September is another exciting month for fiestas in the Philippines.
While August is packed with major festivals and October immediately brings celebrations like MassKara, September has its own impressive lineup of town fiestas. From the colorful celebrations of Eastern Visayas to the San Nicolas de Tolentino fiestas of Iloilo and Negros, and the many St. Michael the Archangel celebrations toward the end of the month, there is almost always a fiesta happening somewhere in the country.
For travelers, September can also be a great time to experience a more local side of the Philippines. Many of these celebrations are not massive tourist festivals. They are genuine town fiestas where families return home, tables are filled with food, churches become the center of activity, and plazas come alive with concerts, pageants, parades and cultural performances.
Here is a guide to some of the Philippine town and city fiestas happening in September 2026.
Content
Important Note About the September 2026 Fiesta Schedules
As of August 20, 2026, not every local government unit has released its complete 2026 fiesta schedule.
The dates in this guide are based primarily on established annual town fiesta dates, government tourism calendars, LGU information and previous official celebrations.
A few places, such as Dauin, Negros Oriental, already have detailed 2026 programs available. Others have confirmed that their annual festival preparations are underway, while some LGUs are expected to release their full schedules closer to September.
So if you’re planning to attend a particular fiesta, always check the latest announcement from the municipal or city government before traveling.
September 2026 Philippine Town Fiesta Calendar
| Date | Town or City | Province | Fiesta / Festival |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 1–10 | Mambajao | Camiguin | Mambajao Town Fiesta |
| September 7–8 | Las Navas | Northern Samar | Town Fiesta |
| September 7–8 | Borongan City | Eastern Samar | Borongan Fiesta / Padul-ong Festival |
| September 8 | Guindulman | Bohol | Town Fiesta / Kalipay Festival |
| September 8 | Calbayog City | Samar | City Fiesta / Hadang Festival |
| September 9 | San Mateo | Rizal | Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu Fiesta / Septemberfest |
| September 8–10 | Ajuy | Iloilo | Tambobo Festival / Town Fiesta |
| September 10 | Cabatuan | Iloilo | Town Fiesta |
| September 10 | Guimbal | Iloilo | Town Fiesta |
| September 10 | Lambunao | Iloilo | Town Fiesta |
| September 10 | Dauin | Negros Oriental | Dauin Fiesta / Kinaiyahan Festival |
| September 10 | Bais City | Negros Oriental | City Fiesta |
| September 8–10 | Talisay City | Negros Occidental | Minulu-an Festival / Patronal Fiesta |
| September 10 | Surigao City | Surigao del Norte | City Fiesta / Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw |
| September 21–30 | Tapaz | Capiz | Municipal Religious Town Fiesta |
| September 22 | Miagao | Iloilo | Municipal Fiesta / Hablon Festival |
| September 28–29 | Oas | Albay | Himoloan Festival / Town Fiesta |
| September 28–29 | Irosin | Sorsogon | Hin-ay Festival / Town Fiesta |
| September 28–29 | Laoang | Northern Samar | Laoang Town Fiesta |
| September 29 | Jagna | Bohol | Town Fiesta / Sinu-og Estokada |
| September 28–29 | Argao | Cebu | Town Fiesta / La Torta Festival |
| September 29 | Samboan | Cebu | Town Fiesta / Dagayday Festival |
| September 29 | Basey | Samar | Town Fiesta / Banigan-Kawayan Festival |
| September 29 | San Rafael | Bulacan | Fiesta / Angel Festival |
| September 29 | Tangub City | Misamis Occidental | City Fiesta / Dalit Festival |
| September 29 | Iligan City | Lanao del Norte | St. Michael Fiesta / Diyandi Festival |
| September 30 | Dueñas | Iloilo | St. Jerome Fiesta |
| September 30 | Tapaz | Capiz | Main Feast of St. Jerome |
This is not an exhaustive list of every barangay and municipal fiesta in the Philippines. Many smaller fiestas are announced mainly through local parish or LGU social media pages. Still, these are some of the more established September celebrations worth watching in 2026.
1. Mambajao Town Fiesta, Camiguin
When: September 1 to 10
Patron: San Nicolas de Tolentino
September starts early in Camiguin.
The provincial capital of Mambajao traditionally holds its annual town fiesta during the first ten days of September, culminating around the Feast of San Nicolas de Tolentino.
The Philippine Information Agency reported that Mambajao’s 2025 town fiesta ran from September 1 to 10, with barangay presentations, school activities, LGU events, concerts and other community programs.
