With the Olympics on everyone’s minds, this month promises to deliver on the excitement. We’re also looking forward to the festivities of Merdeka Day, as Malaysia approaches its 67th. If that’s not enough to keep you busy, then keep reading to discover all the things to do in KL and PJ in August 2024.
Before we head into September and its month-long fashion week kerfuffle, we have a local one, the 2024 Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW), which you’ll get to experience vicariously through our Instagram. And while you await your favourite designer’s slot, you might as well dive into our review of the recent MIFFEST 2024, where Wu Kang-ren bagged the Best Actor gong and Jack Tan won the Best Supporting Actor award for their respective roles in Abang Adik.
As for what this month holds, we’re seeing plenty of concerts and gallery exhibitions cropping up this month. That, and more are coming your way throughout the month. Keep reading for the rest of the events and things to do in KL and PJ in August 2024.
Things to do in KL and PJ in August 2024
My Shade My Story Café
Who says you need to make multiple stops to get your beauty, caffeine, and Instagram fix? At Estee Lauder’s My Shade My Story Café, you get to do all that at just a single stop. Let the beauty assistants help you discover your exact shade (because we’ve all been there with the mismatched neck) and get a complimentary 10-day foundation supply and samples, guzzle down a complimentary beverage inspired by the brand’s superstar lineup, as well as play games for a chance to bring home some bonus prizes. Be sure to RSVP via the link below, and make it a grand day with your girlfriends.
Entrance is free, RSVP is required.
Date: 31 July to 2 August 2024
Address: The Starhill KL, 181, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100, Kuala Lumpur
Dr Jason Leong: Why Are You Like This?
Having just opened for international comedian Atsuko Okatsuka, Dr Jason Leong is back home following his sold-out Brain Drain World Tour in 2024 to tape his special, Why Are You Like This? Known for his sharp wit and one-two-punch sarcasm, the doctor is again prescribing a heavy dose of laughter for his audience at the stand-up comedy show. What are we predicting? That he’s going to take a few snipes at Gen Z and Gen Alpha. At least that’s the vibe we’re getting from a recent podcast he did. Be sure to catch this one, because the next time he’ll be putting on a show in Malaysia will be in November.
Date: 2 to 3 August 2024
Address: EX8, No 3, Jalan SS13/4, Subang Jaya, 47500 Selangor
Price: from RM100 to RM248
DOLLA: Re:birth The Experience
iDollas, bring your lightsticks because the DOLLA trio is set to take the stage at ZEPP KL. Fresh from their “Here4U” release and their “Best Side” acoustic special for Apple Music, we’re crossing our fingers that these will also be a part of their setlist so we can all chant to our heart’s desire. Tickets are selling fast, and although it’s only a few days away, you might still get lucky and score yourselves some. Exclusive soundcheck access is also available.
Date: 3 August 2024
Address: ZEPP KL, Level B2, Entertainment Hub, BBCC, Jalan Hang Tuah, 55100, Kuala Lumpur
Price: from RM149 to RM9,888 for 10
The Tension Must Be Just Right
Guess what? This is an art exhibition where the curators are inviting you to touch, feel, and experience the works displayed. The Tension Must Be Just Right features three textile artists: Afiza Abu Bakar, Lada Dedic, and Xeem Noor. In conjunction with the exhibition, you may also join the artist reception on 11 August at 3 pm, or the three-hour workshop that’s conducted by Afiza and Xeem on the last day of the exhibition—for RM150 per person.
Entrance is free.
Date: 3 to 18 August 2024
Address: temu house, Jalan 16/9E, Seksyen 16, 46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Fever: Women’s Desire in Four Recent Books by Malaysian Women
Four Malaysian women writers—Karina Robles Bahrin, Zen Cho, Preeta Samarasan, and Daphne Lee—are set to gather on stage to converse about their books and the women whose lives are portrayed in the pages. If you’re a fan of their works, then you should definitely carve out some time to hang out with these local literary greats. Readings, in-depth discussions, and a Q&A session are up on the schedule, so be sure to come prepared.
Date: 15 August 2024
Address: Bobo KL, 65-2, Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Price: RM80
Sasha Alex Sloan: Me Again Tour
American indie pop artist Sasha Alex Sloan is making Kuala Lumpur her first stop for the Asian leg of her Me Again tour. Having written for the likes of Idina Menzel and Camilla Cabello, as well as co-written and been featured on songs with Kygo and Charlie Puth, she now has three albums under her belt. From her latest drop, we’re anticipating her performance of her hit singles such as the title track, “Highlights”, “Glad You Did”, and “Kids.”
Date: 16 August 2024
Address: Zepp KL, Level B2, Entertainment Hub, BBCC, Jalan Hang Tuah, 55100, Kuala Lumpur
Laufey: Bewitched: The Goddess Tour
Yes, it’s sold out. But you may never know, there are performers that save some tickets and release them at the very last minute, so it’s best to stay updated with Laufey’s platforms. The Grammy-winner is stopping in Kuala Lumpur for only one night to dazzle us with her ethereal voice, heart-wrenching songwriting, and show-stopping ivory-tickling. Performing her Grammy-winning jazz-pop album, you can bet singles like “Promise”, “From the Start”, and “California and Me” to be a part of her setlist.
Date: 27 August 2024
Address: Plenary Hall, KLCC, 21, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
BENANG by Melinda Looi
In conjunction with Malaysia’s Independence Day and Malaysia Day, Melinda Looi wants to give back by hosting intimate classes for locals to gain a deeper understanding in craftsmaking, all while spotlighting the artisans’ work. Activities include batik tote bag painting, wau making, rug tufting, and basketry weaving, taught by the likes of Tanoti, Tuftme, Craft at No. 7, and more. With every class purchase, a portion of it goes to Charity for Children to empower their participation in the crafts scene.
Date: 30 August and 10 September 2024
Address: eslite spectrum Forum, Level 1, The Starhill, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Price: RM350 per person for each workshop.
Jungle Jungle by Zhang Xu Zhan
Big fan of intricate papier-mâché art? Then make your way to ILHAM Gallery to catch Jungle Jungle, an exhibition that exemplifies our similarities despite our differences as Asians of different nationalities. Inspired by the commonalities between Southeast Asian folktale Sang Kancil and the Crocodiles, Taiwanese The Mouse and the Buffalo, and China’s The Rabbit and the Crab, this will be Taiwan’s Zhang Xu Zhan’s debut in Malaysia. Aside from the paper puppets and installation, you can also bask in curated video animation and mixed media sculptures.
Entrance is free.
Date: now to 6 October 2024
Address: Level 3, ILHAM Gallery, 8, Jalan Binjai, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tiba Anak Cucu by Budi Agung Kuswara
In collaboration with Singapore’s Mizuma Gallery, Bali’s own Budi Agung Kuswara is returning to Malaysia to present us with his latest exhibition, Tiba Anak Cucu (or The Descendants Emerge) at The Backroom. Almost a continuation to his Anonymous Ancestors exhibit, this one sees the artist extending that story to include family members. Through his cyanotype technique, the artist captures the relationship between time, memory, and the past. If you’re keen on meeting the artist, be sure to catch him at the Artist Talk, set to be hosted on 3 August at 3 pm at Malaysia Design Archive.
Entrance is free.
Date: 3 to 25 August 2024
Address: The Backroom, The Zhongshan Building, 1st Floor 80A Jalan Rotan, Off Jalan Kampung Attap, 50460 Kuala Lumpur