Festivals in Guilin are multifarious, as so many ethnic groups inhabit the city. Like any other place in China, common traditional holidays like Lunar New Year (The day falls between 22 January and 19 February, varying every year), Lantern Festival (15th day of 1st moon), Dragon Boat Festival (5th day of lunar 5th moon), Mid-Autumn Festival (15th of lunar 8th moon) are celebrated most ardently but the true highlights are undoubtedly the ethic holidays.

Third of March (lunar) is celebrated by the Zhuang ethnic group as the Song Festival. Man and woman, young and old will gather together and sing songs ranging from lyrics, old songs and love songs, etc. This holiday has developed into the Art Festival of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Miao's New Year falls in October (lunar), the specific day varying according to different places. This is a time for courtship when young people are free to choose their sweethearts. Young men will play reed flutes while girls will dress up in their best costumes.

Fireworks Festival is the Dong peoples' holiday. The specific day varies according to place, ranging from January to October (lunar). Three fireworks will be lighted for the population's prosperity, for good fortune and for a good harvest respectively.

Guilin Mountain and Water Tourism Festival falls in October to December, which is the off-season of Guilin. The government designed this festival to attract more tourists.