The Zhongshan building in Kampung Attap, a familiar landmark in Kuala Lumpur’s creative scene, will transform into one of the main festival venues for Peszta 2025 on Nov 1. Photo: Handout
Get ready to soak in the can-do community spirit as the arts and culture festival Peszta returns to Kampung Attap in Kuala Lumpur, for its fourth edition on Nov 1.
This one-day celebration – with free admission – unfolds across several Kampung Attap venues, including the main Zhongshan Building, Pentago House, and Sam Mansion. All within walking distance, they’ll host a lively mix of music, street performances, markets, and creative happenings.
The early hours of the festival are perfect for coffee and a bit of street art gazing around Kampung Attap. Photo: The Star/Azlina Abdullah
From carparks to balconies to secret spots and laneway takeovers, the all-ages festival spills into every corner – plenty to explore and enjoy.
Starting 11am this Saturday, visitors can browse an outdoor market filled with local food, crafts and artisanal products.
They can then wander through the area’s art spaces, discovering exhibitions, open studios and creative workshops along the way.
Look out for workshops to unleash your inner artist at the Peszta festival. Photo: The Star/Azlina Abdullah
Among the highlights are Kanid Studio, the KL base of sape musician Alena Murang at the Zhongshan building, and MentahMatter’s design studio at Sam Mansion, open for visitors to explore their workspace and creative process.
Architecture firm Pentago House will open its heritage building to the public, while Sam Mansion hosts cultural performances and a local arts and craft market in its outdoor space.
With over 70 events happening, there’s something for everyone — reading and print parties, a design 101 session at the Malaysian Design Archive, hands-on letterpress fun, a Seni Untuk Semua open house, and loads more.
Check the festival programme - and look up, you might catch a cool singalong from one of the balconies at the festival. Photo: The Star/Azlina Abdullah
For brassy revelry, Orchestra Kuala Lumpur will bring music to Jalan Rotan (nearby the festival venues) in the afternoon, while its Muskas String Quartet performs at the Sam Mansion carpark for an early evening performance.
If you’re after something more niche, Poppy Records will host a special showcase featuring legendary pop singer Noor Kumalasari’s record collection, while Balai Buku Raya presents a poetry session, and the Back Room gallery unveils the Orang-Orang Suka Makan exhibition, featuring artists Chin Kar Yern, Hoo Fan Chon, and Liew Kwai Fei.
At Peszta, when there’s a street party, everyone’s invited to join in. Photo: The Star/Azlina Abdullah
From 7pm, once the sun goes down, the live music performances on the Zhongshan building’s balconies and nearby annex rooftop space are sure to keep you grooving late into the night.
The line-up features punk band Tres Empre, indie rock outfits Terrer and Hawa, electronica musician Euseng Seto, singer-songwriter Bayangan and others.
For added after-dark spectacle, digital art collective Filamen will present a projection mapping display on the side of the Zhongshan building.
This year’s Peszta is extra special – the first edition funded entirely through grassroots efforts, reflecting the Zhongshan community’s resilience amid shrinking arts support.
In many ways, it’s a festival free of officialdom – a chance to discover the young creatives shaping Kuala Lumpur’s arts and culture scene.
For the full festival programme, check out Peszta’s social media pages.
Peszta takes place at Kampung Attap in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 1, from 11am to 11pm. Do note that due to limited space, some activities will require pre-registration and fees.
