Events in Penang

Penang has a reputation for being a lively island full of joy, and the festivals that spring up across the region all year round have a lot to answer for in this respect. Listed below are four of the very best events that take place on the island.

George Town Festival (August)

One of the most famous annual celebrations in South-East Asia, George Town Festival explodes into life every single year with art, culture and heritage expeditions, drawing thousands from the surrounding area to join the revelries.

OBSCURA Festival of Photography (August)

If you’re any way interested in the art of photography, you ought to do everything in your power to get your name on the list for the OBSCURA Festival of Photography. Hosting a vast selection of guest speeches, events and exhibitions, OBSCURA remains one of the biggest photography festivals in the world and attracts some of the most respected individuals in the industry.

International Dragon Boat Festival (May)

The International Dragon Boat Festival is a thrilling celebration of river racing, with teams going head to head in front of excitable, capacity crowds at Teluk Bahang Dam.

Island Jazz Festival (December)

A joyful celebration of live jazz and percussion music from local and international artists, the Island Jazz Festival is an ecstatic, fun-filled festival that immerses the island with infectious rhythm year upon year.