FREE NYE 2026 Countdown & Firework Shows in the Philippines

You really do not need to spend a month’s worth of grocery money just to have a decent New Year’s Eve. While some hotel ballrooms are charging over ₱17,000 for a single seat, you should know that several spots across the Philippines are actually opening their gates for free.

If you are willing to deal with the crowds and pack a bit of patience, you can catch some of the biggest names in the industry on a budget! We are talking about major stars like SB19, Angeline Quinto, and PBB Collab ex-housemate Klarisse de Guzman, along with many other OPM legends. To help you plan your night, we listed the best spots from the heart of Manila to the provinces where you can find free countdown shows and fireworks to ring in 2026.

FREE NYE 2026 Countdown Shows in Metro Manila

If you want a big party but have zero budget, Metro Manila is the best place. Many cities have open-air concerts and light shows that cost nothing. You can see P-pop groups and OPM legends for FREE. Here are the best spots:

Bridgetowne "Where We Shine As One"

Robinsons Land is having a big show at Bridgetowne. The theme is "Where We Shine As One." They will have a high tech drone show which is the first one in this area! The drones will move along with the lights on the big Victor statue. It is going to look so estetik!

• Where: Bridgetowne Open Grounds, Pasig City (near Eulogio Rodriguez Jr. Ave)

• Lineup: Bamboo, Rob Deniel, Angela Ken, Hey June!, and Imago. Hosted by MJ Lastimosa and MacoyDubs with music by DJ Jimmy Nocon.

• Time: 7:00 PM onwards

Also read: 6 Filipino Foods to Eat During New Year's Eve for Better Luck and Wealth in 2026

Quezon City Countdown to 2026

If you live in the North, go to the Memorial Circle. They always have the longest list of singers. There is rock, pop, and funny hosts to keep you awake until midnight.

• Where: Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City

• Lineup: Kamikazee, Mayonnaise, Soapdish, The Itchyworms, Lola Amour, Gloc-9, Angeline Quinto, Streetboys, Reese Lansangan, and Dilaw.

• Time: 5:00 PM onwards

Nova Countdown to 2026 (Quezon City)

Quezon City also has another show for people in District 5. If you are near Novaliches, go to Nova Park. It is a fun community show with great singers and a "bonggang" fireworks display at the end.

• Where: Nova Park, Novaliches Bayan, Quezon City

• Lineup: Angeline Quinto, John Roa, Bayang Barrios, Ronnie Liang, Jennica Garcia, Pixie Ppop Band, Jeremy Glinoga, and Khimo Gumatay. Hosted by Super Trix, Tyang Marya, MC, and Lassy.

• Time: 6:00 PM onwards

Eastwood City New Year Countdown

If you want a "New York" feel, Eastwood is the place. They are famous for the "Star Drop" at midnight. They also have neon paint and cool light shows this year.

• Where: Eastwood Mall Open Park, Quezon City

• Lineup: Rico Blanco, Maki, Klarisse De Guzman, KAIA, and Ena Mori. Hosted by Princess Legaspi and Martin Javier.

• Time: 8:00 PM onwards

Makati in Full Color: Ayala Avenue Countdown

Makati is turning the whole street into a giant party. This is a high energy show with a mix of old songs and new hits. It is a very cool place to welcome the new year with your barkada.

• Where: Intersection of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue, Makati City

• Lineup: Ely Buendia, Cup of Joe, Morissette, juan karlos, Sofronio Vasquez III, and the Divine Divas.

• Time: 6:00 PM onwards

NYE Kapuso Countdown to 2026

Want to see fireworks by the sea? Go to MOA! The ambience would surely be vibrant and romantic. GMA Network is hosting this event. It is great if you love K-pop and long to see famous Kapuso TV stars.

• Where: Seaside Blvd, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City

• Lineup: K-pop group AHOF, Julie Anne San Jose, Christian Bautista, Rayver Cruz, Rocco Nacino, and Kyline Alcantara.

• Time: 8:30 PM onwards

NYE At The 5th

BGC’s 5th Avenue will be full of music. They have the biggest fireworks and giant LED screens so everyone can see the stage. This is where SB19 will be!

• Where: 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

• Lineup: SB19, apl.de.ap, Parokya Ni Edgar, KZ Tandingan, TJ Monterde, Dionela, Jay R, and G22.

• Time: 7:00 PM onwards

Also read: Filipino New Year Superstitions – Do You Still Believe in Them?

FREE NYE Countdown 2026 Outside The Metro

You do not have to be in Manila to have fun. Many cities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao have their own free parties to welcome the new year.

Baguio City 2026 Countdown

If you want to welcome 2026 in cold weather, go to Melvin Jones Field in Baguio. This is part of the "An Enchanting Baguio Christmas" festival. It has many local singers and a beautiful fireworks show over Burnham Park.

• Where: Melvin Jones Field, Burnham Park, Baguio City

• Lineup: Powerpuffcorn Band, Sugarpaps, Charlie Jaguars, Blame the Crow, Pendulum, Fishbowl, and Sounds of Liberty.

• Time: Preshow at 6:00 PM and Main show at 9:00 PM

Iloilo City Community Countdown

Mayor Raisa Treñas invites everyone to a big celebration at the Freedom Grandstand. This event happens every year. It gives the community a safe place to watch a central fireworks show.

• Where: Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, Iloilo City

• Lineup: Community Fireworks and Local Performances

• Time: 11:30 PM

Tagum City Countdown & Fireworks

People in Davao del Norte can go to the Tagum Flyover. The local government has a big fireworks display so that everyone in the city can see it from far away.

• Where: Tagum Flyover, Tagum City

• Lineup: Grand Fireworks Display

• Time: 11:00 PM

Where to park and how to get there?

Image credit: Canva Pro

• Quezon Memorial Circle. The city has parking at QC Hall and Mayaman, Matalino, and Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago Streets. Police will use a "stop and go" system for people walking once the paths get too full.

• BGC (NYE at the 5th). You can park at buildings like the American Express building on 5th Avenue. Entrance is via Lane A. Many roads like 30th and 5th Avenue will close at noon. It is better to park at Market! Market! or SM Aura and just walk.

• Makati (Ayala Avenue). Most roads like Ayala and Makati Avenue are closed to cars. Use the MRT-3 Ayala Station if you are commuting. If you drive, try parking in Legaspi or Salcedo Village and walk to the area.

• Baguio City. The city center will be very busy. Public transport usually runs late but if you stay outside the center you should check for special night service jeepneys.

“Pahabol” New Year Events for 2026

If you want to avoid the crowds on December 31, you can still watch events on the first day of the year. Santander in Cebu has a grand fireworks show at the Municipal Grounds at midnight on January 1. SM City Tarlac also has a holiday fireworks show at 7:00 PM on January 1, 2026. This is great for families who do not want to stay out too late on New Year's Eve.

Start 2026 the smart way!

Image credit: Canva Pro

Welcoming 2026 in the Philippines does not have to be expensive. You can enjoy grand fireworks and live music for free by visiting these community countdowns in Metro Manila and the provinces. Since many hotel events cost too much, these free public shows are the best way to see your favorite OPM artists and big light displays without spending your savings.

To have the best experience, make sure to plan your travel early to beat the heavy New Year traffic. Whether you are going to the Makati street party, the Baguio fireworks, or the BGC countdown, arriving early helps you get a good view before the crowds get too big. Stay safe, keep your belongings close, and enjoy a great New Year’s Eve celebration with your family and friends.

Featured image credit: renebbernal | Unsplash