KUCHING: The much-anticipated Kuching Festival 2025 promises to be grander, more vibrant, and more inclusive than ever before, with the month-long celebration set to kick off on July 25 at the Dewan Masyarakat MBKS and its surrounding venues here.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor, Datuk Wee Hong Seng, said that preparations are well underway, with applications now open for food stall operators interested in joining the ever-popular Kuching Festival Fair.
“This has been long-awaited, and even this morning, when the tenders were published, people were already asking about applying for stalls.
“Half stall is RM650, single stall RM1,300, international or premium stall RM3,600, and double stall starts at a minimum tender of RM5,400,” he said at a press conference held at the MBKS Hall yesterday.
Application forms are available from Counters 8 and 9 at the One-Stop Counter in the MBKS lobby.
All submissions, including those with processing fees and deposits, must be made by 8 May before 4:00 pm.
Highlighting the festival’s expanded scope this year, Wee described the event as more than a celebration.
“It is not just a celebration, it is a showcase of what makes Kuching truly special; our creative gastronomy, rich culture, sporting energy, youthful vibrancy, and meaningful ‘white hair’ activities that honour and engage our senior citizens,” said Wee.
Running from July 25 to August 17, the festival will feature signature crowd favourites, including the Garden Show at Kuching Park, Kuching Got Talent (August 8-9), the energetic Zumba Fiesta (August 2), and the Folk Dance and Martial Arts display events.
Furthermore, Wee emphasised a new scheduling tweak as the Mayor’s Run organised by Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), is moved a week earlier to 10 August.
“We understand DBKU is having their Mayor’s Run, so we give them time to run, and we’ll do our walk.
“This way, those who love walking and running can join both events and enjoy the entire festival,” he said.
Another major highlight is the Kuching Half-Marathon, which takes place on July 27, attracting fitness enthusiasts from across the region.
Meanwhile, cultural showcases, such as the Traditional Oriental Music Night (August 15) and the International Friendship Cities Night (July 25-27), will strengthen cultural ties with Kuching’s sister cities in China and Japan.
The festival will also offer a fishing competition on 9 August, blending recreation with friendly competition.
With its colourful line-up and strong community focus, Kuching Festival 2025 looks set to reaffirm its status as one of Sarawak’s most cherished and inclusive events.
