KUCHING: Padungan Street, one of Kuching’s oldest commercial precincts, is set to transform into a vibrant cultural hub with the Padungan Chinese New Year Street Festival 2026.
The 10-day festival, running from February 6 to 15, will see Padungan Street come alive nightly with cultural performances, festive markets and community-driven celebrations.
Mayor of Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Datuk Wee Hong Seng, said the festival reflects Padungan’s enduring heritage and its continued role in Kuching’s social and economic landscape.
“Padungan is deeply rooted in Kuching’s history and this festival highlights how heritage, culture and community collaboration can strengthen tourism and local businesses,” he said.
He said this at a media conference on the Padungan Chinese New Year Street Festival 2026 at The Nobleman Restaurant here on Wednesday.
“The festival is organised by the Padungan Merchant Association in collaboration with MBKS, marking a significant expansion of Padungan’s traditional Chinese New Year celebrations.
“Each evening from 5:00 pm to midnight, the street will be transformed into a festive space welcoming locals, visitors and returning Kuchingites celebrating the Lunar New Year,
“Highlights include 24 Festive Drums performances, lion and dragon dances, live bands, Chinese orchestra showcases, cultural dances and singing competitions,” he said.
He added that more than 100 vendors will participate, offering food and beverages, New Year essentials, and creative crafts across Padungan Street and the Ambank car park area.
Chairman of Padungan Merchant Association, Eric Tay, said the festival represents the beginning of a new tradition for Padungan and Kuching’s festive calendar.
“This inaugural Reunion Street Festival is designed as a long-term platform to revive Padungan annually while preserving its cultural legacy,” he said.
“The official opening ceremony will be on February 7, featuring distinguished guests including Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts cum Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
“Strong support from corporate partners has also strengthened the festival’s scope and logistics, enhancing visitor experience and vendor operations throughout the celebrations,” he said.
Organising chairwoman, Joey Wee, said the festival aims to create a meaningful reunion experience for all segments of the community.
“We are not just hosting a market, but creating a grand reunion that reconnects people with Padungan’s heritage and ensures its legacy continues,” she said.
“Household brands, Loong Kee and Heineken Malaysia Bhd, have come onboard as key sponsors supporting festive programmes and community engagement.
“Lalamove Malaysia has been appointed Official Logistics Partner, providing delivery support and exclusive promotions during the high-demand Chinese New Year period,” she added.
She said that the market will operate daily from 5.00 pm to 11.00 pm, with road closures implemented from 5.00 pm to ensure safety and smooth event operations.
“Members of the public are encouraged to arrive early, carpool, or use e-hailing services due to expected high visitor turnout,” she said.
“We will also work with Sarawak Photo Art Society to organise a photography competition during the festival,” she said.
