Merdeka 2026 events & activities
It’s the Hari Kebangsaan season, and with it comes a slew of events to celebrate the country’s 69th Merdeka Day beyond the Merdeka Day parade. With 31st August falling on a Monday this year, it means a long weekend and a longer list of things to do. To make the most of your weekend, add as many spots as you can from this list of 31 Merdeka events in Klang Valley.
Table of Contents
- Merdeka 2026 events & activities
- 1. MR.DIY Bersama Satu Bazaar 2026
- 2. RIUH Merdeka
- 3. RIUH Merdeka Mahjong
- 4. Merdeka Drone Light Show
- 5. Pesta Lampu Sedunia Malaysia
- 6. Gapai Merdeka Bazaar
- 7. Merdeka Sunset Air Show
- 8. Malaysia Board Game Night
- 9. Pesta Kopi Merdeka
- 10. IKEA Fest
- 11. Merdeka Day Social Chess
- 12. People’s Picnic
- 13. Merdeka food deals
- 14. Jiwa Merdeka
- 15. CM Chup Merdeka Lah
- 16. Merdeka events @ GMBB
- 17. Malam Menjelang Merdeka bersama Pusaka
- 18. Saya Seekor Dinosaur
- 19. Sound of Malaysia Truly Asia
- 20. Merdeka Village
- 21. Merdeka Marketplace
- 22. 72 Hours at TRX
- 23. cirKLe Makan2 Merdeka Semester 2026
- 24. GoGo Bazaar Local Market
- 25. Ni Hao Merdeka Local Food Festival
- 26. Bazaar Merdeka x Moonfest
- 27. You Ni Market
- 28. I Love Bazaar: Shop Lokal
- 29. Public Market: The Local Edit
- 30. Lokal Wave’s Merdeka Bazaar
- 31. One Ocean, One Malaysia
1. MR.DIY Bersama Satu Bazaar 2026
28th-31st August (KL) & 11th-13th September (Johor)
Image credit: MR.DIY
With the long Merdeka weekend approaching, it’ll be a time for the whole family to get together and enjoy themselves at a weekend-long event like MR.DIY’s Bersama Satu Bazaar 2026.
Not just an aisle with stalls lined up, the sprawling free-entry bazaar has a variety of Jalan zones for visitors of all ages to jalan-jalan through, including a food bazaar, play zone, and more.
Image adapted from: MR.DIY
At the bazaar’s Jalan Fun section, there’ll be an inflatable playground, family-friendly interactive games, and even a petting zoo for the kiddos to meet snakes, bunnies, and parrots.
Image adapted from: MR.DIY
Once you’re all tuckered out, head over to Jalan Viral, a lane with over 100 booths selling all sorts of local street food and crafts to celebrate Malaysia.
There are rest areas throughout the bazaar for you to sit down and tuck into your food, or enjoy a show at the Stage & Chill area, which will feature stage presentations like live buskers and cultural dances, beginning at 5pm.
Image adapted from: MR.DIY
If shopping is more your thing, there’s an area stocked with all sorts of essential MR.DIY items. You can also get exclusive freebies like water bottles, plush toys, and a mini luggage bag with a minimum spend of RM50.
And if you’re looking to beat the heat at the bazaar, MR.DIY members get the extra perk of one-time access to an air-conditioned VIP Members Lounge, along with a complimentary cold drink, upon obtaining two bags on MR.DIY Club app. Psst: To get a bag, you’ll just have to spend RM20 or more at any MR.DIY outlet – including the one at the bazaar – and remember to scan your membership QR code.
Not just in Klang Valley, MR.DIY’s bazaar will bring the same fun activities – food bazaar, family-friendly activities, and more – to JB for the Malaysia Day celebrations.
