Penang George Town Festival 2025: Schedule & Venue

Penang is highly known for its cultural heritage and food. Besides the usual attractions, Penang also annually hosts festivals consisting of various art and cultural aspects such as performances, music, and more. The George Town Festival 2025 (GTF) is one of the most popular festivals that brings people together through art and culture and connecting local and international artists.

Penang George Town Festival 2025

George Town Festival returns for its 16th edition from 2nd to 10th August 2025 with the theme “Connection”! They have 50 programmes spanning music, dance, theatre, visual arts and more!

Opening Weekend of George Town Festival 2025: After Dusk

Date: 2 & 3 August 2025

Time: 5pm - 11pm

Venue: Padang Kota Lama, George Town @ Esplanade

What is Penang George Town Festival?

Penang George Town Festival is an annual festival that was first held in 2010 in Penang, Malaysia. It was to honour Georgetown, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. The festival features a diverse range of cultural and artistic performances, music, film, food, and more. The primary purpose of this festival is to bring together local and international artists and individuals, fostering a more profound connection among them.

Highlights of George Town Festival 2025

At the George Town Festival, there are plenty of things visitors can look forward to. There are more than 50 programmes offered during the festival. Some of them include cultural performances, local cuisine, and lively music. Check out some of the main highlights of the festival below:

• Theatre Performances: Catch engaging theatre performances for kids, such as the Safari and My Cloud
• Dance Performances: Witness contemporary hip hop dance performances or Taiwan-inspired moves by Birdy
• Music Performances: Catch a concert that features classical Spanish music, bringing you to Spain
• Digital Projection: Enjoy watching digital projection mapping by Filamen, which will showcase various visual stories with immersive art, music and performances.

Find out George Town Festival 2025 Programmes here. 

Source: https://www.mypenang.gov.my/events/all-events/708/?lg=en

History of George Town Festival

The George Town festival was first held in 2010 as a one-off celebration after achieving UNESCO status. However, it grew in popularity over the years and has become an annual event. Though it first started off as an arts festival, it slowly evolved to include various other cultural events such as dance and music performances. This festival was created to promote the diverse culture of Penang while maintaining its heritage. 

Tips for First-timers to Penang Georgetown Festival

If it’s your first time heading over to Penang to catch the George Town Festival 2025, we’ve got some tips to share with you! These helpful tips can make your experience much more enjoyable!

• Book Your Accommodations Early: Sometimes, the hotels can get fully booked near the festival date. Try to secure your accommodation in advance to secure your booking. Do consider staying around George Town so it’s easy to head over to the festival.
• Pack Some Comfortable Clothing: It may get pretty humid, so you may want to wear light clothing. However, do prepare for rain just in case, too! Umbrellas come in handy for both hot and rainy weather.
• Take Note of the Program Schedule: Once it’s been released, you should keep an eye on the timings so you don’t miss them. Some programs may require registration.
• Eat the Local Penang food: Don’t forget to try some local cuisines while you’re there!

Learn more about George Town Festival on their Official Website, Instagram and Facebook

Travel to Penang George Town Festival 2025 with Penangbook!

Now that you know how exciting the Penang George Town Festival 2025 is, we know you’re getting started to plan your trip soon! Consider renting a car while in Penang so that you can not only explore the festival, but you can also check out other attractions and local delights while you’re there! 

Rent a car with PenangBook,  the best car rental service in Penang with a seamless online booking system for car rentals and top attractions in Penang! 

Visit Nearby Attractions in Georgetown! 

While you’re visiting for the Penang George Town Festival 2025, you can also check out these famous nearby attractions: 

1. Penang Hill

The Habitat Penang Hill is where you can discover various flora and fauna while enjoying panoramic views of the Island. You can walk across the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk, which stands 13 meters high, for a good view of the entire Island, or take a stroll along the Langur Way Canopy Walk, the longest canopy bridge that offers views of the forest.

2. Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm

Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm is another popular attraction in Georgetown, as you can explore more than 15,000 butterflies among a lush garden. There are also gorgeous waterfalls and various other insects, reptiles and amphibians to discover. Don’t forget to admire over 200 different species of plants while you’re there, too!

3. The Top Penang 

The Top Penang is a must-visit attraction in Georgetown, as there are plenty of activities to do here. You can head to the observation deck to get a good view of Penang Island from the top or try the Rainbow Skywalk, known as the highest outdoor glass-floored walkway in Penang. There’s also the Jurassic Research Centre to learn a thing or two about more than 200 dinosaurs.