Taste GenSan Through Its Famous Tuna Flavors
GENERAL SANTOS CITY - First, food should be high on any Tuna Festival itinerary, especially with the return of Sugbahan sa Dalan, one of the celebration’s most recognizable food-centered activities. The event gives visitors a chance to enjoy grilled seafood and other festival fare while experiencing the lively atmosphere along the designated festival area. Second, another food-focused stop is the Fish Fest at the GenSan Fish Port, which is included in the 2026 program and offers a closer look at the city’s connection to the fishing industry. These activities provide two different ways to enjoy GenSan: one through street food and the other through its working seafood environment.
Catch the Music, Movement, and Street Energy
Third, visitors who prefer entertainment can spend part of the festival watching performances and joining public activities. The 2026 event-management plan includes a Tuna Music Festival, local bands, Tuna Zumba, a tuna skills competition, and other programmed entertainment. The opening ceremonies on September 1 are also planned to feature local talents, a guest Philippine artist, and a fireworks display. Fourth, for those who enjoy watching rather than participating, the music and stage programs offer an easy way to spend an evening in the city center. Meanwhile, the scheduled street activities provide another reason to explore the festival beyond the main performance area.
Shop, Explore, and Support the Festival Community
Lastly, Tuna Festival can also be an opportunity to discover products and small businesses while moving around the celebration venues. The city’s August 18 executive order specifically calls for the Bangon Gensan: Tuna Festival Recovery Night Market 2026, intended to support earthquake-affected micro, small, and medium enterprises. Visitors can therefore include an evening market stop in their plans, browse participating stalls, and spend time around the festival grounds. The city’s official schedule places the main Tuna Festival from September 1 to 5, while the 2026 preparations show that the celebration is being shaped not only as entertainment but also as a space where community businesses can participate and recover.
