Rhythms Of Kinabalu 2025

Sabah's sounds, flavours and colours in one festival

One of Sabah's most popular cultural programmes, Rhythm of Kinabalu (ROK) is back for 2025 with four days of performances, food, and family-friendly activities in Kota Kinabalu.

From Friday 5 to Monday 8 December 2025, the open space at Kompleks Sukan Kota Kinabalu will be transformed into a vibrant festival ground, where traditional and contemporary cultures share the same stage from morning until late at night.

You can come for the dances. You can come for the food. You can come for the cars. Or you can just come to walk around and soak up the atmosphere. ROK 2025 is an easy way to enjoy Sabah culture. It's all in one place.

What you will find at ROK 2025

Here is a taste of what you can explore during the festival:

• Cultural performances and Cultural Village
  Stage performances and the Cultural Village give you a chance to see traditional and modern cultural shows up close, with music, dance and storytelling from across Sabah.

• Borneo Arts Bazaar and creative market
  Browse stalls by local artists and craft makers, discover traditional artwork and creative products and meet the people behind them.

• Madodong Food Festival
  A dedicated food zone celebrating local flavours. Try favourite Sabah dishes, snacks and drinks, ranging from comfort food to festival treats.

• Music Extravaganza Singing Competition
  A music contest where emerging talents share the stage and perform a variety of genres, from pop to traditional-inspired songs.

• Creative Ethnic Costume Competition
  A showcase of creative ethnic-inspired outfits, celebrating the diversity of Sabah's communities through fashion, design and personal style.

• Sabah Mega Autoshow
  Car and automotive enthusiasts can head to the autoshow area to see modified cars and special vehicles on display.

• Special Night
  A special evening programme with cultural performances and invited guest artists, created as a highlight of the festival.

Dates, times and venue

Dates
Friday 5 to Monday 8 December 2025

Time
10 am to 11 pm

Venue
Tapak Dataran, Kompleks Sukan Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Bring your friends or family, take your time to walk around, and enjoy the arts, culture and food of Sabah all together in one festival.