Lasting two to four weeks, the proposed festival would include fireworks, drone displays, sporting events, and street performances, according to a submission by the HCMC Institute for Development Studies (HIDS), a state agency under the city’s People’s Committee.

HIDS said the name "Festival of Peace" was selected for its clarity and broad appeal.

The festival will be divided into two parts: the official government-organized ceremony focused on commemorative activities, and a public celebration organized by private investors. The public event will be designed to promote tourism, artistic creativity, and community engagement.

Events will not be limited to the city center, but extended to nearby tourist areas such as Saigon Riverside Park, Can Gio, Lai Thieu, Ho Tram, and Con Dao.

Crowds fill HCMC's downtown streets to watch military parades on April 30, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Nguyen

Truong Minh Huy Vu, Director of HIDS, suggested that to attract private investment, the city should collaborate with major domestic corporations and international event companies. The goal is to create a modern, large-scale festival while maintaining the distinct identity of HCMC.

"The government should focus on achieving the desired outcomes and provide financial incentives and favorable policies to encourage business participation," he said.

According to HIDS, the festival would hold both historical and cultural significance while also driving economic development, contributing to the city’s target of double-digit growth.

Firework displays in HCMC on April 30, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

During the 50th anniversary of national reunification on April 30 this year, HCMC welcomed nearly 1.95 million visitors over five days—an increase of more than 100% compared to the same period last year. International visitors reached 120,000, double the number from the previous year.

Tourism revenue during the period was estimated at VND7.1 trillion (US$272.8 million), with total consumer spending in the city reaching VND129,000 billion, a 38% increase.