The ROUND Music Festival is no longer just a digital placeholder on our screens. After six years of anticipation and a journey that spanned the entire ASEAN region, the festival is finally making its grand physical debut in the Philippines this April 18 and 19, 2026. This isn’t your typical weekend concert; it is a high-stakes cultural homecoming that coincides with the Philippines taking the helm as the ASEAN Chair. By moving into the historic Araneta Coliseum, the event is scaling up to meet a massive demand, transforming the Big Dome into a vibrant cross-border stage where K-pop, P-pop, and Southeast Asian indie sounds collide.
The Six-Year Promise Fulfilled
Photo: HallyuLife
The story of ROUND in Manila is one of resilience and timing. Originally slated to launch here in 2020, the festival was forced into the digital realm by the pandemic. While it successfully traveled to Jakarta, Vientiane, and Kuala Lumpur in the years since, there has always been a lingering “what if” regarding its Philippine debut. Returning now, during the country’s Chairship of ASEAN, gives the event a symbolic weight it wouldn’t have had years ago. It marks a transition from “healing and connection” during the pandemic to a full-blown celebration of regional solidarity and soft power.
A Lineup of Firsts and Favorites
Photo: ROUND Festival
The 2026 roster is a carefully curated masterclass in musical diversity, featuring 17 teams from 11 different countries. Leading the charge are local icons Ben&Ben and the soulful TJ Monterde, alongside rising indie-pop stars Cup of Joe. The lineup also features HORI7ON, the all-Filipino group bridging the gap between Manila and Seoul. Adding to the excitement is the hosting duo: the legendary Korean “King of OSTs,” 10CM, and Filipino actress Gabbi Garcia. Their partnership on stage is a literal manifestation of the festival’s “cultural handshake” concept. Fans can also expect a heavy-hitting regional presence from the likes of Tilly Birds (Thailand), Pamungkas (Indonesia), and MeloMance (South Korea), ensuring that the setlist feels global yet deeply rooted in the Asian experience.
Beyond the Main Stage: The ROUND Village
Photo: ROUND Festival
What makes this year particularly interesting is that the experience extends beyond the concert floor. Starting April 17, the Gateway Mall will transform into the “ROUND Village,” a three-day interactive cultural space. This hub will feature exhibitions on the festival’s history and even a specialized K-beauty showcase in collaboration with KBS World. For those who can’t get enough of the music, participating artists are also scheduled to appear on the Wish 107.5 Bus, giving fans a chance to see their favorites in a more intimate, mobile setting before they take on the 13,000-capacity dome.
The Free Ticket Phenomenon
Photo: ROUND Festival
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of ROUND is its commitment to accessibility. Despite the high-tier production and international lineup, admission remains completely free of charge. This model subverts the current trend of skyrocketing ticket prices, making the festival a rare democratic space in the live music industry. However, “free” does not mean “easy”—organizers reported over 100,000 applications within the first 48 hours of registration, briefly crashing the system. It’s a testament to a fanbase that isn’t just hungry for music, but for a shared experience that transcends borders. With the stage set and the region watching, the ROUND Music Festival 2026 is poised to be more than just a show; it’s the moment Manila becomes the musical capital of ASEAN.
ROUND Festival is presented by KBS WORLD and sponsored by ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund.
