Gwacheon Performing Arts Festival to transform city into stage

Gwacheon City will host the 2026 Gwacheon Performing Arts Festival (GPAF) from September 18 to 20. Held at the Gwacheon Citizens' Plaza and the Gwacheon Citizens' Hall area, the festival is themed ‘Rising Memories, the Time When the Journey of Imagination Begins.’

This year’s event expands on the previous year’s ‘GPAF CITY’ concept with the introduction of ‘GPAF CITY 2.0’ and ‘GPAF Village.’ The festival aims to move away from traditional stationary viewing, instead creating an urban performing arts experience where visitors travel through a virtual city to encounter performances, markets, and food.

Over 50 performances will take place across six different venues during the three-day period. The opening ceremony will feature fusion performances and aerial acts, while the closing ceremony will conclude with a large-scale stage production and a fireworks show. The festival emphasizes community participation, including parades involving both professional artists and citizens, as well as performances by local youth groups.

Additional features include flea markets, farmers' markets, and a food zone featuring local restaurants. The city also maintains an eco-friendly approach, utilizing multi-use containers for the fourth consecutive year. Mayor Shin Gye-yong described the festival as a unique cultural event where citizens and audiences actively participate in creating the story.