Celebrate Merdeka with these August 2020 events
Malaysians usually welcome August with excitement because the last day of the month is when events such as Malaysia’s National Day Parade takes place. But this year, the parade which has since been cancelled to help curb the spread of COVID-19 as the parade is known to draw huge gathering of thousands of live viewers.
But that doesn’t mean we have to skip out on celebrations altogether. There are other events to check out during the last week of August 2020, with fun activities and local markets being held to keep our national spirit and pride for all things #lokal alive this year. Just remember to adhere to SOPs so that everyone stays safe during this time.
– Markets –
1. Furugiya Flea Market Merdeka – shop for vintage and preloved goods
Image credit: @furugiyamarket
Furugiya Market is a travelling flea market that has stopped by KL and PJ in the past. In August, it’ll be heading over to Gamuda Cove’s Discovery Park to set up its pop-up market.
Called Furugiya Flea Market Merdeka, it’s a 3-day event that starts on 29th August. You’ll find preloved furniture, clothes, toys, shoes, gadgets, books, houseware, and vinyl records for sale here.
They partnered up with local sellers on Carousell for their previous event in April 2019, and online shops such as State of Diving and Hann Vintage Co. participated in the market, bringing along their thrifted and vintage streetwear. So you should expect to see preloved items from brands such as Vans and Stussy this time round, and clothes in general going for as low as RM5.
Image credit: @hannpicksandfinds
Besides the usual stuff that you see in most thrift stores, you can look out for goods such as Funko Pop figurines, old homeware such as Tiffin carriers, and old soup pots that you might remember seeing at your grandparents’ homes.
Some vendors are open to negotiating prices too, so come prepared to flex your haggling skills to snag vintage handbags and other interesting finds you’ll spot here.
Image credit: @furugiyamarket
The previous market held at The Gasket Alley also hosted food vendors, featuring street food mantous from Wok It and artisanal coffee from Ground Control out of an IG-worthy retro bus. This upcoming Merdeka instalment should have similar food offerings too, even though the information is unavailable at the time of writing.
Image adapted from: Furugiya Flea Market
Date: 29th – 31st August 2020
Time: 11AM-8PM
Venue: Persiaran Cove Sentral 42700 Banting
Admission: Free
Website
2. Merdeka Showcase Market – shop for artisanal products from local sellers
Image adapted from: Art + D
Art + D is a creative pop-up market that’s held in malls and event spaces around Malaysia to show off products from homegrown brands. Come the last weekend of August, they are hosting yet another fun pop-up market called Merdeka Slang Showcase to celebrate Merdeka at The LINC.
For 3 days, you can browse through artisanal products from 10 brands. This includes Olives & Ginger, with their series of water-resistant travel pouches (from RM25), and The Hashtag’s fashion apparel, with designs reminiscent of traditional baju kurung styles but with a modern-day twist.
Image adapted from: @olivesnginger & The Hashtag TM
Other brands that’ll be making an appearance include C3 Lab, which sells artisanal desserts such as cakes and chocolates. Fireworks House, a sustainable and eco-friendly brand, will also swing by with handmade products from local artisans, which include weaved leather shoes, linen apparel, and lifestyle items.
Pillow cushions and weaved leather shoes from local brand, Fireworks.
Image adapted from: @fireworkshouse & @fireworkshouse
Date: 28th – 31st August 2020
Time: 11AM-9PM, Daily
Venue: The LINC KL, 360, Jalan Tun Razak, Taman U Thant, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
Admission: Free
Website
3. One Kind Market – get fresh produce & local harvests
Image credit: @_thebackground
If you’ve always preferred a calmer Merdeka weekend, you can still celebrate what Malaysia has to offer best by dropping by One Kind Market at REXKL.
This weekend indoor farmers’ market hosts homegrown farmers and small businesses from a Facebook group, MY Food Directory & Delivery C19. Locals have been putting up their new harvests and fresh produce for sale at this online group during the MCO. So you’ll see the same offerings of local fruits such as kampung durians and rambutans, to fresh fish from fishermen in Temerloh, here in person.
There’ll also be free-range chickens, organic eggs, and locally sourced honey.
Local sellers at One Kind Market
Image credit: @hellorexkl
The prices are comparable to what you’ll find at our grocery stores, with ingredients such as kacang botol and flat beans going for RM3/200g each.
