September is ending on a high note, with big-name concerts, Filipino music, classical performances, film, fandom events and cultural celebrations taking over Metro Manila. Whether you’re in the mood for timeless ballads, contemporary OPM, anime, drag queens, vinyl or a taste of Negros, there’s plenty to put on the weekend calendar. Here’s what’s worth stepping out for:
1. Catch Josh of SB19 in his solo showcase
SB19’s Josh Cullen takes the spotlight for “Like Me,” his upcoming solo showcase and the latest chapter in the P-pop star’s solo career. The show comes after a series of cryptic teasers for his new music, making this a chance for fans to hear his latest work live. Sept. 26 at Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier, Taguig City
2. Hear Engelbert Humperdinck’s timeless hits
Legendary British singer Engelbert Humperdinck returns to Manila for “The Legend Continues... The Celebration Tour 2026.” After more than six decades in music and more than 150 million records sold worldwide, Humperdinck brings songs including “Release Me,” “Quando Quando Quando,” “A Man Without Love,” “The Last Waltz” and “Spanish Eyes” to Manila. Sept. 25 at New Frontier Theater, Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City
3. Discover the best of Negros at BÚTLAK
Negros takes over Metro Manila with BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair, bringing together fashion, art, food, crafts and other products that showcase the island’s creativity and heritage. Come hungry, leave with something made with a distinctly Negrense touch. Until Sept. 27 at SMX Convention Center Aura
4. Spend a night with today’s OPM at Navotas Music Fest
Cup of Joe, Maki, Mayonnaise and KAIA headline the Navotas Music Fest for a night spanning contemporary OPM, alternative rock and P-pop. Organizers have dropped General Admission tickets to ₱999 for the “Final Festival Drop,” giving music fans one last chance to catch the four-act lineup. Sept. 26 at Navotas Convention Center
5. See Krystal Mejes in ‘Becoming’
Former “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0” second Big Placer Krystal Mejes takes the stage for “BECOMING: The Advocacy Concert,” a night combining music, personal stories and advocacy. The former child star headlines the Star Music production. Sept. 26 at New Frontier Theater, Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City
6. Hear freedom through bamboo in ‘MALAYA’
The FEU Bamboo Band presents “MALAYA: Songs of Freedom,” a musical showcase celebrating liberty, Filipino identity, resilience and youth empowerment through the distinctive sound of Philippine bamboo instruments. The program moves from local traditions and social commentary to international anthems, including “Kapayapaan,” “Salidumay,” “Wind of Change” and “Imagine.” The FEU Chorale joins the band for “Bayan Ko.” Sept. 26 at FEU Auditorium, Manila
7. Open the PPO’s new season with ‘DA CAPO’
The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra launches its 42nd concert season, MODULATIO, with “CONCERT I – DA CAPO.” The opening program features Jeffrey Ching’s What Happens in Every Classical Piece Explained in 15 Minutes, the Asian premiere of Carl Czerny’s Symphony No. 6, and Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor,” performed by Spanish pianist Martin Garcia Garcia. Sept. 25 at Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Makati
8. Catch the best of Filipino cinema at CinePanalo
The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival continues at Gateway Cineplex 18, showcasing films by established and student filmmakers. The festival runs through Oct. 4, giving moviegoers more than a weekend to catch this year’s Filipino entries. Until Oct. 4 at Gateway Cineplex 18, Quezon City
9. Run with the Straw Hat Pirates
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The One Piece Run PH returns for its second edition, featuring 10K, 5K, 3K and 1K categories. Inspired by the Elbaph Arc, the event also features One Piece-themed installations, photo opportunities, merchandise and character experiences. Participants get a One Piece-inspired finisher’s medal and Straw Hat Pirates’ Jolly Roger finisher’s towel. Sept. 26 at SM Mall of Asia Complex
10. Celebrate Mid-Autumn at Lucky Chinatown
Lucky Chinatown’s Moonlit Reverie: A Mid-Autumn Celebration continues with a series of activities inspired by Chang’e, the legendary Moon Goddess. This weekend brings the Chang’e Portrait Studio, a Giant Mooncake Showcase on Sept. 25 and traditional Chinese songs and dances on Sept. 26. The season-long celebration runs through Oct. 7. Lucky Chinatown, Manila
11. Watch drag queens take over the big screen
Drag royalty hits the movies with “Stop! That! Train!,” a 95-minute comedy starring RuPaul and Drag Race favorites including Ginger Minj, Jujubee, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Latrice Royale, Marcia Marcia Marcia and Symone. The film follows two train stewardesses caught in an outrageous disaster involving a catastrophic “Stormaganza” and a presidential rescue mission. Sept. 25–26 at Robinsons Movieworld, Robinsons Manila, Robinsons Pavia and Robinsons Galleria Cebu
12. Explore Manila’s history at My Manila Tourism Expo
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines joins the My Manila Tourism Expo with an exhibit highlighting the lives and legacies of Apolinario Mabini and Jose Rizal in Manila. “From Nagtahan to Bagumbayan: Rizal and Mabini's Memories of Manila” will be accompanied by a book sale featuring history-related publications, as well as history-themed games and NHCP merchandise. Sept. 25–27 at Foro de Intramuros, Manila
13. Plan your dream wedding at Wedding Expo Philippines
Wedding Expo Philippines returns for its 47th edition as Themes & Motifs celebrates 25 years of “Beautiful Beginnings.” Soon-to-weds can meet wedding suppliers, check out products and services, attend food tastings and start putting together the details for the big day. Sept. 26–27 at SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex
14. Go all in on ube at SM North EDSA
SM North EDSA turns The Block Atrium purple for its first Ube Craze festival, bringing together 20 food and beverage brands for 17 days of ube-inspired treats. The festival features familiar names such as Bibingka Manila, Cha Tra Mue, Cold Stone, Famous Belgian Waffles, Karabella, Macarons Macarons, Matchanese, Milksha, Mom’s Ube & Triple Chocolate Champorado, Nords, Panero, Pocofino, Polland, Project Pop Shake, Red Ribbon, Quickly and Yogorino. Select brands will also offer festival-exclusive creations for the full “ubemaxxing” experience. Free admission. Until Oct. 4 at The Block Atrium, SM North EDSA
15. Pair vinyl with coffee and matcha
One Stop Record Fair returns with Whisk & Spin, combining vinyl shopping with coffee and matcha. Spend the weekend browsing records while listening to music spun on Audio-Technica turntables in this free-entry event at National Bookstore’s Cubao superbranch. Sept. 25–27 at National Bookstore Superbranch Cubao, Quezon City