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.

Asian Board Games Festival (ABGFMY)

  • 07 Aug 2026 - 09 Aug 2026

Roll the dice, draw a card, and get immersed in the fabulous world of tabletop gaming at the Asian Board Games Festival Malaysia (ABGFMY) 2026!

Building on the momentum of Origame’s annual festival in Singapore, ABGF returns for its third Malaysian edition, bringing together game makers and enthusiasts from all over Asia to celebrate creativity, culture, and play.

Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or simply curious to explore something new, the festival offers visitors of all ages the chance to play and purchase the latest board games from across the region. A signature highlight is the Play Passport, where players journey through Asia by collecting stamps as they experience and acquire the latest tabletop games from 40 exhibitors representing 10 countries!

Level up your time at ABGFMY by joining the tournament hosted by Penang’s friendly local game store, Kohii! This year, participants will go head to head with one another playing these 3 games – Tanglung, Oh! My Orchids, and Hikadyat!

Also be sure to try out the finalist games of the 2026 ABGF 18-card design contest and tune in for the announcement of the 3 winners!

Gather your family and friends, meet fellow board game enthusiasts, and dive into a weekend of strategy, storytelling, and friendly competition at this celebration of Asian game design.

Admission and gameplay at the 40 exhibitor booths are free. Enhance your experience with a RM10 Play Passport to collect stamps and redeem exclusive prizes. Stamp collectors can also purchase a RM5 Stamp Hunter Pass to access all festival stamps.

Come play your way through Asia!

Photo and Description credit: George Town Festival website
Operating Hours
10am – 7pm

Website
https://georgetownfestival.com/programme/asian-board-games-festival-abgfmy/

Address
1st Avenue Mall, Penang