Image credit: @onekindmarket
There’ll be some rarer finds here too, including bundles of mugwort and roselle leaves, popular in Korea and Myanmar respectively, that are said to have great health benefits too.
The market is open from 10AM-7PM, so there’s no need to get up early to drop by this spot. But we do recommend coming as early as 11AM to get your hands on a greater selection of produce.
Date: Every weekend
Time: 10AM-7PM
Venue: REXKL, 80, Jalan Sultan 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Admission: Free
Website
– Performances –
4. REXKL Sessions Watch Party – jam to tunes from local artistes
Image credit: @helloluqman
Another event that takes place at REXKL is REXKL Sessions Watch Party, which has been happening every Thursday since July 2020. The cosy space opens up for a chill night in the city where guests can mingle and watch recorded performances from local artistes for free.
The upcoming and last instalment happening on 27th August will screen an intimate performance from local singer-songwriter, Hello Luqman. If you’re into Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars, you’ll definitely want to drop by to hear this local act.
Image credit: @_thebackground
There’ll be plenty of comfy spots for you to grab a seat at, as well as food stalls and cafes serving up street food and draft beer that you can gorge on while enjoying laidback tunes.
Proceeds from all food purchases made during this event will also be donated to the performing artist dropping by, so you can support Malaysia’s creative industry during this pandemic while taking part in this free-to-air music session too.
Chill out while listening to tunes at REXKL
Image adapted from: @______stellar
Date: 27th August 2020, Thursday
Time: 8.30PM-10.30PM
Venue: REXKL, 80, Jalan Sultan 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Admission: Free
Website
5. KLPAC – catch a cabaret show
Image credit: The Young KL Singers
KLPAC has since reopened its doors at Sentul Park after it suspended operations temporarily during the MCO. To help restart this local performing arts centre, they’ve invited community choir group, The Young KL Singers, for a series of cabaret shows beginning on 27th August 2020.
You’ll hear acoustic renditions of familiar tunes from Western blockbusters, musicals, and beloved Disney films such as Mulan and Tangled, as well as current popular hits, from this group of talented young singers from KL.
To switch things up, there will be solo performances from talented members of this choir group to show the public what they’ve been up to during the MCO.
Performing stage at KLPAC
Image adapted from: @teddy25__ted
Every ticket (RM40/pax) purchased comes with a welcome drink. You can also choose from matinee or evening showings to fit your schedule.
Date & Time: 27th – 29th August 2020, 8.30PM | 29th & 30th August 2020, 3PM
Venue: The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, off Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 51100, Kuala Lumpur
Admission: RM40. Book your tickets here.
Website
– Activities –
6. Ultron X JomRun Merdeka Virtual Marathon
Those trying to keep to their #fitspo goals can join Ultron X JomRun Merdeka Virtual Marathon, a virtual running event. This means that you’ll get to rack up metres and steps all in the safety of your home and the best part is that there will be no time limit to complete your run.
All you need to do is to register for the run by 4th September, choose the distance you want to cover – 5KM, 10KM, 21KM, and 41KM – then get a pedometer device such as a smartwatch or FitBit, or download any pedometer app to log your steps.
Image adapted from: Aja Dang
You can walk, jog, tackle flights of stairs, or hit the treadmill – in any combination or any mix, as long as your steps are clocked – to complete the virtual run by 4th September 2020.
Track your steps with your smartphone to complete this virtual run
Image credit: iDownload
Once you’ve completed the amount of kilometres as you registered for, simply submit photos to JomRun’s app store to prove that you have done so. You’ll then get a finisher medal and dry-fit shirt with Jalur Gemilang printed on it for a special Merdeka 2020 commemorative gift shipped to you.
Free T-shirt after completing your run which is in the spirit of Merdeka
Image credit: Jom Run
Date: Register online here by 4th September 2020
Venue: Anywhere
Registration fee: From RM25
Website
7. Syok Merdeka Dive-In Cinema – take a splash & watch a movie at the same time
Happening in the same weekend and vicinity of the Furugiya Flea Market Merdeka at Gamuda Cove’s Discovery Park on this list is this unique 3-day event which lets you swim under the starry sky while watching family-friendly movies on a projector screen at Discovery Park’s saltwater diving pool.
Image credit: Discovery Park
Tickets are going for RM50 per person. Those who prefer to stay out of the water will have to go for the session on 30th August, as it is only on that date that you can opt to feast on barbecue treats by the poolside instead of having to catch the movie in the “dive-in” cinema.
