The What About Kuching (WAK) Festival 2025, now in its seventh edition, has officially launched under the new name “We Are Kindred.”
This rebranding signifies the festival’s expansion beyond its roots in Kuching to include satellite events in Sibu and Miri.
The festival’s theme for 2025 is “Akar” (Roots), which invites participants to explore the deep cultural and historical ties that connect the people of Sarawak to their land and to each other.
Organizers aim to foster a sense of unity and shared identity across the state through this community-driven celebration.
The main WAK Festival in Kuching is scheduled to run for the entire month of October 2025. During this time, the city will host an impressive lineup of events, with 49 collaborators presenting 67 unique events and 369 daily activities at 44 different venues.
Before the main event, satellite festivals will take place in Sibu from June 6 to 8 and in Miri from June 13 to 15.
The expansion is a key part of the festival’s mission to become a broader showcase of Sarawak’s vibrant creative and cultural landscape.
The festival’s program is designed to be inclusive and multi-genre, with a focus on grassroots participation.
Events will cover a wide range of categories, including music, visual arts, handicrafts, theatre, gastronomy, and lifestyle-driven pursuits.
Key collaborators for this year’s festival include Canon Marketing Malaysia, the Japan Foundation, and Wayang Kitchen. The organizers hope this open-access structure will encourage local and international creatives to actively participate and showcase their talents.
While many events will be accessible to the public, some specific events may be ticketed, with pricing and availability determined by the individual organizers.
The WAK Festival has become a significant highlight on Sarawak’s annual event calendar, drawing both locals and tourists.
More information can be obtained on its official WAK website.
News source: TVS, DayakDaily
