Merdeka Day 2025 activities
As Malaysia’s 68th National Day is rolling around soon, we Malaysians are already getting our party hats out to celebrate on 31st August – and the days leading up to it. To help you plan your Merdeka weekend, we rounded up a list of events and activities for Hari Kebangsaan to check out this 2025.
Table of Contents
- Merdeka Day 2025 activities
- 1. National Day 2025 parade at Putrajaya
- 2. Rasa Sayang Malaysia at Petronas Twin Towers
- 3. Merdeka Eve at KL Tower
- 4. Riuh Merdeka 2025
- 5. Check-In Merdeka at Central Market
- 6. KLCC The Place
- 7. Truly Malaysian at REXKL
- 8. i-City
- 9. Golden Hour at Jaotim
- 10. Bersama Satu Bazaar
- 11. Pasar Malaya at Badan Warisan Malaysia
- 12. Merdeka Eve Party at Elmina Lakeside Mall
- 13. Merdeka Day at The Exchange TRX
- 14. Merdeka Special at The Campus Ampang
- 15. P Ramlee Lagenda Merentas Zaman
- 16. Selangor-level 68th National Day celebration
1. National Day 2025 parade at Putrajaya
Image credit: Bernama
All of us have likely spent more than one Merdeka Day morning sitting in front of the TV to watch the yearly National Day parade over breakfast at home. Though this is just more comfortable and convenient, it’s worth making the effort and trip to experience this annual affair IRL at least once in your lifetime as a Malaysian.
If this is the year you decide to go all out, Putrajaya is the place you’ll want to plan your trip on 31st August. A whopping 14,010 participants will take part in this year’s parade, which will run from 7:50am to 10am. You’ll also get to see PMX and the Yang Di-pertuan Agong pass through, along with over 500 assets from Malaysian military and enforcement agencies.
Logistics-wise, if the 15,000 allocated parking bays aren’t enough to allay your fear of crowds and lack of parking spots, free shuttle buses to the event will be available to hop on from three pick-up points. And if that’s not enough, there’ll also be six water taxis and three Putrajaya Lake Cruise services to ferry you to the parade, over water.
Venue: Dataran Putrajaya
Date: 31st August 2025
Time: 7.50am-10am
2. Rasa Sayang Malaysia at Petronas Twin Towers
Image credit: Heart Patrick
The nation’s capital is probably one of the best places to check out celebratory events come Merdeka month. And kicking off this list is an event at KL’s most beloved iconic landmark, none other than the Petronas Twin Towers.
Over three weekends from 30th August to 16th September, you can check out a range of activities to celebrate Malaysian-ness, from kuih tasting and a roti canai demo, to traditional games and cultural dance performances. The events will take place at the towers’ Sky Lobby and Sky Deck at Level 83.
Admission: From RM35/adult and RM17/child for Malaysians. Purchase tickets on the Petronas Twin Towers’ website here.
Venue: Sky Lobby, Sky Bridge & Sky Deck at Petronas Twin Towers
Dates: 30th & 31st August | 6th & 7th September | 13th-16th September 2025
Time: 9am-9pm
3. Merdeka Eve at KL Tower
Image adapted from: @menarakl via Instagram
Usher in Hari Kebangsaan with a literal bang at KL Tower.
On Merdeka eve, the KL skyscraper is hosting an epic countdown celebration with live music performances. Visitors can also view fireworks happening around the city from its three launch viewing points: the Observation Deck, Sky Terrace, and Tower Terrace. With 360° views of the city from the tower, you’ll be guaranteed a view of fireworks lighting up the skies.
Admission: From RM20/adult and RM10/child. Purchase tickets on KL Tower’s website here.
Venue: KL Tower, KL
Date: 30th August 2025
Time: 9pm-12am
Contact: KL Tower Instagram
4. Riuh Merdeka 2025
Image credit: Riuh Merdeka
Any festival season in Malaysia isn’t quite complete without market events. And the biggest one yet is hitting Putrajaya in celebration of Merdeka this year: Riuh Merdeka 2025. The market will run for no less than 30 hours straight, from 30th to 31st August.
Expect a smorgasbord of fashion, beauty, and F&B vendors at this one, plus live performances by popular local artistes such as Yuna, Misha Omar, and Pop Shuvit. As the Merdeka Day parade is set to take place in Putrajaya this year, it’s a no-brainer to hit two birds with one stone by dropping by the market leading up to or after watching the parade.
