The Best Things to Do in Kuching (2026): 10 Iconic Festivals and Events
- 1. Chap Goh Meh (February/March)
- 2. Chinese Temple Parades – (March)
- 3. Gawai Dayak: A Cultural Must-See Thing to Do in Kuching (June)
- 4. The Rainforest World Music Festival (June/July)
- 5. Savour Local Flavours @ Kuching Food Festival: Things to Do in Kuching for Foodies (July/August)
- 6. Kuching Marathon (September)
- 7. Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival. (September)
- 8. Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta (SIDBR) and the Sarawak Regatta (October/November)
- 9. Gear up for the Sarawak Adventure Challenge
- 10. Kuching City Christmas Parade (December)
- Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to make your Sarawak holiday unforgettable? Kuching is full of vibrant festivals and thrilling events all year long. If you are looking for the most authentic things to do in Kuching, timing your trip with a local festival is the best way to see the city.
Not here during a festival? Don’t worry. Kuching still offers amazing year-round adventures. You can visit Bako National Park, explore the Borneo Culturals Museum, or take a sunset river cruise.
But if you can time your trip, these 10 events show you the “Soul of Borneo.” Here is our list for 2025 and 2026 in chronological order.
Here are our top pick of things to do in Kuching for events and festivals in chronological month order.
1. Chap Goh Meh (February/March)
Where: Siniawan Old Town (27km from downtown).
Time: MorningWhy go: It ends with a bang! You will see dragons and lions parade through a historic wooden town. Siniawan Old Town has one of the best night markets in Malaysia.
Related here is the celebratory procession at the old gold mining town of Bau. Another is at 3rd mile Bazaar, Kuching. Both starts 8am in the morning. The one at Bau is the biggest this side of Borneo. Only Singkawang in Kalimantan Indonesia has a bigger version; reputed to be the biggest of its kind in the world.
2. Chinese Temple Parades – (March)
Watch colorful statues of gods “cruise” the streets of the city.
When: March (22nd day of the 2nd lunar month).
Where: Parade route Kuching
Time: 4pm onwards
Highlight: The Seng Ong Kong Temple parade is the biggest. People from all cultures join in with huge floats and loud music.This is the only time in a year when the statue of ‘Seng Ong Kong’ ‘cruise’ the streets. To celebrate his birthday no less!
There are three such parades spread over March each year. The ‘Tua Pek Kong’ Temple parade maybe rank the top in seniority but the ‘Seng Ong Kong‘ hokkien temple parade is the biggest and grandest.
3. Gawai Dayak: A Cultural Must-See Thing to Do in Kuching
(June)
This is the biggest cultural event in Borneo. It celebrates the rice harvest.
The Vibe: The party lasts all month.
Pro Tip: For the best experience, visit a longhouse in Betong or Padawan. Locals will welcome you with tuak (rice wine) and traditional bamboo chicken.
There are three possibilites for you to note.
1. Bidayuh Open House, Padawan
Where: Kampung Taee, Serian; Kampung Annah Rais and Kampug Benuk, Padawan.
When: 1st Day of Gawai Dayak Festival, June.
Time: All day
The community parade at Kampung Taee sets this celebration apart. Over at the longhouses of Kampung Benuk and Annah Rais, they lend an old world charm to the atmosphere. A welcome drink of ‘tuak’ (rice wine) is the order of the day. There will be traditional musical sessions and dances. Savor the delectable “chicken pansuh”, a traditional delicacy cooked inside bamboo.
2. ‘Niti Daun’ Gawai Parade.
The thousands in their respective costumes presents great photo opportunities. And reading the placards of the multi-faceted Dayaks of Sarawak is an education in itself.
Where: Parade route Kuching Waterfront
When: 20th June, 2026
Time: From 2.45pm onwards
3. Gawai Dayak Open House and Parade
Where: Betong
When: 5th to 7th June, 2026
Time: 3Day 2 Nights
This 3d2n event takes place in the Iban heartland of Betong, a 3hr 15min drive from Kuching. Thus, the longhouse festive experience is as authentic as it gets. The atmosphere is cacophony of laughters, gong and drum beats. Also, there will be a ‘niti daun’ parade to witness in Betong town itself.
This is an annual event of the Sarawak Tourism Federation. It comes with transfers, accommodation, guided tours and meals. We can assist with bookings. Do contact us via our Whatsapp business account or contact form.
Gawai Dayak is the biggest cultural festival in Sarawak and for that matter Borneo. The two biggest Dayak sub-groups of Sarawak; the Ibans and the Bidayuhs celebrate the festival on a grand scale. As the word ‘harvest’ suggests, this is a celebration of bountiful rice harvest. In the best of Sarawakian hospitality known as ‘Open House; one can drop in a host for a visit. While invitation isn’t necessary, one needs to make some preparations. These include logistic and overnight stay.