KL bazaar
Venue: Sunway Pyramid Open Car Park, Petaling Jaya
Date: 28th to 31st August 2026
Time: 4pm-12am
JB bazaar
Venue: Angsana Johor Bahru Mall, Johor Bahru
Date: 11th to 13th September 2026
Time: 4pm-12am
Admission: Free
2. RIUH Merdeka
30th-31st August – Putrajaya
Image adapted from: Riuhinthecity via Facebook
If you plan to stay up all night this weekend, RUIH in the City is back this Merdeka with another action-packed RUIH Merdeka. You don’t have to go home right after counting down to Merdeka – this event runs from 2pm on Merdeka Eve all the way to 4am the next day, before pausing for a bit to open back up from 8am to 2pm on Merdeka Day.
The event will have just about everything – local food, creative workshops, and live music and performances, as well as a Merdeka countdown and fireworks.
Image adapted from: Riuhinthecity via Facebook
Some highlights of the event include the 30 F&B vendors that’ll be here, as well as the RIUH Merdeka Stage that’ll feature everything from choir performances to an airshow. From 2am to 4am on Sunday, the stage will also have free movie screenings, with Malaysian classic films Mukhsin and Sepet to catch.
Venue: Carpark, Monumen Alaf Baru, Putrajaya
Date: 30th to 31st August 2026
Time: 2pm (Sat) to 4am the next day & 8am-2pm (Mon)
Admission: Free
More info here.
3. RIUH Merdeka Mahjong
30th August – Putrajaya
Image adapted from: @skysociety.kl via InstagramÂ
Mahjong is a game for all, and Riuh in the City has partnered with Jom Mahjong Social Club for a RIUH Merdeka Mahjong, happening in Putrajaya on 30th August alongside RIUH Merdeka.
Join with no worries even if you’ve never played, as a sifu will be standing by to guide you throughout the session, so you’re guaranteed to leave this event with a new game skill you can flex.
Venue: Monumen Alaf Baru, Putrajaya
Date: 30th August 2026
Time: 6pm-10pm
Admission: Free, walk-in registration required
More info here.
4. Merdeka Drone Light Show
29th August – KL
Image adapted from: @dronesifu via Instagram
Mention the word Merdeka and a single image flashes across the minds of all Malaysians – Tunku Abdul Rahman, our first Prime Minister, chanting the word at the top of his lungs to our newly liberated nation.
This 69th year of our independence, Drone Sifu is bringing this iconic image to life through a Merdeka Drone Light Show over Bukit Bintang, so you can experience the glorious moment through an epic sky visual, even if you weren’t born when it actually happened.
Venue: Bukit Bintang crossing, KL
Date: 29th August 2026
Time: 8pm
Admission: Free
More info here.
5. Pesta Lampu Sedunia Malaysia
30th August – KL
Image credit: Light Up KL via Facebook
KL’s Sultan Abdul Samad Building will be lit up by colourful light projections, mapped to scale with the 137m-wide building itself, for Pesta Lampu Sedunia Malaysia. Themed around Cerita Kita-Truly Asia, the magical light-up show will project artworks of the community and local students of all ages – from kindergarten to university – on the iconic KL building.
The show will be followed by a drone show, with drones flying in formation to celebrate our country’s 69th year of independence.
Venue: Dataran Merdeka, KL
Date: 30th August 2026
Time: 8pm-12am
Admission: Free
More info here.
6. Gapai Merdeka Bazaar
29th-31st August – KL
Image adapted from: @bazrammerdeka via InstagramÂ
Malaysian culture and arts platform By Locco invites all Malaysians to join Gapai Merdeka Bazaar, a diverse event celebrating our country’s formation with a community market, crafts workshops, fashion contests, dance performances, and more – capped off with a late-night light show at Menara Merdeka Maybank on 30th August at 11.30pm.
Venue: Stadium Merdeka, KL
Date: 29th to 31st August 2026
Time: 5pm-12am
Admission: Free
More info here.
