ILOILO — The Iloilo Arts Festival 2026 transforms Lapaz Plaza into a vibrant cultural hub this October, carrying the theme "Arts in Our Plaza: Open Spaces, Shared Stories." The month-long celebration brings dance, cinema, visual arts, gastronomy, fashion, and music to one of the city's most historic public spaces.
A Month of Artistic Expression Begins
The festival opens on October 10 with Eksena Workshops focused on dance and dramatic arts. Sessions run from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, featuring facilitators Pah Tau Hai and Alegre Oton. These hands-on workshops invite participants to explore movement and storytelling in an open, welcoming environment.
From October 14 to 18, the spotlight shifts to cinema with ICFEST at Festive Mall. The film festival showcases local and regional productions, celebrating the visual storytelling tradition that continues to flourish in Western Visayas.
On October 17, aspiring architects and designers gather at the Nutrition Center for the Urban Streetscape Design Competition. Running from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the event challenges participants to reimagine public spaces with creativity and functionality.
Lapaz Plaza Comes Alive
October 23 marks a full day of artistic engagement at Lapaz Plaza. A visual arts exhibition opens at the pavement area from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, showcasing works by local creatives. Food stalls along Jereos Street serve regional delicacies from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Outdoor busking fills the main stage from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM, offering a platform for street performers. Ibong Adarna, a dance and dramatic arts presentation, takes place at Rose Memorial Hall inside CPU from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The evening concludes with a full band performance from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Barangay and Literary Showcases
October 24 expands the celebration with Eksena sa Barangay at Lapaz Gym from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Eksena sa Iloilo highlights literary arts at the Delfin Jaranilla Center from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM. The opening program at the main stage runs from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Eksena Recital follows from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, featuring dance and dramatic performances. Food stalls and the visual arts exhibition continue throughout the day. A full band performance closes the evening from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Fashion, Film, and Finale
October 25 brings a fashion show by ISAT U at the KOI Pond area from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM. The Iloilo Bereber Dance Company performs from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM, while an outdoor film showing runs from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The festival ends with another full band performance from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Organizers remind the public that activities and schedules are subject to change. Residents and visitors are encouraged to check official channels for updates before attending.
