Kuching Festival 2026 Highlights International Friendship Cities and 40th Anniversary

Kuching Festival 2026 runs from 22 July to 16 August, marking the event’s 40th anniversary. The programme centres on the International Friendship Cities Night (31 July‑2 August), featuring cultural performances from partner cities Zhenjiang, Quanzhou and Zhengzhou in China, Guro in South Korea, and Asuke and Toyota in Japan. Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the night showcases the growing ties between Kuching and its sister cities through shared heritage, gastronomy and cooperation.

The festival’s theme, “Building a Caring and Resilient City for a Sustainable Future,” underpins activities across gastronomy, culture, sport, technology and creative arts. As a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Kuching also hosts the UNESCO Creative City Network Pavilion (3‑9 August) and the Borneo Culinary World Cup (5‑7 August). Organisers stress inclusive participation, pledging “No one left behind” to ensure all age groups can enjoy the events.