Kadayawan is Davao's biggest annual festival, held every August to celebrate the city's harvests and the cultural heritage of its indigenous communities. The Bagobo, Manobo, Mandaya, B'laan, and other Lumad groups participate with traditional dances, costumes, and ceremonies, alongside the elaborate floral floats that fill Davao's streets in the main parade.
The festival runs for a week, with different events each day — street dancing competitions, tribal rituals, agricultural exhibitions, and food fairs showcasing Mindanao produce. It draws large crowds and is the best time to see authentic Lumad cultural expression in an accessible context. Book accommodation well in advance if you plan to attend; the city fills up during Kadayawan week.