7. Merdeka Sunset Air Show
29th August – Putrajaya
Image credit: @jabatanperdanamenteri via Instagram
Aeroplane spotting is already a fun activity. For Merdeka, there’s a series of Merdeka Sunset Air Show flight training sessions held in Putrajaya for both the grown-ups and kiddos to gawk over aircraft zooming across the skies. Each 30-minute show takes place at 7pm, which creates a pretty spectacular photo-worthy moment with the sun setting in the background.
Venue: Monumen Alaf Baru, Putrajaya
Date: 29th August 2026
Time: 7pm-7.30pm
Admission: Free
8. Malaysia Board Game Night
30th August – KL
Image adapted from: @fresca.kl via InstagramÂ
Spend your Merdeka Eve evening playing board games at Malaysia Board Game Night. Organised by Pair of Dice, the event will have Malaysian-made board games for you to play while gathering around at KL’s laidback Fresca cafe.
This event is ticketed, with a drink of choice, an RM10 cash voucher for snacks or a meal, and a complimentary gift included with each ticket. You’re welcome to come anytime between 6pm and 11pm to play as many board games as you want to.
Venue: Fresca, KL
Date: 30th August 2026
Time: 6pm-11pm
Admission: RM30/pax. Register here.
More info here.
9. Pesta Kopi Merdeka
29th-31st August – KL
Image adapted from: @yshootthis, @spillstone via Instagram
Coffee connoisseurs will have a field day at Pesta Kopi, which is holding a special Pesta Kopi Merdeka over the Hari Kembangsaan weekend at the newly opened Ombak KLCC.
The 3-day coffee festival gathers over 40 coffee brands and roasters from Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, including popular names like 103 Coffee, JWC Coffee Roastery, and Spillstone Coffee. Expect to sip on a galore of coffee made by some of the best, and shop for coffee beans and equipment at this festival.
Venue: Rooftop Sky Garden, Level 5, Ombak KLCC, KL
Date: 29th to 31st August 2026
Time: 10am-10pm (Sat & Mon), 10am-12am (Sun)
Admission: Free, registration required at the door.
More info here.
10. IKEA Fest
29th-31st August – nationwide
Image credit: IKEA Malaysia
IKEA Malaysia has been celebrating their 30th anniversary since the start of August with IKEA Fest. Among the lineup of month-long events, several fun ones are happening over the long Merdeka weekend, including a special Wayang Kulit show at all IKEA stores on 30th and 31st August, from 6pm to 8pm.
Other fun things to do there include:
| Event | What To Expect | Where | When |
| Cultural Dance | Catch traditional dance performances | IKEA Damansara | 29th-31st August, at 11am, 2pm & 6pm |
| FRAKTA Lab | Purchase a FRAKTA bag in any size and customise it with colours, characters & letterings | All IKEA stores | 29th-31st August, at 12pm-2pm & 4pm-6pm |
| Maker’s Studio | Purchase any IKEA product and have it customised by local artists who will be on hand to doodle and personalise your piece | IKEA Damansara & Cheras | 29th-31st August, at 12pm-2pm & 4pm-6pm |
| Pentas HEJ | Enjoy performances from live buskers | All IKEA stores | 29th-31st August, 8pm-10pm |
| Postcard Station | Write a note & drop your postcard at a station to mail it to you | All IKEA stores | 29th-31st August,
10am-10pm |
| Say Hej! | Meet IKEA mascots to take photos with them | All IKEA stores | 29th-31st August, at 12pm, 3pm, 6pm & 9pm |
Venue: IKEA stores nationwide
Date: 29th to 31st August 2026
Time: 11am-10pm
Admission: Free
More info here.
11. Merdeka Day Social Chess
29th August – KL
Image credit: @friendswhochess via Instagram
Play chess with a little Merdeka twist with Friends Who Chess this August, as the social chess club is hosting a Merdeka Day Social Chess – the dress code: your favourite traditional attire.
