Published: March 18, 2026

Kuala Lumpur Gears Up to Celebrate Month-long KL Festival 2026 This May

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by KL Festival/Facebook

by: The Beat Asia

Published:
March 18, 2026

The arts and culture scene of Malaysia is set to come alive at this city-wide celebration!

Returning for its second edition, the KL Festival will run from May 6 to 31, 2026, bringing historic districts across Kuala Lumpur to life with a dynamic lineup of arts, culture, and community-led programming.

Poster for the upcoming KL Festival 2026 — Photo from Facebook/KL Festival

Positioned as the city’s flagship cultural event, the festival builds on Kuala Lumpur’s UNESCO Creative Cities Network designation as a Creative City of Design, highlighting the city’s commitment to supporting creativity, culture, and heritage preservation, as well as urban revitalization efforts.

The 2026 edition features over 80 multidisciplinary events across 25 venues and public spaces, spanning live performances, contemporary art installations, heritage tours, workshops, and family-friendly activities. With more than 700 hours of artistic programming, the festival brings together local creatives, international collaborators, and community organizations.

Most of the events are free to the public, highlighting the festival’s focus on accessibility and inclusivity, as well as the encouragement of wider participation in the arts. With the theme “Memory & Tomorrow,” KL Festival 2026 will be a spectacular celebration of Kuala Lumpur’s history and evolving future.

Read all about the KL Festival 2026’s set of programming here. For more information and updates, follow KL Festival on Facebook and Instagram.

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Kuala Lumpur/ The List/ What's On

Published: March 11, 2026

The Raintown Film Festival Opens 3rd Year with the Short Film Competition

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by Raintown Film Festival/Facebook

by: The Beat Asia

Published:
March 11, 2026

Third time’s the charm!

The Raintown Film Festival returns in early September 2026 at Taiping, Perak. Free and open for all, the three-day festival screens local films, hosts film talks, workshops, outdoor screenings, and guided tours that allow audiences to enjoy Malaysian cinema while enjoying Taiping’s heritage — also known as “Raintown” for being the wettest place in the country.

This year’s short film competition carries the theme “After the Rain,” inviting filmmakers of all ages to craft stories inspired by the quiet moments, reflections, and possibilities that emerge after the rain. Submissions for the short film competition are now open.

Scheduled for early September and aligned with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the festival will be showcasing selected films shot in Taiping, including a documentary talk on the relocation of Terong SJK (C) Aik Hua in Terong. Guided tours of Taiping Hill will also be offered, giving visitors the chance to explore the town beyond the screen.

A group touring the area — Photo from Facebook/Raintown Film Festival

Following the success of the Raintown Short Film Competition 2025, which drew 103 filmmakers from students to established directors, the 2026 edition aims to continue nurturing emerging voices in Malaysian cinema. Submissions close on June 14, 2026, with 20 shortlisted films to be screened during the festival.

The Best Short Film will receive RM8,000, with additional prizes supported by renowned brands including GoPro, Logitech, and Lumos.

Poster for the Raintown Film Festival Short Film Competition — Courtesy of Raintown Film Festival

The 3rd Raintown Film Festival is presented by West Coast Expressway, organized by the Raintown Film Festival Committee in collaboration with WuBen Film Magazine, with support from PORT Ipoh through the Perak Creative Fund.

For more information and updates, follow Raintown Film Festival on Facebook.

Here are the submission guidelines for the Raintown Short Film Competition:

Theme: After The Rain

Genre: Any (Fiction/Documentary/Animation/Others)

Duration: 10 minutes or less

Language: Any (Please include English subtitles)

Format and resolution: H.264 MP4/MOV, 1920x1080, or above

Nationality: Malaysian only

Deadline: June 14, 2026, 11:59 PM

Submission: Scan the QR code on the poster or through here.

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Kuala Lumpur/ The List/ What's On

Published: March 03, 2026

Singapore Ballet Returns to Kuala Lumpur for 'Ballet Illuminations' 2026

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by Singapore Ballet/Instagram

by: The Beat Asia

Published:
March 03, 2026

The Kuala Lumpur stage will once again see the grace and elegance of Singapore’s national dance company.

After a successful edition of “Ballet Illuminations” last November 2025, the Singapore Ballet is bringing its 2026 triple bill to Kuala Lumpur — offering audiences a curated mix of classical elegance and contemporary expression.

Supported by YTL Corporation Berhad and the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, the program reflects the company’s artistry — one that highlights tradition and reinvention. On the agenda: the classical showpiece “Paquita” by Marius Petipa, the tender warmth of “Evening Voices” by Tim Rushton, and the bold, high-energy “Shadow’s Edge” by Ma Cong.