For travelers already planning a Camiguin trip, this can be a fun period to visit because you’ll get the island’s beaches, waterfalls and volcano scenery together with the atmosphere of a traditional provincial fiesta.
2. Las Navas Town Fiesta, Northern Samar
When: September 7–8
Patron: Our Lady of the Nativity
Northern Samar has several September fiestas, beginning with Las Navas.
Northern Samar Tourism lists the town’s annual fiesta on September 7 and 8, honoring Our Lady of the Nativity.
September 8 is the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which explains why several Philippine communities hold Marian fiestas around this date.
3. Borongan City Fiesta and Padul-ong Festival
When: September 7–8
Where: Borongan City, Eastern Samar
Patroness: Nuestra Señora de la Natividad
Borongan has one of Eastern Visayas’ most interesting September celebrations.
The Padul-ong Festival tells the story of the arrival of the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Borongan. The Province of Eastern Samar lists Padul-ong on September 7, while the religious celebration culminates around September 8.
The Philippine Information Agency describes the celebration as one of Borongan’s grandest expressions of faith and heritage. It traditionally includes a fluvial procession across Borongan Bay, street dancing and ritual performances connected with the story of Nuestra Señora de Borongan.
This is one fiesta I’d put high on the list for travelers interested in genuine Eastern Visayan culture.
4. Calbayog City Fiesta and Hadang Festival
When: Around September 8
Where: Calbayog City, Samar
Calbayog celebrates its annual city fiesta every September 8.
An important change happened recently. The city officially declared Hadang Festival as Calbayog’s official festival through an ordinance approved in September 2025.
And preparations for Hadang Festival 2026 are already happening. In July 2026, the City Arts and Culture Office opened applications for the 2026 Miss Hadang Festival Queen competition.
So unlike some September fiestas whose 2026 programs are still uncertain, we already know Calbayog is preparing another Hadang Festival celebration.
Expect cultural performances, competitions, religious activities and a festive atmosphere across the city.
5. Guindulman Town Fiesta, Bohol
When: September 8
Festival: Kalipay Festival
Patroness: Our Lady of Consolation
Guindulman in eastern Bohol also celebrates its town fiesta in September.
Bohol’s tourism profile identifies Kalipay Festival as an annual celebration held during Guindulman’s fiesta in honor of Our Lady of Consolation.
This makes Guindulman an interesting alternative if you’re traveling around Bohol in September and want to experience something beyond the province’s usual beach and countryside attractions.
6. San Mateo Septemberfest and Aranzazu Fiesta, Rizal
When: September 9
Where: San Mateo, Rizal
Patroness: Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu
You don’t have to travel far from Metro Manila to experience a major September fiesta.
San Mateo’s annual Septemberfest includes the celebration of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu and the town’s popular Kakanin Festival.
The official municipal website identifies Septemberfest as one of the major tourism programs of San Mateo, and the LGU marked September 9, 2025 as the feast of the town’s patroness.
Food is naturally an important part of the celebration, particularly traditional rice cakes and other local delicacies.
Why September 10 Has So Many Philippine Town Fiestas
If you look at the calendar, you’ll notice something interesting.
A surprising number of Philippine towns celebrate their fiesta on September 10.
That’s because September 10 is the feast of San Nicolas de Tolentino, an Augustinian saint who became the patron of numerous Filipino communities during the Spanish colonial period.
This creates a large cluster of fiestas in Iloilo, Negros and Mindanao.
7. Ajuy Town Fiesta and Tambobo Festival, Iloilo
When: Around September 8–10
Patron: San Nicolas de Tolentino
Ajuy celebrates the Tambobo Festival, with activities traditionally culminating around the Feast of San Nicolas de Tolentino.
“Tambobo” refers to a storage place or warehouse for agricultural products, making the festival closely connected with the agricultural heritage and abundance of the municipality. Tourism references list the celebration around September 8–10.
8. Cabatuan Town Fiesta, Iloilo
When: September 10
Patron: San Nicolas de Tolentino
Cabatuan is another Iloilo municipality celebrating San Nicolas de Tolentino.
The town is also widely associated with Tinuom, one of Iloilo’s distinctive local dishes. Cabatuan’s Tinuom Festival has become an important showcase of the municipality’s food culture.
Iloilo’s fiesta calendar places Cabatuan’s feast of San Nicolas de Tolentino on September 10.
9. Guimbal Town Fiesta, Iloilo
When: September 10
Patron: San Nicolas de Tolentino
Historic Guimbal also holds its patronal fiesta on September 10.
