Events & Festivals
From Chinese New Year lion dances to Hindu kavadi processions, Malay night markets to Buddhist temple ceremonies -- Penang's multicultural calendar is packed with celebrations year-round
What's On in Penang
Events in November 2026
Deepavali (Festival of Lights)
Little India glows with oil lamps and kolam patterns as Penang's Hindu community celebrates the Festival of Lights with temple prayers, open houses, and traditional sweets.
George Town Literary Festival
Southeast Asia's premier literary festival gathers international and regional authors for three days of readings, conversations, and workshops across George Town's heritage venues.
Event Calendar
Soonest first
Deepavali (Festival of Lights)
Little India glows with oil lamps and kolam patterns as Penang's Hindu community celebrates the Festival of Lights with temple prayers, open houses, and traditional sweets.
George Town Literary Festival
Southeast Asia's premier literary festival gathers international and regional authors for three days of readings, conversations, and workshops across George Town's heritage venues.
Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta
International dragon boat racing at Straits Quay Marina, Tanjung Tokong — teams from across the region, plus a waterfront festival atmosphere.
Christmas in Penang
Church services and the State Christmas Celebration in George Town, plus New Year’s Eve countdown parties with midnight fireworks, 24 to 31 December.
Penang Bridge International Marathon
Penang’s biggest road race: full marathon, half marathon and 10km on the Second Penang Bridge, Sunday 13 December 2026. Start and finish at Aspen Vision City, Batu Kawan.
Dongzhi — Winter Solstice Festival
Dongzhi (Winter Solstice, December 21-22) is celebrated in Penang with tang yuan (glutinous rice balls in sweet broth) and family gatherings. Penang's clan association halls host communal celebrations open to visitors.
Ponggal — Tamil Harvest Festival
Ponggal is the Tamil harvest festival celebrated on January 14, marked by boiling sweet rice outdoors until it overflows — symbolising abundance. A glimpse into Penang's ancient Tamil Hindu community.
Thaipusam
Witness one of Hinduism's most dramatic festivals as devotees carry kavadi in procession from George Town to the Waterfall Hilltop Temple in extraordinary acts of faith and devotion.
Stay and book tours
Stay in George Town. Pick your dates.
See George Town hotelsOr compare places to stay on Visit Penang: Penang hotels by area and homestays and guesthouses.
Book a guided tour
- Book this tour
Walking tour
George Town: Heritage Walking Tour with Street Food Tasting
4 hoursWhiteaways Arcade, Beach Street
- Book this tour
Shared tour
Penang: 3-Hour Heritage Highlights Tour & Trishaw Ride
3 hoursHotel pickup, George Town and Batu Ferringhi
- Book this tour
Walking tour
The Rise of World Heritage City-Penang: WalkingHeritageTour
3 hoursFort Cornwallis, George Town
We may earn a commission.
Getting there: see how to reach Penang and how to get around once you are here.
Looking for what's new — fresh flight routes, attraction openings, festival-calendar changes? See the latest Penang travel updates →
Organising an event in Penang?
Submit your festival, market, or cultural event and we'll add it to the calendar.
Get Penang's events in your inbox
Monthly digest of festivals, night markets, and cultural celebrations — so you never miss what’s on.