LIST: 16 Things You Can Do This Long Weekend

The sun is finally out — and we hope it stays that way, at least for the next few days. Metro Manila has a lot of exciting things in store that are worth leaving the comfort of your home for this August 21 to 23.

Whatever it is you’re looking for, whether it’s a shop or food market to splurge on, a hobby to try, or a tour to experience in your time off, here’s how you can make the most out of the long weekend. 

1. August 19-23: Souk Matcha & Ube Fest 

The matcha and ube craze shows no signs of slowing down, so here’s one for the fans. Running until August 23, the Souk Matcha & Ube Fest at Trinoma offers a variety of twists on the crowd-favorite green tea and purple yam, with homegrown culinary artisans, lifestyle vendors, and specialty beverage brands all together in one space.

2. August 21: Manila Temple Hop

Not only travelers, but also history geeks are in for a treat, thanks to the Manila Temple Hop. Highlighting Filipino-Chinese heritage, the guided walking tour explores Buddhist, Taoist, and Chinese folk shrines across the historic districts of San Nicolas and Binondo in Manila.

3. August 22: Lakbay Saysay: Bakas ng Rebolusyon

This tour is also guaranteed to spark your passion for culture. Lakbay Saysay: Bakas ng Rebolusyon shines a light on landmark Philippine revolution sites in Quezon City, in honor of Filipinos who fought for the freedom of the country.

4. August 22: Lakbay Tranvia: Intramuros

Roll over the historic cobblestones of the Walled City by hopping aboard a classic streetcar. From Fort Santiago to Casa Manila, Lakbay Tranvia takes you through the notable old plazas, bastions, and museums in Intramuros for an educational trip worth braving the weather for.

5. August 22: Wild Encounters: A Petting Zoo Experience

Calling all animal lovers! No need to go out of your way to enjoy wildlife watching, as Wild Encounters: A Petting Zoo Experience hosts a special meet-and-touch experience with family-friendly animals at the Parqal Amphitheater in Parañaque. The event is open to visitors of all ages with a minimal entrance fee.

6. August 22: Crafting Your Artist Statement with Kath Elefante

A different kind of experience awaits creatives with this workshop. RiseSpace Art Gallery brings in the Word Tonic PH founder, co-author of Grit: A Record Winning Streak, and writer-editor Kath Elefante for a creative writing session designed specifically for visual artists building their own branding and statement.

7. August 22: Cocktails and Keepsakes

Here’s how you can keep your creative juices flowing with a drink or two in hand. Cocktails and Keepsakes invites everyone to a sip-and-paint kind of night, but make it Binondo-style. All painting materials, plus handcrafted cocktails, are provided — you just need to come and have a good time.

8. August 22: Millennial Block Party 

Get the party started this weekend! Happening on August 22, the Millennial Block Party is bringing back the sounds of the ‘90s and early 2000s across The Palace Manila’s Medusa, Al Fresco, and Revel in BGC for you to let nostalgia take over and dance the night away.

9. August 22: Mahjong Mania at Cache Coffee and Cocktails 

Another way to say “cheers” to the break is by joining the Mahjong Mania at Cache Coffee and Cocktails in Makati. The pop-up event mixes brain-teasing tile games with specialty coffee and signature cocktails for a fun-filled evening around the table. 

10. August 22: Forest Bathing Session

If you’re looking to slow down and touch some grass, this nature trip is for you. munimuni welcomes guests for a guided forest bathing session at Buyo The Farm and Villas in Tanay, Rizal, offering a soothing escape from the hustle and bustle of the metro.

11. August 23: A Very Laufey Day

For A Very Laufey Day, Lauvers can browse the shelves, find their next read, and chat with fellow book club members for a one-of-a-kind experience of Laufey’s world. The event takes place at Everything’s Fine, the official partner for the Makati stop, on August 23.

12. August 21-23: The Modern Market

Take this as your sign to have that retail therapy you deserve for making it through another week. The Modern Market returns to Rizal Row, Estancia this August 21 to 23, bringing together more than 40 shops and brands for you to choose from and indulge in, plus special freebies you can take home.

13. August 22-23: Sips & Sing-Along: Wicked Karaoke

While we don’t want anyone to summon the rains again (LOL), this Broadway-themed event is not something to gatekeep. Sips & Sing-Along: Wicked Karaoke is a two-night celebration hosted at Dear Darling Cafe in Quezon City that will let you sing your hearts out to your favorites from the hit musical Wicked.

14. August 22-23: Korea Travel Fiesta 2026

K-pop and K-culture fans, where you at? Korea Travel Fiesta  2026 arrives at the SM Mall of Asia this weekend, spotlighting winter-themed travel deals, immersive cultural booths, and of course, special appearances from some of your favorite South Korean and Filipino celebrities. Guests include K-pop star Bae Jin Young, singer Gwyn Dorado, and host-comedian Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, among many others. And the even better news: admission is totally free.

15. August 22-23: Paw Fest: Community Pet Fair 2026

This one’s for the fur babies that deserve to spend a little more fun with their hoomans this weekend. The Coachella-themed Paw Fest 2026—or Pawchella—is set to be held from August 22 to 23 at Robinsons Magnolia. From fur-friendly competitions to overflowing goodie bags, freebies, and surprises, your pets are sure to receive the full VIP treatment in this two-day fair.

16. August 21-25: The District Archive: A Makati Flea Market

With this curated Makati flea market, you get to spoil yourself, too. The District Archive—featuring local, pre-loved, and vintage finds, creative brands, and artisan food businesses—is the latest to pop up at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati. Shoppers are free to explore their options even beyond the long weekend as it is open until August 25.