Photo Source - Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Facebook

The Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, held every February features about 15 hot air balloons with crews from Malaysia and several countries worldwide.

Date: 13 - 15 February 2026
Venue: Georgetown, Penang

The Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is a yearly event held every February at the Polo Ground in George Town, Penang, organised by Malaysian company AKA Balloon Sdn Bhd. Since its debut in 2015, the two-day festival has showcased around 15 hot air balloons annually, featuring crews from Malaysia and countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United States.

Photo Source - The Malay Mail | Opalyn Mok

Penang Miaohui 2026 will return on 21 February with the theme “The Journey of Decoding,” transforming the George Town Heritage Zone into a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity, and tradition.

Date: 21 February 2026
Time: 4pm - 11pm
Venue: Georgetown Heritage Zone

Penang Miaohui 2026 returns on 21 February, the fifth day of Chinese New Year, bringing a vibrant cultural celebration that will once again turn the George Town Heritage Zone into a lively showcase of tradition and creativity. Organised by the Penang Chinese Clan Council and coordinated by Inheritors, this year’s theme, “The Journey of Decoding,” encourages visitors to uncover the wisdom and stories behind cultural heritage. As one of Penang’s signature festivals, Miaohui blends innovation with tradition through performances, installations, and interactive experiences, enhanced by visual designs from Equator College that capture youthful spirit and cultural discovery. 

Photo Source - George Town Literary Festival

The George Town Literary Festival (GTLF), is Malaysia’s premier international literary event in UNESCO-listed George Town, celebrated for its curated global programming, award-winning impact, and deep roots in Penang’s multicultural heritage.

Date: 8 November 2026
Website: georgetownlitfest.com

The George Town Literary Festival (GTLF), founded in 2011 and organised by Penang Institute, is Malaysia’s premier international literary event held annually in UNESCO-listed George Town. It has grown into one of Southeast Asia’s most respected arenas for literary dialogue and the exchange of ideas. The festival features a curated mix of panels, readings, workshops, and performances that attract acclaimed writers and thinkers from around the world. Its global stature was affirmed in 2018 when it became the first Southeast Asian festival to win the London Book Fair’s Literary Festival Award. Grounded in Penang’s rich multicultural heritage, GTLF remains a vital space where literature fosters imagination, conversation, and connection.