Your guide to latest events and happenings around town.
August this year will see Malaysia's 60th anniversary of independence. A proud moment for every citizen, Merdeka will bring with it a spirit of joy and hope for progress towards building a unified Malaysia.
Along with elaborate Merdeka celebrations that will take place throughout the country, August promises to be a month of music, art and festivities with several international events like the George Town Festival and the 29th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
For tips on planning out that perfect weekend, scroll left.
Sheila Majid: The Concert
August 5, 2017
Here’s your chance to watch Malaysia’s jazz queen, Dato’ Sheila Majid live in action! The veteran singer will be performing live at Sheila Majid: The Concert on August 5, 2017, at Stadium Negara, 26 years after her last Legenda concert there. Along with latest hits from her album ‘Boneka,’ the star-singer will take her fans and audiences through a nostalgic journey with her evergreen classics such as Ku Mohon and Sinaran.
Wind of Nomads
August 4-5, 2017
The Wind of Nomads is a full-length concert featuring African and Asian percussionists. This 1.5-hour concert organised by HANDS and Dafra Drum will showcase the result of fusing the African djembe and the shigu (lion drum). The concert will run from August 4- 5, 2017 at Istana Budaya. For more details, click here.
The Tribute Tour by Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
August 6, 2017
The well renowned Sufi singer, Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has lent his voice and music to many award-winning Bollywood movies such as Sultan, Dabangg and My Name is Khan to mention a few. The globally famous Sufi singer will be performing live on August 6, 2017, at the Plenary Hall KLCC, in a special tribute act for his mentor Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan who brought the genre of Qawali to an international stage.
History Con Malaysia
August 4-6, 2017
This mega entertainment convention brings history to life as you get a chance to meet up with celebrities and hosts from your favourite history channel shows. With Mike Henry airbrushing cars, MasterChef Australia judge Matt Preston dishing up his cooking secrets, Elizabeth Tan giving a live performance and Harith Iskander breaking you up with fresh squeals of laughter, history will never be the same again. History Con Malaysia will be held from August 4 – 6, 2017, at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park, Serdang from 10am to 9pm.
Projek 57 Unity Ride
August 6, 2017
A social enterprise that supports single mothers and underprivileged teens, Projek 57 is all about promoting unity and spreading more positivity about our nation. Their upcoming Projeck57 Unity Ride, which will take place on August 6 from 7am onwards at Dataran Merdeka, involves a 7km bicycle ride around Kuala Lumpur with the underlying message of uniting citizens for a good cause. Let's cycle for unity!
George Town Festival
Until September 3, 2017
The George Town Festival (GTF 2017) needs no introduction! The cultural gala that kick started on July 28, is a month-long celebration of arts, heritage and the spirit of community. So, if you are ready to escape the busy city vibe, slurp on a bowl of delicious laksa and catch up on some mind-blowing performances, GTF2017 is where you need to be. For show timings and schedule, click here.
Unwind at Pahit with some creative gin cocktails
On a steady rise, the good old gin is making its way back into many luxe menus across the city and the legendary bartender CK at Pahit, we must say, does it better than the rest. Located on Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Pahit serves classic favourites along with some creative concoctions such as pineapple smash, ginger flower and lychee, basil fruit and calamansi asamboi (whooping silently). Perfect for both, a pre – or post – dinner cocktail, this one deserves a sure place on your weekend agenda.
Good Vibes Festival
August 12-13, 2017
The Good Vibes Festival is back in Malaysia and it’s better than ever! Featuring a line-up of international artists such as G-Eazy, The Kooks, Dua Lipa, Lido, Shura, Phoenix, Gnash and more, the festival this year will be held at The Ranch, Genting Highlands and promises to showcase a great mix of genres including pop, indie and rock. For more information, click here.