The municipality is well known for its old church, heritage structures and coastal location. If you’re traveling through southern Iloilo around this period, you may encounter religious activities, community programs and the familiar open-house hospitality that comes with provincial fiestas.
10. Lambunao Town Fiesta, Iloilo
When: September 10
Patron: San Nicolas de Tolentino
Lambunao joins Ajuy, Cabatuan and Guimbal in celebrating San Nicolas de Tolentino on September 10.
The municipality is also known for its indigenous cultural heritage, particularly the Binanog tradition associated with the Panay Bukidnon communities in the area.
11. Dauin Fiesta 2026, Negros Oriental
When: September 10
Festival: Kinaiyahan Festival
Patron: San Nicolas de Tolentino
Dauin is especially worth watching in 2026 because a detailed fiesta program has already been published.
Activities begin even before September, with sports events scheduled from August 15. The main fiesta program continues through early September and culminates on September 10, 2026.
Among the scheduled highlights are the Kinaiyahan Festival on September 7, Miss Dauin 2026, an agro fair, community nights, sporting events and entertainment programs.
Dauin is already one of Negros Oriental’s best-known diving destinations, so combining the fiesta with a diving or Dumaguete trip could make for a great September itinerary.
12. Bais City Fiesta, Negros Oriental
When: September 10
Patron: San Nicolas de Tolentino
Bais City celebrates its annual fiesta every September 10 in honor of San Nicolas de Tolentino.
The city’s official legislative website confirms the date and describes the celebration as a long-standing local tradition.
Bais is particularly popular among travelers for dolphin and whale-watching trips in the Tañon Strait, making the fiesta another reason to visit this part of Negros Oriental.
13. Talisay City Minulu-an Festival, Negros Occidental
When: Around September 8–10
Patron: San Nicolas de Tolentino
Talisay City in Negros Occidental celebrates the Minulu-an Festival, which honors the city’s heritage and history while also forming part of its patronal fiesta.
The celebration culminates on September 10, the feast of San Nicolas de Tolentino. The 2025 celebration also marked the parish’s 175th patronal fiesta.
Because Talisay is just north of Bacolod, this is also one of the easiest fiestas to include in a Negros Occidental trip.
14. Surigao City Fiesta and Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw
When: September 9–10
Patron: San Nicolas de Tolentino
Surigao City has one of Mindanao’s best-known September celebrations.
The Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival draws heavily from indigenous traditions while honoring San Nicolas de Tolentino.
Surigao City government records describe Bonok-Bonok as a celebration of the city’s cultural heritage, traditionally connected with the September fiesta.
A Mindanao Development Authority tourism publication also identifies the festival as a major September event honoring St. Nicholas of Tolentino.
The cultural festival is traditionally staged around September 9, followed by the principal fiesta on September 10.
15. Tapaz Municipal Religious Town Fiesta, Capiz
When: September 21–30
Patron: St. Jerome
Tapaz has one of the longer officially documented fiesta celebrations on this list.
The Municipality of Tapaz says its Municipal Religious Town Fiesta runs annually from September 21 through September 30, culminating in the feast of St. Jerome.
Activities traditionally include novena Masses, processions, cultural presentations, sports competitions, trade fairs, civic programs and community celebrations.
That official tourism description makes Tapaz another good candidate for September festival travel.
16. Miagao Town Fiesta and Hablon Festival, Iloilo
When: September 22
Patron: St. Thomas of Villanova
Miagao isn’t just famous for its UNESCO-listed church.
The municipality officially recognizes September 22 as its municipal fiesta. In fact, a local ordinance specifically declares the annual patronal celebration on that date as the municipal fiesta.
Recent celebrations have also incorporated the Hablon Festival, religious processions, cultural events and entertainment programs.
For heritage travelers, Miagao is one of the most interesting September fiesta destinations because the celebration takes place around one of the Philippines’ most important historic churches.
The Big September 29 Fiesta Cluster
Then we reach the end of September.
September 29 is the Feast of the Archangels, particularly associated in many Philippine communities with St. Michael the Archangel.
This explains why so many towns and cities celebrate their fiesta on September 28 and 29.
If you are looking for the busiest fiesta period of September, this is probably it.
17. Laoang Town Fiesta, Northern Samar
When: September 28–29
Patron: St. Michael the Archangel
Cultural celebration: Lawag Festival
Laoang celebrates one of Northern Samar’s major September fiestas.
