Name: George Town Festival 2026
Start: 2026-08-01
End: 2026-08-09
Location: Heritage streets and venues across George Town

George Town Festival 2026 runs from 1 to 9 August across heritage streets and venues in George Town, Penang. It will feature more than 40 arts, culture and theatre programmes, with around 80% free.

Date: 1–9 August 2026
Venue: Heritage streets and venues across George Town
Fee: Most programmes free (around 80%)
Organiser: George Town Festival

Highlights

The 17th festival takes place under the theme “Beyond Boundaries”.
More than 40 arts, culture and theatre programmes will span nine days.
Around 80% of programmes will be free.
The opening weekend event “Six To Eleven” runs 6pm-11pm on 1 and 2 August at Padang Kota Lama.
“Terang: Heritage In Motion” will present projection mapping on Penang Town Hall nightly until 9 August.

About George Town Festival 2026

George Town Festival 2026 brings visual arts, theatre, dance, music, public installations, workshops, films, community projects and family-friendly experiences to George Town from 1 to 9 August. The 17th edition takes place under the theme “Beyond Boundaries”.

The opening weekend programme “Six To Eleven” runs from 6pm to 11pm on 1 and 2 August at Padang Kota Lama. The projection-mapping show “Terang: Heritage In Motion” will illuminate the Penang Town Hall building nightly until 9 August.

The festival will also include exhibitions, including sculptor Low Chee Peng’s shophouse sculpture series at O Sculpture Art Space and Hin Bus Depot, running until 30 August, and Steve Tan’s wet plate photography. Other festival venues include ChinaHouse, Hikayat and Cultprint.

Getting there

The festival takes place at venues across George Town. Rapid Penang buses and Grab can be useful for getting around; check parking availability near each venue.

Tips

Check the official festival website for programme details and venue information before visiting.
Allow time to travel between festival venues across George Town.
Some exhibitions continue beyond the main festival dates.

FAQ

When is George Town Festival 2026?

It runs from 1 to 9 August 2026.

Where is George Town Festival 2026 held?

Programmes take place across heritage streets and venues in George Town, including Padang Kota Lama.

Is George Town Festival 2026 free?

Around 80% of the festival programmes will be free.

What can I see at the festival?

The programme will span visual arts, theatre, dance, music, public installations, workshops, films, community projects and family-friendly experiences.