Annual arts celebration the George Town Festival returns to Penang from June 7 to July 7, featuring a range of art, theatre, music, dance, opera and film screenings.

The event is the biggest arts festival in Penang, showcasing both local talent and international names. This year highlights include performances by Italian chamber music group I Musici (June 7; from RM40 (S$16.50)), Sutra (June 29-30; from RM60 (S$25)), a dance by Flemish-Moroccan choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui featuring 17 Buddhist Shaolin monks, and Obscura (June 21-30; Free), a photography exhibition featuring the work of noted artists like Texas-born Maggie Steber and Malaysian talent Che Ahmad Azhar.

While you are in town, stay at charming boutique establishments like three-level shophouse Campbell House, eclectic 19^th century structure 23 Love Lane and colonial home Macalister Mansion.

Read more at the George Town Festival website.