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Traveloka SG

07 Apr 2017 - 5 min read

What’s Happening in Kuala Lumpur – April

March has come and gone, and now it’s tax season! Filing your tax returns can do a number on you, so don’t forget to pencil in some time for fun and recreation. There are plenty of events and activities happening in Kuala Lumpur this month – if you know where to look, of course.

No matter what your interests are, we’re sure you’ll find something that will catch your fancy. Here are the top events taking place in KL this April:

Festivals

April - funny glasses

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LOL Fest | Now - 15 April

Let’s hope your belly muscles are ready for Malaysia’s annual gathering of the region’s best comedic acts, as they’re set to have you laughing until you ache.

Featuring well-known and internationally recognized comics such as Kumar, Jason Leong, and Shamaine Othman, they’ll tickle your funny bone as they pick apart topics ranging from superheroes to food.

The line-up of shows run until 15 April at various venues across KL, including KL Performing Arts Center and Live House KL at TREC.

MAPFest | throughout April

MAPFest is a yearly month-long festival celebrating visual and performing arts, and this year, the festival shines a spotlight on the empowering influence of arts-based activism.

Up until the end of April, you’ll have your pick of art exhibitions, bazaars, workshops, and talks – covering a range of topics like feminism and environment – that are suitable for both serious and casual art aficionados, as well as youths and families.

MAPFest takes place at MAPKL in Solaris Dutamas and Publika.

Markets & Bazaars

April - jewelry

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I Love Bazaar @ Berjaya Times Square | 8 - 9 April

If you want something handmade that won’t be found elsewhere, then check out I Love Bazaar’s Handmade Market, where you can find one-of-a-kind treasures such as repurposed furniture, self-designed fashion labels, vintage collectibles, and artisanal pastries.

Though held at different venues every week, for April, the market will be held on 8 - 9 April at Berjaya Times Square, from 11am to 10pm.

Pop Up Flea Market @ Sri Hartamas | Every Friday & Saturday

Bored of the typical shopping centers or noisy night markets? Support small-time local entrepreneurs by taking a stroll through the rows of stalls peddling anything from clothes and jewelry to yummy home-cooked food and knick-knacks.

This lively flea market pops up every Friday to Saturday from 11am to 9pm at Plaza Damas in Sri Hartamas.

Concerts

April - concert

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Ichiko Aoba Live in KL 2017 | 18 April

Japanese singer-songwriter Ichiko Aoba is back in Malaysia as part of her second Asia tour, following the release of her fifth studio album, Mahoroboshiya. A trained classical guitarist, her ethereal voice and intricate melodies will weave a spell on you.

She’ll only be here for one evening, so don’t miss out – 18 April (Tuesday) at Black Box, Damansara Performing Arts Center (DPAC), 8pm.

Supporting acts include Bayangan, Liyana Fizi, and Wee Han Wei. Tickets can be bought online via DPAC’s official website for RM70, or purchased at the door for RM80.

Up Close & Personal: Gabriel Fairuz Louis | 29 - 30 April

Unfamiliar with the sounds of East Malaysian music? Get acquainted with it through the smooth vocals of Sarawakian singer-songwriter Gabriel Fairuz Louis.

A previous winner at the Sarawak Music Awards in 2012 and 2014, Louis effortlessly weaves pop, jazz, and R&B with his native language, Iban. He will be accompanied by Gideon Jute as the music director, and Kuala Lumpur-based musicians, Silvanus John (drums), and Icco Elnoel (bass).

Catch him at the Theatre Lounge Café, Sri Hartamas from 29 - 30 April. The first show will be a more stripped down performance with only Louis and Jute on piano, while the second show will feature the full band. The cover charge is RM50.

Art & Theater

April - art gallery

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Gadis Jalan Burmah (Burmah Road Girl) | 6 - 9 April

Ever felt like you’re running out of time? 42-year-old Kartini Shuib can relate. On her birthday, she contemplates the question as she reminisces over her past.

Watch this hilarious one-woman show, starring Farah Rani and penned by Redza Minhat. Audiences will enjoy the cheeky comedy, as the play will be performed in a colloquial mix of Manglish (Bahasa Malaysia + English).

The play will run from 6 - 9 April at Five Arts Center in TTDI, 8.30pm. There will also be a 3pm show on 9 April. For further inquiries and bookings, contact fiveartscentre@gmail.com.

“Afterwork” exhibition @ Ilham Gallery | Now - 16 April

This month will be your last chance to check out Ilham Gallery’s latest art exhibition, “Afterwork”. The pieces featured in the exhibition explore the different facets of issues surrounding class, race, labor, and migration. See what artists across Asia have to say about these complex issues as they use art to express their thoughts and concerns.

Located on Jalan Binjai, just off Jalan Ampang, the gallery is easily accessible via public transport, as it’s a five-minute walk away from Ampang Park LRT station.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11am–7pm; Sunday, 11am–5pm. Entrance is free.

Film screenings

April - film screening

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Ilham film screening: Ilo Ilo | 8 April

In conjunction with its “Afterwork” art exhibition, Ilham Gallery will screen Ilo Ilo, a film set in Singapore during the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997. The bittersweet tale centers on the close friendship forged between a Filipina maid and her young charge.

Directed by Singaporean director Anthony Chen, the film premiered at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival and was awarded the Caméra d'Or (“Golden Camera” award), becoming the first Singaporean feature film to win at Cannes.

The film screening will take place at Ilham Gallery on 8 April (Saturday), 3pm. Entrance is free.

Movie Under The Stars | Every Thursday and last Sunday of the month

Every week, Frisky Rooftop Bar hosts an outdoor film screening featuring a mix of old favorites and recent blockbusters.

Located on Lorong Yap Kwan Seng, the bar is set smack dab in the KL city center, so you’ll get a nighttime view of the glittering Petronas Twin Towers as you’re munching on popcorn and sipping cocktails.

This month, they’ll be showing Before Sunrise (6 April), Amélie (13 April), Rear Window (20 April), The Breakfast Club (27 April), and A Hard Day’s Night (30 April). There’s no entry fee, but it’s encouraged to buy a drink or two to support the establishment.

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