Sabah Fest: Dates, Where It Is Held and What to Expect

When is Sabah Fest?

Sabah Fest 2027 dates are to be confirmed. The organiser has not announced them yet; watch the Sabah Tourism events calendar and Hello Sabah.

Recent editions have followed the same pattern. Sabah Tourism describes Sabah Fest as a month-long celebration held alongside National Day, Sabah Day and Malaysia Day.

What is Sabah Fest and who organises it?

Sabah Fest is the state's annual festival of arts and culture, organised by the Sabah Tourism Board and managed by Sri Pelancongan Sabah. Sabah Tourism says it was first introduced in 1988 and celebrates the arts, traditions and stories of Sabah's many ethnic communities.

The 2026 edition carried the theme "Cultural Extravaganza" and marked the Sabah Tourism Board's 50th anniversary, according to the Daily Express. It was run as an umbrella programme of 50 curated events, from cultural shows and workshops to conferences, tourism packages and special promotions.

Where is Sabah Fest held?

Sabah Fest is based in Kota Kinabalu, but the 2026 edition also toured the state. It opened on 29 August at the Sabah Tourism Board building at 51 Jalan Gaya, then held roadshows on 5 September in Sandakan (Sepilok Jazz Festival), Kudat (Tip of Borneo), Tawau Airport and KLIA 1 and KLIA 2 in Kuala Lumpur, according to Hello Sabah.

In 2025 the programme used several Kota Kinabalu venues, including Gaya Street, Imago Shopping Mall, Oceanus Boardwalk, Suria Sabah and Kota Kinabalu International Airport, as reported by the Borneo Post. Venues for 2027 are to be confirmed.

What can you expect at Sabah Fest?

Expect traditional dance and music, arts and crafts, food stalls and hands-on workshops, spread across a month rather than packed into one weekend. The 2026 programme page listed:

• 50+ cultural pocket shows, stage performances, interactive activities and demonstrations.
• Unity in Diversity: Culture Unites Us Fun Run and Ethnic Walk on 6 September 2026.
• Food and drink stalls, art and craft activities and merchandise giveaways.
• Performers including Marsha Milan, Datuk Francis Landong, Dabra Sia and Elica Paujin.

The 2025 edition included a mini carnival at Imago Shopping Mall and a closing extravaganza of cultural dances at Oceanus Boardwalk on 27 and 28 September 2025, according to the Borneo Post.

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