THROUGHOUT 2025, Sarawak’s calendar was filled with a vibrant line-up of events highlighting the state’s cultural richness, sporting spirit, and growing international profile.
Signature festivals such as the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) drew global attention, bringing together musicians and cultural practitioners from around the world, while Regatta Sarawak reaffirmed its status as a major riverside spectacle blending tradition, competition, and community celebration.
These flagship events were complemented by exhibitions, conferences, and community festivals across urban and rural areas, reflecting Sarawak’s diverse social fabric.
The year also saw the much-anticipated return of the ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA), injecting momentum into the creative and tourism sectors and reinforcing Sarawak’s position as a regional hub for arts and culture. Alongside AIFFA, sports tournaments, eco-tourism programmes, youth initiatives, innovation events, and heritage festivals contributed to a dynamic year-long narrative of engagement and recovery.
Collectively, these events boosted tourism, strengthened local economies, and enhanced Sarawak’s identity as a destination celebrating culture, creativity, and community on an international stage.
- New Year’s Celebrations 2025
Festive New Year countdown parties and fireworks at Kuching Waterfront kicked off the year with music, food, and dazzling pyrotechnics.
- Gawai Dayak Parade
The colourful Gawai Dayak Parade celebrated the Dayak harvest festival with traditional costume contingents, music, and dance, marching from Tun Jugah Building to Kuching Waterfront. Over 90 contingents with more than 3,000 participants showcased Dayak unity and heritage. Distinguished guests included Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
- Rainforest World Music Festival
Held at the Sarawak Cultural Village under the theme Connections: One Earth, One Love, RWMF featured international and local musicians, workshops, cultural displays, and food stalls. Earth, Wind & Fire (EWF) led by Grammy winner Al McKay was among the headline performers. The festival drew 22,148 attendees, further cementing its status as one of Sarawak’s most iconic music festivals.
- Kuching Festival Food Fair
The Kuching Festival Food Fair, held at the MBKS Community Hall, featured over 300 stalls with local and international cuisines. The fair maintained its record attendance with 1,044,417 visitors enjoying a culinary feast.
- Sarawak Day
Miri hosted Sarawak Day with activities celebrating the state’s history and achievements, including a Sales Carnival, Sarawak Talent Showcase, Zumba session with over 1,000 participants, a Multi-Faith Thanksgiving Ceremony, Unity Walk featuring 7,000 participants, a townhall with the Premier, and the Sarawak Day Assembly.
- Malaysia Day
More than 10,000 people attended the Sarawak State-Level Malaysia Day 2025 Celebration at the Old Bintulu Airport (Lasar Kenyalang). The event, graced by Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, featured cultural performances, video presentations, and a flag-raising ceremony, culminating in fireworks and a People’s Concert with local and Indonesian artists, including Misha Omar, Roxy Ixzy, and Nidji.
- Siniawan Country Music Festival
The eighth edition of the Siniawan Country Music Festival transformed Siniawan into a lively cowboy town. This year’s celebration coincided with the completion of the Siniawan Waterfront project, the town’s 185th anniversary, and the 15th anniversary of the Siniawan Night Market, drawing a large number of visitors over three days.
- Official Birthday of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak
The 79th official birthday of Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar was marked by seven events from Oct 9–12, beginning with a thanksgiving prayer at Masjid Jamek Negeri Sarawak and an interfaith service at the Imperial Hotel Kuching. The Parade and Grand Assembly at Padang Merdeka, investiture at Astana Negeri Sarawak, and simultaneous evening events — the State Banquet and Konsert Rakyat — concluded with a fireworks display. A tea reception at the Riverside Majestic Hotel wrapped up the celebration.
- What About Kuching (WAK) Festival
Held throughout October, the WAK Festival 2025 featured community-driven events celebrating Kuching’s creative energy, cultural heritage, and shared future.
- Regatta Sarawak
The Sarawak Land and Survey Department (Landas) reclaimed the Raja Sungai (King of the River) title after winning the 2025 Sarawak Regatta’s Tuan Yang Terutama Pehin Sri Governor’s Trophy. The 10-day festival, held from Oct 24 to Nov 2, attracted large crowds and included the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta with a record 2,143 paddlers from 22 countries. The closing ceremony was graced by His Royal Highness Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
- ASEAN International Film Festival & Awards (AIFFA) 2025
Held in Kuching from Nov 12–15, AIFFA celebrated Southeast Asian cinema with screenings, workshops, and industry programmes. Sarawak’s locally produced film Tegkang, set in the Bario highlands, won the Special Jury Award alongside Brunei’s Waiters, recognised for distinctive storytelling and meaningful contributions to regional cinema.
- New Year Countdown 2026
The New Year Countdown 2026 at Kuching Waterfront is set to attract at least 20,000 spectators under the theme Feasta, running from 8.00 pm to 2.00 am. The celebration, attended by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, features local bands, ethnic dances and Sarawakian singers in the pre-show, followed by performances from top Malaysian artists.
A highlight of the event is the Gateway to Sarawak Drone Relay, recently recognised by Guinness World Records for the longest GPS journey. After the midnight countdown and fireworks, the festivities continue with a post-show concert featuring Indonesian star Judika, supported by KRU.