Each piece is sure to spotlight the Singapore Ballet dancers’ precision, personality, and emotional depth.

Poster for "Ballet Illuminations" 2026 in Kuala Lumpur — Photo from Website/Singapore Ballet

“Ballet Illuminations” will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) from Apr. 17 to 19, 2026, with show times at 8 PM for the first two days, and at 2 PM for the last. Tickets are available now via the KLPAC website, priced from RM45 (CAT 2: Concession, Students/PWDs/Seniors above 60), RM75 (CAT 1: Regular), RM160 (4-ticket bundle, CAT 2), and RM260 (4-ticket bundle, CAT 1).

Early bird tickets are also sold at RM60, with limited slots until Mar. 13, 2026.

From sweeping classical performances to modern, movement-driven storytelling, the Singapore Ballet’s triple bill promises a dynamic evening for Malaysia’s discerning audiences.

For more information and updates, visit the Singapore Ballet’s website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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Kuala Lumpur/ The List/ Nightlife

Published: February 24, 2026

American Band 'The Neighbourhood' to Perform in Malaysia for World Tour

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by The Neighbourhood/Instagram

by: The Beat Asia

Published:
February 24, 2026

Ready for the “Sweater Weather,” Kuala Lumpur?

American alt-rock band The Neighbourhood (The NBHD) is going on their first arena-scale world tour, taking the five-piece band to numerous countries — Asia included — from March to December 2026.

For the Asia leg of their “The Wourld Tour” in July, the band will first head to Singapore, followed by Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta, before concluding their Asia stops in Seoul. The Neighbourhood’s Kuala Lumpur stop has been a long time coming, with their last performance in Malaysia way back in 2018 for the Good Vibes Festival.

Here are the exact dates and venues for The Neighbourhood’s upcoming “Wourld Tour”:

Singapore (The Star Theatre): July 14, 2026
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Mega Star Arena): July 16, 2026
Jakarta, Indonesia (Istora Senayan): July 18, 2026
Seoul, South Korea (YES24 Live Hall): July 20, 2026

The members of American alt-rock band The Neighbourhood — Photo from Instagram/The Neighbourhood

The Neighbourhood’s upcoming show in Kuala Lumpur marks the band’s first standalone show in the country, and fans would be crazy to miss out!

Tickets will be available on The Neighbourhood’s website and Row One’s website, with the Artist Presale currently ongoing, the MAISEAT presale starting on Feb. 25, 2026, at 11 AM, and the General Sale on Feb. 26, 2026, at 11 AM.

Tickets are priced from RM398 (General Standing), RM 498 (CAT 2), RM598 (Priority Standing), and RM688 (CAT 1).

The Neighbourhood was formed in 2011, composed of vocalist Jesse Rutherford, guitarists Jeremy Freedman and Zach Abels, bassist Mikey Margott, and drummer Brandon Fried, and is renowned for their popular singles, “Sweater Weather,” “Afraid,” “Daddy Issues,” “Softcore,” and “You Get Me So High.”

Their fifth studio album, “Ultrasound” (2025), marks the band’s return after a three-year hiatus, coming back with three singles: “OMG,” “Lovebomb,” and “Private.” Their upcoming world tour will be in support of this album.

For more information and updates, follow Row One Asia on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

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Kuala Lumpur/ The List/ What's On

Published: February 11, 2026

Kwai Chai Hong Celebrates Lunar New Year with the 'Guardians of Legacy'

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by Javier Chor/Instagram

by: The Beat Asia

Published:
February 11, 2026

Kwai Chai Hong is once again welcoming the Lunar New Year with a heartfelt and sincere new art installation that celebrates family, heritage, and timeless traditions.

Titled “Guardians of Legacy (十二福星),” the Chinese New Year showcase is curated by co-founder Javier Choy and draws inspiration from the traditional Cloth Tiger — a handmade folk-art symbol of happiness, love, and protection given by parents and grandparents to their children and grandchildren.

Official poster of the "Guardians of Legacy" art installation — Photo from Instagram/Kwai Chai Hong

Reimagining this tradition, the installation features the twelve Chinese Zodiac guardians in the Cloth Tiger concept. Each piece represents a form of blessing shaped by care, protection, and love — honoring the idea of being protected in childhood, and growing into protectors ourselves.

Set along the heritage laneway of Kwai Chai Hong, the installation takes visitors on a reflective journey through filial piety and family bonds, capturing the beauty of family relations that constantly evolve across generations.

