EVENTS

Penangites celebrate a vibrant calendar of festivals all year round, spanning religious, cultural and contemporary arts events nearly every month.Visitors can witness acrobatic lion dances during Chinese New Year, the intricate weaving of ketupat (rice dumplings) during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the awe-inspiring body piercings borne by devotees during the Hindu festival of Thaipusam and the remarkable feats of balance showcased during the Penang Chingay Parade. Beyond these deep-rooted traditions, home-grown arts festivals continue to draw global audiences, led by the highly anticipated George Town Festival and the internationally acclaimed George Town Literary Festival. Other landmark annual happenings not to be missed include the George Town Heritage Celebrations, the historic Feast of St. Anne in Bukit Mertajam,as well as major events like the Penang International Food Festival, the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival and the world-class Penang Bridge International Marathon.

George Town Literary Festival 2026

  • 27 Nov 2026 - 29 Nov 2026

The George Town Literary Festival returns with Cosmopolises, bringing together writers, poets and thinkers from Malaysia and around the world for three days of conversations, readings, book launches, workshops and performances exploring literature, translation, history, foodways and the shared worlds we make.

Event Organizer: Penang Institute
Operating Hours
10:00am onwards
Contact Number
+604-228 3306

Email
gtlf@penanginstitute.org

Website
https://www.georgetownlitfest.com

Address
Bangunan UAB and Wisma Yeap Chor Ee, Gat Lebuh China, George Town