4. The Rainforest World Music Festival (June/July)
The Vibe: Join 15,000 fans for music workshops and nightly concerts. It is a bucket-list event for any world traveler.
Where: The Sarawak Cultural Village
When: 26 – 28 June 2026
Time: 1000-2400 Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Gated event: A 3-day pass ranges from MYR333 to MYR835. Children 3-12 a flat MYR80. Under 3 gets in for free.
As the year heats up, so does Kuching’s music festival scene! The multi-award winning Rainforest World Music Festival is a global music extravaganza. 15,000 festival goers converge here over a 3-day period. Immerse yourself in the musical heritage of international and local artists. During the day, take part in various workshops and during the night, dance to eclectic music. This magical festival takes place amidst the lush rainforest setting of the legendary Mt. Santubong – a jungle village festival indeed!
5. Savour Local Flavours @ Kuching Food Festival: Things to Do in Kuching for Foodies
(July/August)
Why go: Kuching is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. This festival has over 300 stalls. You can try everything from Sarawak Laksa to modern desserts.
Where: The Grounds of Kuching City Council South (MBKS)
When: 22nd July 22nd – 16th August, 2026
Time: 1600-2300
Non-gated
Since 1986, this long running festival have now grown into an iconic event for Kuching. Reading creative signages is as amusing as the choices are many. If jostling for space isn’t your thing, schedule visits during weekdays.
6. Kuching Marathon (September)
The Route: This race takes you through parts of the city that tourists rarely see. The energy at the midnight start line is amazing.
Where: The roads of Kuching
When: 27, September 2026
Time: Full Marathon: 0100; Half Marathon: 0400; 10KM:0530; 5KM: 0630.
Gated event: MYR60 to MYR130. Across four categories; 5-Km, 10-km, Half and Full marathon
The Kuching Marathon is biggest single-day event in the city. Since 2014, as many as 10,000 runners have lined up to run the 4 respective categories each year. This is flat course for tortured fun whilst the Kenyans take home the top pay checks.
7. Kuching Intercultural Mooncake Festival. (September)
Significance: You will see Chinese and Malay groups celebrating together. It is a great example of how people in Sarawak live in harmony.
Where: Carpenter Street, Kuching
When: September, a 10-day event,
Time: 4pm till closing
Non-gated event
Historical-wise, the venue, Carpenter Street, was the earliest melting pot for commerce in Kuching. Be prepared for how popular the food street is with the masses.
8. Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta (SIDBR) and the Sarawak Regatta (October/November)
The Story: This race started in 1872 to stop tribes from fighting. Today, teams battle on the river for the “King of the River” title.
Where: The Kuching Waterfront
When: Oct/November
Time: All day
Non-gated event
These are back to back events. And they make great spectator sports. The well-set up infrastructure on both banks of the Sarawak river see to that.
The SIDBR which goes first, attracts international teams from around the region.
The week after, the more illustrious Sarawak Regatta takes its course down the same river. It was here in 1872, the regatta was first held. Then, the 2nd white rajah of Sarawak had organised this event to encourage warring tribe to challenge each other. This was how the regatta first came into being. Like the days of old, the regatta is a vibrant community event. One can feel and hear the excitement in the air as longboats battle it out for the ‘King of the River’ title. This is the highlight event that takes place on Sunday afternoon.
9. Gear up for the Sarawak Adventure Challenge
The Vibe: This is a race for multi-sports athletes. It includes mountain biking, swimming and trail running through the rough Borneo jungle. It is now part of Xterra Planet racing calendar.
Where: Sematan, Lundu
When: 17-19 April, 2026
Time: Two-day event
Gated event
Crossing stream is another day in the jungle at the Sarawak Adventure Challenge
10. Kuching City Christmas Parade (December)
The Event: Over 7,000 people sing and dance through the streets. It is a joyful event that shows the spirit of the city.
Where: Parade route, Kuching
When: In the 1st week of December
Time: 7pm onwards
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Kuching for festivals?
June is the best month. You can see the Gawai Dayak Harvest Festival on June 1st and the Rainforest World Music Festival in late June.
Do I need tickets for the Rainforest World Music Festival?
Yes, you must buy a ticket. They usually go on sale in April. Watch out for the early-bird specials. Most other parades and cultural events in the city are free to watch.
Is the Kuching Food Festival held every year?
Yes. It happens every year for three weeks. It usually starts in late July and ends in mid-August at the MBKS grounds.
Are these events child-friendly?
Yes. Most festivals in Kuching are great for families. The parades and food fairs are very popular with locals and children.
Our curated events takes place on a regular annual basis. The dates may change but the months don’t. But do check back with us either via our contact form or via Whatsapp business account.