According to the plan, the festival will take place over three days, from August 7 to 9, 2026, at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Tran Nhan Tong pedestrian street, and several other locations. The event is organized by the Hanoi People's Committee, with the Department of Culture and Sports serving as the lead implementing agency.

The festival is expected to bring together 1,500 to 2,000 masters, practitioners, coaches, athletes, and artists from domestic and international martial arts delegations. It is projected to attract 10,000 to 15,000 in-person attendees and more than 100,000 online viewers across media platforms.

With the theme "Spirit of Thang Long – Essence of Vietnamese martial arts," the festival aims to honor, preserve, and promote traditional martial arts while showcasing Vietnam and Hanoi to domestic and international audiences. It also seeks to create a platform for international exchange and cooperation, boost tourism and the sports economy, and strengthen learning among martial arts schools worldwide.

The event is part of Hanoi's broader goal of becoming a regional hub for major cultural and sports events, with a long-term vision of developing the festival into a signature annual event linking culture, sports, and tourism.

The opening ceremony will be held on the evening of August 7, 2026, at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, featuring a special art program combining martial arts performances, traditional music, and modern stage technology.

A wide range of activities will accompany the festival, including thematic seminars on the history of traditional martial arts in Hanoi and discussions on investment solutions for both traditional and modern martial arts development.

A press conference will be organized to officially announce the festival, introduce the overall program, present participating domestic and international delegations, and launch communication and promotional plans across media platforms.

Parades will be held to promote martial arts organizations, federations, and international delegations. Participants will wear martial arts uniforms, traditional costumes, and diverse Vietnamese attire, combined with demonstrations of basic techniques, simulated weapons, and flag displays.

Exhibitions will showcase traditional and international martial arts, equipment, uniforms, training and competition tools, souvenirs, images, documents, and artifacts, helping the public better understand the history, cultural values, and spirit of martial arts. These activities will be integrated with interactive digital technology experiences.

Competitions and exchange programs will feature a wide range of disciplines, including traditional martial arts, Vovinam, Karate, Pencak Silat, Taekwondo, Wushu, and mixed martial arts (MMA).

In addition to professional activities, the festival will include programs that promote Hanoi's history, culture, and people. Cultural tours will be organized to visit heritage sites, historical landmarks, traditional craft villages, and the Old Quarter. There will also be cultural events, sports competitions, martial arts performances at the commune and ward levels, knowledge contests on traditional martial arts, folk games, and exchange activities to share experiences in martial arts heritage.

The Hanoi People's Committee assigned the Department of Culture and Sports to lead communication and promotion before, during, and after the event, in coordination with Hanoi Radio and Television to produce promotional reports, clips, and trailers.

The department will also compile guest lists, including representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations, and oversee logistics and protocol work. This includes designing the event identity, stage layout, venue decoration, printing invitations and badges, arranging seating and reception, and preparing equipment such as interpretation headsets, furniture, grandstands, and tents to ensure smooth organization.