Weekend hangs: MIBF, Purveyr Fair, live music, and matcha events this Sept. 11-13
Big weekend plans ahead! While major events like the Manila International Book Fair and PURVEYR Fair are happening, Metro Manila's creative scene has plenty of smaller, equally exciting pop-ups tucked into different corners of the metro.
If you're looking to score unique finds from Filipino makers, check out Locally Made, or catch live music performances at SONIK Philippines—there's no shortage of new experiences to explore from Sept. 11 to 13.
Here are some of our favorite events to check out this weekend.
Sept. 9–13: Manila International Book Fair
Bookworms have a reason to head to Pasay this weekend as the Manila International Book Fair, the largest and longest running book fair in the Philippines, continues its run at the SMX Convention Center Manila.
From now until Sept. 13, gather as MIBF brings together publishers, bookstores, authors, educators and readers for five days of book launches, signings, forums and workshops. The fair’s calendar includes more than 60 activities, so there’s more to do than simply browse the booths for your next read.
Expect book talks and signings from Jose Dalisay, Randy Valiente, and Jose Victor Torres; book launches by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard, Harold Fiesta, and Victoria Rico Costina. There's also the Komiks Kalye at Function Room 1 where you can catch your favorite comics publishers and creators.
The fair is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at SMX Convention Center Manila. General admission is P50.
Sept. 12–13: PURVEYR Fair 2026
PURVEYR Fair is returning for its 12th edition this weekend, bringing together Filipino fashion, art, design, food and other creative businesses at the World Trade Center in Pasay. This time, it is expanding to two tents spanning around 5,200 square meters, with 137 merchants and 24 food and beverage stalls, live acts and talks. Some of the brands and creatives joining this year include Seine Studios, Pilosopo, Catsua, ANABEZA and The Indie Bookshop.
It won’t just be a shopping stop, either. PURVEYR Fair will have live performances throughout the weekend, with nine acts scheduled on Sept. 12, including Chicosci, Up Dharma Down, Alisson Shore, Ysanygo, Anima Tierra, RuiijiKun, FABLES, OZO, and Baby Freeze.
The fair will also feature an outdoor marketplace and a dedicated Food Hall for visitors looking to spend the day browsing, eating and listening to live music. F&B merchants such as Fiasfud, Onlypans Taqueria, Baker on East, Now Now, Pluck, and more are joining this year's fair.
There will also be a talk titled "The State of Space: How Are Filipinos Designing for the Home Today?" It takes place on Sept. 13 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The session explores evolving Filipino tastes and perspectives in interior design, architecture, homeware, and decor in the post-pandemic era. Photographer and writer Jar Concengco will moderate a panel featuring Lando Cusi, Patrick Kasingsing, Selena Placino, and Rossy Rojales.
Aside from those, fun booths and limited edition items from partner brands are also launching this weekend. Penshoppe, for instance, is previewing its collection in collaboration with Chicago-based Filipino streetwear brand ABAKADA. Shoppers who pre-order at the venue get a free balikbayan blind box filled with exclusive key charms. Maya, on the other hand, will launch their limited-edition card designed by Raxenne Maniquiz. If you get one, you'll get a free scarf and a chance to get free coffee from Yardstick or cocktail drom Proudly Promdi, which also have booths at the fair. Meanwhile, Spotify will also have a Spotify Premium Lounge where you can hang out and listen to music.
The fair is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the World Trade Center Tent. Day passes cost P600, while a two-ticket bundle is available for P1,100.
Get your tickets here.
Sept. 11–13: Locally Made
If you love supporting local, head to Ayala Malls Circuit Makati this weekend! Locally Made—brought to you by Up Nxt! and Discover MNL—is back, featuring 25 curated homegrown brands.
Shop for unique finds from Shop Aviel, Handa Crafts, Henry's Cameras, Amitie by Y2N, and Infinimini, or grab a bite at food spots like Ongpin Bao, Rebel, Curio, and Blue Smoke MNL.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is free to the public.
Sept. 11–12: SONIK Philippines 2026
SONIK Philippines is bringing its music conference and live showcases back to Green Sun in Makati this Sept. 11-12.
