Beyond a celebration of Hue Beef Noodle, the iconic dish of the Ancient Capital, the Hue - Culinary Capital 2026 program has become a vibrant showcase of culinary excellence from across Vietnam. From Hue’s traditional flavors to regional specialties from every corner of the country, each food stall and every dish tells a story of Vietnam’s rich cultural identity, taking visitors on a journey that awakens all their senses.

On the afternoon of July 23rd, Hue Festival Organizing Committee held a press conference to announce Hue Wonderverse Music Fest 2026 - International Heritage and Music Festival. The event marks the first time Hue introduces a festival designed to develop into an annual international cultural and music festival IP, contributing to the growth of the cultural industries and promoting the image of the Ancient Capital.

In recent years, at many festivals and events in Hue city, Phan Huy Thanh has impressed music lovers with his distinctive songs composed and sung by the musician himself, such as Non (The Conical Hat), An gi o Hue? (What to Eat in Hue), Tu dien Co do (The Ancient Capital Dictionary), etc.

On the afternoon of July 8th, at Co Mat Vien - Tam Toa, Hue Festival 2026 Organizing Committee officially launched the photography contest ‘Hue - Ancient Capital, New Experiences’. The competition is part of Hue Festival 2026 and aims to promote Hue as a city of heritage, culture, ecology, scenic beauty, and hospitality to both domestic and international audiences.

From June 26 to 28, at 62 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi, the distinctive products, specialties, and cultural values of the Ancient Capital came together in the ‘Hue Thuong’ program, part of ‘The Vitality of Vietnamese Goods’ programme No. 8. The program not only brought the essence of Hue to the heart of the Capital, but also created a space connecting local products with consumers nationwide through a combination of in-person experiences and e-commerce.

On the afternoon of June 30, Hue Monuments Conservation Center and Hue International General Hospital signed a strategic cooperation agreement. On the same occasion, the hospital announced a VND 300 million sponsorship for the “Hue - Ancient Capital, New Experiences” Photography Contest, one of the activities within Hue Festival 2026.

More than just a place serving authentic dishes from the Ancient Capital, Hue Thuong restaurant in the heart of Osaka, Japan, has become a familiar gathering place for Hue natives living far from home. Through every delicately prepared dish, the restaurant preserves and shares the cultural values and culinary essence of Hue.

Born in 2003, H’La Vi Bkrông, an Ede student from Dak Lak Province, is in the final stage of her studies in English Language at the University of Foreign Languages, Hue University. Choosing Hue as the place to pursue her education, La Vi brought with her not only academic aspirations but also a love of music that had been nurtured since childhood.

On the afternoon of June 14th, the Hue’s ‘Heritage Doors’ exhibition opened at Kien Trung Palace in Hue Imperial Citadel, introducing the public to dozens of remarkable artworks inspired by the heritage of the Ancient Capital. The event is part of Hue Festival 2026 and serves as a major artistic highlight attracting art enthusiasts, visitors, and members of the creative community.

Thanks to the application of artificial intelligence (AI), many of Hue’s heritage values are being retold by young people in an entirely new “language”. Historic structures and symbolic cultural icons, long associated with an atmosphere of antiquity and quiet elegance, are now being brought to life through digital creations, contributing to taking Hue Ancient Capital’s image closer to young audiences.

Among more than 100 fine artworks with the theme "Fine Art Works - Collection of Hue Fine Arts Museum" being organized by Hue Fine Arts Museum at 15 Le LoiSt., Hue City, more than half are typical works of famous artists from the ancient capital or once associated with this land.