SABAH FEST 2026 EXPANDS BEYOND KOTA KINABALU WITH STATEWIDE ROADSHOWS AND 50 FEATURED EVENTS

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Fest 2026 returns as a month-long celebration from 29 August to 29 September 2026, bringing together statewide roadshows, cultural showcases, interactive activities and 50 featured events highlighting Sabah's diversity, traditions and community experiences.

Continuing with the theme “Cultural Extravaganza”, this year's celebration will showcase the creativity, heritage and experiences of Sabah through programmed designed to bring communities and visitors closer to local traditions.

Organized by the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) through Sri Pelancongan Sabah, Sabah Fest 2026 will feature roadshows at selected locations, beginning with the opening programmed at the Sabah Tourism Board office building in Kota Kinabalu before continuing to Sandakan, Tawau, Kudat and Kuala Lumpur.

The roadshows will feature cultural performances, hands-on workshops and engaging programmed, providing more communities and visitors with opportunities to experience Sabah's local traditions and cultural offerings. The Kuala Lumpur showcase will also serve as an opportunity to introduce Sabah to travelers and audiences beyond the state.

Celebrating 50 Years of Sabah Tourism Board

This year's Sabah Fest carries added significance as it coincides with the 50th Anniversary of Sabah Tourism Board, celebrating five decades of the organization's commitment to promoting Sabah as a tourism destination.

Established in August 1976 as the Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation (STPC), the agency was re-established as the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) in November 1985 under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Sabah. Over the past five decades, STB has continued its mission of promoting Sabah's diverse offerings, from its natural landscapes and biodiversity to its communities and culture.

“Sabah's diversity is one of our greatest strengths and continues to shape the state's appeal as a destination. Sabah Fest provides an important platform to celebrate our communities, traditions, and local experiences while creating opportunities for the tourism industry to work together in promoting what Sabah has to offer.

“As STB celebrates its 50th Anniversary, this year's festival reflects our continued commitment to strengthening partnerships across the industry and creating meaningful experiences that benefit local communities while enhancing Sabah's position as a preferred destination,” said Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister and Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board.

50 Featured Events Across Sabah

As part of the celebration, Sabah Fest 2026 will feature 50 selected events and experiences across the state, curated in collaboration with tourism stakeholders, organizations, communities, businesses and event organizers. The initiative aims to bring together a diverse range of programmed throughout the festival period.

The featured programmed will include festivals, conferences, workshops, activities, tourism packages, special promotions, cultural experiences and exhibitions.

Event organizers interested in having their programmed featured can register through the Hello Sabah website.

A Festival with a Long Cultural Legacy

Since its establishment in 1988, Sabah Fest has evolved through various formats, from cultural showcases and theatrical productions featuring local legends and folklore to open-concept celebrations and digital experiences.

The festival continues to serve as a platform connecting communities, industry partners and visitors through meaningful experiences.

For more information, visit Hello Sabah or follow Hello Sabah's social media channels.

MEDIA INQUIRIES / GENERAL INFORMATION

Azeera Az.
Communications Manager
Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd.

Mobile: +6017 793 6788
Tel: +6088 232 121
Email: azeera@sabahtourism.com