Following three successful editions, Penang Cocktail Week returns from 15 to 20 September, welcoming bartenders, brands, industry professionals and cocktail enthusiasts back to the island for another week of great drinks, community and unforgettable hospitality.
This year’s edition returns to the heart of what has always made the festival special: Penang hospitality. Guided by the theme, ‘Welcome Home’, this year’s festival is a heartfelt invitation back to the island to everyone who has become a part of the Penang Cocktail community. Whether you’ve been with us since the very beginning or are visiting Penang for the very first time, everyone is welcomed like family.
Across the week, attendees can look forward to a curated lineup of guest shifts, events and experiences inspired by the five pillars of Penang hospitality:
- Kaki Lang (One of Us)
Inspired by the local term for someone who’s “one of us”, Kaki Lang celebrates the people who make the industry what it is. Expect local and international guest shifts, returning Penang talents, and collaborations between friends from across the global F&B community.
- Makan Angin (To Explore)
Meaning “to go out and explore”, Makan Angin invites attendees to experience Penang beyond its bars, discovering the island through local neighbourhoods, culture and hidden gems.
- Jiak (To Eat)
Nothing says Penang hospitality more than its food. Jiak, the Hokkien word for “to eat”, invites guests to celebrate the island’s renowned food culture through cocktail pairings, hawker collaborations and one-of-a-kind dining experiences.
- Kongsi (To Share)
Meaning “to share”, Kongsi connects industry professionals and curious enthusiasts through tastings, masterclasses and conversations centred around knowledge-sharing and drinks appreciation.
- Lau Juak (To Celebrate!)
The festival culminates with Lau Juak, a lively closing celebration at Hin Bus Depot, bringing together cocktails, live music, art installations, local vendors and the wider community for a fitting Penang-style finale.
This year’s edition will once again welcome industry friends from around the world, with guests travelling from cities including Montreal, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Kolkata, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hanoi, Singapore, Medan, Bangkok, Jakarta and Phnom Penh, among others.
Full festival programme and details will be announced in the coming weeks, including participating venues, international guests, ticketing details and exclusive experiences. In the meantime, save the dates and stay tuned to their Instagram page for more news and announcements.
Let the countdown to Penang Cocktail Week 2026 begin.
Also read: Boathouse by The Lake: 8 Reasons M’sians Prefer This Hidden Lakeside Venue in Ampang Over Ballrooms
