Merdeka Day 2026 activities
Merdeka Day events will be popping up across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor in 2026, giving Malaysians plenty of ways to celebrate the country’s 69th Independence Day. Among them are festive activities and markets filled with local food, handmade crafts, homegrown brands and products by independent Malaysian creators.
Those hoping to spend the long Merdeka weekend food-hopping, shopping local or escaping the parade crowds somewhere air-conditioned can add these 8 Merdeka Day events to their plans.
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1. cirKLe Makan2 Merdeka Semester 2026
28th to 30th August 2026
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
Date: 28th to 30th August 2026
Time: 10am to 10pm
Admission: Free
2. GoGo Bazaar Local Market
28th to 31st August 2026
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
Date: 28th to 31st August 2026
Time: 10am to 8pm
Admission: Free
3. Ni Hao Merdeka Local Food Festival
28th to 31st August 2026
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 to 10pm
Admission: Free
4. Bazaar Merdeka x Moonfest
28th August to 13th September 2026
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 2026, it is also the longest-running market on this list, so you can plan to head here beyond the Merdeka weekend.
Venue: Sungei Wang Plaza, between Gajeto and QQ Outlet
Date: 28th August to 13th September 2026
Time: 10am to 10pm
Admission: Free
5. You Ni Market
29th to 31st August 2026
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 to 8pm
Admission: Free
6. I Love Bazaar: Shop Lokal at REXKL
28th to 30th August 2026
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. 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 to 10pm
Admission: Free
7. Public Market: The Local Edit
28th to 30th August 2026
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
Date: 28th to 30th August 2026
Time: 10am to 10pm
Admission: Free
8. Lokal Wave’s Merdeka Bazaar at Publika
21st to 31st August 2026
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, Solaris Dutamas
Date: 21st to 31st August 2026
Time: 10am to 10pm
Admission: Free
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: @hellobazaar.kl via Instagram, @my_moments_mm via Instagram, REXKL via Facebook, @lokalwave via Instagram