Everybody’s Birthday 2026 Draws Massive Crowd to Old Town Ipoh

By Anne Das

Jalan Bijeh Timah and Lorong Bijeh Timah came alive on February 23 as Everybody’s Birthday 2026 returned, drawing a strong crowd to Old Town for one of the city’s most anticipated Chinese New Year gatherings.

Held on the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, known as Renri or “everybody’s birthday”, the event once again transformed the heritage street into a long-table dining space filled with people from across the city. The evening unfolded with ease, giving the crowd time to settle in, reconnect, and take in the atmosphere.

Hundreds of tables were set up along the street, seating more than 1,000 people including performers and crew. Dinner featured a spread of traditional Chinese New Year dishes representing different dialect groups, served for sharing across each table.

From young children to seniors, the turnout was mixed and lively. Families arrived in groups, friends filled entire tables, and many brought their children. Along the edges of the street, hundreds of curious onlookers stopped to watch and take photos, with a noticeable number of foreign visitors.

For some, it was also a chance to return to familiar streets, with many coming back to Ipoh during the festive period to celebrate with family and friends.

The programme kicked off with dragon and lion dance performances weaving through the crowd. The lions moved from table to table, interacting with guests and offering symbolic blessings, while drums echoed through the street.

The yee sang session followed, bringing everyone to their feet. Chopsticks were raised, and the crowd joined in the toss, calling out wishes for prosperity, health, and good fortune for the Year of the Fire Horse.

Throughout the night, the stage carried a mix of performances that kept the energy moving. Cultural dances, music, drumming segments, and traditional instruments filled the programme, creating a rhythm that carried across the entire street.

From one end to the other, there was always something happening, with many stepping out from their tables to watch, record, and join in.  People of different backgrounds were seen joining in and taking part, adding to a sense of togetherness across the evening.

At ground level, the energy was constant. Groups laughed, people moved between tables, and spontaneous moments unfolded across the street. The setting, framed by Old Town’s heritage shophouses, added to the experience, giving the night a sense of place that felt distinctly Ipoh.

The event has grown steadily since its introduction. It is now Ipoh’s large-scale community street celebration, drawing both locals and visitors into a festive space right in the heart of Old Town.

The night ended with a fireworks display that lit up the sky above Jalan Bijeh Timah, bringing the entire street to a pause as everyone looked up, phones raised, taking in the final moments together.

One long table, a packed street, and a night that held under clear skies right through to the fireworks. From families and friends to curious visitors, Old Town was filled from end to end.

If you missed it this year, there are plenty of videos online, or you can check out Tin Alley’s socials at https://www.facebook.com/TinAlley.my .

But this is one of those events that’s best experienced in person.

You already know what to do — book early for 2027!