CCP Pasinaya turns 20 with bigger festival

Slated for 7 and 8 February 2026, CCP Pasinaya: The Open House Festival returns under the theme “Paglikha sa Kinabukasan,” officially opening National Arts Month with an expanded lineup of activities across Metro Manila and the regions. The 20th edition introduces new program components and welcomes additional venue partners, including a new regional site in Roxas City, Capiz.

New venues and regional partners join festival

Among the new venue partners are Rizal Park Luneta, Calle Wright as part of Paseo Museo, and a new regional venue in Roxas City. Longtime regional partners Iloilo City and Tagum City also return for the 2026 edition.

“We are pleased to expand the festival to additional partner venues across Metro Manila and the regions, enabling wider public participation in artmaking and appreciation. As CCP Pasinaya marks its 20th edition, the festival continues to offer new experiences even for its long-standing audiences,” said CCP President Kaye C. Tinga in a statement.

Palihan workshops and Palabas performances

The festival keeps its two-day format: 7 February is dedicated to Palihan, a workshop-all-you-can program focused on hands-on artmaking and learning. And 8 February features Palabas, showcasing performances by 169 participating groups, including the National Performing Arts Companies, professional performing arts groups, and individual artists.

Youth, participation, and “Paglikha sa Kinabukasan”

Guided by the 2026 theme, CCP Pasinaya continues to emphasize public engagement, particularly among young Filipinos.

“Guided by this year’s theme, 'Paglikha sa Kinabukasan,' CCP Pasinaya seeks to go beyond presenting art—it aims to foster a culture of active artmaking where Filipinos, especially the youth, are not just spectators but co-creators in our creative landscape,” said CCP Artistic Director and Pasinaya Festival Director Dennis N. Marasigan.

Paligsahan debuts with interactive competitions

A new festival component, Paligsahan, launches in 2026 to broaden participation through interactive activities. These include Paeksena (cosplay competition), Paramihan (TikTok video challenge), Paseo Museo Paunahan (stamp rally), Pitik-Larawan (photo contest), Sinag ng Pasinaya (mobile 1v1 fighting game), and the Vertical Shorts Competition.

Paseo Museo, tours, and free shuttle service

Paseo Museo returns with hop-on, hop-off curatorial tours across 17 museums and galleries in Metro Manila, with select venues hosting performances and workshops. Free shuttle services will again be provided in partnership with the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, alongside a new CCP Complex walking tour led by the Heritage Collective.

Multiple venues, 50,000 attendees expected

Projected to draw more than 50,000 attendees, CCP Pasinaya 2026 will be held across multiple venues, including the CCP Complex, Circuit Performing Arts Theater, Rizal Park Luneta, and the Metropolitan Theater.

From preview event to national arts festival

Launched in 2005, CCP Pasinaya has evolved from a preview platform for CCP productions into the official kickoff event of National Arts Month, adopting a “workshop-all-you-can, watch-all-you-can, and pay-what-you-can” model to widen access to Philippine arts.

For details on the Paligsahan component, including participation mechanics, follow the CCP on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.