The city government through the City Tourism Office has unveiled its line-up of events for October dubbed “OCTOVIBE 2026: Arts, Culture and Beyond ,” offering residents and tourists a month-long celebration centered around culture, wellness, nature and creative expression.
The City Tourism Office headed by Aloysius Mapalo said the October activity line-up was conceived to perk up tourism after the slump caused by the southwest monsoon.
“We have to cheer things up to set the tone for the upcoming holidays,” CTO Assistant Head Jose Maria Rivera said.
The activities dubbed as #BreatheCulture, #BreatheWellness, #BreatheNature and #BreatheCreativity are:
#BreatheCulture
Cultural heritage takes center stage with a series of regional showcases, film screenings, and competitions:
• October 4: The Cordillera Fashion Series at the Benguet Sports Complex (3:00 PM) honors indigenous textiles across Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province.
• October 4 & 11: The Association of Baguio Chinese Filipino Youth Inc. presents the Mid-Autumn Festival 2026 and Little Chinatown on Session Road (10:00 AM).
• October 9–18: The Japan Foundation, Manila hosts the Japanese Film Festival 2026.
• October 17: The 5th annual Cordillera Festival of Festivals 2026 celebrates the traditions of six provinces and two cities.
• October 18 & 25:KCON: Baguio–Korea Friendship Month comes to Session Road (9:00 AM).
• October 19–24: The Baguio City Public Library hosts the Heritage Hunters: Indigenous Peoples Quiz Bee (10:00 AM).
• October 22: NCIP-CAR presents Sayaw at Serbisyo: Inter-Agency Indigenous Dance Competition at Malcolm Square.
• October 30: A prayerful remembrance, In Loving Memory: A Prayerful Remembrance for the Departed, takes place at the Porta Vaga Mall main entrance (8:30 AM), following a memorial prayer booth setup from Oct. 19 to 29.
#BreatheWellness
Promoting physical, mental, and social health across all age groups, the schedule includes:
• October 10:Break The Stigma: Mental Health Awareness Run at the BGHMC Garden.
• October 15: Three simultaneous community activities take place at the DA-CAR New Conference Hall celebrating International Day of Rural Women: a Seed Sharing and Exchange Activity, a Yoghurt and Cheese Processing workshop, and an International Day of Rural Women Wellness Activity.
• October 17:Morning Strides & Coffee Vibes, a fun run, kicks off at 6:00 AM at The Other Office Cafe & Bar by Baguio Country Club.
• October 17: The Baguio City Public Library hosts Wise Moves: Senior Citizens’ Scrabble and Chess Contest.
• October 31: Camp John Hay hosts the annual Halloween-themed golf tournament, Trick or Tee.
• Date TBA:’Pag-Aywanan’ Adult Day Care and Wellness Program, managed by the CSDWD, takes place at The Other Office Cafe & Bar.
#BreatheNature
Highlighting Baguio’s natural landscape and outdoor sports:
• October 19: The official opening of the Baguio Arboretum, a new green sanctuary along Leonard Wood Road.
• October 24–25: Trail runners head to the John Hay Open Field for Defy The Elevation Of The North (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM).
#BreatheCreativity
Showcasing local artistry, innovation, pop culture, and Halloween festivities:
• October 10:Design Week Baguio launches to showcase local design and urban landscape ideas.
• October 10: The Association of Baguio Chinese Filipino Youth Inc. hosts The Ridleys: Our Story at the Camp John Hay Convention Center (2:00 PM).
• October 12–14 & 19–21:Thrift Or Treat! fashion and food fest takes place on the 6th Floor Sundeck of Olive Town Center & Hotel (10:00 AM).
• October 15: BCRIC hosts the 1st Policy Pitch Challenge 2026: “From Research to Policy”.
• October 17:Repair Cafe (with a clothes swap and mending session) takes place at Mt Cloud Bookshop at 1:00 PM.
• October 17: The 1st BCC Pet Con presents the Pet Fashion Competition at Cordillera International Convention Hall, Baguio Country Club (2:00 PM).
• October 18: Speedcubers gather at Teacher’s Camp (Quirino Conference Hall) for the Baguio Speedcubbing Open (10:00 AM).
• October 23: Baguio Museum hosts Curating and Artwork Handling for Artists (8:00 AM).
• October 24: GDG Baguio hosts DevFest Baguio 2026 at the Theater, Gov. Pack Road (7:30 AM).
• October 25: Baguio Convention and Cultural Center hosts THE MASQUERADE (5:00 PM), while families gather on Session Road for the Baguio Fantasy Parade (5:00 PM).
• October 30:A Night of Enchantment Halloween celebration and Best Dressed Contest takes place at Teacher’s Camp, Quirino Conference Hall (10:00 AM).
• October 31:Studio Ghibli At Lafayette offers an immersive experience at Military Cut Off near Nevada Square starting at 8:00 AM. **Aileen P. Refuerzo
