Coming to the Philippines in October offers you a combination of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and the opportunity to experience the country’s vibrant festivals and outdoor adventures.
One of the most notable celebrations is the MassKara Festival in Bacolod City. Aside from the MassKara Festival, you can find more local festivals taking place during this time, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage and fun atmosphere.
Here are 5 lively festivals in October you can add-on your itinerary:
MassKara Festival
Time: late October
Location: Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

One of the Philippines’ most vibrant and colorful festivals, the MassKara Festival takes place every 4th Sunday of October in Bacolod City, Philippines. The name “MassKara” comes from the Spanish word “máscara,” meaning “mask. Hence, the highlight of it is the grand street dance parade, where performers in elaborate, colorful costumes and masks dance to lively music.
Catandungan Festival
Time: October 24 to 26
Location: Virac, Catanduanes

The Catandungan Festival is an annual event that is conducted to honor the creation of the province and Our Lady of La Naval. This lively festival involved various activities such as military parade, photo and arts exhibition, musical shows, sporting events, talents shows, water activities like surfing and boat racing, street dance and festival dance showdown, and trade fair.
Lanzones Festival
Time: Late October
Location: Mambajao, Camiguin

Lanzones Festival is celebrated annually every third week of October to express honor to the bounty harvest of the Lanzones fruit. Lanzones is a sweet tropical fruit that is a pride of the Camiguin locals. This week-long celebration contains many lively activities such as parade, trade fair, sport events, inter-agency dance showdown, competitions, and many more.
Kasanggayahan Festival
Time: October 1 to 31
Location: Sorsogon City, Sorsogon

The Kasanggayahan Festival is the largest event that is conducted to celebrate the founding of the beautiful province – Sorsogon. The phrase “Kasanggayahan” translates to “abundance” or “prosperity” in the Bicol language, reflecting the festival theme of happiness.
The highlighted event is the grand parade, where participants wear colorful costumes, and dances that represent the region’s history, cultural traditions, and agricultural bounty.
Zamboanga Hermosa Festival
Time: October 12th
Location: Zamboanga City
The Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, also called Fiesta Pilar, is celebrated annually every October 12th, coinciding with the Feast Day of the Nuestra Señora del Pilar. The festivals is dedicated to expressing honor to Zamboangueño people’s patron saint – the Nuestra Señora del Pilar.
This lively festival provides visitors with an immersive cultural experience through dynamic street parade, live music performances, market fair, ceremonies, racing show and more.
It’s worth visiting the Philippines in October to soak yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, unique festivity and also more beautiful cultural surroundings of this remarkable country!