myPenang

EVENTS

All Events | Jan - Mar | Apr - Jun | Jul - Sep | Oct - Dec

IMPORTANT NOTICE: In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, kindly check the status of the listed events closer to date as it will be updated from time to time.

Whether you are drawn to the drama of a street parade, the spirituality of a prayer ritual or the beauty of an avant-garde theatre performance, there is bound to be an event around the corner waiting to be experienced.

Penang’s vibrant festivals are a colourful reflection of the state’s multiculturalism. Traditional festivals such as Thaipusam, Hungry Ghost Festival, Nine Emperor Gods Festival, Ramadan, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chingay Parade and Chinese New Year have retained an authenticity that is unmatched in Asia. Home-grown arts festivals are increasingly popular with global travellers such as the highly-anticipated George Town Festival and the international award-winning George Town Literary Festival.

Other annual events such as the Catholic St Anne’s Feast Day, Penang International Food Festival, Penang Anime Matsuri, Japanese Bon Odori Festival, George Town Heritage Celebration, Penang Bridge International Marathon and Dragon Boat Festival are not to be missed in Penang.

Weekend markets abound in Penang. Vendors are an assorted mix of small business owners to passionate hobbyists presenting their wares and services to a curious crowd. Markets like Sunday Pop-Up Market at Hin Bus Depot is a great place to buy local, handmade products and meet these individuals producing them face-to-face. There are usually street performances, workshops or activities during these markets that provide opportunities for participants to interact, learn something or simply have fun.

Penang Hill Railway: A Centenary Celebration (1923 – 2023)

Event Date: 01 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023

Penang Hill Corporation is hosting a series of events in the run-up to the 100th anniversary of the Penang Hill Railway on 21 October 2023. The railway was informally opened on 21 October 1923 before it was officially opened on 1 January 1924. The year-long centenary celebration will bring renewed interest in the history of Penang Hill’s funicular and the nostalgic journey of its transformation.

Address: Penang Hill

Mid Autumn Festival

Event Date: 29 Sep 2023

The Lantern Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated widely by the Chinese community in Penang and is a time when family and friends gather together to admire the full moon while savouring Moon Cakes, Chinese Tea and parading around with colourful Chinese Lanterns.

MATTA Fair Penang

Event Date: 30 Sep 2023 - 01 Oct 2023

MATTA Fair Penang on 30 September 2023 to 1 October 2023 at Setia SPICE Arena, Bayan Baru, Penang.

Address: Setia SPICE Arena, Bayan Baru, Penang.

KBJ Car Audio and Body Kit Show

Event Date: 08 Oct 2023

This Penang's largest Auto Show offers car enthusiasts a look at more than 200 spectacular car audio systems, modified cars and sports from all over Malaysia. It is an annual event which showcases the creativity of car modifications as well as car modified by specialist in audio and visual sensations.

Address: Promenade Area & Market Place, Kompleks Bukit Jambul

Nine Emperor Gods Festival

Event Date: 15 Oct 2023 - 23 Oct 2023

Every year, Tow Boo Kong Temple will celebrate the Nine Emperor Gods Festival with pomp and splendour. This festival is held for nine days, from the first day to the ninth day of the Chinese 9th lunar month. As the lunar calendar is always a month behind the English calendar, this festival will fall in the month of October every year. During this period, many devotees will observe a strict vegetarian diet. There is also a stage opera performing in Teochew and Hokkien dialects. During these nine days, a variety of events like the Spear Skewing Ceremony, Playing with the Hot Oil Ceremony and the Fire Walk Ceremony will be performed. These rituals are spectacular and amazing and throngs of devotees and visitors from near and far will be at the temple to witness these events.

Address: Tow Boo Kong Temple Butterworth

Navaratri Festival

Event Date: 15 Oct 2023 - 24 Oct 2023

The Navaratri Festival is a Hindu religious festival. For 9 days, devotees pray to the Goddess Durga, Goddess Lakshimi and Goddess Saraswathy in hopes of being bestowed with power, wealth, and education.