In search of things to do in KL for May 2023? This month, we’re anticipating a healthy slew of events, from concerts to exciting art exhibitions. Aside from celebrating Mother’s Day, here are some activities for your consideration.
If you’ve already gone through our May watchlist, then it’s time to branch out into the wild. And although Jaotim’s Taylor Swift showcase is sold out (sorry, Swifties), another takes its place. Read on to discover everything you could do to make your month all the more rich.
What to do in KL for May 2023
Feeling Feelings Makes Me, Me
Expect vulnerability. In this showcase, Nadirah Zakariya (the creative mind behind production duo Layar Lucida), gives us all a peek inside her world—utterly unadulterated. The internationally-renowned photographer, who has long been on a journey of self-acceptance, has arranged a beautiful solo exhibition that will enthral all who seek it.
Additionally, you can also catch a one-day special (on 7 May), where esteemed director Bernard Chauly and Nadirah herself will whisk you away in an adventure for the senses—at RM65 per person.
Date: 6 May to 28 May 2023
Address: Temu House, Jalan 16/9E, Seksyen 16, 46350, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Table Lamp Concert at Jaotim KL
It might be too late for you to score tix to an evening of Taylor Swift tunes, but you can still secure a seat at Jaotim for its concert featuring pop icons through the ages. The setlist features songs from greats such as Beyonce, Adele, and Madonna. Coming all the way from down under to lend us his voice, Kat Wylee is ready to capture you in a trance.
Date: 17 May 2023
Address: 61, Jalan Sultan, 50000, Kuala Lumpur
Price: RM80
Book here.
‘SMS to Song’ by Chen Wei Meng
With a background in interior design, you can bet that Chen Wei Meng is about to blow you away with his realist landscape paintings that depict the Song Dynasty. Using Chinese ink on canvas or xuan paper, you will find the monochromatic showcase to be doubly magnetic—especially with his mastery over contours and forms.
The exhibition is open by appointment only. Call 03-22601106, or email here.
Date: From 25 April to 27 May 2023
Address: 8, Jalan Scott, Brickfields, 50470, Kuala Lumpur
‘Haze: Coming Soon’ by Greenpeace
Here is where art meets activism. Malaysians and its long-time dwellers know all too well what it’s like living in the occasional haze. Despite its impermanence, it can cause some serious havoc. In this showcase, artists, filmmakers, and activists join hands to instil a new level of awareness.
Curated by Ernest Zacharevic, you will see immersive installations, short films, and more here. On the 6th, you can also tune in to the panel discussion (which kicks off with a spectacular show courtesy of Asia Ballet Theatre) that sees Dr Helena Varkkey and other environmental activists speaking.
Entry is free of charge.
Date: 5 to 14 May 2023
Address: REXKL, Jalan Sultan, 50000, Kuala Lumpur
Celine Maison Pop-Up
If you find yourself at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, be sure to make time and explore the Celine universe. Everything from its leather, travel, home, and haute parfumerie collections will be waiting for your perusal over at the centre court. The space, which is reminiscent of Celine’s first-ever perfume boutique in rue Saint-Honore, Paris, reflects the aura of luxury and elegance that makes your shopping experience all the more elevated.
Date: 30 April to 14 May 2023
Address: Centre Court, Level 2, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Mama Looking for Her Cat
Starring local theatre juggernaut Datuk Faridah Merican, Mama Looking for Her Cat, the 90-minute long show explores the relationship between estranged family members—mother and children. The heart-wrenching story kicks off with a mother losing her last companion, her pet cat, requiring her to leave her home in search of her furry friend. In this endeavour, she finds a fast-paced world that has long left the old and the frail behind.
Date: 19 to 21 May 2023
Address: Pentas 2, klpac, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Sentul, 51100, Kuala Lumpur
Price: from RM68 to RM98
Book here.
They All Die at the End
Ready for a slice of painful reality? In They All Die at the End, five men muse at the notion of what it means to be Malaysian and Indian, in the past, and in the present. The show is an amalgamation of poetic text, dialogue, music, and movement, and it takes you on a journey to a world where brown men are free to be whoever they want to be, and say whatever they want to say.
Date: 25 to 28 May 2023
Address: Pentas 2, klpac, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Sentul, 51100, Kuala Lumpur
Price: from RM45 to RM55
Book here.
Prada Tropico Pop-up Store
Looking to add something new to your wardrobe? Head down to the Prada pop-up at Suria KLCC in KL, and shop till you drop. Featuring a special selection of men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, the latest it bags and shoes that are made for spending your days out in the sun, there is no way you’re going to miss this blue and white-striped space.
Date: From 5 to 21 May 2023
Address: Suria KLCC, Petronas Twin Towers, 50088, Kuala Lumpur
Brahms Violin Concerto
For one night only, catch the magnetising violin concerto that sees MPO’s very own Concertmaster Peter Daniš at the centre stage, serenading you with the epic Brahms concerto which was written for Joseph Joachim, Brahms’ lifelong friend and leading contemporary violinist.
Date: 20 May 2023
Address: Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, Petronas Twin Towers, 50088, Kuala Lumpur
Price: from RM198 to RM358
Book here.
The Music of Star Wars
Real Star Wars fans know that this is an unmissable show. If you’re on the hunt for things to do in KL, then there’s (almost) no topping this one. Featuring highlights of sounds from the beloved film series, relive and celebrate over four decades of otherworldly adventure and unforgettable moments through the performance.
Date: 27 to 28 May 2023
Address: Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, Petronas Twin Towers, 50088, Kuala Lumpur
Price: from RM218 to RM518
Book here.
‘Lift the Tikar!’
In this showcase, Sabah-born artist Yee I-Lann peers into the tikar (mats) and muses on reflection on society. Here, you get to join her exploration through a series of video works, woven sculptures, and tikar mats. This creative endeavour, however, is not completed by the Sabahan alone. Instead, she collaborates with weavers, filmmakers, dancers, and other creatives to develop this stunning exhibition.
Entry is free of charge.
Date: 11 March to 18 June 2023
Address: Level 3, ILHAM Gallery, 8, Jalan Binjai, 50450, Kuala Lumpur
‘Faraway’
Currently wanderlusting for Switzerland? Perhaps you can scratch the itch by visiting the Faraway illustration exhibition which highlights 36 illustrations from local illustrator Farmer. Complete with art installations that depict the astounding Swiss Alps landscapes, a visit here is a sure treat to the senses.
Entry is free of charge.
Date: from 1 May to 18 June 2023
Address: eslite spectrum Kuala Lumpur, The Starhill, Bukit Bintang, 55100, Kuala Lumpur
East Imperial Gin Jubilee 2023
After a three-year lull, East Imperial Gin Jubilee finally returns with a bang for 2023. From May 15th to May 27th, expect a slew of gin-related activities in the city and participating bars, leading up to the ultimate party: Gin Lane, happening at Sentul Depot, Kuala Lumpur.
This year, a total of 20 cocktail bars in the Klang Valley will be participating in the East Imperial Gin Jubilee, all vying for the title of KL’s Best Gin and Tonic. You too, can be part of the public panel of judges. All you have to do is visit one of these 20 bars, take a picture of the competing G&T drink, and post it on Instagram. For the vote to count, each post must include these: #EastImperial, #GinJubilee2023, and the Location of the Partner Bar.
Date: 27 May 2023
Address: Sentul Depot, Kuala Lumpur