‘Grand reunion’ event to transform Padungan Street into 10-day celebration of heritage, gastronomy delight

KUCHING (Jan 7): Padungan Street will have its most spectacular transformation yet, as the inaugural ‘Padungan Chinese New Year Reunion Street Festival 2026’ will turn it into a 10-day celebration of heritage, culture, and culinary delight.

The festival will run from Feb 6 to 15, 5pm to 11pm.

Organising chairman Joey Wee said: “We aren’t just hosting a market, we are creating a ‘grand reunion’ for all Kuchingnites.”

“Our vision is to breathe new life into this heritage street every year, ensuring the legacy of Padungan continues to thrive for generations to come,” she said.

Attendees can expect a lively mix of over 100 vendors offering local food and beverages, artisan crafts, and Chinese New Year essentials, all coming together to create a bustling hub that combines commerce with cultural immersion.

Each day will feature captivating cultural performances such as 24 Festive Drums, lion and dragon dances, and traditional Chinese orchestra shows — showcasing the richness of Sarawak’s heritage and providing entertainment for all ages.

The festival’s footprint stretches from the Ambank Car Park along the historic main stretch of Padungan Street, transforming the area into a vibrant economic and heritage hub that celebrates both community and tradition.

Members of the public are advised that road closures will begin at 5pm throughout the event, and are encouraged to arrive early, carpool, or use e-hailing services to ease congestion as high visitor turnout is expected.

In addition, for the first time in a heritage-area festival, Lalamove Malaysia is the Official Logistics Partner, providing delivery support for both vendors and visitors.

To make the festivities even more convenient, Lalamove is introducing an exclusive promo code that allows for seamless and affordable deliveries throughout the celebration.

The festival is co-organised by the Kuching Dynamic Association and Padungan Merchant Association and is supported by the Kuching South City Council, Loong Kee and Heineken Malaysia Berhad.

An opening ceremony will be held on Feb 7, with Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng gracing the ceremony.

For more information on the festival, visit Padungan Street Festival on Facebook.