Get ready to experience the heart and soul of Mindanao in 2026! From the vibrant streets of Davao during Kadayawan Festival to the faith-filled celebrations of Diyandi Festival in Iligan, every corner of the island bursts with culture, rhythm, and pride.
Mindanao’s festivals are more than just events — they’re windows into the island’s diverse heritage, where tribes, towns, and travelers come together to celebrate life, gratitude, and community. Whether you’re chasing the beat of street parades, sampling local delicacies, or joining faith-based processions, each month promises something truly sulit to discover.
In this GoIligan 2026 Festival Calendar, we’ve gathered all the must-see Mindanao celebrations — complete with dates, descriptions, and travel tips — so you can plan your next adventure around the island’s most colorful traditions.
Month-by-Month Mindanao Festival Calendar 2026
Mindanao comes alive all year long — from Bukidnon’s tribal gatherings to the coastal fiestas of General Santos and the faith-filled celebrations in Iligan. Each month brings a unique blend of culture, color, and community that showcases the best of what the island has to offer.
Whether you’re planning your next long weekend, chasing the biggest street parades, or looking for sulit cultural experiences, this month-by-month guide lists every major Mindanao festival in 2026 — complete with city locations, brief descriptions, and official links to help you plan your travels with ease.
| Date / Month | Festival Name | Location | Description | Website / Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Late February – Early March | Kaamulan Festival | Malaybalay City, Bukidnon | Ethnic-cultural gathering of Bukidnon’s seven tribes celebrating unity, harvest, and traditions through dance, rituals, and trade fairs. | Wikipedia – Kaamulan Festival |
| March 16 | Araw ng Dabaw | Davao City | City Charter Day celebration with civic parades, concerts, and cultural events. | Official Davao City Website |
| Late May | Sarangani Bay Festival (SarBay) | Glan, Sarangani | Mindanao’s biggest beach and sports festival promoting tourism and environmental awareness through water sports and music. | FestivalScape |
| June 12–20 | Araw ng Cotabato | Cotabato City, BARMM | Charter anniversary celebration with kite-flying (layang-layang), fluvial parades, and civic activities. | Philippine Tourism USA |
| June 16 | Araw sa Iligan | Iligan City, Lanao del Norte | Celebration of Iligan’s charter day with civic activities and local cultural shows. | GoIligan.com |
| Mid-July | T’nalak Festival | Koronadal City, South Cotabato | Celebrates T’boli culture and the sacred T’nalak cloth through street dancing and trade exhibits. | South Cotabato LGU |
| July 23–27 | Kinabayo Festival | Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte | Colorful re-enactment of the Battle of Covadonga, blending Spanish and local culture. | Dapitan City LGU |
| Third Week of August | Kadayawan Festival | Davao City | Thanksgiving for nature’s bounty and celebration of the 11 tribes of Davao; features Indak-Indak street dancing. | Wikipedia – Kadayawan Festival |
| August 28 | Higalaay Festival | Cagayan de Oro City | Known as the “Friendship Festival” celebrating unity and CDO’s patron, St. Augustine. | Wikipedia – Higalaay Festival |
| Early September | Tuna Festival | General Santos City | Celebration of the city’s thriving tuna industry with parades, food fairs, and street dancing. | Gensan LGU |
| Month of September (Highlights Sept 20–29) | Kasadya sa Diyandi (Diyandi Festival) | Iligan City, Lanao del Norte | The grand cultural and religious celebration of Iligan honoring St. Michael the Archangel; includes Kasadya street dancing (Sept 27) and city fiesta (Sept 29). | GoIligan – Diyandi Festival |
| Late September | Megayon Festival | Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur | Highlights the culture and heritage of the Subanen people and city founding day. | Pagadian LGU |
| Late Sept – Oct 12 | Zamboanga Hermosa (Fiesta Pilar) | Zamboanga City | One of the oldest Marian festivals in the Philippines honoring Our Lady of the Pillar with processions and cultural events. | Zamboanga City Gov |
| Oct 20–27 | Lanzones Festival | Camiguin Island | Sweet celebration of Camiguin’s lanzones harvest; parades, cultural shows, and street dancing. | Camiguin Tourism Office |
| Early November | Helobung Festival | Lake Sebu, South Cotabato | T’boli festival showcasing music, weaving, and lake culture. | Lake Sebu LGU |
| Early–Mid December | Shariff Kabunsuan Festival | Cotabato City, BARMM | Islamic-heritage celebration featuring the Guinakit fluvial parade and local cultural performances. | Wikipedia – Guinakit |
| December 1–30 | Pasko Fiesta sa Davao | Davao City | Month-long citywide Christmas celebration with lights, bazaars, and concerts. | Davao City Tourism |
Celebrate, Explore, and Experience Mindanao in 2026
From the tribal beats of Bukidnon’s Kaamulan Festival to the joyful streets of Kasadya sa Diyandi in Iligan, every celebration in Mindanao tells a story — of faith, unity, and the vibrant spirit of its people. These festivals aren’t just events to witness; they’re experiences to feel, taste, and remember.
As you plan your travels for 2026, let this GoIligan festival calendar be your guide to discovering the sulit side of Mindanao — where every month is a new adventure waiting to happen.
✨ Don’t miss out! Bookmark this page and follow GoIligan.com for updates on festival schedules, travel guides, and new places to visit around Iligan and beyond. Let’s celebrate the rhythm of Mindanao — together!
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