Six days of mixology in 2026
Cocktail lovers, mark your calendars. Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week (KLCW) returns for its third edition from April 28 to May 3 2026, promising six days of spirited celebrations across the city.
What started as a niche gathering has quickly evolved into one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting drinks festivals, bringing together global bar talent, industry insiders and curious drinkers for a city-wide showcase of craft cocktails and fine spirits.
Four Neighbourhoods
This year, KLCW is going bigger than ever, transforming Kuala Lumpur into a cocktail playground divided into four key neighbourhoods: Petaling Jaya/TTDI, Bangsar/Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur City Centre and Chinatown.
Each district will host its own line-up of events, pop-ups and takeovers, culminating in a major Festival Village at Sentul Depot on May 2.
At the heart of KLCW is its ‘City Takeover’ programme, where leading bars from across Asia collaborate with Kuala Lumpur’s top venues. Expect inventive menus, boundary-pushing techniques and storytelling through drinks.
International names from cities like Hong Kong, Tokyo, Bangkok and Seoul will join local hotspots including JungleBird, Penrose and Bar Trigona, offering a rare chance to sample some of the region’s best bars in one city.
The Festival Village and Industry Talks
Kicking things off early is a laid-back pickleball opening party on 19 April, a playful addition that sets the tone for the week ahead.
The headline event, however, is the Festival Village at Sentul Depot. Running from afternoon into the night, it promises cocktails from top brands, live music, masterclasses and interactive experiences; essentially, a one-stop shop for cocktail culture.
KLCW isn’t just about drinking. The new ‘Tipple Talks’ conference at W Hotel on May 1 will bring together some of the biggest names in hospitality for discussions on everything from culinary identity to AI in the industry.
There’s also a series of cocktail pairing dinners in collaboration with some of the city’s best restaurants, offering curated menus matched with premium spirits.
With an expanded programme, international talent and strong industry backing, KLCW 2026 is set to cement Kuala Lumpur’s position as a rising star in the global drinks scene.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender or just in it for a great night out, this is one event worth showing up for.
Image credit: Supplied
Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
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