Ho Chi Minh City to stage 3D mapping shows, fireworks for Vietnam Culture Day next month

The municipal administration has issued a plan for activities marking Vietnam Culture Day 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Highlights include art performances, cultural experiences, light shows and fireworks displays for the public.

The 3D mapping shows are scheduled to be projected onto the façade of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee headquarters and the Rex Hotel from November 21 to 24. The shows will combine projections, sound and lighting to depict notable cultural and historical images of Vietnam and the city.

Meanwhile, the special art program accompanied by fireworks will be broadcast live from three locations: Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in Sai Gon Ward, the New City Central Park in Binh Duong Ward, and Thap Tam Thang Square in Vung Tau Ward at 8:00 pm on November 24.

Another event, the National Solidarity Day – Colors of Vietnamese Culture, is scheduled to take place on Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street from November 18 to 24.

The event will feature cultural and artistic performances, sports activities, exchanges and hands-on experiences showcasing the cultural identity of Ho Chi Minh City.

From November 22 to 24, organizers will set up spaces introducing prominent cultural industries, including cinema, performing arts, software and entertainment games, handicrafts, advertising, cultural tourism and digital transformation.

The spaces will combine exhibitions with hands-on activities, allowing visitors to explore creative production processes, learn about traditional crafts, watch artisans demonstrate their techniques and try making handicraft products.

Digital technology, virtual reality and augmented reality will also be used to introduce heritage, cultural products and tourist destinations.

On the evening of November 23, an art program is scheduled to launch the 2026 Hozo International Music Festival at Saigon Riverside Park.

The city will also host the Ho Chi Minh City International Photography Festival from November 19 to 24 at Le Van Tam Park, Ho Chi Minh City Book Street, Dong Khoi Street and other locations.

Planned activities include photography exhibitions and contests, discussions, workshops and creative camps for Vietnamese and international photographers.

An art exhibition titled Ho Chi Minh City – Creative Culture, Shaping the Future will take place at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts and the outdoor area of Lam Son Park from November 20 to 24.

The exhibition will feature paintings, sculptures, installations, video art and contemporary visual art reflecting the city's identity, development and creative spirit.

Beyond events in the city center, activities celebrating Vietnam Culture Day will also take place at theaters, museums, schools, residential areas, industrial parks and public spaces across Ho Chi Minh City.

A traditional arts festival titled Colors of Vietnamese Culture is also included in the plan, showcasing distinctive art forms from different regions and ethnic communities.

Museums will organize exhibitions, displays, exchanges and heritage education activities for residents, students and tourists.

The city will also encourage museums, theaters, circuses, cinemas and cultural service providers to offer free or discounted admission to students, workers and tourists from November 18 to 24.

The Con Dao Legends book festival will run from November 19 to 22 in Con Dao Special Zone. The festival will feature book, document and photo displays, a Human Library session, exchanges with former political prisoners, document digitization and the development of a digital library, promoting reading and raising awareness of local history.

Sports activities celebrating the occasion will include traditional martial arts demonstrations, lion and dragon dances, folk games, traditional sports and dragon boat racing.

According to the plan, activities promoting Vietnam Culture Day will run across Ho Chi Minh City from October 15 to November 25. Cultural, artistic and sports programs celebrating the occasion may continue through the end of December 2026.