Samarahan Food & Cultural Festival returns

KOTA SAMARAHAN, 16 June 2026 — The Samarahan Food & Cultural Festival (SFCF) 2026 is set to return with even greater vibrancy, bringing together food, culture, and community from June 26 to July 5 at the Kota Samarahan Tamu grounds here. The festival aims to showcase traditional and popular culinary delights while highlighting Sarawak’s rich arts, customs, and traditional games. It is an initiative designed to preserve and revive local heritage, ensuring that the uniqueness of Sarawak’s food and culture continues to be celebrated.

Following the overwhelming success of last year’s edition, which drew an estimated 300,000 visitors between Nov 21 and 29, the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council has established SFCF as an annual event. The festival is a catalyst for local economic growth, a platform for small and medium enterprises, and a celebration of unity through cultural exchange and culinary diversity.

The objectives of SFCF are to promote local food products ranging from traditional and modern dishes to innovative creations by entrepreneurs and communities; to introduce Sarawak’s cultural heritage and ethnic diversity to both domestic and international visitors; and to strengthen community development through tourism, gastronomy, and cultural activities. It also seeks to raise awareness of cultural preservation among younger generations while positioning Samarahan as a vibrant tourism destination.

Participation is open to local traders and entrepreneurs keen to showcase their products. Categories include traditional food, popular dishes, viral snacks, grilled delicacies, beverages, and live cooking concepts. Rental rates for food and drinks stalls are RM700, while corporate booths are available at RM3,000 per canopy.

The festival promises a colourful programme of stage and non-stage activities. On stage, visitors can look forward to the Ratu Kebaya and Ratu Cilik Kebaya competitions, the Battle of Buskers, Samarahan Idol, and cultural performances such as Bertandak Melayu and Chinese Karaoke contests. There will also be guest performances from well-known artistes including Ukays, Winnie, Faris Malek, Nurhijrah, Rizal AF, Lucy M, Leez Zuita, Rickie Andrewson, Mawat, Mohd Akmal, Allesandro, and other local talents.

The festival will also host a wide array of activities including a Night Run, E-Sports Mobile tournament, Street Soccer, Traditional Archery, Silat Tari competition, Cooking contest, Karom challenge, Open Pineapple Festival, Slingshot contest, Colouring competition, and even an Autoshow.

With its diverse offerings, the Samarahan Food & Cultural Festival 2026 promises to be a lively, colourful, and impactful celebration.