In line with its continued commitment to the development of music and cultural arts in Kuala Lumpur, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) proudly introduces Semarak Seni @ Panggung Anniversari 2026, a year-long initiative aimed at revitalising Panggung Anniversari, one of Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic and historically significant open-air performance venues.
For decades, Panggung Anniversari has borne witness to the evolution of Malaysia’s performing arts scene, hosting a wide spectrum of artistic expressions including music, theatre, poetry, traditional dance, as well as modern and experimental performances across generations.
More than a historical landmark, the venue holds a special place in the collective memory of city residents and remains an integral part of Kuala Lumpur’s cultural landscape.
As one of the opening highlights of Semarak Seni @ Panggung Anniversari 2026, DBKL, through the Department of Culture, Arts, Tourism and Sports (CATS), will present the GEGAR PANGGUNG Concert, featuring two legendary Malaysian rock bands — Search ‘Kiddin’ and Spider — in a free public performance at the iconic open-air stage of Panggung Anniversari.
The concert will take place on Saturday, 24 January 2026, starting at 8.30 pm, at Panggung Anniversari, Taman Botani Perdana.
The evening will open with a performance by Tom Raja Farah, accompanied by DBKL’s Kombo and Cultural Arts Ensemble, before the stage is electrified by the highly anticipated performances of Search ‘Kiddin’ and Spider in a night filled with rock nostalgia and high-energy musical intensity.
The event will be hosted by Nadia. The appearances of Search ‘Kiddin’ and Spider are expected to be the main draw, as both legendary bands consistently enjoy overwhelming public response and have a strong track record of sold-out ticketed concerts.
As such, the opportunity to experience their performances free of charge at this iconic open-air venue is a special gesture by DBKL to the public and visitors to Kuala Lumpur, held in conjunction with the Federal Territory Day Celebration (Kuala Lumpur level) and Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY 2026).
This initiative further strengthens Kuala Lumpur’s image as a dynamic and competitive cultural tourism destination.
To enhance the overall experience, food and beverage sales will begin as early as 5pm, and visitors are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and secure seating.
As part of the Kuala Lumpur Heritage trail, Panggung Anniversari carries significant historical value as a cultural recreation space and a meeting point for urban communities.
Recognising the importance of this legacy, DBKL has curated 40 multi-genre events to be staged almost weekly throughout 2026, beginning in early January, to ensure the venue remains active and continuously engaged with the public.
These inclusive programmes involve both established and emerging artists, to preserve Panggung Anniversari’s legacy as a national cultural icon, providing a continuous platform across generations and genres, and supporting the urban heritage conservation agenda under the Warisan KL initiative.
In this regard, DBKL welcomes collaboration from government agencies, private sector organisations, educational institutions, NGOs, and corporate entities, and the arts community to jointly realise year-long programmes at Panggung Anniversari throughout 2026.
Semarak Seni @ Panggung Anniversari is organised by Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur through the Department of Culture, Arts, Tourism and Sports (CATS), with financial support from the Ministry of Finance Malaysia, in line with efforts to conserve and activate heritage sites under the Warisan Kuala Lumpur initiative.
Through this initiative, Panggung Anniversari is set to reclaim its role as the cultural heartbeat of the city — a living space that continues to create memories and shape new history for generations to come.
