Things to do in Malaysia this weekend
The first weekend of September is serving up Pokémon battles, vintage kebaya, rooftop car displays and a contemporary retelling of a Malay legend. There are also local markets to browse, stamps to collect and casual chess matches open to complete beginners.
For plans on the coming weekend, these list of best things to do in Malaysia offers plenty of reasons to leave the house.
1. A Walk Through Time: Vintage Kebaya by Andani Studio
5th and 6th September
Image credit: @andani.my via Instagram
At A Walk Through Time: Vintage Kebaya at Andani Studio, vintage fashion lovers can get up close with a collection of kebaya from five countries, with pieces dating from the 1930’s to the early 2000s. Each garment has been carefully restored while retaining its original details and character.
Unlike a typical clothing exhibition, visitors are welcome to touch, try on and photograph the kebaya. The pieces have been consigned directly by their owners and collectors, and will also be available for purchase. The Saturday pop-up will take place at Federal KL, while Sunday’s session at Blank Coffee includes a Berkain workshop that requires prior RSVP.
Venue: Federal KL (Sat), Blank Coffee, TTDI (Sun)
Date: 5th and 6th September 2026
Time: 10am-7pm (Sat), 10am-6pm (Sun)
2. PACE 30 Pokémon Anniversary Community Event
5th and 6th September
Image credit: @themagicrainmy via Instagram
Pokemon fans can gather at LaLaport BBCC for PACE 30, a two-day community event celebrating the franchise’s 30th anniversary. The event brings Pokémon trainers of all ages together for a weekend centered around the games and characters they grew up with.
There will be community games and activities, as well as spaces for fans to trades, battle and meet other members of the Pokémon community. Visitors can also browse pop-up booths throughout the event.
Venue: Exhibition Hall, Level 4, LaLaport BBCC
Date: 5th and 6th September 2026
Time: 11am-9pm
3. MotorManiac 5th Annual Festival 2026
5th and 6th September
Image credit: Motor Maniac via Facebook
Petrolheads can go to the rooftop of MYTOWN KL for two full days of automotive showcases at the fifth edition of the MotorManiac Festival. The event will also host the Aster Cup 2-Step Championship, where cars compete to deliver the most impressive exhaust sounds.
The festival doubles as a live music event with performances by Joe Flizzow, SonaOne, ALYPH, Ismail Izzani, Yonnyboii and other artists from Def Jam Recordings Southeast Asia. Not only that, every RM50 spent on official merchandise also earns shoppers a chance to win a Nissan Cefiro A31.
Venue: Rooftop, Level 7, MyTOWN KL
Date: 5th and 6th September 2026
Time: 10am-12am
4. Gema Sehati
5th and 6th September
Image credit: @centralmarketkualalumpur via Instagram
Gema Sehati is bringing together local entrepreneurs, independent creators and cultural innovators at Central Market Kuala Lumpur. This three-day marketplace spotlights homegrown brands while celebrating the creativity and community spirit behind them.
Visitors can spend the weekend browsing products from local businesses and discovering the people behind each brand. The Central Market setting also makes it an easy stop for anyone exploring Kuala Lumpur’s art and heritage district.
Venue: Central Market Kuala Lumpur
Date: 5th and 6th September 2026
Time: 10am-10pm
5. Outdoor Kids’ Pop-Up Market
5th September
Image Credit: @parcmalaysia via Instagram
Young entrepreneurs are leaving their mark at PARC in Subang Jaya for the Outdoor Kids’ Pop-up Market run by children. These little vendors have been busy baking, cooking and creating their own products, with stalls offering home-made food, drinks, desserts and goods.
Beyond shopping, families can join arts and crafts sessions with Teacher Suraya, try a texture art workshop with Teacher Divya and let younger visitors enjoy bubble play. The market offers children a fun introduction to running a small business while giving shoppers the chance to support their ideas.
Venue: PARC, Subang Jaya
Date: 5th September 2026
Time: 9am-1pm
6. Friends Who Chess Social
5th and 6th September
Image credit: @friendswhochess via Instagram
Chess players can meet their community at this casual weekend social by Friends Who Chess at Pasar Seloka. This event is open to all ages and skill levels, the sessions welcome everyone from complete beginners learning the rules to experienced players looking for their next match.
The social follows a free-and-easy format, so participants can arrive and leave at any point during the session. Between matches, players can take a breather and browse the local vendor booths around the market.
Venue: JAM PJ
Date: 5th and 6th September 2026
Time: 11am-5pm
7. Stamp Rally at Lokal Makers
5th and 6th September
Image credit: @craftaffairmy via Instagram
This visit to Lokal Makers is not just about browsing, as Craft Affair is rolling out a new set of exclusive stamps to collect around the marketplace, for the Stamp Rally event. Visitors can pick up a stamp book before making their way around the market to track down the different designs.
The main Craft Affair stamp station will be open on both days, while participating will have stamps waiting at their respective booths. Beyond the rally, the marketplace celebrates Malaysian craftsmanship and childhood nostalgia through local art, batik, collectibles and other creative finds.
Venue: Ground Floor, The School, Jaya One
Date: 5th and 6th September 2026
Time: 10am-6pm
8. Cinta Buatan Malaysia
5th and 6th September 2026
Image credit: @nationalartgallerymy via Instagram
Cinta Buatan Malaysia is celebrating homegrown creativity at the National Art Gallery, and one of its highlights is the Upin & Ipin Merchandise Truck. First aired in 2007, Upin & Ipin has since become a childhood staple for generations of Malaysians.
The truck will be parked at the venue throughout the event, giving visitors the chance to shop for merchandise inspired by the twins, their friends and the world of Kampung Durian Runtuh.
Venue: National Art Gallery
Date: 5th and 6th September 2026
Time: 9am-6pm
9. TODAK@GUNDIK at KLPAC
5th and 6th September
Image credit: @kutufutubom via Instagram
TODAK@GUNDIK brings stories from the Malay Annals to the contemporary stage. Also known as Sejarah Melayu, the classical text blends history and legend while chronicling the Malacca Sultanate’s rise and fall. Reimagined by Kee Thuan Chye, the production weaves the swordfish attack with jealousy, obsession, power and war.
Rather than relying on dialogue alone, the play combines puppetry, masks, animation and live music to bring myths to life. Traditional Asian influences also run throughout the production, including the Malay folk song Ulek Mayang. The performance is in Malay, with English and Chinese subtitles provided.
Venue: Pentas 2, KLPAC
Date: 5th September 2026 and 6th September 2026
Time: 3pm and 8.30pm
10. Morning Run & Coffee by Gym Girls Club
5th September
Image credit: @ggc_active via Instagram
Early risers can start Saturday with the Morning Run & Coffee social run event organised by Gym Girls Club. Participants can choose between a beginner-friendly 5km route and a 7km option for intermediate runners, making it suitable for different fitness levels.
The RM15 ticket includes a coffee or electrolyte drink and protein balls for an after-run snack. Runners will also receive a 20% off all food and drinks at Operator 21, where the group will meet before warming up together.
Venue: Operator 21, Uptown 7, Jalan SS21/39
Date: 5th September 2026
Time: 7.30am
Make the most of this weekend in KL and Selangor
There is so much to explore around Kuala Lumpur and Selangor this weekend, whether that means starting the morning with a run, browsing a local market or ending the day at the theatre. With most events happening across three days, there is plenty of time to squeeze a few different stops into the weekend itinerary.
Cover image adapted from: @andani.my via Instagram, Motor Maniac via Facebook, @parcmalaysia via Instagram