The centerpiece of the installation is the zodiac animal for 2026: the Horse, standing seven-feet-tall. It can be found after crossing the iconic Red Bridge at the Kwai Chai Hong, but not after finding each of the Zodiac Guardians scattered across the area.

Photos of the art installation at Kwai Chai Hong — Photos from Instagram/Wil Son

The project is created in collaboration with Guardian Malaysia, a brand that shares the same respect and love for cultural preservation, community, and meaningful storytelling.

Running from now until Mar. 8, 2026, the “Guardians of Legacy” installation invites everyone to pause, reflect, and celebrate the meaning of the season through art, memory, and a connection to one’s heritage — right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

For more information, updates, and activities, follow Kwai Chai Hong on Facebook and Instagram.

“Guardians of Legacy (十二福星)” Art Installation at Kwai Chai Hong

Location: Kwai Chai Hong, Lorong Panggung, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Dates: Jan. 30 to Mar. 8, 2026

Opening Hours: Daily, from 9 AM to 12 AM

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Kuala Lumpur/ The List/ Nightlife

Published: February 06, 2026

Sunset by NEON Brings Back the Party to Malaysia on June 20, 2026

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by Sunset by NEON/Facebook

by: The Beat Asia

Published:
February 06, 2026

Mark your calendars, party people! Sunset by NEON is back in Malaysia for its first chapter of 2026, bringing iconic legends in the Techno scene to Genting Highlands.

Happening on June 20, 2026, experience a one-of-a-kind show packed with international headliners and local acts in the electronic music scene. Known for its sunset-to-night party atmosphere, the music festival is organized by NEON Projects and focuses mainly on melodic techno, house, and electronic music, while combining artistic visuals, staging, and hospitality lounges against a sunset mountain scenery, creating a truly immersive and unique festival experience.

Sunset by NEON first debuted in Malaysia in 2024 and has since brought to the stage some of the world’s most well-known electronic acts, such as Adam Beyer, Massano, Argy, KREAM, Korolova, and DJ Boris Brejcha.

A photo of an evening festival stage — Photo from Facebook/Sunset by NEON

A photo of a festival crowd — Photo from Facebook/Sunset by NEON

While the June 2026 lineup is still under wraps, Trust Tickets are now available for a limited offer, giving festival goers early access to General Admission at the lowest price possible — at only RM308. You can buy your tickets here.

For updates on artist lineups and general ticket sales, follow Sunset by NEON on Facebook and Instagram.

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Kuala Lumpur/ The List/ What's On

Published: January 21, 2026

Thai Heartthrob Win Metawin to Hold First Solo Fanmeet in Kuala Lumpur

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by Win Metawin/Instagram

by: The Beat Asia

Published:
January 21, 2026

Thai actor and fashion darling Win Metawin is finally hosting his very first solo fanmeeting in Kuala Lumpur this May 2026!

Titled “JUST YOU & WIN,” the Thai actor is heading to Malaysia, bringing an intimate night filled with smiles, close interactions, and unforgettable memories for him and his fans this May 16, 2026, at the Zepp Kuala Lumpur.

Official poster for Win Metawin's solo fanmeet in Kuala Lumpur — Photo from Instagram/GMMTV

Win Metawin first rose to prominence after his acting debut in the Thai BL drama, “2gether,” and later gained critical acclaim for his role in “F4 in Thailand: Boys Over Flowers.” His popularity grew with his appearances on the covers of local and international fashion magazines and on the official pages of luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gucci, and Prada.

In 2023, Win Metawin was announced as a brand ambassador for Italian luxury fashion house Prada. A year later, American luxury jewelry brand Tiffany & Co. also appointed him as their House Ambassador — the first from Thailand and Southeast Asia.

Win Metawin has previously visited Kuala Lumpur for brand events, but this upcoming fanmeeting marks the first time he’ll be meeting his fans.

Tickets to “JUST YOU & WIN” will be available on Jan. 26, 2026, 12 PM, via Ticketmelon. Tickets are priced from RM308 (CAT 2), RM458 (CAT 1), RM658 (VIP Seated), and RM758 (VVIP Seated).

Official seat plan for the fanmeet — Photo from Instagram/GMMTV

Fan benefits for the fanmeet — Photo from Instagram/GMMTV

Each ticket category will enjoy fan benefits, including group photo opportunities, fansigns, and a hi-touch event.

