The world may be buzzing with Fashion Week excitement this month, but over here in Malaysia, equally thrilling events are popping up around town. Keep reading to discover all the things to do in KL in September 2023.
Living it up is hard work. That’s why we took the liberty and did all the research for you. From the best performances to catch at concerts to film festivals to immerse yourself in, these are the happenings that are taking place around town that are simply unmissable. With over ten listed here, there’s bound to be something for everyone. So get your friends, your family, and your calendar, and start planning.
Things to do in KL and PJ in September 2023
Rivers in the Sky
If you’re open to a moment of introspection, then be sure to catch Rivers in the Sky at klpac. The show is presented with six performers, and they will take you on a journey through the five elements of air, water, fire, wood, and earth. With metaphors drawn from the otherworldly Aztec myth of the creation of the universe and man; Latin American legends; as well as silat and mak yong wisdoms, Rivers in the Sky weaves a story of how our relationship with Mother Nature is very much a symbiosis.
Date: 1 September to 3 September 2023
Address: Pentas 1, klpac, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Sentul, 51100, Kuala Lumpur
Price: MYR88 to MYR98.
Book here.
Kodaline Live in Kuala Lumpur
The last time Irish four-piece rock band Kodaline came to Kuala Lumpur in 2019, the show completely sold out. Kuala Lumpur will be the only Southeast Asian stop where the band is performing for two nights, and as of writing, you can still snag the general admissions tickets. You can expect staple hits such as “All I Want”, “Brother”, and “The One” to be part of the set list.
Date: 7 to 8 September 2023
Address: Zepp KL, Level B2, Entertainment Hub, BBCC, Jalan Hang Tuah, 55100, Kuala Lumpur
Price: MYR270 to MYR340
Book here.
Joanne Kam: Kam My Way
Revered as Malaysia’s queen of comedy, the comedienne is celebrating her 30th year in the game the right way—by going on the road and spreading laughter. The KL dates are selling out fast, but you can still catch her on her Kuching, Sarawak and Penang dates that follow. It also coincides with her 50th birthday (we stan a Virgo queen!) so be sure to book your tickets. We hear it will feature all-new jokes. Topics may include her cabaret heydays, how she got into selling barbecue pork, and an inside look into her life as a single parent.
Date: 8 and 9 September 2023
Address: PJLA, Jaya One, Jalan Profesor Diraja Ungku Aziz, Seksyen 13, 46200, Petaling Jaya
Price: MYR68 to MYR108
Book here.
Klang River Festival
The city centre is going to be brimming with life this month, and it’s all thanks to the Klang River Festival. With an abundance of options, you can pick and choose what you like to take part in this community-driven event. From screenings and exhibitions to workshops and heritage walks, it’s a wonderful opportunity for both locals and visitors to take a closer look at the city and its people. You can also take part in plogging (it’s jogging while you pick up litter and trash), and help keep the river clean.
Entry is free of charge.
Date: 8 to 24 September 2023
Address: Around Kuala Lumpur
Hump Day Hands
For any true Malaysian, any search for things to do in KL in September 2023 is incomplete without a gastronomy exploration opportunity. This month, we’re shouting out the Hump Day Hands featuring Singapore-based Sri Lankan restaurant Kotuwa and Else Kuala Lumpur’s Raw Kitchen Hall. The six-course menu showcases Chef Rishi Naleendra’s flair for his hometown’s delicacies, and it’s easily a dining occasion not to be missed. If there’s anything to know about the chef—besides his prowess, of course—is that he will always want you to feel right at home from the moment you enter his space.
Date: 6 to 7 September 2023
Address: Raw Kitchen Hall at Else Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, 50000, Kuala Lumpur
Price: MYR188+ per person.
Book here.
Story Time: A Solo Exhibition by Minstrel Kuik
Malaysian mixed-media artist Minstrel Kuik is showcasing her latest solo exhibition at The Backroom KL. Entitled Story Time, it is the conclusion of the artist’s rumination of this question: how do we learn from experience? The result is a series of 22 colour pencil and graphite drawings that draws from the Greek mythical creature, Medusa. What makes this show extra special is that it’s not your typical Minstrel Kuik exhibition. Prior to this, the artist stuck to creating art by playing with fabric or through her photography.
Entry is free of charge.
Date: 2 to 24 September 2023
Address: The Backroom, Jalan Rotan, Kampung Attap, 50460, Kuala Lumpur
Japanese Film Festival
Venice Film Festival isn’t the only film festival that’s dishing out cinematic excellence. Much closer to home, Golden Screen Cinemas is hosting the Japanese Film Festival, organised by the Japan Foundation in Kuala Lumpur. Both new and acclaimed films spanning across multiple genres will be featured. In Klang Valley, the festival is taking place from 7 to 13 September, with GSC Mid Valley, GSC 1 Utama, and GSC Nu Sentral participating. After that, the festival will be making 3-day stops in Johor Bahru, Penang, Kuching, Sarawak, and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Date: 7 September to 15 October 2023
Book here.
Fifth & Friends Bazaar
Kick off the month by catching the Fifth & Friends Bazaar. Perfect for the weekend, the pop-up begins at noon (so you can sneak in a quick brunch) til 9 pm. From unique jewellery to fashion finds, you can practically refresh your entire wardrobe with a quick visit here. You can also get inked—Hasaki Ink will be there.
Entry is free of charge.
Date: 2 to 3 September 2023
Address: Awegallery, Jalan 20/13, Taman Paramount, 46300, Petaling Jaya
Jebat
Unlike its original telling, Jebat is set in a post-apocalyptic Malaysia. It offers a new perspective on the lore of Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat, where it was often told as a tale of betrayal on the latter’s part. Jebat flips that notion on its head, and presents the audience with a new take: What if he is actually the hero?
Date: 17 to 24 September 2023
Address: Pentas 1, klpac, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Sentul, 51100, Kuala Lumpur
Price: MYR60 to MYR100
Book here.
Short+Sweet Film Festival 2023
Stay ahead of the curve and catch these bright, up-and-coming filmmakers at the Short+Sweet Film Festival 2023. Hosted annually by klpac, the festival offers a platform for budding filmmakers to hone their craft and find their audience. There will be 15 shortlisted entries, and you can even arrange for group bookings to save more.
Date: 30 September to 1 October 2023
Address: indicine, klpac, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Sentul, 51100, Kuala Lumpur
Price: MYR24
Book here.
A Tribute to Sudirman
Hardly any Merdeka or Malaysia Day celebrations ever went by without Sudirman’s tunes taking over the airwaves. For this Malaysia Day, commemorate his life and work by attending the one-day-only showcase by the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. Here, you can expect to hear his iconic hits such as “Salam Terakhir”, “Warisan”, and “Hujan” performed to orchestral perfection.
Date: 16 September 2023
Address: Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, Petronas Twin Towers, 50088, Kuala Lumpur
Price: MYR288 to MYR668
Book here.
Raisa Hits Live in Concert
The best of the things to do in KL in September 2023? Following her Malaysian debut in November last year, Indonesia’s award-winning singer-songwriter returns to Kuala Lumpur to serenade local fans with her iconic ballads such as “Kali Kedua”, “Bahasa Kalbu”, and more. If last year’s sold-out show is any indication, you might want to book your tickets ASAP. With her wonderful stage presence and her strong vocals, we bet this concert will be one for the books.
Date: 23 September 2023
Address: Mega Star Arena, Sg Wang Plaza, Jalan Bulan 2, Bukit Bintang, 55100, Kuala Lumpur
Price: MYR100 to MYR650
Book here.