Sabah Fest 2026 Brings Sabah’s Culture to the Streets of Kota Kinabalu This Weekend
KOTA KINABALU, SABAH — Kota Kinabalu is set for a colourful celebration of Sabah’s diverse heritage as Sabah Fest 2026 officially kicks off this Saturday, 29 August, bringing cultural performances, local food, arts, crafts and interactive activities to the heart of the city.
The opening celebration will take place at the Sabah Tourism Board building at 51, Jalan Gaya, with the evening programme running from 7pm to 10pm.
Sabah Tourism Board
Address: 51, Jalan Gaya, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Phone: +6088212121
This year’s festival is particularly significant as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), adding another milestone to a festival that has been celebrating Sabah’s cultural identity since 1988. (Hello Sabah)
A Celebration of Sabah’s Culture
First introduced in 1988, Sabah Fest has evolved over the decades from a traditional cultural showcase into a wider celebration involving communities, artists and visitors.
For 2026, the festival takes on a refreshed format, expanding beyond a single venue into a month-long celebration running from 29 August to 29 September.
The idea is simple: bring Sabah’s culture closer to people through smaller cultural showcases, performances and interactive experiences in different locations.
According to the festival organisers, the programme will feature 50 events as part of the expanded celebration. (Hello Sabah)
What to Expect at Gaya Street
For those staying in Kota Kinabalu, the opening celebration on 29 August is the main event to catch.
Visitors can expect a lively street-style atmosphere with:
- Cultural pocket shows
- Stage performances
- Interactive cultural activities
- Traditional demonstrations
- Arts and craft activities
- Local food and beverage stalls
- Limited-edition merchandise giveaways
- Light-up icons
- Canon Community Photowalk
The combination of food, performances and hands-on activities makes the event particularly suitable for families, photographers, visitors and anyone looking for a taste of Sabah’s culture without leaving the city centre. (Hello Sabah)
More Than Just a Weekend Festival
While the Gaya Street launch is the highlight for Kota Kinabalu residents, Sabah Fest 2026 will continue travelling to other parts of Sabah and beyond.
The current schedule includes:
29 August — Kota Kinabalu
Sabah Tourism Board, 51 Jalan Gaya
5 September — Sandakan
The celebration will coincide with the Sepilok Jazz Festival.
5 September — Kuala Lumpur
Pocket cultural shows will be held at KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, giving travellers a preview of Sabah’s cultural heritage.
5–6 September — Kudat
Cultural activities will take place at the Tip of Borneo.
18 September — Tawau
The festival continues at Tawau Airport.
The wider programme reflects Sabah Fest’s new approach of taking cultural experiences directly to communities and travellers rather than keeping the festival confined to one location. (Hello Sabah)
Why You Should Go
If you’ve been looking for something different to do in Kota Kinabalu this Merdeka weekend, Sabah Fest offers an opportunity to experience several aspects of Sabah culture in one evening.
It is also a good event for visitors who want to understand Sabah beyond its beaches, islands and wildlife.
Expect plenty of opportunities for photography, local food discoveries and cultural performances — and because the event takes place around Gaya Street, it is easy to combine the festival with an evening exploring the city centre.
Sabah Fest 2026 — Kota Kinabalu
Date: Saturday, 29 August 2026
Time: 7pm–10pm
Venue: Sabah Tourism Board Building, 51 Jalan Gaya, Kota Kinabalu
Admission: Check the organiser’s latest event updates for programme-specific information.
For the latest programme and updates, visit the official Sabah Fest 2026 event page on HelloSabah.