Friends Who Chess has teamed up with KL’s Tong Shin Terrace for this special Merdeka edition to bring more than just chessboards. Participants can play chess and enjoy a buffet food spread during the 5-hour session, with players of all experience levels welcomed.
Venue: Tong Shin Terrace, KL
Date: 29th August 2026
Time: 1pm-6pm
Admission: RM35/pax. Register here.
More info here.
12. People’s Picnic
29th-31st August – Putrajaya
Image adapted from: @peoplesmarkt via Instagram
People’s Market is bringing back their People’s Picnic for three days, so Klang Valley folks can spend the long Merdeka weekend outdoors, gorging on food and relaxing with friends.
Part-bazaar, part-picnic moment, the Merdeka-edition of the market gathers over 50 vendors, spanning fashion to food. Plenty of homegrown food brands will be around for you to buy ice cream, matcha, and street food so you can have your own picnic at one of the many picnic spots at its venue, Taman Botani Putrajaya.
Venue: Taman Botani Putrajaya, Putrajaya
Date: 29th to 31st August 2026
Time: 8am-7pm
Admission: Free
More info here.
13. Merdeka food deals
Various dates – Klang Valley
Image adapted from: @lwinwenli, @haagendazsmy via Instagram, @myburgerlab via Instagram
Parade and fireworks aside, Merdeka also brings with it a slew of deals from F&B brands. As Malaysia celebrates its 69th independence, there are a slew of worth-it Merdeka deals. They include RM6.90 ice cream from Häagen-Dazs, RM6.90 burger from myBurgerLab, RM6.90 ramen from Akiba Ramen.
Find a complete list of 31 F&B promotions and deals here.
14. Jiwa Merdeka
28th-31st August – KL
Image adapted from: @ombakklcc, @yuna via Instagram
Another event to check out at Ombak KLCC, Jiwa Merdeka celebrates everything that makes Malaysians with its lineup of activities. Shop Malaysian handicrafts from homegrown artists, and go on a stamp rally with a special event passport to redeem a limited-edition Jiwa Merdeka tote bag.
Each day, four main activities take place, starting with The Opening Wave at 10am that will fill Ombak KLCC with Merdeka melodies, and ending with Merdeka Voices from 6pm to 6.30pm on Level 1, which will invite notable Malaysians to the stage, including Yuna, Sheila Majid, and Resh.
Here’s the full lineup for Merdeka Voices:
- 28th Aug: Sheila Majid
- 29th Aug: Yuna
- 30th Aug: Dayang Nurfaizah
- 31st Aug: Atilia Haron, Resh, and Vine Chong
Venue: Throughout Ombak KLCC, KL
Date: 28th to 31st August 2026
Time: 10am-10pm
Admission: Free
More info here.
15. CM Chup Merdeka Lah
28th August-18th September – KL
Image adapted from: Central Market Kuala Lumpur via Facebook
Love stamp events? Head over to Central Market this weekend until 18th September and hunt commemorative stamps to ‘chup’ in your travel diaries and notebooks. There’s no better time than now to jio your journaling gang and grab some limited edition stamps at this truly Malaysian hangout hub – it is, after all, ‘Merdeka-lah’!
Venue: Central Market, KL
Date: 28th August to 18th September 2026
Time: 10am-10pm
Admission: Free
More info here.
16. Merdeka events @ GMBB
27th-31st August – KL
Image adapted from: @bilabila.mart, @petalsby.you, @le.lunaire via InstagramÂ
KL’s favourite arts and culture hotspot, GMBB, is bringing out the whole shebang for Merdeka this weekend. There’ll be a slew of pop-ups, exhibitions, and workshops – even a storytelling session – themed around Merdeka and Malaysia to check out here, so you have no excuse for having ‘nothing to do’ this Merdeka weekend.
