WAK Festival 2026 launches with plans to expand across Sarawak

The eighth edition of the WAK Festival was officially launched in Kuching on October 3, 2026. The arts, culture, and lifestyle festival, themed ‘Celebrating Us’, aims to strengthen the creative community across Sarawak.

Originally started in Kuching in 2017, the festival has already expanded to include editions in Sibu and Miri. The Sarawak Government is now exploring further expansion to Bintulu and other regions to create a statewide network of festivals. This initiative is intended to build a larger creative ecosystem that connects artists, performers, and entrepreneurs while showcasing the state’s cultural diversity.

Representing Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah emphasized that the festival is a community-driven platform. The government views the expansion as a way to provide economic opportunities and meaningful careers for young Sarawakians through the creative sector.