What's on in Samoa.
Festivals, sport, cultural events and the night markets that make a Samoan week. Time your visit around something — the Teuila Festival alone is worth a flight.
Don't miss
Samoa Independence Day
★Jun 1, 2026· annual
Public holiday · Mulinu'u Peninsula
Annual public holiday commemorating Samoa's 1962 independence — the first South Pacific nation to gain it. Flag-raising at Mulinu'u, parades and cultural performances across Apia.
Samoa Swim Series 2026
★Jul 20, 2026 – Jul 25, 2026· annual
Sport · Lalomanu / Apia
Premier Pacific open-water swim holiday — 1km, 2km, 5km and 10km distances at Lalomanu, To Sua and Apia harbour. Pulls competitors from across the region.
Teuila Festival 2026
★Aug 31, 2026 – Sep 5, 2026· annual
Festival · Apia Park & Apia Waterfront
Samoa's flagship cultural festival. A week of fa'afafine pageant, fire-knife competitions, choir nights, longboat racing on Apia harbour, fashion, and a closing fireworks show. The single biggest reason to visit Samoa in early September.
All upcoming events
Samoa Triathlon National Championships 2026
May 22, 2026 – May 23, 2026· annual
Sport · Apia Waterfront
National triathlon championship including a 5km fun-run for spectators. Sprint and Olympic distances at the Apia harbour course.
Samoa Independence Day
★Jun 1, 2026· annual
Public holiday · Mulinu'u Peninsula
Annual public holiday commemorating Samoa's 1962 independence — the first South Pacific nation to gain it. Flag-raising at Mulinu'u, parades and cultural performances across Apia.
The Waterfront Night Market
Jun 26, 2026· monthly
Market · Apia Waterfront
Last-Friday-of-the-month street food, craft and live-music market on the Apia harbour walk. Free entry, family-friendly, runs sundown to about 10pm.
Samoa Swim Series 2026
★Jul 20, 2026 – Jul 25, 2026· annual
Sport · Lalomanu / Apia
Premier Pacific open-water swim holiday — 1km, 2km, 5km and 10km distances at Lalomanu, To Sua and Apia harbour. Pulls competitors from across the region.
Teuila Festival 2026
★Aug 31, 2026 – Sep 5, 2026· annual
Festival · Apia Park & Apia Waterfront
Samoa's flagship cultural festival. A week of fa'afafine pageant, fire-knife competitions, choir nights, longboat racing on Apia harbour, fashion, and a closing fireworks show. The single biggest reason to visit Samoa in early September.
Teuila Festival Samoa Tag Tournament
Sep 10, 2026 – Sep 12, 2026· annual
Sport · Apia Park
Rugby tag (touch-rugby) competition during Teuila Festival celebrations. Mens, womens and mixed divisions; international teams welcome.