Here are some highlight events to check out:
| Event | What To Expect | Where | When |
| Kedai Anak Malaysia Pop-Up Mart by bilabila | Complete a stamp hunt by visiting local artists’ booths, playing childhood games & sampling food | Ground Floor | 29th Aug-31st Aug, 11am-8pm |
| Artsplore Quest 2026 | Go on a stamp rally by collecting a card for stamping at The Fudo Shop on Level 8, and answer Malaysia-related questions to receive clues and stamps | Around GMBB | 29th-31st Aug, 11am-8pm |
| DIY Bunga Raya with Petals by You | Make your very own Bunga Raya in a 1.5hr workshop, for RM149 per pax | GM-8-35, Level 8 | 29th Aug, 3pm |
Venue: GMBB, KL
Date: 27th to 31st August 2026
Time: Various times
Admission: Free
17. Malam Menjelang Merdeka bersama Pusaka
29th August – KL
Image credit: @senipusaka via Instagram
In the spirit of Merdeka, ART@TRX collaborates with PUSAKA to present Malam Menjelang Merdeka bersama Pusaka, a 1-hour evening of Dondang Sayang, or love ballads, featuring Nyonya Tan. Visitors are encouraged to dress up in their favourite traditional clothes to join in on an evening of music, pantun, and joget.
Venue: Event Lawn, TRX City Park, KL
Date: 29th August 2026
Time: 8.30pm-9.30pm
Admission: Free
More info here.
18. Saya Seekor Dinosaur
27th August-1st September – KL
Image adapted from: Filamen via FacebookÂ
It’s hard to find a little kid – or grown-up – who isn’t fascinated by dinosaurs. If this describes you or your kiddos, experience the majestic creatures in an immersive interactive exhibition, Saya Seekor Dinosaur by IMMERSIOx, at the newly opened Ombak KLCC mall.
Expect to colour in a drawing of a dinosaur in a Nusantara-inspired prehistoric world, and watch the artwork come to life on a screen.
Entrance is only RM5 due to their Merdeka promotion, so bring the whole family along for this wild adventure.
Venue: Lot 8-01 & 8-02, Ombak KLCC, KL
Date: 27th August to 1st September 2026
Time: 10am-10pm
Admission: RM5/pax (Merdeka promo)
More info here.
19. Sound of Malaysia Truly Asia
29th August – KL
Image adapted from: @optimistcoffee via Instagram
If you’re all for coffee, music, and good vibes, consider yourself invited to Optimist Coffee at Bukit Bintang this Saturday, for Sound of Malaysia Truly Asia.
The cafe’s resident DJ, Optimistic Sound, will be taking patrons on a trip across Asia through a selection of music with sounds shaped by Malaysia’s diverse cultural backgrounds. Kick off your Merdeka weekend here with a nice noontime cuppa accompanied by a perfect mix of sounds that make Malaysia truly Asia.
Venue: Optimist Coffee, KL
Date: 29th August 2026
Time: 12pm-2pm
Admission: Free
More info here.
20. Merdeka Village
29th-31st August – KL
Image adapted from: @faceartplanet.my via Instagram, Cziplee
Bring the whole fam to Merdeka Village. The market sets up on Bangsar Village’s Concourse floor, with 29 participating vendors bringing everything from beauty, home, food, plants, and fashion. Families with kiddos can look out for the Face Art Planet booth, while stationery hunters can shop at the Cziplee pop-up.
Venue: Concourse, Bangsar Village, KL
Date: 29th to 31st August 2026
Time: 10am-10pm
Admission: Free
More info here.
21. Merdeka Marketplace
29th-31st August – KL
Image adapted from: @cziplee via Instagram
If you’re the kind of person who can spend hours browsing in a stationery shop, you won’t want to miss Merdeka Marketplace by Cziplee, happening the same weekend as Merdeka Village at Bangsar Village.
You’ll find plenty of goods from local brands here, plus limited edition stamps and stickers to collect. To top it all off, there’s also a Merdeka-themed calligraphy exhibition to catch, featuring works from Malaysia-based calligraphers and lettering artists, and Stamp With Loka – you can redeem a free DIY stamp postcard when you purchase any Loka Made products.
