Kuching Festival is growing up—and it is growing fast.
The annual celebration has long been synonymous with its popular food fair, but the 2026 edition is expanding well beyond the dining table. Cosplay, K-pop dance, a Pokémon Trading Card Game tournament, and pickleball competition are all joining the lineup this year, turning Kuching Festival into a multi-dimensional celebration of sport, youth culture, and community.
Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng announced the additions at a press conference at the Kuching South City Council building, framing them as part of a deliberate evolution for the festival.
“Kuching Festival is no longer merely a food carnival. It has grown into a major celebration of creativity, youth development, healthy living, digital culture, sports and community participation,” Wee said.
The MBKS Pickle Rush 2026 takes place on July 25 at PicklePro Kuching, featuring men’s, women’s and mixed doubles events. Winners in each category will take home RM800, while MVP King and MVP Queen awards worth RM300 each will also be presented. Wee was direct about the sport’s appeal across generations.
“Pickleball is suitable for people of all ages, and we hope the tournament will encourage healthier lifestyles while promoting community interaction,” he said.
The cosplay competition, organised jointly by MBKS and Star Studio Sarawak, runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on 25 July at the MBKS Theatre. Following a strong response last year, the competition has been expanded into two categories, with prizes including RM1,000 for the individual catwalk champion alongside awards for Best Costume and Most Popular Contestant.
The following evening—26 July, same venue, same hours—belongs to the K-pop Dance Cover competition. The champion takes home RM2,000 and a trophy, with runners-up and third-placed teams receiving RM1,000 and RM500 respectively. A Best Costume award and Random Play Dance challenge round out the programme.
“We hope to discover more young local dancers while encouraging teamwork, confidence and creativity,” Wee said.
The festival’s first-ever Pokémon Trading Card Game tournament lands on 2 August at the MBKS Community Hall, running from 10am to 6pm and open to all age groups. The champion pockets RM1,500, with RM1,000 and RM500 for second and third place. Wee positioned the event as more than just a gaming competition—a platform for strategic thinking, communication skills, and connection among tabletop gaming enthusiasts.
Four new events. One festival. Kuching is making room for everyone.
