By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Fest 2026 returns with a month-long celebration from Aug 29 to Sept 29, featuring statewide roadshows, cultural showcases and interactive activities.
It will feature 50 selected events highlighting the state’s diversity, traditions and community experiences.
Continuing its “Cultural Extravaganza” theme, the celebration will showcase Sabah’s creativity, heritage and experiences through programmes designed to bring communities and visitors closer to local traditions.
Organised by the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) through Sri Pelancongan Sabah, the festival will feature roadshows at selected locations.
The opening programme will be held at the STB 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 programmes, allowing communities and visitors to experience local traditions.
The Kuala Lumpur showcase will also introduce Sabah to travellers and audiences beyond the state.
This year’s celebration carries added significance as it coincides with STB’s 50th anniversary, marking five decades of promoting Sabah as a tourism destination.
Established in August 1976 as the Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation (STPC), the agency was re-established as STB in November 1985 under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment.
Over the past five decades, STB has promoted 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 STB chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Sabah Fest 2026 will feature 50 selected events and experiences across the state, curated in collaboration with tourism stakeholders, organisations, communities, businesses and event organisers.
The programmes will include festivals, conferences, workshops, activities, tourism packages, special promotions, cultural experiences and exhibitions.
Event organisers interested in having their programmes featured can register through the Hello Sabah website.
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.
‘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’ – Joniston