Northern Samar Tourism lists the town fiesta on September 28 and 29, honoring St. Michael the Archangel. It separately identifies the Lawag Festival, traditionally held around September 23, as a cultural celebration depicting the founding and legends of Laoang.
This means Laoang’s festivities extend beyond the main two fiesta days, making late September an especially lively period in the municipality.
18. Himoloan Festival in Oas, Albay
When: September 28–29
Patron: St. Michael the Archangel
Oas celebrates the Himoloan Festival during its patronal feast.
Government tourism information describes Himoloan as a celebration honoring St. Michael through offerings, street presentations and community activities.
The name is connected with the concept of offering or thanksgiving, giving the festival a strong religious and communal character.
19. Hin-ay Festival in Irosin, Sorsogon
When: September 28–29
Patron: St. Michael the Archangel
Another Bicol town celebrating at the end of September is Irosin.
The Hin-ay Festival commemorates the feast of St. Michael while also highlighting Irosin’s history and cultural heritage.
Government information describes activities such as cultural presentations, fairs and other community events as part of the celebration.
20. Jagna Town Fiesta and Sinu-og Estokada, Bohol
When: September 28–29
Patron: St. Michael the Archangel
Jagna has one of Bohol’s most distinctive religious-cultural celebrations.
The Sinu-og Estokada depicts the battle between good and evil through traditional dance, with St. Michael playing a central role in the story.
The Philippine Information Agency confirms that the street dancing takes place around September 29, the feast of St. Michael.
Bohol’s provincial tourism profile likewise identifies Jagna’s parish feast on September 28–29.
21. Argao Fiesta and La Torta Festival, Cebu
When: September 28–29
Patron: St. Michael the Archangel
Food and fiesta come together in Argao.
The town is famous for torta, its traditional Cebuano pastry, and celebrates that local specialty through the La Torta Festival.
The Archdiocese of Cebu confirms that the feast day of the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Michael in Argao is September 29.
La Torta has become a cultural celebration highlighting both Argao’s culinary heritage and devotion to St. Michael.
22. Samboan Town Fiesta and Dagayday Festival, Cebu
When: September 29
Patron: St. Michael the Archangel
Farther south in Cebu is Samboan, another St. Michael town.
The Dagayday Festival is held during the municipality’s September 29 fiesta.
Cebu Province describes Dagayday as a celebration inspired by the flowing waters and waterfalls found throughout Samboan. The 2024 celebration featured multiple festival contingents performing in honor of St. Michael the Archangel.
23. Basey Town Fiesta and Banigan-Kawayan Festival, Samar
When: September 29
Where: Basey, Samar
Basey is known for its beautiful woven banig products, and that local craftsmanship takes center stage during the Banigan-Kawayan Festival.
The Tourism Promotions Board lists the festival on September 29 and describes it as a celebration of Basey’s thriving banig and bamboo craft industries.
The town’s late-September celebration makes Basey another strong Eastern Visayas fiesta destination.
24. San Rafael Angel Festival, Bulacan
When: September 29
One of the most visually interesting September festivals near Metro Manila is the Angel Festival in San Rafael, Bulacan.
The municipal government says the festival is held every September 29, with children wearing angel costumes and participating in street dancing and festival activities.
It began in 2002 and has since become one of San Rafael’s recognizable cultural attractions.
25. Tangub City Fiesta and Dalit Festival
When: September 29
Where: Tangub City, Misamis Occidental
Patron: St. Michael the Archangel
Tangub also celebrates St. Michael on September 29.
The official city government describes the Dalit Festival as an annual thanksgiving celebration. “Dalit” means to offer, reflecting the community’s gratitude for health, harvest and protection throughout the year.
Previous celebrations have featured street dancing, ritual showdowns, community programs, concerts and other fiesta events throughout September.
26. Iligan City Fiesta and Diyandi Festival
When: Throughout September, culminating around September 29
Patron: St. Michael the Archangel
If we’re talking about major Philippine September fiestas, Iligan City belongs near the top.
The city celebrates the Diyandi Festival in honor of St. Michael the Archangel.
The Tourism Promotions Board describes Diyandi as a cultural and religious fiesta incorporating street dancing, tableau competitions and traditions influenced by the cultures of Christian settlers, Maranao communities and Higaonon people.
September in Iligan is typically packed with activities, making it one of Mindanao’s biggest fiesta destinations during the month.
27. Dueñas Town Fiesta, Iloilo
When: September 30
Patron: St. Jerome
September closes with another Iloilo fiesta.
