Malaysia Festivals & Events Calendar — Plan Your Year

Quarter 1: Peak Spiritual Rituals & Festivities

The year kicks off with deep spiritual energy, grand temple decorations and vibrant street processions.

• January / February — Chinese New Year 🧧

Cities transform into glowing landscapes of red lanterns. Expect high-pole lion dances, lively night markets and the chaotic Yee Sang (Prosperity Toss) ritual to invite good fortune.

• January / February — Thaipusam 🪔

Millions of devotees converge on the iconic Batu Caves in Selangor. Witness large decorated Kavadi processions and intense acts of devotion, including sacred body piercings.

Quarter 2: Creative Takeovers & Sacred Harvests

Mid-year shifts toward Borneo harvest traditions, spiritual milestones and city-wide arts takeovers.

• April / May — Hari Raya Aidilfitri / Eid al-Fitr 🕌

Marking the end of Ramadan, cities quiet as locals balik kampung (return home). Streets glow with oil lamps (pelita) and open-house season (Rumah Terbuka) offers communal feasts of rendang and lemang.

• May — KL Festival 🎨

Kuala Lumpur’s historic core becomes an open-air stage with immersive light installations, reimagined wayang kulit, independent theatre and public art—nearly 90% of events are free.

• May 30–31 — Pesta Kaamatan (Sabah) 🌾

Sabah’s harvest festival honours the rice spirit with Sumazau dancing, tapai (local rice wine), and the crowning of the Unduk Ngadau.

• June 1–2 — Gawai Dayak (Sarawak) 🌾

Longhouses open to visitors for tuak (rice wine), ngajat warrior dances and manok pansoh (bamboo-cooked chicken).

• June / July — Hari Raya Aidiladha / Eid al-Adha 🕌

Also called Hari Raya Korban, with communal prayers and charitable food distribution.

• June / July — Rainforest World Music Festival 🎨

A 3-day event at the base of Mount Santubong blending indigenous Bornean music with global acoustic rhythms.

Quarter 3: Heritage Arts, Subcultures & Street Parades

Third-quarter events focus on civic pride, street art and underground lifestyle movements.

• July / August — George Town Festival (Penang) 🎨

A UNESCO World Heritage site becomes a canvas for local and international creatives with street theatre, photography and heritage block parties.

• July / August — Art of Speed (MAEPS Serdang) 🎨

Malaysia’s premier custom-culture event featuring custom cars, modified bikes, streetwear drops, art galleries and the SoundCircus music stage.

• July / August — Awal Muharram / Maal Hijrah 🕌

The Islamic New Year, observed with spiritual reflection and the sharing of Bubur Asyura.

• September — Black Moon / Mooncake Festival 🧧

Family reunions, mooncakes and lantern displays—Thean Hou Temple and other spots are beautifully lit for evening photography.

• September — Maulidur Rasul 🕌

Commemorations across the country with processions, selawat and mosque gatherings.

• September (Malaysia Day Week) — Keretapi Sarong 🎨

A grassroots transit flash-mob where thousands wear traditional sarongs and sing folk songs across train lines before converging on a secret landmark.

Quarter 4: Festivals of Light & Smooth Rhythms

The year winds down with glowing enclaves, music gatherings and festive shopping.

• October / November — Deepavali / Diwali 🪔

Little Indias glow with kolam floor art made from colored rice grains and sweet treats.

• November — Borneo Jazz Festival (Miri, Sarawak) 🎨

One of the region’s longest-running jazz festivals, blending contemporary jazz with traditional instruments like the sape.