KUCHING, 2 October 2026: Borneo Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition on 4 and 5 December 2026, staged for the first time in Miri city centre, with Pullman Miri Waterfront as its official venue.
The festival will bring together music, culture, creativity and communities from across Borneo under the theme ‘Beyond Jazz’.
The 2026 edition marks a new chapter for the festival, expanding beyond its traditional concert format into a broader festival experience that celebrates Borneo’s people, cultures and creative connections.
Tickets for Borneo Jazz Festival 2026 will go on sale at midnight on 3 October 2026 via the official website, Jazzborneo.com.
The festival will feature stronger participation from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Indonesia, alongside Malaysian, regional and international performers representing seven countries. Across two evenings, audiences will experience 10 acts spanning jazz, contemporary R&B, hip-hop, electronic music, jazz fusion and other contemporary sounds.
The Honourable Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, said: “Twenty editions is an important milestone. It reflects the passion for music, creativity and cultural exchange that has sustained Borneo Jazz over the years. As we enter this new chapter, it is also an opportunity to look forward. ‘Beyond Jazz’ reflects the direction we want the festival to take, growing beyond the traditional concert experience into a wider platform for music, culture, creativity, tourism and community, while remaining firmly connected to Borneo.”
The 2026 programme will present five acts each night at the Main Ballroom of Pullman Miri Waterfront, with performances running from 1900 to midnight.
The opening night on 4 December will feature Elisha Tiga Eksperiment from Brunei, Marter from Japan, LaidThis Nite from Indonesia, Q Sound from the US, and Dato’ Zainalabidin & Julian Chan Jazz Orchestra from Malaysia.
The second night, 5 December, will feature Nathanie Ngu from Sarawak, Greg Tan & Ai Furusato under Berklee Asia Rising, Matthew Sayersz & Marclesia Karim from Indonesia, Brekky Boy from Australia, and Platina Jazz from Sweden.
Beyond the main concerts, the festival will introduce the Borneo Jazz Festival Village, a free-entry outdoor experience next to Pullman Miri Waterfront operating from 1000 to 2200 on both days.
The family-oriented space will feature food and beverage offerings, retail, arts and crafts, family activities, live performances, community experiences and interactive brand activations.
Speaking on behalf of Diamond Sponsor A&W Malaysia, Chief Operating Officer Angelina Fernandez said: “We are proud to support Borneo Jazz Festival 2026 and celebrate one of the region’s most anticipated music and cultural events. This partnership is especially meaningful as A&W begins a new chapter in Sarawak with the opening of our first Miri outlet. We look forward to growing alongside the community and creating more ‘Good Food, Good Times’ moments with Sarawakians.”
The Village will also feature the All Borneo Pavilion, bringing together participation from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Indonesia and further reinforcing the festival’s Borneo-wide character.
The collaboration with Berklee Asia Rising, a programme under Berklee College of Music, will strengthen the festival’s talent development efforts, with performers Greg Tan and Ai Furusato joining the programme. Workshops, masterclasses and collaborative sessions will give musicians and emerging talents opportunities to exchange knowledge, build skills and explore diverse musical perspectives.
Complementing the festival programme will be the Borneo Jazz Fun Run, a non-competitive 5km run open to participants of all ages. Taking place on 5 December 2026, the run will flag off at 0630 in front of Pullman Miri Waterfront and finish at the same location.
With Borneo Jazz taking place in the heart of Miri city centre and Pullman Miri Waterfront serving as its official venue, the wider surroundings will form part of the overall festival experience, creating a vibrant atmosphere for visitors, local communities and festival- goers while generating activity for local businesses and the tourism industry.
Festival-goers and music lovers are encouraged to save the date, as Borneo Jazz Festival 2026 promises two unforgettable nights of world-class performances, culture and community celebration in the heart of Miri.
Tickets will go on sale at midnight on 3 October 2026 via Jazzborneo.com.
For more information on Sarawak’s attractions, visit: Sarawak Tourism Board.
(Source: Your Stories — Sarawak Tourism Board)
