Upcoming festivals in Penang

The festivities open with the largest annual literary festival in Malaysia. Spread over three days, the George Town Literary Festival returns with the theme ‘Monsters & (Im)Mortals’. This year’s edition sees over 60 speakers from 20 different countries in a series of thought-provoking panel sessions and will feature local and international writers, journalists, poets and activists such as A Samad Said, Fahmi Mustaffa, David Van Reybrouck and Nisha Ayub.

Nov 24-26,  various locations in George Town.

Happening between the George Town Literary Festival and the Penang Island Jazz Festival is the aptly named In-Between Arts Festival. Taking place on the grounds of Armenian Park, the line-up of events includes performances, traditional games, local food and beverages as well as a pop-up market. Best of all, this family-friendly event is completely free to attend.

Nov 27-29, Armenian Park.

Conclude the ten days of three festivals with a little ‘Jazz By The Beach’ at Penang Island Jazz Festival. Sway to the smooth rhythm of jazz with performances by Korean bands Se: UM and Modern Pansori including other international acts such as Adam Hall and The Velvet Playboys, Eva Klesse Quartett and more.

Nov 30-Dec 3, various locations in Penang.