Sidhaarthan
Ipoh Festival 2026 will run from 27 November to 19 December across Ipoh Old Town. Most programmes are free, apart from a few that need pre-registration. It follows Ipoh’s rating as a developing smart city.
This is the first edition of the festival, and its theme is to turn the city into a stage. The organisers say they want it to become an annual event. Notably, they name George Town Festival and Urbanscapes as models. If it works, Ipoh could join the cities with a yearly arts festival.
Overall, here is what is on, where it happens and what is still unclear. The programme gives no daily schedule or opening times. Therefore, visitors should check the festival’s social media before they go.
Ipoh Festival 2026 programme of art, music and film
To begin, the visual arts section has two exhibitions. “Rootbound: Origin and Boundless Expression” is at Senitra Studio Gallery. “Yellow” is a contemporary show inspired by Ipoh and Perak, from The Ipoh Fine Arts Class and Perak Contemporary Artists.
Moreover, the Ipoh Mali Theatre Society leads a Food and Arts Crawl. It pairs musical theatre with selected venues. Meanwhile, Indiescape leads a music crawl.
“Wayang & Makan di Padang” is an outdoor film screening with Greenery Market at Ipoh Padang. Additionally, a café will turn into a theatre, but the programme does not name it. In addition, music, dance and workshops are planned at several locations.
However, the programme gives no ticket prices beyond “free”. It does not say which activities need pre-registration. Likewise, it gives no number of shows or artists.
Where Ipoh Festival 2026 happens in Ipoh Old Town
Visitors begin at the information centre in 22 Hale Street Heritage Gallery. It is also the starting point of the festival. Besides information, the centre will present Ipoh’s hawker fare, so visitors can eat while they plan.
Meanwhile, Tin Alley hosts traditional crafts, cultural discovery and a guided cultural showcase. Jalan Bandar Timah holds an Artisan Rhythm Market. Furthermore, cafés, galleries and heritage buildings join in as venues.
The programme stresses Ipoh Old Town. As a result, many events sit within walking distance. However, the programme gives no traffic or parking advice.
For another heritage event this month, see the George Town Literary Festival, 27 to 29 November. It shares the same start date. As a result, visitors can compare both.
Partners and support behind Ipoh Festival 2026
Specifically, Ipoh City Council and Tourism Perak support the festival. Sponsors include 22 Hale Street Heritage Gallery and Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad. Nineteen partners are listed. They include galleries, dance studios, bands and film groups.
The aims are to test new ways to use public spaces and to back local talent. Likewise, organisers want residents and visitors to see Ipoh differently. They hope to build pride among younger residents too.
Yet the programme does not name an organiser or producer. It gives no figures for visitors or budget. For updates, follow @ipohfestival on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
In short, Ipoh Festival 2026 runs from 27 November to 19 December in Ipoh Old Town. Entry is free for most programmes, and the schedule and times are still to come.
Yalinie Mathan
C. Khor
Sashidaran Gunathevan
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