By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 14: A 26-day celebration featuring 29 events that showcase Sarawak’s diversity, creativity and community spirit will take centre stage when the Kuching Festival 2026 returns from July 22 to Aug 16, marking the festival’s 40th anniversary with programmes ranging from gastronomy and culture to sports, technology and international friendship.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said this year’s festival carries the theme, “Building a Compassionate and Resilient City for a Sustainable Future”, reflecting the council’s vision of creating a caring, inclusive and forward-looking city.
He said the theme underscores the belief that a sustainable city is one where every individual has the opportunity to participate, contribute and thrive, while resilience is built through innovation, strong community bonds, cultural preservation and the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles.
“The theme is reflected in every programme that we have carefully planned for this year’s festival. It also embraces our commitment for ‘No One Left Behind’. From children to youth, adults and senior citizens, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy,” he said when announcing the festival programme at a press conference at MBKS Headquarters today.
Wee described this year’s edition as particularly significant as it celebrates four decades of the Kuching Festival, which was first introduced in 1986 and has since evolved from a modest community celebration into one of Malaysia’s most iconic city festivals.
“For four decades, the Kuching Festival has brought together generations of Kuchingites and visitors from around the world to celebrate our multicultural heritage, vibrant gastronomy and strong community spirit,” he said, adding that the festival today is “much more than a food festival” and serves as a celebration of the city’s people, diversity, creativity and aspirations.
The festival’s prelude will begin on July 18 with the Smart Kids, Smart City Challenge – Robotic Walk along MBKS Boulevard in Jalan Padungan, aimed at nurturing interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among children and young innovators.
The main festivities will commence on July 22 with the 722 Walk in Commemoration of Sarawak Day at 6am, followed by the official opening of the Kuching Festival Fair at Dewan Masyarakat MBKS from 5pm to 11pm.
“Everyone is welcome to participate and they are encouraged to wear red, yellow or black during the commemorative walk,” he said.
Visitors can also enjoy the annual Garden Show at Kuching Park throughout the festival period, from July 22 to Aug 16.
“The official festival launch is scheduled for July 24, with Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian expected to officiate,” he added.
Among the youth-focused attractions are the Cosplay Competition on July 25, K-Pop Dance Cover Competition on July 26, Pokémon Trading Card Tournament on Aug 2 and the semi-finals and finals of Kuching’s Got Talent on Aug 15 and 16.
For senior citizens, programmes such as the Folk Dance Display and Yuanji Dance have been organised to promote active ageing, community engagement and cultural preservation.
Sports and wellness activities will remain a major component of the festival, including the MBKS Pickle Rush Kuching 2026, Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run, Fishing Competition, Kuching Zumba Fiesta 2026, Sarawak Energy Marathon 2026, ASEAN Veteran Basketball Tournament and the Mayor’s Walk.
One of the key highlights will be the Kuching Zumba Fiesta 2026 on Aug 8, where organisers will attempt to set a Malaysia Book of Records title for the largest senior citizens’ participation in a Zumba event.
The festival will also reinforce Kuching’s standing as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy through the UCCN Gastronomy Pavilion from Aug 3 to 9 and the Borneo Culinary World Cup 2026 from Aug 5 to 7, which will bring together chefs and culinary professionals from around the region and beyond.
“The events would further strengthen Kuching’s reputation as one of the world’s leading gastronomic destinations,” he said.
In support of local creative industries, the Crafted Tables for Two Exhibition, jointly organised by the Sarawak Craft Council and Society Atelier Sarawak, will be held from July 31 to Aug 16. The exhibition will showcase innovative table settings incorporating specially designed Sarawak handicrafts and promote contemporary applications of traditional craftsmanship.
Cultural performances will also feature prominently, with nightly entertainment programmes at the MBKS Theatre throughout the festival, alongside special performances including Traditional Oriental Music, Teochew Music, Charity Night and a Martial Arts Display.
The festival will also celebrate international friendship through the launch of Guro Street on July 31, symbolising the longstanding ties between Kuching and Guro City in the Republic of Korea.
From July 31 to Aug 2, International Friendship Cities Night will feature cultural performances by visiting delegations from Zhenjiang, Quanzhou and Zhengzhou in China, Guro in South Korea, and Asuke in Toyota City, Japan.
“These performances celebrate not only the beauty of their respective cultures but also the enduring friendships that Kuching has built with our international partners,” Wee said.
He emphasised that the MBKS Kuching Festival 2026 reflects the city’s aspiration to become a compassionate, resilient and sustainable city, with programmes spanning STEM, sports, gastronomy, arts, culture, international friendship and community wellness.
Wee also expressed appreciation to sponsors, government agencies, community organisations, volunteers, performers, stall operators and members of the organising committee for making the festival possible.
Inviting residents and visitors to participate, he encouraged the public to bring family and friends to enjoy the food, cultural performances, sporting events and community activities throughout the festival.
“As we celebrate 40 years of the Kuching Festival and commemorate the 38th Anniversary of Kuching City Day, let us continue working together to build a compassionate and resilient city for a sustainable future.
“Together, we can ensure that Kuching remains a city where every generation has the opportunity to participate, contribute and thrive, leaving no one behind,” he said. — DayakDaily
