Bring your camping chairs and get ready to celebrate Melawati style at the New Year Potluck Makan and Bakat night at Jalan Negara Kita on Dec 31. Photo: Jalan Negara Kita
The year-end isn’t just about lavish parties, fireworks, and high-priced events. In Kuala Lumpur, there are a number of community-driven gatherings that offer a more intimate, creative experience.
From a poetry session at an indie bookshop to a 24-hour photowalk capturing the city’s vibrant spirit, and an "arts and culture lane" ready to come alive with local talent, these events invite a deeper connection to the city’s cultural pulse.
The '24-Hour Street Photo Challenge' is set to take participants through some of KL's iconic neighbourhoods. Photo: The Star/Izzrafiq Alias
Join the big photowalk
If you’re up for a journey through the city with a camera in hand, the "24-Hour Street Photo Challenge" might be the perfect way to spend Dec 31. This free event, led by photographer and storyteller Kim Boon alongside a dedicated team of volunteers, invites photography enthusiasts to explore Kuala Lumpur's vibrant streets, capturing the essence of urban life.
The challenge will make stops at iconic neighbourhoods like Brickfields, Pudu, Chow Kit, Jalan Ampang, Chinatown, and Jalan Bukit Bintang, among others. More than just a photo walk, it’s an opportunity to connect with new friends and fellow shutterbugs and document the city’s dynamic pulse as it transitions into a new year.
The action starts at 8.30am at Kompleks Makan Tanglin, Perdana Botanical Gardens on Dec 31, but as Kim Boon says, "Everyone is welcome to join the walk. Hop on and hop off. No need to commit to the full 24 hours – feel free to participate for just a portion of it. Along the way, we’ll have a few stopover meetup points and rest areas where we can relax, grab a bite, recharge, and catch up with each other."
A day out at the university
"Temasya Tahun Baharu 2025" at Kona Mokapot Coffee, Universiti Malaya, runs from 2pm (on Dec 31) until late, offering a youthful and book-ish way to kickstart your New Year’s Eve celebrations.
This collaboration between the Cemar Bunyi and Kultus Kata collectives unites Kuala Lumpur’s alternative music and literary scenes.
Throughout the day, visitors can browse books from publishers like FIXI, Rabak-Lit, and Kata Pilar Books. The afternoon will include gatherings and discussions focused on the next generation of creatives, while the evening will feature acoustic performances from indie musicians like Radhi Osman and poetry recitals by the Rangkap Stanza Trio.
As midnight approaches, the event will culminate with performances by indie bands like Aus et al and Jazleen, bringing the celebration to a lively close. It’s not every day you get such a vibrant line-up at an on-campus café. Admission is free.
Tokosue indie bookshop, at Wisma Central on Jalan Ampang, is kicking off year-end festivities with the 'Sajak Untuk Rakyat KL Tour' on Dec 31. Photo: Tokosue
Of rakyat and poetry
The Tokosue indie bookshop, located in Wisma Central on Jalan Ampang, is also kicking off the year-end festivities early with the "Sajak Untuk Rakyat KL Tour".
This free event, scheduled for 3pm-5pm on Dec 31, brings together six poets from the vibrant Bahasa Malaysia literary scene, including Merahmalam, Hann, Hikayat Perempuan, Pujangga Anakie, Wan Syafiqah, and Safwan Suhardy.
Known for its open embrace of indie and literary culture, Tokosue provides the perfect stage for the Sajak Untuk Rakyat series, which seeks to amplify the reach of local poetry. Together, they promise an evening where words take centre stage, offering a thoughtful and engaging alternative to the typical year-end celebrations.
On the Gumbira Festival trail
The inaugural indie-inspired Gumbira Festival kicks off at 7pm (on Dec 31) at The Glasshopper in Precinct 1, Putrajaya. While it might mean a bit of a drive, the reward is worth it – a chance to enjoy the peaceful beauty of nature while sipping coffee at a stunning glasshouse cafe surrounded by the lush greenery of Taman Botani.
This New Year’s Eve, The Glasshopper teams up with henna artist Melur Izabyel for a relaxed evening. The line-up features soulful performances by singer-songwriter Atiya Hilmi, the alternative rock sounds of Setapak’s own ‘D_leted,’ the sharp wit of stand-up comedian Azizul Ammar, and retro tunes from cassette deejay Jemput Dengar.
The Glasshopper’s stunning glasshouse design offers panoramic views of the botanical gardens, combining natural serenity with creative energy – an ideal Insta-worthy spot to ring in the new year.
Lighting up Lorong Seni
The Folk Kofii venue in Taman Melawati in Kuala Lumpur is ready for the "New Year Potluck Makan and Bakat". The Dec 31 fun starts at 9pm at Jalan Negara Kita nearby.
After officially unveiling Jalan Negara Kita as a Lorong Seni a few months ago, the "culture alley" in Taman Melawati has transformed into a thriving hub for the grassroots performing arts community in the neighbourhood and beyond.
Since the beginning of the year, various art collectives have embraced the space for their events, ranging from open mic poetry performances to traditional music concerts and even blockprint art workshops.
What began as a humble gathering spot has steadily evolved into a sustainable performance venue, complete with roofing, a stage, and a creative atmosphere enriched by artworks and installations from the nearby AP Art Gallery and Westar Art Shop.
This New Year’s Eve party, much like the events before it, offers a laid-back, welcoming environment where anyone can take the stage to share poetry, music, or any form of artistic expression. Admission is free.
