Upcoming Events in Manila 2026: RIIZE, Day6 & More

If you live in Manila, you know we operate on “Filipino time.” Things are often last-minute, yet they somehow work out. But for the massive 2026 events calendar, you must plan ahead. This isn’t just about music anymore. Manila is hosting huge global summits that put the country on the world stage. From confirmed K-Pop tours to major cultural forums, 2026 will be a historic year.

The Global Stage: Manila’s Biggest International Hosting Duties

When we talk about the Biggest events coming in Manila this 2026 Philippines, it is important to remember that not all of them involve strobe lights and confetti. Some of the most significant events will be formal summits that showcase our country’s global leadership in economics and culture.

UN Tourism World Gastronomy Forum (2026)

Forget adobo wars for a minute. The Philippines will host the prestigious UN Tourism World Gastronomy Forum in 2026. Why should you care? This event finally validates our rich and complex food culture. It offers a massive opportunity to showcase Filipino cuisine. We won’t just reach food critics. Policymakers and major tourism investors will be watching, too.

This event means more exciting food collaborations, pop-ups, and potentially new Michelin-caliber spots opening up. Start tracking the local dining scene now, as the influence of this forum will spill over into restaurants and markets nationwide. It is truly a feast for the eyes and the stomach.

Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Global Conference (June 2026)

Manila will also host the 10th EITI Global Conference in June 2026. The title sounds complex, but this gathering is a big deal. It focuses on transparency and accountability in resource management. This is the first time an Asian EITI country has hosted the event.

Expect over a thousand global stakeholders to attend. This proves the Philippines is serious about good governance and climate resilience. It is a powerful statement for our archipelagic nation.

The Feast of the Black Nazarene (Traslación)

The world adjusts to the new year, but Manila begins with a massive display of religious devotion. The traditional Black Nazarene procession, or Traslación, returns to the streets on January 9, 2026. This mega-event starts on December 31, 2025, and culminates in the grand procession. It is a monumental spiritual gathering.

Millions of the faithful flock to the city center every year. Traveling through Manila in early January? Expect massive road closures. Security will be tight around Quirino Grandstand and Quiapo Church.

The Epic Stage: Upcoming Concerts in Manila 2026

Alright, let us get to the fun stuff. The concert scene has exploded, and promoters are already locking down dates well into the new year. If you thought 2025 was busy, the first quarter of 2026 is already stacking up, mostly thanks to the continuous flow of global tours recognizing the Filipino fan base.

Here are some of the international acts confirmed for Upcoming concerts in Manila 2026, largely handled by the major ticketing platforms like SM Tickets:

• RIIZE RIIZING LOUD Tour (January 17, 2026, SM Mall Of Asia Arena): The 5th generation K-Pop phenomenon RIIZE kicks off the new year with a bang. You know the drill, fans camp out early, and tickets vanish instantly.
• DAY6 10th Anniversary Tour (January 24, 2026, SM Mall Of Asia Arena): The rock band DAY6 returns to celebrate a major milestone, promising a massive show for Filipino My Days.
• Bryan Adams: Roll With The Punches (January 31, 2026, SM Mall Of Asia Arena): The Canadian rock legend is set to bring his timeless classics to the MOA Arena, proving that the Manila audience loves rock and nostalgia equally.
• ONE OK ROCK Detox Asia Tour (March 4, 2026, SM Mall Of Asia Arena): Japanese rock icons ONE OK ROCK are confirmed to hit the MOA Arena, guaranteeing a high-energy, unforgettable performance.
• TREASURE Tour Pulse On (April 18, 2026, SM Mall Of Asia Arena): Another major K-Pop group, TREASURE, is scheduled for the MOA Arena in spring, continuing the trend of major tours hitting the Philippines.

Pro-Tip on SM Tickets: For these major arena shows, always have your SM Tickets account ready and verify the seating plan ahead of time. The rush is real, and the difference between a Lower Box seat and a General Admission ticket can be milliseconds.

The Entertainment Buildup: Upcoming Concerts in Manila 2025

The momentum leading into 2026 is built on an incredibly busy tail end of 2025. This late-year push helps define the entire regional circuit. If you are looking for an Upcoming concert in Philippines 2025, you have stellar choices that set the vibe for the new year.

Notable shows confirming the trend of major international acts performing in Manila include:

• Doja Cat: Ma Vie World Tour (December 7, 2025, SM Mall Of Asia Arena): A global superstar closing out the year with a bang.
• The Fray: How To Save A Life 20th Anniversary Tour (December 12, 2025, Smart Araneta Coliseum): Proof that our love for 2000s angst rock is eternal.
• Jason Derulo (November 22, 2025, SM Mall Of Asia Arena): Bringing the pop heat just before the holidays.

Spotlight on Newport World Resorts (Formerly RWM)

Speaking of world-class venues, let us not forget the complex that we old-timers still occasionally call Resorts World Manila. While it officially rebranded to Newport World Resorts, it remains a powerhouse for high-quality entertainment and theatrical productions.

The Resorts World Manila concerts 2025 schedule  information available show a strong focus on theatrical runs and intimate shows at the Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT).

If you are looking for Upcoming musicals Philippines 2026, you should keep an eye on this venue. While Shrek The Musical is running through late 2025, NPAT often schedules new, globally recognized musicals or long-running Filipino originals to open in the new year. The NPAT tends to offer a more sophisticated and comfortable viewing experience than the massive arenas, making it perfect for date nights or family outings.

We have just scratched the surface of what the Biggest events coming in Manila this 2026 Philippines have to offer. Whether you are battling the traffic to see an international summit or you are losing your voice at a K-Pop concert, Manila is clearly the place to be.

If all this talk of huge events has you thinking about the arts, maybe you are ready for a different kind of cultural trip. If you ever find yourself on the other side of the world, you might enjoy diving into the public art scene there. I put together a guide covering the most amazing hidden gems.

Ready for some food travel inspiration? Check out my guide:21 Restaurants That Serve the Absolute Best Sushi in Manila • Over Here Manila

READ MORE:

• https://eiti.org/global-conference
• https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/966040/ph-to-host-2026-un-gastronomy-tourism-forum/story
• https://www.nme.com/news/music/victorious-festival-richard-ashcroft-the-black-keys-and-kasabian-lead-2026-line-up-3913164 
• 2026 Manila Concert Guide: Confirmed Acts, Rumors, and What We Know So Far