Admission: Free
Venue: Tapak Parkir Monumen Alaf Baru, Putrajaya
Dates: 30th & 31st August 2025
Time: 12am (30th Aug) to 6pm (31st Aug)
5. Check-In Merdeka at Central Market
Image credit: Central Market
If uber-packed events aren’t your thing, there’s another cosier market happening in Central Market for four days, from 29th August: Check-In Merdeka. The event promises ‘people, pastries, and patriotism’ – think, a fun and delectable Malaysian affair that’s just lit enough without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.
Tickets aren’t required for entry to this event. Just doll up in a patriotic ‘fit, bring yourself your buddies, and your wallet to experience a typically Malaysian holiday with a patriotic flavour.
Admission: Free
Venue: Central Market, KL
Dates: 29th August to 1st September 2025
Time: 10am-10pm
6. KLCC The Place
Image credit: @klcctheplace via Instagram
KLCC The Place is coming alive with patriotic spirit and exuberant musical performances from 8pm till midnight on 30th August. Enjoy diverse musical acts at the scenic Esplanade at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers, by artists such as Suki Low at 8pm.
On a contrasting note, there will be a free yoga session with local celebrity-slash-yoga-master Atila Haron on Merdeka Day morning, from 8.30am to 9.30am, so bring a mat with you if you fancy kicking off your National Day with a calming stretch session. There are several live brass band showcases to catch during Merdeka Day too, at 10.30am.
Admission: Free. Sign-ups for the yoga session is required – book a slot here.
Venue: Esplanade, KLCC Park
Dates: 30th & 31st August 2025
Time: 8pm-12am (30th Aug)
Contact: KLCC The Place Instagram
7. Truly Malaysian at REXKL
Image credit: @hellorexkl via Instagram
Market frequenters in KL are likely no strangers to REXKL and its colourful events, which are especially exciting when festival seasons roll around. For the 68th Merdeka celebrations, the event hub will host the Truly Malaysian market, set to highlight homegrown brands and bring all sorts of good vibes.
This event runs from 29th to 31st August, with vendors offering everything from cosmetics and pre-loved goods, to tarot readings and more. Entry is free, but be sure to bring a well-stuffed wallet to enjoy some proper retail therapy while celebrating and supporting small Malaysian businesses for Merdeka.
Admission: Free
Venue: REXKL, KL
Dates: 29th-31st August 2025
Time: 12pm-10pm
Contact: REXKL Instagram
8. i-City
Image credit: Berita Harian
i-City is well-known for its exciting theme park, which was recognised by CNN as one of the Top 25 Brightest Places in the World. This Merdeka, it gets even more dazzling with a full-blown fireworks display set to light up the Shah Alam skyline.
Come here on the night of 31st August to celebrate the patriotic spirit with the family on the SkyWalk and snap spectacular photos to blow your Insta-followers’ socks off.
Venue: SkyWalk, i-City
Date: 31st August 2025
Contact: i-City Malaysia Instagram
9. Golden Hour at Jaotim
Image credit: Jaotim via Facebook
For an evening of music and drinks on Merdeka Day, Jaotim has a National Day special featuring DJs Premosupremo and Double D. They’ll be spinning tracks with the theme Throwback Therapy in mind during the Golden Hour session.
The show is free, but you’ll need to order a drink to spend the evening tapping your toes to the special reunion DJ set.
Admission: Free entry with a drink purchase
Venue: Jaotim, KL
Date: 31st August 2025
Time: 4pm-7pm
Contact: Jaotim Instagram
10. Bersama Satu Bazaar
Image credit: From Emily To You
MR D.I.Y. has brought back their free-entry Bersama Satu Bazaar for four days this 2025, perfectly timed with the Merdeka celebrations. This time around, the bazaar is split into five zones, each with a different experience.
For starters, Jalan Viral packs a whopping 100 booths to shop for food and crafts, while Jalan Fun has kid-friendly activities like workshops, a petting zoo, and an inflatable playground. There’s also a stage area where flash mobs, mascot performances, and local buskers will take place during the evenings on each day of the bazaar.
