Penang Festivals & Celebrations 2026
Penang runs a festival most months of the year. Here is what each one is, when it falls, and which are worth planning a trip around.
Upcoming Festivals
Don't miss these major celebrations happening soon in Penang
Chinese New Year
Penang transforms with dragon dances, lion performances, and spectacular fireworks. George Town's heritage streets come alive with red lanterns, temple celebrations, and the famous Chingay parade.
Thaipusam
One of Malaysia's most dramatic festivals. Devotees carry ornate kavadi (burden frames) in a procession from the Waterfall Hilltop Temple, demonstrating remarkable acts of devotion and faith.
Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
Watch the skies fill with colorful hot air balloons from around the world. This annual fiesta features balloon glows, tethered rides, and family entertainment at Polo Ground.
All Major Festivals
Complete guide to Penang's cultural celebrations throughout the year
Chinese New Year
February 17 - March 3, 2026
Penang transforms with dragon dances, lion performances, and spectacular fireworks. George Town's heritage streets come alive with red lanterns, temple celebrations, and the famous Chingay parade.
Thaipusam
February 1, 2026 (Full Moon)
One of Malaysia's most dramatic festivals. Devotees carry ornate kavadi (burden frames) in a procession from the Waterfall Hilltop Temple, demonstrating remarkable acts of devotion and faith.
Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
February 13-15, 2026
Watch the skies fill with colorful hot air balloons from around the world. This annual fiesta features balloon glows, tethered rides, and family entertainment at Polo Ground.
Jade Emperor's Birthday (Pai Ti Kong)
February 13-14, 2027 (night of the 8th into the 9th day)
The Hokkien night of Chinese New Year. Long altars of sugarcane and roast pig line Chew Jetty on Weld Quay, with prayers from about 11pm, a lion dance and fireworks at midnight.
Chap Goh Mei
February 20, 2027 (15th night of Chinese New Year)
The last night of Chinese New Year. Oranges are tossed into the sea at the Esplanade, with lion dances, dondang sayang and fireworks at the state celebration.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
March 20 - 22, 2026
The end of Ramadan brings joyous celebrations across Penang. Experience open houses, traditional Malay cuisine, and the spirit of forgiveness and togetherness in kampung communities.
St Anne's Feast, Bukit Mertajam
July 26 every year (2026 feast: July 17-26)
The Feast of St Anne at the Minor Basilica of St Anne in Bukit Mertajam, on the mainland. Evening Mass, then a candlelight procession with the statue of St Anne through the streets around the church.
George Town Festival
August 1-9, 2026
Nine days of arts and culture marking George Town's UNESCO heritage listing. The 2026 edition, themed "Beyond Boundaries", runs 31 programmes with artists from 10 countries — and the festival says over 80% of them are free.
Hungry Ghost Festival
August 13 - September 11, 2026
During the 7th lunar month, Penang hosts elaborate Chinese opera performances, puppet shows, and street feasts. Witness traditional rituals and offerings throughout the island.
Mid-Autumn Festival
September 25, 2026 (15th night, 8th lunar month)
The Mooncake Festival: lanterns at Armenian Park in George Town, a celebration on the Esplanade, mooncakes and tea under the full moon.
Nine Emperor Gods Festival
October 10-18, 2026
Nine days of vegetarian feasting and temple ceremonies. The festival culminates in a spectacular procession to the sea, where devotees bid farewell to the Nine Emperor Gods.
Deepavali
November 8, 2026
The Festival of Lights illuminates Penang with oil lamps, rangoli art, and vibrant celebrations. Little India in George Town transforms into a dazzling display of color and culture.
Christmas & New Year's Eve
December 24-25 and 31, 2026
Christmas Eve Masses in four languages, a public holiday on Christmas Day, and crowds at the Esplanade for the midnight fireworks on New Year's Eve.
Penang Bridge International Marathon
December 13, 2026 (full marathon flag-off 1.30am)
Full marathon, half marathon and 10km across the 24km Second Penang Bridge, starting and finishing at Aspen Vision City in Batu Kawan. A night race: the full marathon starts at 1.30am.
2026 Festival Calendar
Plan your visit around Penang's major cultural events
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Planning further ahead? See the Penang 2027 calendar — festivals, public holidays, long weekends and school breaks →
Why Experience Penang Festivals?
Penang's multicultural heritage creates unique celebrations
UNESCO Heritage Setting
Festivals unfold in George Town's historic streets, blending centuries-old traditions with living heritage.
Multicultural Celebrations
Experience Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan festivals all in one destination throughout the year.
Festival Food
Each celebration brings special dishes and street food traditions you won't find at any other time of year.
Spectacular Displays
From Chinese New Year fireworks to Deepavali lights, Penang festivals are visual extravaganzas.
Community Spirit
Locals welcome visitors to open houses, temple celebrations, and community gatherings with genuine hospitality.
Unforgettable Moments
Witness kavadi processions, dragon dances, and temple rituals that create once-in-a-lifetime travel memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Chinese New Year in Penang 2026?
Chinese New Year 2026 begins on February 17 and celebrations continue for about two weeks. The most spectacular events include the Chingay parade, temple celebrations, and fireworks displays throughout George Town.
What is Thaipusam and where to see it in Penang?
Thaipusam is a Hindu festival where devotees carry ornate kavadi (burden frames) as acts of devotion. In Penang, the main celebration takes place at the Waterfall Hilltop Temple (Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple) with processions starting from the city.
Is the Hungry Ghost Festival safe for tourists?
Yes, absolutely! The Hungry Ghost Festival is a fascinating cultural experience. Tourists are welcome to watch Chinese opera performances, puppet shows, and observe temple rituals. Just be respectful of offerings and avoid disturbing ceremonies.
What food festivals are there in Penang?
Beyond major cultural festivals, Penang hosts the George Town Festival (1-9 August in 2026), which runs food programming alongside the arts, and the Nine Emperor Gods Festival features amazing vegetarian food stalls. The Hungry Ghost Festival also includes street feasting traditions.
Plan Your Festival Trip to Penang
Book accommodation near festival venues and explore Penang's cultural attractions between celebrations.