The Sinulog Festival 2026 is gearing up to transform Cebu into a massive stage for music, entertainment, and cultural celebration. From January 16 to 18, the city will host an impressive lineup of free concerts, major promotional tours, and celebrity appearances that promise non-stop excitement for locals and visitors alike.
Friday, January 16: The Festival Kickoff
The festivities begin in earnest on Friday, January 16, with events spread across key venues in the city. The afternoon starts with a GMA Kapuso Mall Show at Ayala Corte Garden at 4 p.m., followed closely by a movie promotion for "The Loved One" featuring actor Jericho Rosales at SM City Cebu's Lower Ground Level at 5 p.m.
As evening approaches, the entertainment options multiply. Rap enthusiasts can head to the Tavern Parking Lot for Rap Battle Year 3 at 6 p.m., featuring performances by Flow G, Skusta Clee, Dice, and K9, with additional acts from Hi-C and Sky Dominique. Simultaneously, Ayala Terraces will host a free live performance by Gigi De Lana alongside the Wonggoys and Kurt Fick.
The night offers several major free concerts requiring strategic planning. The Airasia Love Concert for a Cause at 7 p.m. at Seaside City Cebu Concert Grounds will showcase Parokya ni Edgar, Sponge Cola, Rob Deniel, and Earl Agustin, though pre-registration is mandatory. Plaza Independencia will also come alive at 7 p.m. with Tanduay Night: Sinulog 2026, featuring Phylum, Wilfreedo Band, and the Manila-based group Mayonnaise. For those preferring a club vibe, the "Lyve Fest" at Axis in Vibo Place on Escario Street begins a three-night run from January 16 to 18, with performances by Cookie$, No Pets Allowed, Midnasty, and several other artists.
Saturday, January 17: A Star-Studded Extravaganza
Saturday intensifies the festival energy with events starting from the afternoon. Parkmall in Mandaue will host the Rakrakan Year 9 Sinulog concert from 1 p.m. until midnight, headlined by Missing Filemon and supported by Jewel Villaflores, Yano, Eric Gancio, and others, all with free admission.
Later, the celebrity factor rises significantly. KFC at SM Seaside City Cebu will welcome former Pinoy Big Brother housemate Emilio Daez at 2 p.m. Meanwhile, Cebu IT Park prepares for Winzir Night at 4 p.m., featuring BisPop and BisRock bands like Oh Caraga and Aggressive Audio.
The 5 p.m. slot becomes highly competitive. SM Seaside will be the center of attention with the Sinulog Kapamilya Karavan, boasting a powerhouse lineup including ZsaZsa Padilla, Regine Velasquez, Marielle Montellano, McCoy De Leon, BGYO, and the cast of "ROJA." Concurrently, SM City Cebu offers a meet-and-greet with "Batang Quiapo" star Coco Martin, courtesy of Toyota, and Ayala Terraces holds another GMA Kapuso Mall Show.
Saturday night features two major ticketed events. The Prince of Philippine Rock, Bamboo, performs live with Cueshe at 7 p.m. at the Pacific Grand Ballroom in Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, with tickets expected to be limited. Alternatively, the Coke Studio Sinulog Festival at SM Seaside Concert Grounds will present OPM hitmakers TJ Monterde, The Juans, Shoti, and Wonggoys.
Sunday, January 18: Grand Parade and Final Celebrations
The culmination of the festival on Sunday, January 18, is marked by the grand parade. Kapamilya stars Paulo Avelino, Gab Valenciano, and Dominic Roque will ride on a float courtesy of motorcycle company Wheeltek Nationwide, joining the vibrant procession starting at 1 p.m.
The afternoon continues with more star power. SM City Cebu will host a Kapuso Stars Mall Show at 4 p.m. featuring Jillian Ward, David Licauco, and Kim de Leon for their upcoming series "Never Say Die." At the same time, Ayala Malls Central Bloc in IT Park offers a free live performance by the popular boyband Alamat.
Wrapping up the weekend, former PBB Kapuso housemate Michael Sager is scheduled to appear at the Musikalingawan event in Plaza Independencia at 5 p.m., providing a final touch of celebrity engagement to the festive weekend.
With this packed schedule, Sinulog 2026 solidifies its reputation as not just a cultural and religious observance, but also as the Philippines' premier entertainment festival of the year, offering an unparalleled mix of free concerts, A-list celebrity encounters, and non-stop party energy across Cebu City.
