There has been a surge in Music Festivals in Malaysia over the last couple of years as the tourism industry has been growing tremendously positively.
With the many new music festivals and events, there was a need for this to be published as many locals and foreigners visiting Malaysia would like to know where and when these festivals will take place.
Please note that a number of the music festivals listed here are no longer running, while the more popular ones are still being held yearly.
Music Festivals in Malaysia
With the many new music festivals and events, there was a need for this to be published as many locals and foreigners visiting Malaysia would like to know where and when these festivals will take place.
Please note that a number of the music festivals listed here are no longer running, while the more popular ones are still being held yearly.
Music Festivals in Malaysia
The list of music festivals in Malaysia is in no order but categorized by the various states in Malaysia, including Sabah and Sarawak Borneo.
If you know of a music festival not listed here, please contact me or leave a comment below, and I will include it in this list.
MTV World Stage Malaysia
History in Malaysia was made on August 15, 2009, when world-renowned MTV Asia staged the first-ever outdoor MTV World Stage Live In Malaysia at Sunway Lagoon Resort in Petaling Jaya, with over 15,000 fans attending.
International superstars like Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Wonder Girls, Jay Park, Robin Thicke, and local Malaysian superstars have performed here. This event is a must-attend concert for any youth or MTV fan and takes place yearly.
If you know of a music festival not listed here, please contact me or leave a comment below, and I will include it in this list.
Selangor Music Festivals
My Music Festival 2015 (One time only)
A one-time music festival in Malaysia was My Music Festival 2015, or MMF2015, at Sunway Surf Pool. It was also recognized as the country's 'Largest Malaysian Live Band Music Festival'.
This inaugural music festival is also a free entrance event and will see thousands of Malaysians and foreigners attending the event held on March March 8, 2015, here in Sunway Lagoon, Selangor.
A total of 21 live bands, musicians, and artists are scheduled to perform in one evening, giving visitors a vast range of music.
My Music Festival 2015
Venue: Surf Pool, Sunway Lagoon, Petaling Jaya Selangor
March 8 March (Sunday)
Time: 5-11pm
*This event is no longer running.
This inaugural music festival is also a free entrance event and will see thousands of Malaysians and foreigners attending the event held on March March 8, 2015, here in Sunway Lagoon, Selangor.
A total of 21 live bands, musicians, and artists are scheduled to perform in one evening, giving visitors a vast range of music.
My Music Festival 2015
Venue: Surf Pool, Sunway Lagoon, Petaling Jaya Selangor
March 8 March (Sunday)
Time: 5-11pm
History in Malaysia was made on August 15, 2009, when world-renowned MTV Asia staged the first-ever outdoor MTV World Stage Live In Malaysia at Sunway Lagoon Resort in Petaling Jaya, with over 15,000 fans attending.
International superstars like Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Wonder Girls, Jay Park, Robin Thicke, and local Malaysian superstars have performed here. This event is a must-attend concert for any youth or MTV fan and takes place yearly.
*This event is no longer running.
Sundown Beach Music Festival
Sundown Beach Music Festival
Having been one of the only beach festivals in Malaysia, the Sundown Beach Music Festival has kept party-goers entertained at Gold Coast Morib in Selangor.
International electro mixed with delirious visual vibes kept the party-goers up all night long with the best of electro from Malaysian and international DJs such as Jaytech and Lisa Lashes.
*However, since the last incident at Future Music Festival 2014 in Malaysia, we are still determining if this festival will happen again, so this is pending information. The previous event was the Sundown Beach Music Festival 2013.
*This event is no longer running.
International electro mixed with delirious visual vibes kept the party-goers up all night long with the best of electro from Malaysian and international DJs such as Jaytech and Lisa Lashes.
*However, since the last incident at Future Music Festival 2014 in Malaysia, we are still determining if this festival will happen again, so this is pending information. The previous event was the Sundown Beach Music Festival 2013.
*This event is no longer running.
WOW Music Festival
Based on the Ibiza-like dance parties at the beach, the WOW Music Festival was created, and this event is targeted to the EDM and Dance Music lovers in Malaysia.
Held at the Surf Beach of Sunway Lagoon, this momentous event is highly recommended for anyone who is into DJs and dance music.
*This event is no longer running.
Held at the Surf Beach of Sunway Lagoon, this momentous event is highly recommended for anyone who is into DJs and dance music.
*This event is no longer running.
Kuala Lumpur Music Festivals
Rainforest Reggae Music Festival
The first-ever Rainforest Reggae Music Festival in Kuala Lumpur occurred on December 6 2014, at the Kem Isi Rimba at Kemensah, near Ulu Kelang in the Klang Valley.
