Penang Cocktail Week Is Back This September With Cocktails, Food & A Global Lineup

From guest bartenders and cocktail pairings to hidden Penang gems, here's what to look forward to at this island celebration.

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Cover ImageCover image via Penang Cocktail Week (Provided to SAYS)

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Get ready to eat, drink, and explore Penang as Penang Cocktail Week returns from 15 to 20 September 2026 with a week of bar events, guest shifts, and unique experiences

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Image via Penang Cocktail Week (Provided to SAYS)

This year's festival is themed 'Welcome Home', and is a warm invitation for both familiar faces and first-time visitors to experience the community, creativity, and hospitality that have made Penang Cocktail Week a highlight on the local cocktail calendar.

More than just a series of bar events, the festival celebrates the spirit of Penang through five pillars of hospitality: Kaki Lang, Makan Angin, Jiak, Kongsi, and Lau Juak.

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Image via Penang Cocktail Week (Provided to SAYS)

The Kaki Lang (One of Us) pillar shines a spotlight on the people who bring the cocktail scene to life

Expect collaborations between local and international bartenders, guest shifts, returning Penang talents and friendships formed across the global F&B community.

For those looking to discover more of the island, Makan Angin (To Explore) invites guests to venture beyond the usual bar stops and experience Penang through its neighbourhoods, culture, and hidden gems.

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Image via Penang Cocktail Week (Provided to SAYS)
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Image via Penang Cocktail Week (Provided to SAYS)

Of course, no Penang celebration is complete without food

Through Jiak (To Eat), guests can look forward to unique cocktail pairings, hawker collaborations, and dining experiences that showcase the island's famous food culture.

Meanwhile, Kongsi (To Share) brings together industry professionals and cocktail enthusiasts through tastings, masterclasses and conversations centred around drinks, creativity, and knowledge-sharing.

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Image via Penang Cocktail Week (Provided to SAYS)
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Image via Penang Cocktail Week (Provided to SAYS)

The festival will wrap up with Lau Juak (To Celebrate!), a lively closing celebration at Hin Bus Depot featuring cocktails, live music, art installations, local vendors, and the wider Penang community

Adding to the excitement, Penang Cocktail Week 2026 will welcome industry friends from around the world, with guests expected 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.

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Image via Penang Cocktail Week (Provided to SAYS)

The full festival programme, participating venues, international guest lineup, ticketing details and exclusive experiences will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Follow @penangcocktailweek for the latest announcements.

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