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| Park Sang - Yong Yung dance troupe from Korea |
From June 13 to 18, a romantic riverside stage by the Perfume River will become a gathering place for artists from various countries, including France, Spain, Australia, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. What stands out is not the lineup of international performers or the presence of artists popular among young audiences, but rather Hue’s decision to reshape the spirit of the festival.
Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, Director of Hue Monuments Conservation Center and Standing Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee of Hue Festival 2026, informed that this year’s program is designed to engage the community more deeply, while placing the audience at the heart of cultural experiences.
“With the open-air setting by the Perfume River, the venue will provide a more dynamic and engaging cultural space. Beyond enjoying the performances, audiences will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the spirit of the festival,” Mr. Trung said.
From the Traditional Ritual to “A Feast of Music”
Over the years, Hue Festival has largely been associated with traditional cultural performances held at iconic venues such as the Imperial Citadel and Ngo Mon Square…, characterized by strong ceremonial elements. Although these programs have contributed to the festival’s unique identity, their formal and ceremonial nature has sometimes limited their appeal to younger generations.
Mr. Trung acknowledged that if the “artistic feast” follows the same formula year after year, its familiarity can gradually diminish audience excitement. That is why Hue Festival 2026 has chosen a different approach: Bringing music closer to the community.
The free open-air stage along the Huong River is considered one of the key innovations of this year’s festival. With no admission fee and no restrictions on viewing space, visitors can come here at any time to join the crowds along the riverbank, enjoy live music, take a leisurely stroll, and experience Hue’s vibrant nightlife.
According to Mr. Trung, besides providing a high-quality artistic program, what matters most is strengthening the festive atmosphere, the city’s unique spirit, and tourists’ experiences.
This is the reason why Hue International Music Week 2026 is designed with a diverse musical lineup. From the passionate flamenco rhythms of Las Migas, a band that has won two Latin Grammy Awards, to the French indie-pop melodies of Ojos and modern K-pop performances from South Korea. This year’s festival is expected to offer audiences a musical journey with a “playlist” of emotions.
Las Migas is set to be one of the highlights of the event. Blending Mediterranean guitar sounds with the passionate and captivating spirit of Spanish music, the group is expected to bring vibrant energy to the festival.
Meanwhile, Japanese singer-songwriter Kawanishi Natsuki is expected to add a gentle note to a medley with her self-accompanied piano ballads that have gained widespread popularity on TikTok and Asia’s social media.
Joining the music festival this year are also familiar “names” such as My Anh, Matthew Ifield, and MONO, a well-known singer to Gen Z.
The organizing committee said that, instead of ensuring a predetermined lineup, the selection of performers this year places greater priority on artistic excellence, performance appeal, and audience connection.
A Derise to “Touch the Soul” of Younger Audiences
Despite its strong push for innovation, Hue Festival 2026 remains firmly rooted in the cultural heritage of Hue Ancient Capital.
Alongside international artists, the program will feature performances by Hue Traditional Royal Theater of Art, traditional Korean art troupes, and a Trinh Cong Son music night show. The event will bring together renowned Vietnamese artists, including Cam Van, Duc Tuan, Vo Ha Tram, Quoc Thien, Bui Lan Huong, and saxophonist Tran Manh Tuan…
The difference is that heritage is no longer presented in isolation within a formal setting. Instead, it is placed alongside hip-hop, K-pop, indie pop, and R&B as part of the festival experience.
All performances are scheduled to start at 8 p.m. The opening concert on June 13 will bring together Kawanishi Natsuki, the K-Culture Friends in Chungnam troupe from South Korea, and Hue Traditional Royal Theater of Art. The closing night on June 18, meanwhile, is anticipated to end the festival with a bang with the appearances of Nguyen Dinh Tuan Dung and especially MONO, a leading Gen Z favorite, along with a series of youthful and energetic performances.
At a press conference to launch Hue International Music Week 2026 held recently, Mr. Tran Huu Thuy Giang, Vice Chairman of Hue City People’s Committee, Head of the Organizing Committee of Hue Festival 2026, said that most of the funding for this year’s program came from private-sector sponsorship. This approach allows the festival to be more flexible in its organization, while easing pressure on the public budget.
Notably, citing his affection for Hue, MONO agreed to perform free of charge. This gesture has reflected the unique appeal of this year’s Hue Festival by the poetic Perfume River.