George Town Literary Festival 2026
George Town, Malaysia · 27–29 Nov 2026 · T3 Niche
The George Town Literary Festival (GTLF) is an annual literary festival which takes place in the city of George Town, Penang, Malaysia. Since its establishment in 2011, it has grown to become the largest world literature festival organised in Malaysia.
- Language
- English
- Genres
- general lit
- Format
- in-person
- Founded
- 2011
- Duration (days)
- 3
- Next edition
- 27–29 Nov 2026
- Author participation
- Programme via Penang Institute; free public events + selected paid workshops
- Audience
- The festival's growing presence and increasing public attention led to pro-government supporters defacing an exhibition by Zunar, whose works commented politically on former Prime Minister Najib Razak's corruption allegations.
- Language notes
- Listed working language: English
- Genre notes
- Primary focus: general lit
- Programme
- Due to increased support from foreign embassies and government agencies, the 2013 festival programme grew to feature 37 events in Sekeping Victoria, China House and 179 Victoria Street.
- Past editions
- 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2024, 2025
- Stay
- Taking place in the then-newly established China House and the Eastern & Oriental Hotel, the festival's five headliners were Malaysian authors Muhammed Haji Salleh, Farish A.