Beethoven’s Mighty Ninth
August 12 & 13, 2017
One of Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra’s evergreen concert, Beethoven’s Symphony no.9 draws lovers of classical music from all corners of the country. This season, the concert will begin with premiere acts by Vivian Chua and Takeyuki Nagano followed by a chorus performance led by Naohisa Furusawa. For more information, click here.
Colour Run Malaysia
August 13, 2017
The Colour Run only has two simple rules – wear white at the start line and get plastered with colour at the finish line. This unique marathon, which will take place at Padang Merbok from 6am onward, takes participants through a five-kilometre course, showering them with colour at the end of each kilometre. The run ends with a Finish Festival, and the buzz has it that this year DJ Biggie will be around to entertain participants with his outstanding music mixing skills. With its high quotient of fun and fitness, bookmark the Colour Run as a not-to-be-missed event this weekend. For more information, click here.
Merdeka: Unity and Diversity Exhibition
Until August 31, 2017
Overcoming age, gender, race and backgrounds, Merdeka: Unity and Diversity Exhibition showcases 60 pieces of artwork created by 22 local artists hailing from different ethnicities and states of Malaysia. The exhibition will be held at Creative Space 3, National Art Gallery and focuses on expressing the meaning of the term Merdeka through the experiences of the artists with the past and their findings in the present. To gain more insight into the exhibition, click here.
Annabelle: Creation
A midnight show if you dare.
Dolls are meant to be adorable. They are meant to be a girl’s best playmate. And then there is Annabelle – the doll who was created with the sole purpose of destruction. From the makers of Conjuring, Annabelle: Creation, recalls the story of how this nasty doll came to be. In cinemas now, this movie will make your heart race with its unexpected twists, turns and chills! (We are getting goose bumps with just the trailer.)
The Rum Bar, KL
What’s a good weekend without a stiff drink? Adding to KL’s buzzing night life, The Rum Bar offers over 250 labels of spirits to select from. Whether you like your rum on the rocks or crave for a well-crafted creative cocktail, the newly opened Rum Bar promises to find something you will savour from the bar’s inspired menu. A Duppy’s Antidote anyone? For more trippy drinks, click here.
The Cooler Lumpur Festival
August 17-20, 2017
With the theme ‘Notes from The Future,’ the Cooler Lumpur Festival is a colourful riot of events and exhibitions that revolve around expanding the city’s cultural horizons and building stronger communities. This year the festival is exploring important questions such as global warming and the future of journalism in a digital landscape along with putting together the food fringe fest, that brings together migrant communities residing in Malaysia. The Cooler Lumpur Festival will be held at Publika, Solaris Dutamas.
H & M Garment Collection
August 18 – 20, 2017
In its fourth garment collection drive, H&M invites their customers to bring their unwanted and worn out garments from any brand and in any condition to H&M stores in the city – odd socks, old towels and the dress with a hole are all welcome. In a collaboration with Grab, customers can now arrange for garment pick up from any location in Klang Valley, Johor Bahru and Penang Island directly from their homes between 11am to 3pm. The drive works with the aim to generate interest in circular and renewable fashion. Go ahead folks, its time to #cleanoutyourcloset.
The Linkin Park Tribute Show
Photo courtesy of SOG
August 18, 2017
The lead singer of Linkin Park, Chester Bennington has penned several famous songs including A Thousand Suns, Living Things and One More Night. To pay tribute to the legendary songwriter and his work, The Bee at Publika will be hosting a Linkin Park Tribute Show with REVOFEV featuring performances with SOG, Kyoto Protocol, Scarlet Heroes, Patriots and Night Skies & Vision. For more details, click here.
Kuala Lumpur 2017 (SEA Games)
August 19- 31, 2017
After 16 long years, Malaysia is hosting the SEA Games and the ASEAN Para Games and we see no reason why we shouldn’t participate in all the excitement! Here’s your chance to cheer on your favourite athletes and watch all the drama live – from swimming, water polo, taekwondo, basketball, futsal and more. For more event details and ticketing information, visit the SEA Games official website.
