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
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: 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. iCity
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
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