Image adapted from: @discoveryparkmalaysia
Located within the park are cafes, including a Starbucks and cosy coffee cafe Flow Coffee, as well as a food hall with Malaysian and Western street food options for when you’re feeling peckish.
You can also stop by Furugiya Flea Market Merdeka. Or take a ride through wetlands that’s just a stone’s throw away from Discovery Park with their special Merdeka Ride, which is included in the ticket as well.
Date: 29th – 31st August 2020
Time: 8PM-11PM
Venue: Persiaran Cove Sentral 42700 Banting, Malaysia
Admission: From RM50/pax. Get your tickets on Shopee here.
Website
8. Knowhere’s disco-themed party, Semangat Rakyat dengan Disko Santan
Image adapted from: @ahdoh
Spend the eve of Merdeka under starry lights at Knowhere. This restaurant and bar in Bangsar is hosting a disco-themed party called Semangat Rakyat dengan Disko Santan. You’re even encouraged to wear traditional outfits of your culture – such as sarees, baju kurungs, or cheongsams – to celebrate the spirit of Merdeka here.
There’ll be no cover charge needed to enjoy the retro and disco hits that local DJ, Disko Santan, will be blasting at this event. So come prepared to go old-school and dance it out to Malaysian favourites of the past.
Disko Santan will be dropping by this event
Image adapted from: @mdfakrulnaim
While you’re here, check out their Cita Rasa Gemilang special menu that’s only available until 16th September 2020. It’s made up of 14 fun dishes that are inspired by local specialties from all 13 Malaysian states to celebrate Merdeka and Malaysia Day.
For starters, the Pearl Of The Orient (RM32.80) is a dish of oysters filled with cheesy omelette that is inspired by fresh seafood you’ll find in Penang. Other hearty Malaysian staples include Heaven Mee Kolok (RM29.80) from Sarawak and Inkredible Laksa (RM29.80) from Johor.
Those who are thinking of grooving the night away can order their Bahulu Baby (RM15.80), which is a soya bean-based drink that gets stirred and topped with the snack popular in Kedah, from this special menu too.
Bahulu Baby Kedah and Pearl of the Orient
Image adapted from: Knowhere Bangsar & Knowhere Bangsar
To round up Malaysia’s local flavours all in one dish, the 14th item on this limited-time menu is Pizza Tempeh Teratai (RM30.80). It’s a thin-crust pizza that unites the best of local flavours by adding sambal in the tomato pizza sauce and topping it with tempeh and lotus root.
The pizza is even garnished with petals from our national flower, the hibiscus, which are edible too.
Pizza Tempeh Teratai with hibiscus petals
Image credit: Knowhere Bangsar
To grab a spot at this event, you can DM Knowhere on their Facebook page or send them a message through Whatsapp at 010-220 2358.
Date: 30th August 2020, Sunday
Time: 8PM-12AM
Venue: 50, Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
Admission: Free
Website
9. Gerakbudaya’s film workshop about Malaysia’s history
Image credit: Gerakbudaya
Local bookstore and publishing house Gerakbudaya is hosting a Facebook live on 26th August 2020 to talk with local director Victor Chin about Malaysia’s rich history.
You’ll get to join in for free and hear him discuss topics from his documentary, Five Tigers. The film follows 3 women who were part of the Malayan Labour Party, and who were known to join in street demonstrations and strikes to fight for Malaysia’s independence during the 1960s in Penang.
It’s a fitting activity for film and history buffs to participate in for Merdeka, and a reminder of how far we’ve come since our days under British rule.
Image credit: Gerakbudaya
Those who haven’t seen Victor Chin’s documentary film can view it for free on YouTube before the session. There are both English and Chinese subtitles to reach a wider audience.
Date: 26th August 2020, Wednesday
Time: 8PM-9PM
Admission: Free
Website
Events in August 2020 for Merdeka
Wrap up your August with these August 2020 events that guarantee a good time whether you’re looking to celebrate National Day with a bang or just looking for places to lepak at for the long weekend. There’s options for those who prefer a quieter night, and others who want to dance the night away.
For more things to do in Klang Valley, check out our other articles:
- The Zhongshan Building is an artsy hideout in KL
- 8 thrift shops in KL
- 10 fun things to do in Klang Valley to de-stress
Cover image adapted from: @furugiyamarket, Discovery Park, & The Young KL Singers