The two-day event combines live performances with conversations about the music industry, bringing together artists and music professionals while creating a space for new sounds and collaborations.
The music lineup includes The Itchyworms, OZO, MEI MEI and Dobby on the first day, followed by Louie Grammz, Morobeats, Maria Aragon and Kaiyel on the second.
Key session topics include the current state of the Philippine music industry, emerging audio trends, insights from independent Asian tours, and strategies for international growth.
Tickets are available here with passes starting at P750.
Sept. 12: Tiles & Tea
Anyone up for a game of mahjong? Come visit Lazy Suzy on Sept. 12 at 2 p.m. for another round of Tiles & Tea by the Mahjong Maven Club.
The registration is priced at P2,000 per person and it comes with an East Side Sampler and drink.
Sept. 12: Tipsy Pottery Night
Who says you need a sober mind to make great art? Grab a glass and unleash your inner artist for a Tipsy Pottery Night at Tipple Café, Molito this Saturday, Sept. 12!
In partnership with Studio Matisse and Tipple Café, enjoy a delightfully boozy afternoon of pottery, making mugs or painting ceramics.
The fee is priced at P2,800 per person and it already includes food and drinks.
Sept. 12–13: Mini Matcha Fest
Can't get enough of matcha? Well if you missed other matcha festivals, make sure to calendar this one.
The Social Fair's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: Mini Matcha Fest" is happening on Sept. 12-13 at the Open Space, bringing local matcha brands such as Hira House, 9SQM Neo Asian Cafe, Mado, Matcha! More, Matcha Please, and Yamori Matcha. Not only is this a perfect space to try unique creations but also learn more from fellow matcha enthusiasts.
Mini Matcha Fest runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the 3/F YL Building in Legazpi Village, Makati. Admission is free.
Sept. 12: ‘Dark Matter’
For a quieter weekend activity, check out Dark Matter, an exhibition presented by The Monarch in collaboration with Fort & Tailler.
The exhibit explores strength, presence, identity and the details that shape us through works presented at Fort & Tailler’s space in Molito Lifestyle Center.
The opening begins at 5 p.m. and offers visitors a chance to experience the exhibition alongside the space’s design-focused setting.
Admission is completely free, but you'll need to register ahead of time! It's going to be a fantastic evening, featuring complimentary wine and cheese served all night long.
Sept. 12–13: Bushiroad EXPO 2026
Anime and card-game fans can head to One Ayala this weekend as Bushiroad EXPO 2026 makes a stop in Manila.
The free two-day event will feature trading card game demos, exclusive merchandise, game tryouts and exhibition areas for titles including Cardfight!! Vanguard, Weiß Schwarz, Shadowverse: Evolve and Palworld Official Card Game. Fans can also meet MyGO!!!!!’s Hina Aoki during the event.
Visitors can join demo sessions and try out different games, while select purchases come with exclusive freebies. Plus, there's also a chance for you to create your own card. The participation for this activity is limited and will be on a first-come, first-served basis each day.
Bushiroad EXPO runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at The Concourse at One Ayala in Makati. Admission is free.
Sept. 12: 6cyclemind’s 25th anniversary concert
For a night of OPM nostalgia, 6cyclemind is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a free concert at Eton Centris in Quezon City.
The band behind songs such as Sandalan, Sige, Upside Down and Biglaan will be joined by Gigi de Lana, Bino of Sunkissed Lola, HEY JUNE! and The Dawn’s Jet Pangan. Former 6cyclemind member Chuck Isidro’s band, CLNO, will also open the show.
Gates open at 4 p.m., with the show starting at 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Sept. 13: Second Chances
We all love a good ukay-ukay haul, but spending hours digging through packed racks isn't always the vibe.
This Sunday, head straight to SECOND CHANCES! They’ve gathered a handpicked lineup of vintage and secondhand merchants to bring you rare streetwear grails and one-of-one wearable art pieces.
Come visit them at the grand lobby of the historic First United Building on Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (with reports from Amanda Rivera)