Admission: Free
Venue: Sunway Pyramid Open Car Park, opposite Sunway Resort
Dates: 29th August to 1st September 2025
Time: 3pm-11pm
Contact: MR D.I.Y. Bersama Satu Bazaar website
11. Pasar Malaya at Badan Warisan Malaysia
Image credit: @heritagemalaysia via Instagram
If you need an extra reason to dress up in traditional clothes this Merdeka, head to Badan Warisan Malaysia. The heritage centre is hosting a 2-day Pasar Malaya, which welcomes visitors to come all dolled up in Old Malaya glam or their traditional best, while exploring a lively market on their grounds.
The pasar will have 20 vendors with handcrafted Malaysian goods, food, and fashion, as well as DJs spinning old-school Malaysian hits.
Admission: Free
Venue: Badan Warisan Malaysia, KL
Dates: 30th & 31st August 2025
Time: 10am onwards
Contact: Badan Warisan Heritage Instagram
12. Merdeka Eve Party at Elmina Lakeside Mall
Image adapted from: Elmina Lakeside Mall via Facebook
Shah Alam’s Elmina Lakeside Mall is having a Merdeka Eve Party that goes all out with activities for visitors. Catch fireworks displays, a drone show, and a lakeside orchestra performance by the Selangor Symphony Orchestra at the mall.
There’ll also be play-per-ride carnival games and family-friendly rides, like boating, mini wall climbing, and a hot air balloon ride.
Admission: Free. Registration is needed here.
Venue: Elmina Lakeside Mall, Shah Alam
Date: 30th August 2025
Time: 4pm-10pm
Contact: Elmina Lakeside Mall Instagram
13. Merdeka Day at The Exchange TRX
Image adapted from: The Exchange TRX via Facebook
Spend the day celebrating Malaysian culture at The Exchange TRX. The popular KL mall is hosting performances from noon till evening, including a Multi-Cultural Parade that’ll make its way through the mall and flood the aisles with cultural music. You can also join free creative workshops like airbrush tattoo, keychain painting, and silkscreen and paint from 12pm at the mall’s Dining Terrace.
Admission: Free
Venue: The Exchange TRX, KL
Date: 31st August 2025
Time: 11.30am onwards
Contact: The Exchange TRX Instagram
14. Merdeka Special at The Campus Ampang
Image adapted from: @kapten.batik via Instagram
Over Merdeka weekend, the 4-day Merdeka Special market at the buzzing The Campus Ampang is showcasing 40 homegrown brands with food, fashion, and handcrafted goods for visitors to browse, buy, and support local. The market is also hosting batik workshops (from RM40/pax) that let you try your hand at creating a batik artwork, and kid-friendly ones like creating a bunga raya pinwheel and Merdeka popper.
Admission: Free. Registration for workshops here.
Venue: Assembly Hall, The Campus Ampang
Dates: 28th-31st August 2025
Time: 11am-10pm
Contact: Makers & CO Instagram
15. P Ramlee Lagenda Merentas Zaman
Image credit: @jalannegarakita via Instagram
If you love anything old-timey, and local legend P. Ramlee especially, this event is tailored for you: the P Ramlee: Lagenda Merentas Zaman event, held from 30th August to 1st September.
It features themed activities like the Pasar Bujang Lapok market and Sarapan Tiga Abdul, plus workshops, podcast sessions, and screenings to boot. Happening at Jalan Negara Kita, a community centre in Ampang, this event is sure to stir the nostalgic soul in you and take you back in time.
Admission: Free
Venue: Jalan Negara Kita, Taman Melawati, KL
Dates: 30th August to 1st September 2025
Time: 10am-12am (30th Aug) | 8am-11pm (31st Aug) | 8am-4pm (1st Sept)
Contact: Jalan Negara Kita Instagram
16. Selangor-level 68th National Day celebration
Image credit: MPKS
You can’t beat the actual Merdeka Day parade, but Selangor is hosting its own National Day celebration complete with marches, dance and music performances, an exhibition, and fireworks on 30th August. This celebration kicks off at 8pm at Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam, and is free to attend for all.
If you can’t make it to Putrajaya on the 31st, you can at least come here with the whole family for a share of IRL patriotic excitement.
Admission: Free
Venue: Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam
Date: 30th August 2025
Time: 8pm onwards
Events & activities to celebrate Merdeka Day in Malaysia this 2025
Beyond checking out the galore of Merdeka Day deals, there are plenty of events to be a part of and celebrate Malaysia’s Independence Day. So bookmark this list, as we’ll be adding more events and activities when they crop up!
Cover image adapted from: Bernama, @menarakl via Instagram
This article was first published on 23rd August 2025, and was updated on 29th August 2025.