Upcoming Events in Malaysia

Festivals, music events, cultural celebrations and public holidays happening across Malaysia — updated regularly.

• Sabah Fest 2026

  Malaysia · kota kinabalu

  Sabah Fest in Kota Kinabalu celebrates the cultural diversity of Sabah's 32 ethnic groups. Traditional dance, music, craft, and Kadazan-Dusun harvest ceremony.

  20–23 May 2026

• Citrawarna Malaysia 2026 — Colors of Malaysia

  Malaysia · kuala lumpur

  Citrawarna is Malaysia's national cultural parade at Dataran Merdeka. Performers from all 13 states and federal territories showcase traditional costumes and dance.

  30 May 2026

• Gawai Dayak 2026 — Sarawak Harvest Festival

  Malaysia · kuching

  Gawai Dayak on June 1–2 is Sarawak's Iban and Bidayuh harvest festival. Public holiday in Sarawak. Longhouse celebrations, tuak rice wine, and traditional dance.

  1–2 June 2026
• Rainforest World Music Festival 2026 Malaysia · kuching

  Three days of world music at Sarawak Cultural Village near Kuching. International acts perform alongside Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, and Melanau musicians.

  10–12 July 2026
• George Town Festival 2026 Malaysia · penang

  George Town Festival fills Penang's UNESCO-listed historic district with art installations, theatre, music, and community events throughout August.

  1–31 August 2026

• Hari Merdeka 2026 — Malaysian National Day

  Malaysia · kuala lumpur

  Malaysia's 69th independence day parade at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur. Military procession, cultural performances, fireworks, and flag-raising at midnight.

  31 August 2026

• Penang International Food Festival 2026

  Malaysia · penang

  Penang's month-long food festival in October celebrates the island's UNESCO-recognised food culture. Hawker trails, chef dinners, cooking classes, and street markets.

  1–31 October 2026

• Deepavali 2026

  Malaysia

  Deepavali, the Hindu festival of lights, is a public holiday across Malaysia. Brickfields in KL and Little India areas in Penang and Ipoh are the most atmospheric.

  20 October 2026

• Chinese New Year 2027 in Malaysia

  Malaysia

  Chinese New Year 2027 falls on January 29. Penang's Georgetown, KL's Chinatown, and Ipoh's old town are the most atmospheric places to celebrate in Malaysia.

  29 Jan – 12 Feb 2027

• Thaipusam 2027 at Batu Caves

  Malaysia · kuala lumpur

  Thaipusam at Batu Caves draws over a million devotees. Kavadi carriers climb 272 steps in one of the world's largest Hindu festivals. Public holiday in Selangor.

  8–9 February 2027