WAK Miri Festival 2025 turns city into stage for local artists, impresses Tourism Minister

By DayakDaily Team

MIRI, June 14: Miri came alive with colour, creativity and culture as the WAK Miri Festival 2025 kicked off across the city yesterday (June 13)—a community-driven celebration that earned praise from Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, during his visit to the Miri Handicraft Centre.

Now in its second edition, the WAK Miri Festival transforms the northern city into a stage for Sarawak’s diverse artistic talents, running from June 13 to 15.

The event features a dynamic mix of exhibitions, live music, theatre, workshops and cultural showcases, all aimed at empowering local creatives and celebrating Miri’s growing cultural scene.

“I commend the Miri creative community for stepping up and taking part in this exciting WAK Miri edition.

“I urge all arts, culture and lifestyle lovers to come out and enjoy the amazing performances and programmes staged by our talented local artists. Congratulations to the WAK organisers for once again putting together a fantastic satellite festival for Northern Sarawak,” he said in a press release.

Among the programmes featured this year are All About Arts: Elements of Nature, a visual art exhibition inspired by natural themes; Music Portal, where local bands and musicians perform live; and Emily of Emerald Hill, a solo theatre performance of the iconic Peranakan monodrama being staged in Miri for the first time.

The festival also includes a Creative Marketplace showcasing Sarawakian craftsmanship, lifestyle products and local culinary favourites. Across the city, workshops and fringe activities in storytelling, heritage crafts and movement arts are engaging communities and families alike.

WAK Miri is part of the broader What About Kuching (WAK) Festival movement, which champions community-led creative expression across Sarawak.

The seventh edition of the main WAK Festival will be held throughout October 2025 at venues across Kuching. Creatives interested in being part of the celebration are encouraged to submit their proposals via www.aboutkuching.com. — DayakDaily

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