Venue: Bangsar Village, KL
Date: 29th to 31st August 2026
Time: 10am-10pm
Admission: Free
22. 72 Hours at TRX
Image adapted from: @theexchangetrx, @lululemonsoutheastasia via Instagram
It’s a packed weekend at the buzzing The Exchange TRX. The KL shopping mall turns into a playground over the long Merdeka weekend, with a 72 Hours at TRX celebration that spans music, culture, and movement.
Join a Strength & Record Session at the TRX City Park, and then catch a Merdeka Parade and Performance at 12pm on all 3 days of the festival. Then join workshops to make DIY bead keychains and Merdeka paintings at 1.30pm and 3.30pm, also on all 3 days of the festival, at the mall’s Dining Terrace on Level 2.
On Merdeka Eve, night owls can join the Merdeka Mini Concert, with local acts Man Bai, Francissca Peter, Dasha Logan, Clinton Jerome, and Honeydazed entertaining crowds at the MRT link on the Ground Floor, at 8pm.
Venue: The Exchange TRX, KL
Date: 28th to 31st August 2026
Time: 7.30am-10pm
Admission: Free
More info here.
23. cirKLe Makan2 Merdeka Semester 2026
28th-30th August – KL
After building a name for its fashion-led markets, cirKLe is venturing into food for the first time with Makan2 Merdeka Semester 2026. The festival will gather food vendors at The Campus Ampang, with flavours and culinary traditions from across Malaysia taking centre stage.
The market encourages visitors to reimagine Merdeka through something Malaysians hold particularly close to their hearts: food.
Venue: The Campus Ampang, KL
Date: 28th to 30th August 2026
Time: 10am-10pm
Admission: Free
24. GoGo Bazaar Local Market
28th-31st August – KL
Image credit: @gogo_bazaar via Instagram
Those playing tourist in their own city this Merdeka weekend can make a stop at GoGo Bazaar Local Market. Held at KL Tower, the market will bring together local vendors offering handmade products and other homegrown finds against the backdrop of one of Kuala Lumpur’s most recognisable landmarks.
The market will run across all four days of the long weekend, giving visitors time to squeeze in some local shopping between their other Merdeka plans.
Venue: KL Tower, KL
Date: 28th to 31st August 2026
Time: 10am-8pm
Admission: Free
25. Ni Hao Merdeka Local Food Festival
28th-31st August – Selangor
Image credit: @hellobazaar.kl via Instagram
Food is practically a celebration of its own in Malaysia, and Ni Hao Merdeka Local Food Festival is putting local flavours at the centre of the National Day weekend. Taking place at Sierra Fresco in 16 Sierra, Puchong, the festival will bring together Malaysian dishes for visitors to eat their way through.
With the festivities beginning at 4pm daily, visitors can arrive once the afternoon heat has eased and spend the evening food-hopping until 10pm.
Venue: Sierra Fresco, 16 Sierra, Puchong
Date: 28th to 31st August 2026
Time: 4pm-10pm
Admission: Free
26. Bazaar Merdeka x Moonfest
28th August to 13th September – KLÂ
Image credit: @my_moments_mm via Instagram
Bazaar Merdeka x Moonfest brings the patriotic spirit of Merdeka together with the warmth of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Held at Sungei Wang Plaza, the market offers visitors a chance to experience two celebrations within one festive setting in the heart of Bukit Bintang. Running from 28th August to 13th September, it is also one of the longest-running markets on this list, so you can plan to head here beyond the Merdeka weekend.
Venue: Between Gajeto and QQ Outlet, Sungei Wang Plaza, KL
Date: 28th August to 13th September 2026
Time: 10am-10pm
Admission: Free
27. You Ni Market
29th to 31st August – Selangor
Image credit: @ipcshoppingcentre via Instagram
For those who prefer their market-hopping without the afternoon heat, You Ni Market will take over IPC Shopping Centre throughout the Merdeka weekend. The community market will feature handmade crafts and products from independent creators, offering an alternative to the mall’s usual retail stores.
