2026 Sands Shopping Carnival Draws Nearly 160,000 Visitors in Macao
Sands China hosted the seventh edition of the 2026 Sands Shopping Carnival from July 23 to 26 at The Venetian Macao Cotai Expo. The free shopping event, which provides a sales platform for local businesses, featured more than 580 booths across eight exhibition zones. Nearly 160,000 people attended during the four-day event, marking its highest visitor turnout since it began in 2020.
Recognized as Macao’s largest sales event, the carnival helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) reach new customers, increase brand awareness and boost sales. Since its inception, the event has offered 4,000 complimentary booths to local businesses and welcomed a cumulative 800,000 visitors. It also supports the Macao SAR government’s Tourism+ policy and broader efforts to diversify the local economy.
Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China, welcomed the success of the latest edition, noting that the carnival has grown over seven years from an innovative initiative supporting SMEs into Macao’s largest consumption event. He said the event reflects the resilience and development of local businesses while highlighting the community spirit that brings Macao residents together.
The 2026 carnival brought together international and local Macao brands, independent retailers and specialist businesses. Products on offer ranged from household essentials, food and wine to Macao-themed goods, souvenirs and creative products from Hong Kong and other cities across the Greater Bay Area.
Sports, entertainment and interactive activities
A new addition this year was the Sports Experience Zone, which introduced a basketball shooting challenge ahead of the NBA China Games 2026, scheduled for October at The Venetian Arena. A pickleball experience also proved popular with visitors.
Music and entertainment remained important features of the event. The ICBC ePay Presents: Greater Bay Area Karaoke King Singing Competition returned, attracting nearly 150 contestants from across the Greater Bay Area. The Busking Corner also gave members of the public an opportunity to perform on stage, complemented by appearances from professional singers.
Family-friendly experiences
Family activities continued to be a major attraction. The BOC Smart Kids Presents: Little Master Chef Workshop has welcomed nearly 3,000 participants over the carnival’s seven editions. Led by Sands China’s food and beverage team, the workshop gave families an opportunity to prepare different dishes and enjoy cooking together.
Children and families could also visit the Bank of Communications Presents: Play and Fun Kids Area, which featured inflatable attractions, game booths and other recreational activities.
Supporting community organizations
Sands China also invited 20 social service organizations to take part in this year’s carnival. The initiative offered people with special educational needs and other trainees practical experience in showcasing and selling handmade products.
The participating organizations represented a range of community causes, including social rehabilitation, youth development, animal welfare and assistance for vulnerable groups. Sands Cares Ambassadors accompanied members of these organizations as they explored the carnival’s attractions.
Organizers and sponsors
The 2026 Sands Shopping Carnival was organized by Sands China in collaboration with the Macao Chamber of Commerce. The event received support from the Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT), the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM).
Its sponsors included BOC Macau, ICBC (Macau), the Bank of Communications Co., Ltd. Macau Branch, and Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU).
