Nguyen Thi Mai Huong, deputy director of the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, announced the plans at a press conference on the city's socioeconomic performance in the third quarter.

The celebrations commemorate the 72nd anniversary of Hanoi's Liberation Day, Oct. 10, 1954 - Oct. 10, 2026.

At West Lake, the show will combine high- and low-altitude fireworks, water-based fireworks and pyrotechnic effects, with 900 fireworks installations positioned on the lake.

The display will be synchronized with music, creating one of the main attractions of the celebrations on the evening of Oct. 10.

West Lake's expansive waterfront, unobstructed views and wide viewing area are expected to allow large numbers of residents and visitors to watch the show.

A second fireworks site will be set up near the Hanoi Post Office in Hoan Kiem Ward. It will feature high- and low-altitude fireworks and pyrotechnics, with 350 installations positioned on Hoan Kiem Lake.

Both fireworks displays are scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. on Oct. 10 and last approximately 15 minutes.

Performances across central Hanoi and outlying areas

Alongside the fireworks, Hanoi is organizing a series of cultural and artistic activities at cultural and heritage sites across the city, beginning in late September and intensifying throughout October.

Ho Guom Opera will host two artistic programs on Oct. 9 and 10.

The Oct. 9 performance will be a ticketed event designed as an international music program, presenting notable works from Vietnam and around the world while connecting contemporary music with Hanoi's distinctive cultural identity.

On Oct. 10, a special production titled "Hanoi Symphony" will combine classical music and notable Vietnamese compositions with modern stagecraft. The performance will retrace the capital's journey from the historic autumn of 1954 to its development in a new era.

Also on the evening of Oct. 10, the "80 Years - Hanoi's Heroic Song Lives On" program will be held at Den Ba Kieu flower garden.

The event marks the 80th anniversary of the traditional day of the capital's armed forces, Oct. 19, 1946 - Oct. 19, 2026. It will portray their development and history of combat while paying tribute to generations of officers and soldiers who sacrificed and contributed to Hanoi's peace and security.

On the evenings of Oct. 9 and 10, Hanoi's performing arts organizations will also stage shows at Den Ba Kieu flower garden, Tay Tuu Ward and the communes of Trung Gia, Hoai Duc, Yen Lang, Quang Oai, Xuan Mai and Huong Son.

At 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays between Oct. 2 and 31, Hanoi's drama, cheo traditional opera and cai luong reformed theater companies will stage a range of productions, including Huyen tich Ho Guom, Net duyen cheo Ha Thanh, Quan Am Thi Kinh and Nguoi con gai Ha Thanh.

The city will also organize 40 mobile film screenings and another 15 screenings at cinemas during the anniversary period.

October's festival calendar includes the Hanoi Beverage Festival from Oct. 9-11 and the Hanoi Autumn Festival from Oct. 16-18.

To coincide with the 72nd anniversary, Hanoi has developed 72 suggested itineraries for exploring the capital.

The routes highlight the city's history, culture, heritage, architecture, craft villages, cuisine and creative spaces, linking destinations with distinctive visitor experiences.

Hanoi is also completing and launching HanoiGo, a smart tourism platform integrating information on destinations, heritage sites, scenic attractions, craft villages, service providers, tourism products and itineraries.

From Oct. 9-11, the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism will host "Heritage Origins in the Heart of the Capital," featuring activities celebrating cultural roots, honoring the Hung Kings and showcasing traditional cultural heritage.

City-level heritage sites will remain open to visitors and organize cultural and artistic activities, historical programs and initiatives aimed at introducing younger generations to Hanoi's traditions and history.

Thanh Hue