The indoor venue also means visitors can take their time browsing, come rain or shine. IPC Shopping Centre is accessible from Mutiara Damansara MRT Station, while admission to the market is free.
Venue: IPC Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya
Date: 29th to 31st August 2026
Time: 10am-8pm
Admission: Free
28. I Love Bazaar: Shop Lokal
28th to 30th August – KL
Image credit: REXKL via Facebook
REXKL is already a go-to spot for KL’s creative crowd, and its Merdeka weekend market gives visitors another reason to drop by. I Love Bazaar: Shop Lokal will bring together Malaysian artists, creators, designers, craftspeople and independent brands within the former cinema’s main entrance foyer.
The curated market will feature original artwork, handmade pieces, thoughtful crafts and design-led finds that spotlight Malaysia’s independent creative scene.
Venue: Main Entrance Foyer, REXKL, KL
Date: 28th to 30th August 2026
Time: 10am-10pm
Admission: Free
29. Public Market: The Local Edit
28th-30th August – KL
Image credit: @ilovebazaar via Instagram
Commuters passing through Cochrane MRT Station can turn their journey into a spot of Merdeka shopping at Public Market: The Local Edit. Taking over the MRT Tunnel at MyTOWN Shopping Centre, the market will gather homegrown brands, creative makers and emerging small businesses in one convenient location.
Visitors can browse handmade goods, lifestyle products and everyday finds without travelling far from the train line.
Venue: MRT Tunnel, MyTOWN Shopping Centre, KL
Date: 28th to 30th August 2026
Time: 10am-10pm
Admission: Free
30. Lokal Wave’s Merdeka Bazaar
21st-31st August – KL
Image credit: @lokalwave via Instagram Highlights
Those who want to begin their Merdeka shopping early can visit Lokal Wave Merdeka Bazaar from 21st August. Running for 11 consecutive days at Publika Shopping Gallery, the market will bring local vendors together throughout the lead-up to National Day.
Among the confirmed vendors is Batik Songket Keturah, where shoppers can browse products celebrating two of Malaysia’s best-known traditional textiles.
Venue: Publika Shopping Gallery, KL
Date: 21st to 31st August 2026
Time: 10am-10pm
Admission: Free
31. One Ocean, One Malaysia
20th August-16th September – KL
Image credit: Aquaria KLCC via website
Aquaria KLCC is bringing Merdeka beneath the surface with One Ocean, One Malaysia. Visitors can contribute to its Fishes of Unity activity by adding fish-shaped stickers to a giant Jalur Gemilang canvas, gradually completing the flag alongside fellow Malaysians.
The programme includes a Hidden Wonders Malaysia display featuring specimens, underwater feeding shows and twice-daily otter greetings. Younger visitors can keep an eye out for Aquaria mascot Rocky dressed in his new Merdeka outfit while exploring the aquarium. The activities are available with admission to Aquaria KLCC.
Venue: Aquaria KLCC, KL
Date: 20th August to 16th September 2026
Time: 10am-8pm, last admission at 7pm
Admission: Aquaria KLCC admission required
Celebrate Merdeka 2026 at these events in KL & Selangor
Merdeka may commemorate the country’s independence, but it is also a celebration of the people, cultures, and ideas that continue to shape Malaysia. Visiting these Merdeka markets in KL and Selangor will be a simple way to join the festivities while supporting the local vendors, makers and food entrepreneurs behind them.
Whether you leave with a handmade keepsake, a full stomach or a newly discovered homegrown brand, spending locally is a rather fitting way to show Malaysia some love this Merdeka Day.
Cover image adapted from: @peoplesmarkt via Instagram, Light Up KL via Facebook, @yuna via Instagram
This article was first published on 20 August 2026, and last updated on 28th August 2026.