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UP Fair

From Iskomunidad

UP Fair

UP Fair 2026
logo from https://www.facebook.com/UPFair/

The UP Fair is an annual weeklong music festival held at the University of the Philippines Diliman (UP Diliman), typically held at the Sunken Garden. Organized by the UP Diliman University Student Council (USC) in collaboration with participating student organizations, the event features musical performances, food stalls, and advocacy booths. It is open to members of the university community and the general public.

Beyond entertainment, the UP Fair serves as a platform for student activism. Through its performances and campaigns, organizations raise awareness of social and political issues to support various causes and beneficiaries. Each edition features an overarching theme that reflects Philippines’ immediate advocacies. The rhythm of resistance has been a significant part of student culture at UP Diliman. Other constituent universities also hold these events in UPLB Feb Fair and UPB Fair.

History

Octopus Ride at the UP Fair - photo by Therese Co (UP OPTICS)

The UP Fair traces its origins to the 1980s, during the Marcos dictatorship and the period of Martial Law. Initially held in September, the event developed to express political dissent. It was later institutionalized as a fundraising activity for raised advocacies. Over time, it became a venue for student-led campaigns and discussions of human rights, labor issues, agrarian reform, and the rights of marginalized communities.

The UP Fair has also provided a performance platform for emerging and established Filipino musicians. Artists and bands associated with its history include The Jerks, The Dawn, Buklod, Yano, Patatag, Moonstar88, Ebe Dancel, Lola Amour, Sponge Cola, and Morissette. Eraserheads also performed at the Fair in February 1991, before becoming one of the country's most prominent bands, titled as “The Beatles of the Philippines”.

The festival's overarching and nightly themes have changed over the years to reflect the concerns emphasized by its organizers. Previous editions have used titles such as Cosmos, Roots, Dimensions, and Polaris, while more recent editions have featured Kalye Tunes, Quest, Elements, and Rev. The Fair's association with student activism connects it to the university's broader tradition of critical inquiry, public engagement, and freedom of expression.

photo by Therese Angeli R. Co

UP Fair 2026: RAK! Kontra Korap

UP Fair 2026, themed RAK! Kontra Korap, was held from April 15 to 18, 2026, at the UP Diliman Sunken Garden. Its central manifesto was “Makibaka, ’wag matakot! Lahat ng sangkot, dapat managot!” The edition centered on opposition to corruption and used music to promote awareness on socio-political concerns. The four nightly themes highlighted different advocacies:

  • Kalye Tunes – Focused on urban struggles and the rights of marginalized communities organized by EMC² Fraternity.
  • Quest – Highlighted queer empowerment and women's rights organized by JFA.
  • Elements – Emphasized on peasant rights and agrarian reform. It was organized by UP JPIA, Nnara Youth, and UP Sinagbayan.
  • Rev – Featured ancestral land defense and the rights of national minorities. It was organized by Sigma Kappa Pi Fraternity and Sigma Delta Pi Sorority.

The festival featured Original Pilipino Music (OPM) from different genres, including Imago, This Band, Fitterkarma, Sponge Cola, Orange & Lemons, Lola Amour, The Ridleys, Itchyworms, and Cup of Joe.

For UP Fair 2026, the listed ticket prices were ₱200 for UP tickets and ₱350 for regular tickets per night. Ticket sales were conducted online, with ticket booths and walk-in arrangements subject to the organizers' announcements and availability.

Tips for UP Fair attendees

The UP Fair attracts large crowds, and weather conditions, traffic, and mobile network congestion may affect the festival experience. The following recommendations may help attendees prepare for the event.

  1. Pack light. Bring only essential belongings, such as a phone, wallet, identification, power bank, and keys. A small, secure bag can make it easier to move through crowded areas.
  2. Bring cash. Mobile data and electronic payment services may become unreliable in densely populated areas. Keep cash secure and bring an alternative payment method when possible.
  3. Dress for the weather and terrain. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for prolonged standing and walking. The grounds may become muddy during rainy weather.
  4. Secure your belongings. Keep valuables close and remain alert in crowded areas to reduce the risk of losing personal belongings or becoming a target of theft.
  5. Establish a meeting point. Agree on a recognizable landmark with companions in case mobile signals become unreliable or members of the group become separated.
  6. Arrive early. Allow time for queues, ticket verification, security checks, and exploring the festival grounds. Early arrival may also make it easier to visit food stalls and advocacy booths.
  7. Plan transportation. Parking around the campus may be limited during the event. Check transportation and traffic advisories and consider public transportation or walking where practical.
  8. Prepare your ticket. Keep an e-ticket accessible on your phone or bring the required physical ticket. Follow the organizers' instructions regarding identification and entry procedures.
  9. Explore the booths and activities. Beyond the main performances, visit food stalls, student-run booths, and advocacy displays to learn more about the organizations and causes represented at the Fair.
  10. Follow event advisories. Check official announcements for updates concerning schedules, weather-related changes, venue rules, security measures, and other event-specific instructions.

Previous UP Fairs

2013 : Live It UP!
2012 : Rebokultura: Breaking the Silence, Revolutionizing Music
2011 : Education in desFAIR

UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES, DILIMAN
Colleges Architecture Arts and LettersBusiness Administration EconomicsEducation Engineering Fine Arts Home Economics Human Kinetics Law Library and Information Studies Mass Communication Music NCPAG Science Social Sciences and Philosophy Social Work and Community Development Statistics Tourism
Institutes Archaeological Studies ProgramAsian CenterInstitute of Islamic StudiesInstitute for Small Scale IndustriesSchool of Labor and Industrial RelationsTechnology Management CenterUP Population InstituteSchool of Urban and Regional PlanningThird World Studies Center
Campus UP Computer CenterDiliman Learning Resources CenterDiliman Interactive Learning CenterUniversity LibraryNational Engineering CenterDMSTCenter for Women StudiesGenetic EngineeringCreative Writing CenterFaculty CenterCenter for Integrative and Development StudiesFaculty CenterUP PAG-ASA Astronomical ObservatoryLaw CenterNISMEDSentro ng Wikang FilipinoUP Vargas MuseumBusiness Research FoundationDevelopment Center for FinanceCenter for International StudiesAng Bahay ng AlumniU.P. Film InstituteInstitute of Creative Writing
Community InternationalShopping CenterBalay KalinawPook RicartePook PalarisPook DagohoyUniversity HotelBarangay UP CampusUP VillageResidence HallsAcademic OvalOblation Plaza/Oblation PlazaParish of the Holy SacrificeChurch of the Risen LordCoopKrus Na Ligas
Life UP Fighting MaroonsUP Pep SquadPhilippine CollegianDZUP 1602UP FairStudent OrganizationsInfirmaryUniversity Food ServiceSTFAP

References

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