What's Happening in KL, 21st to 27th August
Merdeka season is creeping into the malls this week, from a beauty expo with deals starting at RM1 to a farmers market pulling the countryside into Bukit Bintang for three days. Add a Shakespeare reimagining returning for its second weekend, a sound bath, and a first hands-on look at Samsung's new foldables, and there is plenty worth the drive. Here is where to go, Fri 21 to Thu 27 August.
Robert Rauschenberg and Asia @ ILHAM Gallery, Level 5
16 June to 1 November 2026 (Level 5 closed Saturday 22 August for public programmes)
ILHAM Gallery, KLCC
Organised by M+ in collaboration with ILHAM, this landmark exhibition traces Robert Rauschenberg's engagement with Asia, part of the worldwide centennial celebration of the artist's practice. Plenty of runway left to catch it, just not this Saturday.
More info: ilhamgallery.com
Fragments of a Season @ CAP Gallery, Eslite Spectrum
1 July to 30 September
L138-L142, Level 1, Eslite Spectrum, The Starhill, Bukit Bintang
A group show tracing the passage of light and time, bringing together thirteen Malaysian artists including Yusof Gajah and Voon Kim Cheong.
More info: thestarhill.com.my
The Bouquet and the Wreath (Rebirth) @ ILHAM Gallery, Level 3
25 July to 11 October 2026
ILHAM Gallery, KLCC
The first solo exhibition in Malaysia by senior Thai artist Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook, surveying over 45 years of her practice through video works, sculptural installations and text.
More info: ilhamgallery.com
Haus of Fold: Samsung Galaxy Foldables @ Sunway Pyramid
19 to 23 August
Orange Concourse, Sunway Pyramid
A hands-on pop-up for Samsung's new foldable lineup, the Galaxy Z Fold8, Fold8 Ultra and Z Flip8, plus the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Watch9, with prizes for spend-and-win visitors.
More info: sunwaypyramid.com
MyBeauty & Cosmetics EXPO @ Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre
20 to 23 August, 11am to 9pm
Level CP3, Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre
Merdeka's biggest beauty sale, with over 10,000 products from more than 1,000 global brands spanning skincare, makeup and haircare, deals starting from RM1 and up to 90% off. Free admission.
More info: sunwaypyramid.com
NOKTA Lifestyle Farmers Market: Out To The City @ The Starhill
21 to 23 August, 10am to 10pm
Level 1, The Starhill, Bukit Bintang
Nokta Lifestyle brings its farmers market into the city for three days, with fresh produce, handmade goods and a lineup of vendors.
More info: thestarhill.com.my
Caliban: The Savage of Prospero's Island @ Black Box, DPAC
21 to 23 August and 27 August (second weekend of its run), 8pm Thu/Fri shows, 3pm Sat/Sun matinees
Black Box, DPAC, Damansara Perdana
Masakini Theatre Company's reimagining of Shakespeare's The Tempest continues into its second weekend, with Sabera Shaik as Caliban, directed by Susan Sarah John. Tickets RM100, students and senior citizens RM63, via Cloudjoi.
More info: dpac.com.my
Where Are You, Crocodile? Interactive Storytelling Session @ Eslite Forum, The Starhill
23 August, 4pm to 6pm
Eslite Forum, The Starhill, Bukit Bintang
An animated storytelling session for kids from the Leo the Wildlife Ranger series, hosted by Jaime Kaw, with a Q&A and book signing to follow.
More info: thestarhill.com.my
Leo Cubs Playdates: Barbie DreamHouse & Hot Wheels Monster Trucks @ Sunway Pyramid
23 August, 10am to 12pm
LG2, Blue Concourse, Sunway Pyramid
A play date for Sunway Pyramid's Leo Cubs members featuring a Barbie Dreamhouse and Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Mutant Chaos sets. RSVP required to secure a spot.
More info: sunwaypyramid.com
Sound Bath with Loretta Tan @ Black Box, DPAC
25 August, 6pm
Black Box, DPAC, Damansara Perdana
An evening sound bath staged on Caliban's own set, led by sound healer and the production's music director Loretta Tan. Floor seats RM50, chairs RM20, limited seats.
More info: dpac.com.my
Moutai Masterclass @ The Chamber, Starhill
26 August, 7pm
The Chamber, The Starhill, Bukit Bintang
A tasting masterclass hosted by Moutai brand ambassador Kent Chan, taking guests through Moutai Ying Bin, Moutai Prince, Moutai 1935 and the Kweichow Moutai Flying Fairy. Seats limited, please drink responsibly.
More info: thestarhill.com.my