Penetrating the Goddess
August 19-20, 2017
Penetrating the Goddess explores the multi-faceted visions of the Female Enigma, from the playful to the most ferocious as portrayed metaphorically in Indian myths and dances. Directed by none other than Datuk Ramli Ibrahim, this Odissi dance form starring Geethika Sree will leave audiences awestruck with its powerful expression, emotion and movement. The performance will take place at Amphi-Sutra from 8:30 pm onward. For more details, click here.
Chill out at TAPS Beer Bar
A common hangout spot for beer lovers in Mont Kiara, the TAPS Beer Bar promises to serve over 800 unique beers including some of the very best craft beers in the market. Soon to relocate to Desa Park City, this weekend could be your last chance to drink some better beer at this old haunt. Click here to discover the world of craft beer at TAPS.
Etiquette for Today
August 26-27, 2017
Whether you are attending a formal event, hosting a dinner or meeting with people from different ranks and backgrounds, understanding the basic know-how of social conduct goes a long way in building a correct image. Join the royal face of poise, Tunku Dara Naquiah as she takes you step-by-step through a unique etiquette training workshop conducted in partnership with The Circle at the Sime Darby Convention Centre. To register or for more enquiries, call 012-485-1610 or email the circlekl@gmail.com.
A Feast of Fire and Ice
August 26, 2017
We don’t know about winter, but dinner is coming! Game of Thrones fans here’s your chance to dine with the small council and the queen of the Seven Kingdoms at Fittie Sense, Bangsar. Limited to only 30 seats, this feast of fire and ice promises to serve some awesome treats from Westeros such as Lannister’s Golden Locks, Theon Grey Joy’s bangers and mash along with Joffrey’s tears of Lys poison wine. For more event details, point your swords here.
Publika Jazz Festival
August 25-26, 2017
If your idea of a weekend is great music and fancy drinks, the Publika Jazz Festival is right up your sleeve! Known to be one of Malaysia’s largest indoor and outdoor jazz festival, the event this year will feature over 100 musicians showcasing various genres. Expect some mind-blowing music from NewSound, Fazz, Ryot Jones, Havana Jazz, Phunkmob and more. For more event details, click here.
Central Market by Hari Ho
Until September 2017
Featuring stunning photographs of Kuala Lumpur’s traditional wet market, Central Market by photographer Hari Ho takes us back to 1985. The exhibition showcases portraits of traders and people who worked in the market before it was relocated to the suburbs of the city. Capturing the humanity of each subject, Central Market, cuts across the divisions of race, class and wealth. The exhibition is being held at Wei-Ling Gallery until September 10, 2017. For more information, click here.
Shila Amzah ‘My Journey’ Concert 2017
August 26, 2017
Malaysia’s sweetheart, Shila Amzah, is back once again to entertain you with the My Journey Concert at Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands from 8:30pm onwards. The young star who has gained international fame with her pop-music and ventures in the Mandopop industry has also been given multiple awards for her work. Join the multi-talented Shila Amzah as she makes you sway with her pop music. For reservations and other bookings, click here.
Yoga with Sereni Linggi at The Square
August 27, 2017
Sereni Linggi, a 500 RYT certified yoga instructor and co-founder of Sereni & Shentel is conducting a free yoga class this Sunday at 9am at The Square, Publika. Participants to the class will also get to view the latest Hello Yogini collection of necklaces and bracelets, a yoga inspired collection that raises funds for Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society. So, bring your mats and join in an hour of stretching and meditation to kick start your weekend right.
The Big M Night Market
August 27, 2017
If you haven’t already attended one of Dr Inc’s much talked about Sunday night markets, here’s your chance to do so. This month the market will revolve around a Merdeka theme and will take place in the garden area of Nala’s Kampung House, a boutique design studio in Bangsar. With live music and delicious food stalls, the Big M Night Market paves the perfect way to bring in the 60th Merdeka celebrations. For more event details, click here.
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