KUCHING: The Kuching Festival 2026 has grown into one of Malaysia’s largest community festivals, featuring more than 425 food stalls, nearly 100 trade booths and dozens of family attractions, said Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
Speaking at the launching of Pesta Ria 2026 in conjunction with Kuching Festival here on Friday (Jul 24), Wee said the annual event has evolved from its humble beginnings 40 years ago into a signature celebration that has become part of Kuching’s identity.
“Forty years ago, this festival began modestly at Reservoir Park. It later moved to the Dewan Masyarakat grounds with only a handful of food stalls.
“Today, the Kuching Festival Fair has grown into one of Malaysia’s largest community festivals, featuring more than 425 food stalls, close to 100 trade booths and dozens of family attractions,” he said.
Wee said the festival’s success was not measured solely by its size, but by its role in bringing communities together and attracting visitors from within and outside Sarawak.
“The true success of the Kuching Festival lies in the fact that it has become part of the identity of Kuching itself. Every year, families reunite here, friends gather here, businesses grow here, and visitors from throughout Sarawak, Peninsular Malaysia, Brunei, Kalimantan, Singapore and beyond make this festival part of their travel calendar,” he said.
He added that Kuching’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy has further elevated the festival’s international profile, providing a platform to showcase not only Sarawak’s diverse cuisine but also its hospitality, multicultural harmony and unique identity.
Wee said this year’s festival features nearly 30 programmes encompassing sports, cultural performances, music, youth activities, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education, family events and community engagement, making it much more than a food fair.
“It is a celebration of community. It is a platform for local entrepreneurs and provides opportunities for our young talents to shine. Above all, it is a reminder that when the people and the local authority work hand in hand, we can build something that benefits everyone,” he said.
Among the highlights this year are cultural performances by delegations from Kuching’s five friendship cities, the UNESCO Gastronomy Pavilion featuring chefs from 10 UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy, and the introduction of the festival’s first-ever Tuak Corner.