Get ready for a night filled with Win Metawin’s heartwarming smiles and so much more! For more information and updates, visit Daycon Entertainment’s website and follow them on X (Formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

“JUST YOU & WIN” 1st Solo Fanmeeting in Kuala Lumpur

Location: Zepp Kuala Lumpur, B2-01-02, Level B2, Entertainment Hub, BBCC, 2, Jalan Hang Tuah, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Date & Time: May 16, 2026, 6 PM

Ticket Prices: RM308 (CAT 2), RM458 (CAT 1), RM658 (VIP Seated), and RM758 (VVIP Seated)

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Kuala Lumpur/ The List/ Nightlife

Published: January 19, 2026

Catch G-Dragon, Hwasa, DPR Ian, and ITZY at K-Spark in Malaysia

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by Instagram/G-Dragon, ITZY, Hwasa, DPR Ian

by: The Beat Asia

Published:
January 19, 2026

The new year is set to begin on a high note for K-Pop fans as K-SPARK in Malaysia lands at Stadium Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur for a one-night-only concert on Jan. 31, 2026.

This large-scale event brings together local and A-list K-Pop acts such as MAMAMOO’s Hwasa, girl group ITZY, international R&B star DPR Ian, and is headlined by the “King of K-Pop” G-Dragon.

Official poster for the upcoming K-Spark in Malaysia 2026 — Photo from Instagram/K-Spark in Malaysia 2026

Following his appearance in the country for his two-day “Übermensch” concert last August 2025, G-Dragon will surely present another powerful performance for his Malaysian fans.

Hwasa, popularly known as both a member of girl group MAMAMOO and as a soloist, recently received warm praise for her latest single, “Good Goodbye,” and will once again showcase her mesmerizing energy on the Malaysian stage.

ITZY, a girl group renowned for their powerful vocals and choreography on stage, is set to bring their high-energy sets and performances to their Malaysian fans before they embark on their upcoming “Tunnel Vision” world tour.

Completing the K-Pop roster is DPR Ian, a versatile performer who blends cinematic imagery with his soulful musicality. He is known for his singles “No Blueberries,” “Don’t Go Insane,” and “Ballroom Extravaganza.”

Joining them on stage are Malaysian girl group DOLLA and boy group 3P, promising an electrifying night that’s sure to leave everyone in high spirits right after.

Presented by travel booking platform Klook, K-SPARK sets itself apart as a global K-Pop platform that connects cultures and fans.

As of writing, tickets are on sale online via Klook. Tickets range from RM588 to RM988 in the Free Standing Zone, while tickets in the Free Seating Zone range from RM388 to RM888.

Stay tuned to this space and follow K-SPARK in MALAYSIA on Instagram for more information and updates.

K-SPARK in MALAYSIA 2026

Location: Stadium Merdeka, 29 Jalan Maharajalela 50150 Kuala Lumpur

Date and Time: Jan. 31, 2026, 9:05 PM

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Kuala Lumpur/ The List/ What's On

Published: December 10, 2025

Craving for Sushi? Catch The Japan Foundation’s 'I Love Sushi' Exhibit!

by: The Beat Asia

Photo by Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur/Instagram

by: The Beat Asia

Published:
December 10, 2025

Sushi for the holidays? Yes, of course! The Japan Foundation’s cultural traveling exhibition “I Love Sushi” has kicked off in Kuala Lumpur, running from Nov. 14 to Dec. 31, 2025, at the UR-MU @ The Toffee, The Project Room, Level 4.

Open from 11 AM to 7 PM daily (except on Mondays and Dec. 25), the delectable showcase lets guests have a closer look at Japan ’s most iconic dish — sushi — as both a culinary art form and as a glimpse into the country’s history, culture, and way of life.

The exhibition explores sushi’s evolution from its roots as an ancient preservation technique to a global phenomenon. Through captivating visuals, interactive displays, and digital experiences, guests are invited to deepen their understanding of washoku, the traditional Japanese cuisine recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Entrance to the sushi exhibit — Photo from Instagram/Japan in Malaysia

Part of the sushi exhibit — Photo from Instagram/Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur

This is definitely a go-to spot for sushi fans — from interactive artworks about sushi, a giant Pacific bluefin tuna replica, historical scrolls, Ukiyo-e prints and presentations, to the oh-so familiar conveyor belt sushi setup with over 150 hyper-realistic models of sushi, this exhibition is both mouthwatering and educational!

The exhibition is organized by the Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur (JFKL), with support from the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia, UR-MU, and Sushi Hibiki, a premium omakase at the Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur.

For more information, visit The Japan Foundation’s website here, and follow their official Facebook and Instagram pages.

Location: UR-MU @ The Toffee, Raja Chulan, 2, Jalan Raja Chulan, City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur

Dates: Nov. 14 to Dec. 31, 2025

Opening Hours: 11 AM to 7 PM (Closed on Mondays and December 25)

Admission: Free

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