Aki Matsuri (秋祭り, "autumn festival") returns to Penang on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November 2026 at Gurney Paragon Mall. Organised by the Malaysian-Japanese Society (MJS), which has been around since 1967, this year's edition carries the theme "Autumn in Japan, Together in Penang".
The official poster lists four strands. Workshops cover nerikiri (Japanese sweet-making) with matcha, origami and kirigami, ikebana flower arranging, and a keepsakes session called "Little Things, Big Meaning". On stage there is shamisen by Heianzakura, kimono and yukata modelling, Soran Bushi and Yosakoi Soran dances, a Stonyhurst yosakoi team, a choir and more song-and-dance acts. Kids and teens can try a small-scale kendama competition and other games, and there are stalls selling Japanese snacks, desserts and handmade accessories.
Who is it for? Families looking for a weekend outing at Gurney, anime and J-culture fans, and anyone curious about Japanese crafts. The workshops tend to suit older kids and adults; check with MJS whether pre-registration or fees apply.
Timings and workshop fees had not been published when we checked, so follow the MJS Facebook page for the programme. Make a day of it with a stroll along the Gurney Drive seafront or a hawker dinner at Gurney Drive afterwards.
Highlights
- Nerikiri & matcha, origami, ikebana workshops
- Shamisen, yosakoi and Soran Bushi dance performances
- Kimono and yukata modelling
- Japanese snack and dessert stalls
Tips
- Workshop seats are usually limited; register early with MJS if registration opens.
- Weekend parking at Gurney fills up by late morning; consider Grab or Rapid Penang.
Not yet confirmed by the organiser: timeText, price, venue address. We'll update this page when details are published.
How to get there
Gurney Paragon Mall. Rapid Penang buses along Gurney Drive (e.g. routes 101/103/104 from Komtar/Weld Quay). Open in Google Maps or open in Waze.
More festivals in Penang · What's on in Gurney Drive & Pulau Tikus · What's on in Penang this month · ideas for the Penang school holidays
Information from Penang Global Tourism – Aki Matsuri Festival 2026 listing & poster, Malaysian-Japanese Society Facebook. Last verified .
Details change — confirm with the organiser before you go. Spotted an error? Tell us.