The joint organizers initially planned for the Putrajaya International Reggae Festival. Unfortunately, the event was called off and postponed, now branded as Rainforest Reggae Music Festival 2014.
*This event is no longer running.
The joint organizers initially planned for the Putrajaya International Reggae Festival. Unfortunately, the event was called off and postponed, now branded as Rainforest Reggae Music Festival 2014.
*This event is no longer running.
Good Vibes Festival
Good Vibes Festival is all about having good fun with good music and good company, featuring many art, food, and fashion attractions to complete the festival experience.
Good Vibes was initially started in 2013, and the festival showcases the best local and international music in various stages.
Catered more for the younger generation, there are food and drink stalls and various fun activities to participate in here.
*Due to the last FMFA incident, we are still determining if Good Vibes Festival 2015 will continue here.
Good Vibes was initially started in 2013, and the festival showcases the best local and international music in various stages.
Catered more for the younger generation, there are food and drink stalls and various fun activities to participate in here.
*Due to the last FMFA incident, we are still determining if Good Vibes Festival 2015 will continue here.
Kuala Lumpur Jazz Festival
Branded as the KL Jazz Festival, this city-level event has seen some substantial international names like Lee Ritenour, Ernie Watts, Lisa Young Quartet and many other international names worldwide over the play at KLJF. A must-attend jazz event if you love all things jazz.
*This event is no longer running.
Malaysia Jazz Piano Festival
A niche music festival in KL, the Malaysia Jazz Piano Festival event is held for 3 days at various locations around Kuala Lumpur.
Many local Malaysian jazz artists and performers participate here, and the main event is usually held at No Black Tie in Kuala Lumpur. Some clinics include jazz piano clinics, too.
Many local Malaysian jazz artists and performers participate here, and the main event is usually held at No Black Tie in Kuala Lumpur. Some clinics include jazz piano clinics, too.
*This event is no longer running.
Urbanscapes
Urbanscapes is the first and only all-day "user-generated" creative arts festival in the Klang Valley, and the main event is divided into 4 different areas;
Main Zone, where you have headliners performing; the Field, the upfront stage featuring top bands and DJs and snacks crafts corner; Green Village for green initiatives and live-action performances; and Central Square, where festival-goers chill and enjoy comedy shows at the Lounge.
Youths and teenagers mostly attend this festival, and Urbanscapes is also branded as Malaysia's largest Indie Music Festival.
Main Zone, where you have headliners performing; the Field, the upfront stage featuring top bands and DJs and snacks crafts corner; Green Village for green initiatives and live-action performances; and Central Square, where festival-goers chill and enjoy comedy shows at the Lounge.
Youths and teenagers mostly attend this festival, and Urbanscapes is also branded as Malaysia's largest Indie Music Festival.
World Youth Jazz Festival
The World Youth Jazz Festival (WYJF) works jointly under the initiatives of the Malaysian Minister Of Youth And Sports and Jazz Community Malaysia (JAZZCOMM).
This event is also held at Putrajaya and showcases about 20 jazz bands and performers from Malaysia and worldwide.
*We are still determining if this event will continue in 2015.
This event is also held at Putrajaya and showcases about 20 jazz bands and performers from Malaysia and worldwide.
*We are still determining if this event will continue in 2015.
DongTaiDu Music Festival
The DongTaiDu music festival caters to the creative market, offering a great selection of crafts and arts and photography exhibitions, film screenings, and independent music discussions.
There are also double-stage musical performances by various artists across Southeast Asia, such as +2dB (Malaysia), Elephant Gym (Taiwan), UNiXX (Hong Kong), The Voodoo Sound (Singapore) and many others.
This is a very niche Chinese music festival in Malaysia; only a little information is available.
There are also double-stage musical performances by various artists across Southeast Asia, such as +2dB (Malaysia), Elephant Gym (Taiwan), UNiXX (Hong Kong), The Voodoo Sound (Singapore) and many others.
This is a very niche Chinese music festival in Malaysia; only a little information is available.
Rock The World
Rock The World is a significant household name to music fans of Malaysia's rock scene. Created in 2000, this rock festival has grown to be Malaysia's biggest and longest-running rock music festival.
Every year, Rock The World showcases the best bands and highlights new and upcoming bands coming through the ranks.
*This event is no longer running.
Every year, Rock The World showcases the best bands and highlights new and upcoming bands coming through the ranks.
*This event is no longer running.
We Love Asia Festival
We Love Asia Festival is one of the not-to-be-missed music festivals of the year in Malaysia, usually held on the massive international Sepang F1 Race Circuit. The festival has seen more than 50 international and nationally renowned artists perform here in Malaysia.
*However, due to the FMFA2014 Incident, we are still determining if the We Love Asia Festival will continue here in Malaysia. Pending information.
*This event is no longer running.
*However, due to the FMFA2014 Incident, we are still determining if the We Love Asia Festival will continue here in Malaysia. Pending information.
*This event is no longer running.
Malaysian International Guitar Festival or MIGFest
Founded in 2007, MIGFEST (Malaysian International Guitar Festival) is an international music festival that showcases a variety of guitarists and luthiers.
This unique guitar festival in Malaysia is also created by Mr. Jeffrey Yong with assistance and support from the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia.
This prestigious and publicized musical festival is Southeast Asia's best of its kind.
This unique guitar festival in Malaysia is also created by Mr. Jeffrey Yong with assistance and support from the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia.
This prestigious and publicized musical festival is Southeast Asia's best of its kind.
Sarawak Music Festivals
Rainforest World Music Festival
The mother-of-all music festival in Sarawak and Malaysia - is the Rainforest World Music Festival, which has been around for 16 years and is recognized as one of the 25 music festivals in the world to visit.
This unique festival sees over 15,000 visitors over a 3-day weekend at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching, showcasing world music, unique workshops, and a bazaar.
This festival is highly recommended for anyone who has never visited the RWMF in Sarawak Borneo.
This unique festival sees over 15,000 visitors over a 3-day weekend at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching, showcasing world music, unique workshops, and a bazaar.
This festival is highly recommended for anyone who has never visited the RWMF in Sarawak Borneo.
Borneo Jazz Festival
It has been 10 solid years since the Borneo International Jazz Festival, or BIJF, has been happening here in Miri, Sarawak, and it is a must-visit if you are a jazz lover.
This festival was once called the Miri Jazz Festival, and it has always been at the home of the Everly Park Hotel in Miri.
World-class jazz musicians from all over have performed here over the years. Borneo Jazz Festival 2015 will occur from 8-9 May at Miri, Sarawak.
Update: The Borneo Jazz Festival moved to Coco Cabana at the Miri Marina in 2018 and is now under the Miri City Council.
Kuching Waterfront Jazz Festival
This privately managed jazz festival has been running for three years at the Kuching Waterfront area.
Local and international jazz artists and musicians are invited to perform for the locals and visitors to Kuching, Sarawak.
The Kuching Waterfront Jazz Festival is still running.
This festival was once called the Miri Jazz Festival, and it has always been at the home of the Everly Park Hotel in Miri.
World-class jazz musicians from all over have performed here over the years. Borneo Jazz Festival 2015 will occur from 8-9 May at Miri, Sarawak.
Update: The Borneo Jazz Festival moved to Coco Cabana at the Miri Marina in 2018 and is now under the Miri City Council.
Kuching Waterfront Jazz Festival
This privately managed jazz festival has been running for three years at the Kuching Waterfront area.
Local and international jazz artists and musicians are invited to perform for the locals and visitors to Kuching, Sarawak.
The Kuching Waterfront Jazz Festival is still running.
Borneo World Music Expo
The first of its kind and held here in Kuching, Sarawak - this was the mastermind of former Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Datuk Rashid Khan, where it was slated a few days just before the World Rainforest Music Festival.
International programmers, performers, and specialists conduct workshops about the unique world music industry at the Borneo World Music Expo.
*This event is no longer running.
International programmers, performers, and specialists conduct workshops about the unique world music industry at the Borneo World Music Expo.
*This event is no longer running.
Asia Music Festival
The first Asia Music Festival in Sarawak is set to showcase the talent of many local and international musicians and performers.
Held in Miri, the AMF is a two-day event at the Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club, about five kilometres from the town centre.
A wide variety of music is played here, and at the last count at the AMF 2014, 3,000 visitors attended this festival.
*This event is no longer running
Held in Miri, the AMF is a two-day event at the Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club, about five kilometres from the town centre.
A wide variety of music is played here, and at the last count at the AMF 2014, 3,000 visitors attended this festival.
*This event is no longer running
WAG Music Festival
WAG stands for World Animal Groove, and this fun festival is organized by the Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA). It hosts a series of exciting events to commemorate World Animal Day in celebration of the animals which share our lives and our world.
Held usually in October at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) and features an evening of artists, performers and stand-up comedians from Malaysia, Singapore, USA, and Indonesia.
*This event is no longer running.
Held usually in October at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) and features an evening of artists, performers and stand-up comedians from Malaysia, Singapore, USA, and Indonesia.
*This event is no longer running.
Sarawak Highland Folk Music Festival
The world has seen one of the more obscure music festivals in Sarawak, Borneo.
The Highland Folk Music Festival is a unique music festival that features traditional instruments such as Sape, Satung, Tung But, Sanang, Tawak, Jatung Lutang, Atui, and Oreng, which are used by the ethnic people here.
Only for those who appreciate this event. Many have requested that they bring the music festival to the city of Kuching, but this is pending as it is usually held in the remote highlands of Sarawak.
*check with the organizers, as this event occurs once every two years.
The Highland Folk Music Festival is a unique music festival that features traditional instruments such as Sape, Satung, Tung But, Sanang, Tawak, Jatung Lutang, Atui, and Oreng, which are used by the ethnic people here.
Only for those who appreciate this event. Many have requested that they bring the music festival to the city of Kuching, but this is pending as it is usually held in the remote highlands of Sarawak.
*check with the organizers, as this event occurs once every two years.
Miri Country Music Festival
The first and only Country Music Festival in Malaysia and possibly Southeast Asia, and who would have thought, a Country and Western Music Festival on the island of Borneo.
The Miri Country Music Festival was made possible by Gracie Geckie and her team, who successfully brought the MCMF to its second year with a fantastic turnout of over 2000 visitors.
A craft and food bazaar compliments the event, which sees visitors all dressed in cowboy hats, boots and checked shirts for the Miri Country Music Festival, something you rarely encounter nowadays.
The Miri Country Music Festival was made possible by Gracie Geckie and her team, who successfully brought the MCMF to its second year with a fantastic turnout of over 2000 visitors.
A craft and food bazaar compliments the event, which sees visitors all dressed in cowboy hats, boots and checked shirts for the Miri Country Music Festival, something you rarely encounter nowadays.
This event is a success and is still running.
Penang Music Festivals
Penang World Music Festival
The two-day Penang World Music Festival held previously at the Penang Botanical Gardens is now moving to a new venue - The Penang Esplanade for 2015.
PWMF features various world musicians, many of whom have performed at the Rainforest World Music Festival. It features art and music workshops, souvenir booths, stalls selling CDs and food, and an excellent festival.
If you missed the RWMF, the Penang World Music Festival 2015 is easily accessible as it takes place from 11-12 April.
*This event is no longer running.
PWMF features various world musicians, many of whom have performed at the Rainforest World Music Festival. It features art and music workshops, souvenir booths, stalls selling CDs and food, and an excellent festival.
If you missed the RWMF, the Penang World Music Festival 2015 is easily accessible as it takes place from 11-12 April.
*This event is no longer running.
Penang Island Jazz Festival
The pioneer of jazz festivals in Malaysia, the 1st Penang Island Jazz Festival was born in 2004 in the Pearl of the Orient or Penang.
Showcasing local and international Jazz artists from around the world, the PIJF is held at the end of every year at the same venue - The Bayview Beach Resort at Batu Ferringhi, Penang.
A must-visit if you love jazz and catch the main event, Jazz by the Beach. Penang Island Jazz Festival 2015 will take place at the end of the year in early December.
Showcasing local and international Jazz artists from around the world, the PIJF is held at the end of every year at the same venue - The Bayview Beach Resort at Batu Ferringhi, Penang.
A must-visit if you love jazz and catch the main event, Jazz by the Beach. Penang Island Jazz Festival 2015 will take place at the end of the year in early December.
*This event is no longer running.
Sabah Music Festivals
KK Jazz Festival
Over in North Borneo in the state of Sabah, the Kota Kinabalu Jazz Festival or KK Jazz Festival (KKJF) is an annual fundraising jazz extravaganza.
The event is jointly organized by the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu (RCKK) and the Society of Performing Arts Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (SPArKS).
You can expect local and international jazz musicians to perform yearly here.
The event is jointly organized by the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu (RCKK) and the Society of Performing Arts Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (SPArKS).
You can expect local and international jazz musicians to perform yearly here.
Sunset Music Festival
Located in a lovely setting on the island of Borneo, the Sunset Music Festival embarks on a musical journey at Tanjung Simpang Mengayau or The Tip of Borneo in Sabah.
Music genres here range from classical favourites to contemporary tunes with amazing sunsets on the horizon.
It's one of the more excellent setups in terms of venues. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to try something different.
Music genres here range from classical favourites to contemporary tunes with amazing sunsets on the horizon.
It's one of the more excellent setups in terms of venues. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to try something different.
Sunset Music Festival 2015
Date: 5-6 June
Venue: Tip of Borneo, Sabah
Tickets: RM50+
*This event is no longer running.
North Borneo Jungle Music Festival
The North Borneo Jungle Music Festival 2015 is a brand new music event here in Kota Kinabalu Sabah to celebrate the diversity of live performances, musicians, singers and cultural dances.
Local and international DJs will also be part of the program, where the entire festival lasts 12 hours. Music genres you will find here are ethnic and traditional music, contemporary world music, modern fusion and even ethnic jazz.
However, the fact that DJs are involved will also see modern electronic dance music. The event is also held at the Monsopiad Cultural Village, 20 minutes from Kota Kinabalu.
North Borneo Jungle Music Festival 2015
April 25l 25th, 2015
Time: 12 noon to 12 am
Venue: Monsopiad Cultural Village, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tickets: RM35 to RM50
North Borneo Jungle Music Festival
The North Borneo Jungle Music Festival 2015 is a brand new music event here in Kota Kinabalu Sabah to celebrate the diversity of live performances, musicians, singers and cultural dances.
Local and international DJs will also be part of the program, where the entire festival lasts 12 hours. Music genres you will find here are ethnic and traditional music, contemporary world music, modern fusion and even ethnic jazz.
However, the fact that DJs are involved will also see modern electronic dance music. The event is also held at the Monsopiad Cultural Village, 20 minutes from Kota Kinabalu.
North Borneo Jungle Music Festival 2015
April 25l 25th, 2015
Time: 12 noon to 12 am
Venue: Monsopiad Cultural Village, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tickets: RM35 to RM50
*This event is no longer running.
Johor Music Festivals
JB Jazz Festival
A brand new jazz festival in Malaysia has been added to this list: the JB Jazz Fest 2015, which was held at the end of February and early March at the DoubleTree Hilton in Johor Baharu City.
World-class jazz musicians such as Sadao Watanabe were the JB Arts Festival 2015 highlight. Another bonus for Jazz Fans in the region.
*This event is no longer running.
JB Classical Musical Festival
As part of the JB Arts Festival initiative, they have also launched another new music festival called the JB Classical Musical Festival 2015, which will take place from May 1-3, 2015, in Johor Baharu.
This is also a spin-off after the JB Jazz Fest, and more information on this event is needed. Still, for Classical Music lovers, the Johor Baharu Classical Musical Festival 2015 is definitely something to catch in Johor.
JB Classical Musical Festival 2015
Date: 1-3 May, 2015
Venue: -
Time -
World-class jazz musicians such as Sadao Watanabe were the JB Arts Festival 2015 highlight. Another bonus for Jazz Fans in the region.
*This event is no longer running.
JB Classical Musical Festival
As part of the JB Arts Festival initiative, they have also launched another new music festival called the JB Classical Musical Festival 2015, which will take place from May 1-3, 2015, in Johor Baharu.
This is also a spin-off after the JB Jazz Fest, and more information on this event is needed. Still, for Classical Music lovers, the Johor Baharu Classical Musical Festival 2015 is definitely something to catch in Johor.
JB Classical Musical Festival 2015
Date: 1-3 May, 2015
Venue: -
Time -
*This event is no longer running.
Langkawi Music Festivals
Langkawi Live - One Earth Blues Festival
Langkawi Live – One Earth Blues Festival showcases Malaysia's finest blues artists and was launched in 2011.
To date, performers include The Jamie Wilson Trio, Russell Curtis Project, Alex Terry, Victor Chan, Elvira Arul, Ushera, Kelvyn, The Blues, and local Penang boy Raggy Singh.
Langkawi Live was launched to bring exciting and eclectic music events to various venues on the Malaysian resort island of Langkawi.
Several short eco films are played during the breaks between the musical performances, and part of the proceeds are donated to the Charity Club Langkawi.
*This event is no longer running.
To date, performers include The Jamie Wilson Trio, Russell Curtis Project, Alex Terry, Victor Chan, Elvira Arul, Ushera, Kelvyn, The Blues, and local Penang boy Raggy Singh.
Langkawi Live was launched to bring exciting and eclectic music events to various venues on the Malaysian resort island of Langkawi.
Several short eco films are played during the breaks between the musical performances, and part of the proceeds are donated to the Charity Club Langkawi.
*This event is no longer running.
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| Malaysia Music Festivals. |
The above is a collection of all the music festivals around Malaysia, and based on research, some of them may or may not be continued due to particular circumstances.
While most prominent ones have been ongoing for over 5 years, many new ones come and go, mainly due to funding issues or lack of interest from the public.
The major music festivals in the country are also supported by Malaysia Major Events (MME), a division of the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), an agency under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia.
If you know of any new or other music festivals in the country, please comment below or contact me with the information so I can update this list of Music Festivals in Malaysia.