What's On in Penang 2026 - Events & Festivals Guide

Penang 2026 - Pearl of the Orient Events Guide

Penang is Malaysia's cultural gem! UNESCO heritage, amazing food, and vibrant events all year round.

Major Penang Events 2026

George Town Festival

• Date: July-August 2026
• Duration: 1 month!
• What: Art, music, performances
• Where: Throughout George Town
• Most events FREE!

Penang International Food Festival

• Date: July 2026
• Food paradise becomes MORE paradise
• Cooking demos
• Food trails

Thaipusam at Waterfall Temple

• One of Malaysia's largest
• Beautiful hilltop temple
• Night celebrations

Chinese New Year in Penang

• Best outside of China!
• Clan jetties celebrations
• Hokkien New Year (9th day)

Monthly Events Guide

Month	Event
Jan-Feb	CNY celebrations
Mar	Chingay procession
May	Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
Jul-Aug	George Town Festival
Sep	Mooncake Festival
Oct-Nov	Deepavali

Must-Visit Areas

George Town (UNESCO Site):

• Street art hunting
• Clan jetties
• Little India
• Armenian Street

Penang Hill:

• Funicular train
• Cool weather
• Nature walks

Batu Ferringhi:

• Beach activities
• Night market
• Water sports

Penang Food Trail

Must-Try Dishes:

1. Char Kuey Teow
2. Assam Laksa
3. Hokkien Mee
4. Nasi Kandar
5. Cendol

Best Food Areas:

• Gurney Drive hawkers
• New Lane hawker stalls
• Air Itam market
• Kimberley Street

Getting Around Penang

• Grab - Reliable
• Bus - Rapid Penang
• Bicycle - Link Bike sharing
• Walk - George Town is walkable!

Discover Penang events on UPNEXT!