Dueñas celebrates St. Jerome every September 30. The Iloilo fiesta calendar lists Dueñas among the province’s September patronal celebrations, while the provincial government identifies St. Jerome as the town’s patron.
It gives fiesta travelers one final September celebration before the calendar moves into the busy October festival season.
What Can You Expect at a Philippine Town Fiesta?
Every municipality celebrates differently, but many town fiestas have a familiar atmosphere.
You may see novena Masses beginning several days before the feast, religious processions through the poblacion, decorated streets and church grounds, civic and military parades, school performances, pageants, sports tournaments, trade fairs, food stalls, street dancing competitions and nightly concerts at the municipal plaza.
And then there’s the food.
For many Filipino families, fiesta means opening the house to relatives, neighbors and sometimes even visitors. Tables can be filled with pancit, menudo, afritada, lumpia, spaghetti, grilled meat, native delicacies, lechon and whatever specialty the family is proud to serve.
That’s one reason small-town fiestas can be such memorable travel experiences. You’re not simply watching a performance. You’re seeing how communities celebrate family, religion, history and local identity.
Tips for Attending a Town Fiesta in September 2026
- Check the LGU schedule before traveling. Festival dates are usually consistent, but concerts, parades and competitions can move from one year to another.
- Book accommodation early for bigger celebrations. This is especially important for places such as Iligan, Camiguin, Borongan and Surigao City.
- Arrive before the main fiesta day. Street dancing and cultural competitions are often held one or two days before the actual feast.
- Expect heavier traffic around the poblacion. Roads near churches, plazas and municipal halls may be closed for processions and parades.
- Bring rain protection. September is still part of the rainy season in much of the Philippines.
- Respect the religious side of the celebration. Many festivals may look like tourist events, but the heart of a traditional town fiesta remains devotion to the community’s patron saint.
What Are the Biggest September 2026 Fiestas to Watch?
For travelers who want bigger celebrations rather than small local fiestas, several stand out.
Diyandi Festival in Iligan City is probably one of the most nationally recognizable.
Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw in Surigao City is another major Mindanao celebration.
In Eastern Visayas, Borongan’s Padul-ong Festival, Calbayog’s Hadang Festival and Laoang Town Fiesta are worth watching.
In the Visayas, Dauin Fiesta and Kinaiyahan Festival, Jagna’s Sinu-og Estokada, Argao’s La Torta Festival and Samboan’s Dagayday Festival offer very different cultural experiences.
And if you’re near Metro Manila, San Mateo’s Septemberfest and San Rafael’s Angel Festival are much easier to reach.
Are Philippine Town Fiestas Holidays?
Not automatically.
A town fiesta does not automatically mean that offices, schools and businesses are closed.
In some cases, Malacañang issues a proclamation declaring a special non-working day in a municipality or city so residents can participate in the celebration.
These proclamations are usually issued individually and may only be announced weeks before the fiesta.
So if you’re checking whether there will be #WalangPasok or no government office during a particular September fiesta, wait for an official proclamation from Malacañang or an announcement from the LGU.
Is September a Good Month for Festival Travel in the Philippines?
Definitely, especially if you enjoy local celebrations.
September doesn’t receive the same festival attention as January, May or October, but that’s part of its charm.
Instead of only encountering huge tourist-oriented events, you can experience celebrations where the town itself remains the heart of the fiesta.
One week you could be watching a Marian procession in Eastern Samar. A few days later, dozens of towns are honoring San Nicolas de Tolentino. By the end of the month, St. Michael fiestas are happening from Bicol and Eastern Visayas to Cebu, Bohol and Mindanao.
That’s a lot of Philippine culture packed into one month.
Final Thoughts
September 2026 is shaping up to be another colorful month for Philippine town fiestas.
The celebrations begin early with places such as Mambajao, Las Navas, Calbayog and Borongan. September 10 brings a large group of San Nicolas de Tolentino fiestas, particularly across Iloilo, Negros and Surigao. Then the final days of the month become especially busy as communities including Laoang, Oas, Irosin, Jagna, Argao, Samboan, Tangub and Iligan honor St. Michael the Archangel.
And remember, the fiesta itself is often only the culmination.
Many towns begin celebrating days or even weeks earlier with sports tournaments, beauty pageants, cultural nights, trade fairs, concerts and religious activities.
So if you’re planning a trip around one of these destinations in September 2026, keep checking the official LGU schedule as the date gets closer.
There will almost certainly be more events announced.
And wherever you decide to celebrate, expect what Filipino fiestas have always been known for: faith, food, family, music, community and a very warm welcome.
