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Filipino Music Awards first launched on October 21, 2025, produced by AGC Power Holdings Corp. and presented by Modern Media Group Inc. (MMGI). The 2026 ceremony marks the awards’ second edition.
Vogue Threads Manila 2026 explores A.I. as Artistic or Ancestral Intelligence through different spaces covering fashion, beauty and wellness, culture, and more. The Vogue Village also features conversations and experiences centered on the artisans, communities, and cultural traditions behind Filipino creativity.
Yes, all PELÍCULA>PELIKULA 2026 film screenings are free of charge. The films will be shown in their original languages with English subtitles.
Instituto Cervantes is a public institution established by Spain to promote the teaching and use of Spanish and to share the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. Its Manila branch also holds cultural programs, runs a library, and organizes events such as PELÍCULA>PELIKULA.
The German Club Manila’s Oktoberfest tradition dates back to 1938, making the 2026 celebration its 86th edition. The event has continued for over eight decades, with brief hiatuses during World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic.