As 2026 gets underway this January, the events calendar in Malaysia is heating up in a great way. Across the event space, the cultural and lifestyle scene comes alive with headline concerts, immersive festivals and meaningful art showcases. Whether you’re planning a culture fix or a memorable night out, these are the standout events worth putting in your diary this month.
Here are your top January events in Malaysia to put in your 2026 diary:
Tiger Town Chinese New Year Festival
- Date: 22–25 January 2026
- Venue: LaLaport Bukit Bintang, KL
- Event information here
Tiger Beer’s signature Tiger Town festival returns for Chinese New Year with live music, interactive games and a curated local market at LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre. Expect festive energy, headline local performers and plenty of food-led experiences — a lively way to celebrate the season in the heart of the city.
Coastal Combat 2026, Desaru Coast
- Date: 23–24 January 2026
- Venue: Desaru Coast, Johor
- Event information here
Desaru Coast launches the year with a high-impact debut as it hosts Coastal Combat 2026, an international Muaythai showcase set against a striking coastal backdrop. Designed as a family-friendly festival, the weekend blends professional fight cards with markets, beach activities and entertainment, positioning Desaru Coast as a rising regional hub for sports tourism and lifestyle events.
Mozart’s 270th Birthday
- Date: 27 January 2026
- Venue: Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS
- Ticket information here
The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra honours Mozart’s 270th birthday with a refined evening at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS. Led by violinist Peter Daniš, the programme features beloved works including The Magic Flute Overture, Eine kleine Nachtmusik and Symphony No.29, making it an elegant cultural highlight for January.
Picasso and Lin Xiang Xiong: A Dialogue Across Time
- Date: On view until 31 March 2026
- Venue: Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery, Penang
- Ticket information here
This major exhibition in Penang brings together over 60 works by Pablo Picasso alongside more than 300 paintings by Lin Xiang Xiong, exploring the enduring theme of peace across generations. Thought-provoking and visually rich, it’s an essential stop for art lovers seeking depth and context beyond the gallery walls.
The Writers’ Guild: Find Your Voice
- Date: 31 January 2026
- Venue: Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur
- More information here
Hosted at the historic Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, this exclusive expressive writing workshop invites participants to reconnect with creativity in an intimate setting. Led by writer and editor Intan Maizura Ahmad Kamal, the afternoon session includes guided writing, bespoke materials and the hotel’s signature afternoon tea — a thoughtful way to start the year.
K-SPARK in Malaysia 2026
- Date: 31 January 2026
- Venue: Stadium Merdeka
- Ticket information here
January closes with a bang as K-SPARK takes over Stadium Merdeka. Headlined by G-DRAGON and featuring HWASA, ITZY and DPR IAN, the flagship concert promises a high-energy, once-in-a-generation night for K-pop fans. Ticket details are still to come, but anticipation is already building.
