The George Town Illustration Festival (GTIF) bills itself as Penang's first illustration festival, and its 2026 edition runs on Saturday and Sunday, 14–15 November, from 12pm to 9pm on Level 3 of Island 88 in Tanjung Tokong. Entry is free.
The festival brings together 135 local and international artists, giving visitors the chance to see a wide range of styles under one roof and to chat directly with the people behind the work. For aspiring artists and art students, it is a valuable place to see how working illustrators present and sell their work, swap contacts and pick up ideas for their own practice.
The festival's full programme – including whether there will be talks, live drawing or workshops – had not been detailed on its website or Instagram when we checked, so follow @georgetownillustrationfestival for announcements in the run-up.
With a noon start and a 9pm close, late afternoon is a good time to go, avoiding the midday rush and leaving time for dinner nearby. Bring cash and an e-wallet, as payment options vary between artists, and a tote bag for prints. If you are bringing children, it is a lovely way to show them that drawing can become a career.
Highlights
- Free entry
- 135 local and international artists
- Penang's first illustration festival
Tips
- Bring cash and an e-wallet for artists' stalls
- Pack a tote or tube for prints
- Follow Instagram for programme updates
Not yet confirmed by the organiser: talks/workshop programme, parking. We'll update this page when details are published.
How to get there
Island 88, Level 3, 118 Jalan Tanjong Tokong, 10470 Tanjung Tokong, Pulau Pinang. Island 88 is on Jalan Tanjong Tokong, between Gurney and Straits Quay Open in Google Maps or open in Waze.
More workshops in Penang · What's on in Tanjung Tokong & Tanjung Bungah · What's on in Penang this month · more free things to do in Penang
Information from Penang Global Tourism event listing, George Town Illustration Festival – Instagram (per organiser's Instagram announcement), George Town Illustration Festival – website, OpenStreetMap – Island 88 location. Last verified .
Details change — confirm with the organiser before you go. Spotted an error? Tell us.
