First held in 2010, George Town Festival is an annual festival held in Penang, Malaysia in honour of George Town’s inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. The annual festival celebrates the state’s diverse arts and culture scene encompassing dance, music, theatre, visual art, film, photography and more. Generally held in historic buildings, back alleys, theatres and other unique spots in the city, the annual festival has grown into a prominent event connecting festival-goers with local and international creatives.
This year, the 16th edition of GTF will take place from 2 to 10 August 2025, introducing a new theme, ‘Connection’, which explores the relationship between the arts and human experiences. Through diverse forms of art—theatre, music, dance, photography, visual arts, and more—the festival offers a fresh lens through which to view art, inspiring new thoughts and feelings while celebrating how art awakens our senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.
George Town Festival 2025 is a project by George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), organised by TLM Event, endorsed by the Penang State Government and the Penang State EXCO Office for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE). It is fully supported by the City Council of Penang Island (MBPP), Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) and Penang Global Tourism (PGT).
