17 Best Things to Do in Manila This Week (May 4-10, 2026)
Looking for things to do in Manila this week? Huge craft beer festivals, pop-up food markets, live concerts, and Mother’s Day buffets pack the city from May 4 to 10, 2026. You can easily find something fun to fill your schedule right now. I put together all the best local events into one quick list so you can stop scrolling and start making plans.
This part of May brings a steady mix of big events around the metro, along with simple plans you can fit into a free afternoon or evening. Having a few ideas ready helps, especially when plans come together at the last minute and you just want something easy to say yes to.
Schedules change quickly, so peek at the official event pages for the latest info. Remember that free admission might still need an RSVP, and you should budget a little extra for food, drinks, or merch while you are there.
17 Can’t-Miss Manila Events This Week: May 4–10, 2026
Free Fun Things To Do
OMOCHA: Japanese Toys Today
May 6–31, 2026丨Metropolitan Museum of Manila丨Free admission (for this exhibition only)
Toys here go way beyond display shelves. From Edo-period pieces to modern creations powered by tech and design, each section shows how play has evolved across generations. Besides the nostalgia (remember Gundam or Transformers?), there’s a surprising amount to learn at this exhibit.
Mabrewhay Craft Beer Festival 2026
May 8–10, 2026丨Ayala Triangle Gardens丨Free entry
Free entrance and over 60 local brews? That alone deserves a calendar spot. This festival brings together craft beer, food pop-ups, and live music right in the middle of Makati, which means your “quick visit” might quietly turn into a full night out.
MoMa Eats Food Park
May 8–10, 2026丨MOA Sky South Plaza丨Free entrance
Thirty food brands in one place sounds manageable until you realize every stall looks tempting. Savory plates, desserts, coffee, matcha, cocktails, they line up in one space like a challenge you didn’t ask for but happily accept. Walking in with a “snack lang” mindset is ambitious at best.
The Wedding Library’s #MayForever Bridal Fair 2026
May 8–10, 2026丨SM Megamall
If you’re planning a wedding or helping a friend prepare, this bridal fair gathers hundreds of suppliers in one place. You’ll see booths for venues, photographers, designers, and caterers. It’s easy to compare services and gather ideas for the big day. Some exhibitors also offer exclusive deals during the event.
Visit the bridal fair’s official page to register for free entrance and see the full list of vendors.
Traders Fair Philippines 2026
May 9, 2026丨EDSA Shangri-La Manila丨VIP tickets also available
If you follow finance or investing, this one-day fair gathers traders, brokers, and financial companies in one venue. You can attend seminars, listen to speakers, and explore exhibits. The event also offers chances to meet experts directly and ask questions.
Check the Traders Fair Philippines event page to review the schedule and reserve a spot.
GVN Warehouse Sale
May 9–10, 2026丨Legazpi Village, Makati丨Free entry (RSVP recommended)
Up to 70% off has a way of getting attention quickly. Racks of samples, archival pieces, and bestsellers invite you to browse, then convince you to stay longer. Saying “I’ll just look” lasts about five minutes here. Walking out with a few unexpected finds feels like the real outcome.
NCCA Gallery
Open daily丨633 General Luna St, Intramuros
You can take a quiet break from the busy week by visiting this small contemporary art gallery in Intramuros. The exhibits rotate regularly and often highlight emerging Filipino artists. The space feels calm, making it easy to explore at your own pace.
After your visit, you might want to walk around Intramuros or grab coffee at a nearby café. It’s one of the free things to do in Manila this week and a good cultural stop.
Pop Culture, Fun Runs & Active Weekend Events
The Music Run Manila 2026
May 9, 2026丨Filinvest City Events Grounds, Alabang丨Ticketed
Your Saturday morning can start with a run that feels more like a music party. Each section of the route plays different tracks, so the energy changes as you move along. DJs and music zones keep the pace lively throughout the run. After crossing the finish line, you can stay for the celebration area and entertainment.
You can explore the Music Run Manila event website for registration details and race schedules. This is one of the more unique things to do in Manila if you want something active.
Popeye Run Philippines 2026
May 9, 2026丨CCP Complex丨Ticketed
You can bring the whole family to this themed fun run inspired by the classic cartoon character. The course includes playful decorations and photo spots along the way. Kids and adults can join the walk or run together, which makes it easy for everyone. Expect medals, activities, and a festive finish area.
Visit the Popeye Run Philippines event page for race registration and participation guidelines.
Festivals & Large-Scale Music Events
Playback Punk Rock and Emo Music Festival 2026
May 8, 2026丨SM Mall of Asia Arena丨Ticketed
Friday night can turn into a full rock festival experience. The lineup celebrates punk and emo sounds with loud guitars and sing-along choruses. Expect mosh pits, flashing lights, and a crowd that knows every lyric. I recommend checking the Playback Punk Rock and Emo Music Festival ticket page for availability and seating options.
Circus Music Festival 2026
May 9, 2026丨Parklinks Open Grounds丨Ticketed
You can end the weekend at a large Filipino music festival featuring multiple artists on one stage. The event usually draws big crowds who come for the performances and open-air atmosphere. You can also enjoy food stalls, interactive zones, and a full lineup of local acts.
Visit the Circus Music Festival pagefor lineup announcements and ticket details.
Mother’s Day Celebrations
TEC Manila Mother’s Day Flower Bar 2026
May 8, 2026丨The Executive Centre – Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower 2丨Free
You can drop by this simple Mother’s Day activity in Makati. Just bring a photo with your family, then pick a bouquet to take home. It feels personal without needing a full schedule. Check the event page for full mechanics and time slots. This is a sweet option if you’re looking for free events in Manila today.
