George Town Literary Festival 2026 (Penang, Malaysia)

George Town Literary Festival 2026 (GTLF 2026), the 16th edition of Penang’s annual literary arts festival, is back in Georgetown from 27 – 29 November 2026.

Held under the theme <COSMOPOLIS>, this edition explores identity in cities shaped by different languages, cultures, faiths, migration and shared experiences. It reflects on how people, ideas and traditions continually influence one another through contact, adaptation and exchange. Through literature, translation, history and food culture, the festival explores how people from different backgrounds build shared communities.

Over three days, the programme will feature book launches, exhibitions, panel discussions, performances and film screenings, bringing together writers and artists from more than a dozen countries to explore this year’s theme. For lovers of literature and the arts, this is an event not to be missed.

List of Participating Authors

• Christopher Chu (Macao)
• Gaea Schoeters (Belgium)
• Janet Tay (Malaysia)
• Maggie Pui Man Hoi (Macao)
• Martin Vengadesan (Malaysia)
• Olivier Hein (United Kingdom)
• Sam Sussman (United States)
• Samantha Chong (Malaysia)
• Tuan Phan (Vietnam)
• Wiley Wei-Chiun Ho (Canada)
• Xu Xi (Hong Kong)
• More…

Opening Hours

• Main Venues:
  • U.A.B Building [Map]
  • Wisma Yeap Chor Ee [Map]
• Date/Time:
  • 27 November 2026 (Friday), 10:00am – 10:00pm
  • 28 November 2026 (Saturday), 8:30am – 9:30pm
  • 29 November 2026 (Sunday), 10:00am – 8:30pm

Stay tuned to this page for updates on the festival, programme, event schedule and registration details.