SIBU – The WAK Festival 2026 Sibu officially launched its third edition calendar at Wisma Sanyan today, unveiling a vibrant programme that will take place from 12 to 14 June.
The festival, centred around the Sibu Heritage Centre, promises an engaging mix of performances, exhibitions, markets, and creative activities designed to highlight the town’s growing cultural and creative ecosystem.
The calendar reveal was officiated by Clarence Ting Ing Horh, chairman of the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), who expressed optimism about Sibu’s progress and its trajectory towards achieving city status.
He emphasised that the increasing participation of local collaborators reflects the strength of Sibu’s arts and cultural community.
“The growing number of local collaborators participating in WAK Sibu is a testimony to the vibrancy and creativity we have here. It demonstrates the strength of our local arts and cultural community and the increasing enthusiasm towards creating experiences for the people of Sibu,” Ting said.
He encouraged more organisations and individuals to join future editions, reinforcing the festival’s role as a platform for cultural diversity and community unity.
The festival calendar features the following:
- 11 venue and hotel partners
- 12 event collaborators
- 24 unique events
- 37 daily events
- 21 marketplace vendors
- 16 WAK ambassadors
Festival Manager Brendan Chin highlighted several programme highlights, including the Festival Gendang Sarawak Zone, which will showcase traditional drumming and cultural performances from Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, and Kapit.
Another key event is the Silent Run 5.0 Sibu Edition, dedicated to raising awareness for deaf sports and supporting the Sarawak Deaf Sports Association.
Music lovers can look forward to the Dynamic Music Portal Nights featuring indie singer John Dills, jazz band Voz Pastel, and rock band Kotaras.
Visual arts will also take centre stage with exhibitions such as All About Arts curated by Edric Ong, Wild About Nature: Closer to Nature, and Celebrating Malaysia Through the Lens in collaboration with Canon Marketing Malaysia.
Sports and lifestyle activities will add further excitement, with the WAK Festival Pickleball Challenge (WFPC 2026) and Pickled on the Streets – Sibu combining athletic competition with street-style celebrations.
Pop-up courts at Sibu Gateway will host matches accompanied by DJ performances, creating a lively atmosphere for participants and spectators alike.
Clarence Ting noted that the festival coincides with the Gawai season, when many hometown visitors return to Sibu.
He encouraged them to take part in the celebration, describing WAK as a festival that brings energy and vibrancy to the town.
Organisers emphasised that the WAK Festival Sibu remains true to its philosophy of “by the community, for the community”, providing a platform for local talent while fostering collaborations with regional and international creatives.
The mission is to celebrate arts, culture, and lifestyle while also boosting tourism and empowering Sarawak’s youth.
Festival calendars are now available in both physical and digital formats, with updates accessible via wakfestival.com/wakxsibu/ and @wakxsibu on social media.