Mother’s Day Specials at Spectrum
May 9–10, 2026丨Fairmont Makati
A buffet that quietly says, “go ahead, get another plate.” The spread covers a wide range of cuisines, so everyone at the table finds a favorite quickly. Conversations last longer, plates refill faster, and dessert somehow happens more than once.
Medley Buffet at Okada Manila
May 10, 2026丨Entertainment City, New Seaside Dr, Parañaque
This Mother’s Day buffet means business when it comes to variety. Local favorites sit alongside international dishes, giving you plenty of reasons to keep going back for more. Desserts and little surprises for Mom keep the celebration going strong.
Finestra at Solaire Resort – Brunch con Mamma
May 10, 2026丨Solaire Resort Entertainment City, 1 Aseana Ave, Tambo, Parañaque
Food keeps arriving like it’s part of the entertainment. Seafood, pasta, carving stations, and brunch favorites come in steady rounds, so the table stays busy. Drinks follow through, and the option for pool access turns brunch into an all-day Mother’s Day plan.
Café Ilang-Ilang Buffet Dining
Manila Hotel, 1 Rizal Park, Ermita
You can turn Mother’s Day into a relaxed food date with a buffet here. Let your mom take her time choosing dishes she enjoys, from Filipino favorites to international options. The variety makes it easy for everyone at the table. It works well for a long lunch or dinner where no one feels rushed.
Check the Café Ilang-Ilang’s page for reservations and updated rates.
Major Concerts & Live Music Events
A Skylit Drive Live in Manila 2026
May 5, 2026丨Aster Events Place
You can kick off the week with a loud and energetic show if you enjoy post-hardcore and emo sounds. A Skylit Drive brings back the kind of concert where fans sing every word, and the crowd never stays still. Expect a tight set packed with songs from their classic albums.
You can check the A Skylit Drive event page for ticket details and show updates before planning your night. This one fits into the list of Manila events music fans are waiting for.
HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS Lonely World Tour Live In Manila
May 6, 2026丨Skydome, SM City North EDSA
Midweek can turn nostalgic if you grew up listening to early 2000s emo. Hawthorne Heights performs their “If Only You Were Lonely” album live in full, which makes the experience feel personal for longtime fans. The Skydome setup keeps the energy close to the crowd.
You can check the Hawthorne Heights concert page for ticket availability and showtime details. It’s also one of the events near Quezon City Metro Manila that emo fans won’t want to miss.
TAYA: A Night of Worship Manila 2026
May 7, 2026丨Smart Araneta Coliseum
Thursday evening can feel different with a worship concert that focuses on music and reflection. TAYA brings powerful vocals and a setlist filled with faith-inspired songs. The arena fills with a calm but uplifting energy as the crowd sings along. You can visit TAYA’s official event page for ticket information and concert updates.
Saosin Live in Manila 2026
May 7, 2026丨Skydome, SM City North EDSA
If you enjoy post-hardcore music, this show brings back a band many fans grew up with. Saosin’s performances are known for emotional vocals and strong guitar riffs. It’s a good midweek concert for longtime fans of the genre. You can check Saosin’s event page for show details and ticket information.
NINA XX: The Anniversary Celebration 2026
May 9, 2026丨Newport Performing Arts Theater
Still no Saturday evening plan yet? You can be part of this soulful concert celebrating Nina’s iconic music. The show marks 20 years since her “Nina Live!” album, which many fans still remember. You’ll hear classic songs along with special guest collaborations. Check Nina’s ticket page for availability and seating options.
Pixies 40th Anniversary Tour Manila 2026
May 10, 2026丨 Filinvest Tent
Your week can end with a legendary alternative rock show. Pixies celebrate four decades of music with a setlist packed with fan favorites. Their “loud-quiet-loud” sound still feels powerful live. Longtime listeners will recognize songs like “Where Is My Mind?” right away. You can visit Pixies’ event page for ticket updates and entry guidelines.
Apink: The Origin Asia Tour
May 10, 2026丨UP Theater
Pink Pandas, spend your Sunday afternoon watching Apink perform their well-known hits. The concert blends choreography, vocals, and fan moments throughout the show. Check Apink’s official page for ticket releases and concert reminders.
Other Events/Activities to Check Out
- ENHYPEN’s To-Do List – LISTERINE Pop-Up – Until May 6丨Watsons North EDSA: The Grand
- Matcha & Makers Fest 2.0 – May 4-6丨Assembly Grounds, Central Park at The Rise Makati丨Free entrance
- The Modern Market – May 4-10 (SM MOA Central Atrium)丨May 7-10 (Podium Mall) May 8-10丨(Rizal Row, Estancia)
- In Her Orbit: Mother’s Day Community Fair – May 7-10 (Ayala Malls Fairview Terraces)丨May 8-10 (Ayala Malls Feliz)
Ready to grab the mic and channel your inner pop star?
Sometimes the best way to cap off a long week of events is by heading to a private room where you can perform your favorite hits without any judgment. I have put together a guide to the 15+ Best Karaoke Bars in Metro Manila You Need to Visit so you can easily find the perfect spot for your next night out.
Whether you are into the latest chart toppers or the classic power ballads, these locations have everything you need for a legendary night with your friends or family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
May often brings music festivals, concerts, fun runs, and cultural events across Metro Manila. Many large concerts and outdoor festivals are scheduled during this month.
You’ll find live music festivals, anime conventions, sports events, and art exhibits happening throughout the city. Many organizers schedule large gatherings before the rainy season begins.
May is usually warm and lively in Manila. It’s a busy month for concerts, festivals, and outdoor gatherings, which makes it a great time to explore events today Philippines or free events in Manila today.
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