Malaysia Announces a Full Schedule of Festivals and Celebrations to Support VM2026 Campaign

Malaysia has officially launched an ambitious, year-long calendar of events and celebrations to support the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, signalling a nationwide push to showcase the country’s cultural diversity, creativity and warm hospitality to the world. With festivals planned across major cities and regional destinations, the campaign aims to drive sustained tourism growth while celebrating Malaysia’s multicultural identity. 

The VM2026 campaign officially commenced in January 2026, accompanied by a series of high-profile cultural, lifestyle and community-driven events designed to attract both international and domestic travellers. Tourism authorities have emphasised that the programme goes beyond promotional showcases, focusing instead on immersive experiences that highlight Malaysia’s people, traditions and creative industries. 

Central to the VM2026 strategy is a packed festival calendar spanning music, arts, food, heritage and contemporary culture. Events are being staged across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, ensuring that tourism benefits are distributed more evenly across regions while encouraging visitors to explore beyond the usual gateways. 

One of the headline events is the Water Musical Festival, set to take place in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, transforming one of the capital’s most iconic districts into a lively performance and entertainment hub. The festival will combine music, water-themed installations and visual storytelling, offering a modern, family-friendly attraction that reflects Malaysia’s creative energy and urban vibrancy. 

Alongside large-scale urban events, VM2026 also places strong emphasis on community-based and cultural celebrations. Traditional festivals, heritage showcases and regional events are being elevated as key tourism draws, allowing visitors to experience Malaysia’s diverse cultural roots — from Malay, Chinese and Indian traditions to indigenous cultures across East Malaysia. 

According to tourism officials, VM2026 is designed to foster longer stays, repeat visits and higher-value travel, aligning with Malaysia’s broader shift towards quality tourism. By curating a steady flow of events throughout the year, the campaign aims to avoid seasonal peaks while maintaining consistent visitor interest across different months. 

The festivals and celebrations also serve as a platform for local businesses, artists and creative communities, creating opportunities for collaboration and economic participation. From food vendors and performers to designers and cultural practitioners, VM2026 is positioned as a catalyst for grassroots engagement within the tourism ecosystem. 

Importantly, the campaign highlights Malaysia’s readiness to welcome global travellers with improved connectivity, enhanced visitor services and coordinated destination marketing. The “warm welcome” message at the heart of VM2026 reflects a renewed focus on hospitality, safety and visitor experience — key factors in rebuilding confidence and competitiveness in the post-pandemic travel landscape. 

While heritage and tradition remain central, VM2026 also presents Malaysia as a forward-looking, creative destination. Contemporary festivals, lifestyle events and urban activations — such as those planned in Kuala Lumpur — are designed to appeal to younger travellers, families and experience-driven visitors seeking dynamic city breaks alongside cultural discovery. 

This balanced approach allows Malaysia to position itself as a destination where tradition and modernity coexist: bustling cities sit alongside nature-rich landscapes, while time-honoured festivals complement cutting-edge creative showcases. 

With a full calendar now in place, tourism stakeholders are optimistic that VM2026 will strengthen Malaysia’s global tourism profile and encourage travellers to rediscover the country through fresh experiences. The emphasis on festivals and celebrations underscores Malaysia’s belief that tourism is not just about places, but about shared moments, cultural exchange and meaningful connections. 

As events roll out nationwide throughout 2026, visitors can expect a vibrant, welcoming and culturally rich journey — one that reflects the spirit of Malaysia and its readiness to take centre stage on the global tourism map.