Hanoi opens creative design festival with 150 activities
The programme runs until November 28, bringing artists, designers and communities together around the creative economy.
Hanoi began its 2026 Creative Design Festival on the evening of November 13, launching a programme of 150 activities across five clusters devoted to culture, heritage and creativity. The event runs until November 28 under the theme “Creative Economy”.
Nearly 1,000 artisans, artists, designers and experts from Vietnam and abroad are taking part. They include nearly 100 foreign artists and overseas Vietnamese from 21 countries. Foreign artists will collaborate on creative work with Vietnamese partners for the first time at the festival.
Speaking at the opening, Hanoi People’s Committee Vice Chairwoman Vu Thu Ha said the city wanted the festival to support a year-round network of creative activity. She said its goals included turning heritage, knowledge and cultural resources into lasting assets that generate jobs and livelihoods.
The programme includes a multisensory exhibition at Dong Xuan Market involving small traders, alongside art and craft activities at 12 communal houses, guild halls and heritage venues in the Old Quarter. Hoan Kiem Lake hosts exhibitions and creative fairs, while Thong Nhat Park provides space for young people to experiment with ideas.
Hanoi also introduced HanoiGo at the opening ceremony. Available through the iHanoi app and a dedicated website, the culture and tourism platform gathers information on attractions, heritage sites, cultural venues, food, accommodation, events and tours to help residents and visitors explore the capital.
