Whether the city is buzzing or snoozing, the Nacre Weekender is our curated guide to what’s worth showing up for, what feels intentional, interesting, and best experienced in the moment.

Each edition spotlights the most compelling dining collaborations, cultural gems, local markets, performances, and offbeat finds happening over the weekend.

Here’s what we’re circling on the calendar for the final weekend of the month,25–27 July: six refined experiences to close out the month—exciting flavours, local makers, cosmic storytelling, market culture, and boutique discovery.

For the Taste-Driven

27 July: Midday Party @ Esca, Chinatown

Instagram: @esca.kl

It’s always 5 PM somewhere. Celebrate day-drinking with a couple of low-proof cocktails and ecletic bites in the heart of Chinatown this Sunday with Esca’s Chef YC (of Terra Dining), dining editor Katelyn Tan and Up & Away’s Jordan Lim.

Uncommon combinations are what Esca is known for, such as how East meets West in Sichuan-spiced hot honey and scallion pancakes with duck birria. Midday Party is a weekend brunch not to be missed!

25–27 July: Reunion of the Diaspora @ Restaurant Shu, KL

Instagram: @restaurantshukl

One of the most anticipated tables this month, “Reunion of the Diaspora” at Restaurant Shu brings together the collaborative energy of Chef Chin Wong and guest chef Abel Su (formerly of Odette and Ensue).

Across three nights, they explore how migration shapes flavour—through precision, confidence, and deep respect for tradition. It’s a rare chance to witness storytelling on a plate: a reunion of technique, heritage, and identity in the language of contemporary Chinese fine dining.

For the Tote Carrier

26–27 July: KLove Market @ KLoe Hotel

Instagram: @kloehotel

KLoe Hotel’s poolside deck and rooms play host to a two-day creative market brimming over 30 vintage fashion, homegrown labels, ceramics, and indie food brands plus a few cross-label collabs to keep things interesting.

Beyond shopping, explore the hotel’s City and Courtyard rooms, catch live DJ sets by the pool, and you might just win a night in KLoe’s signature Artist Lofts while you’re at it. A definite high-touch, low-stress way to browse and buy, with Lucky Coffee Bar and cocktail carts at arm’s reach.

26–27 July: Bazaar Bustle x Kloset Ka.In @ Semua House

Instagram: @bazaarbustle

Once the beating heart of KL’s textile trade, Semua House has been given a new pulse by the REXKL team—now a reimagined creative hub filled with community spirit and cultural memory. Its grand staircase and retro architecture set the tone for a weekend market that feels both current and rooted.

Bazaar Bustle brings together playful retail therapy and small-batch discovery: handmade jewellery, nail art, matcha, coffee, photo magnets, cendolah, desserts, and more. It’s a vibrant, layered experience that’s part bazaar, part heritage, and part hangout.

For The Audience in Row B

25–27 July: Meniti Cakerawala 2.0 @ DBKL Auditorium

Instagram: @ramliibrahimofficial

A rare intersection of science and stage, this celestial dance-theatre production pairs the expressive choreography of Datuk Ramli Ibrahim with a narrative by Tan Sri Mazlan Othman, Malaysia’s pioneering astrophysicist. Set against a cosmic backdrop, Meniti Cakerawala 2.0 weaves movement, poetry, and visuals into a meditative exploration of humanity’s place in the universe.

Now in its second iteration, the performance expands on the original with renewed technical polish and deeper emotional resonance. The production arrives in Kuala Lumpur this weekend, tickets are available at cloudjoi.my.

24–27 July: Anak-Anak Malik @ KLPAC

Instagram: @theklpac

Written by emerging playwright Qahar Aqilah and staged by Anomalist Production, Anak-Anak Malik follows a fractured Malay family navigating grief, secrets, and reconciliation. The story centres on four siblings brought together by a funeral, unearthing buried tensions with raw vulnerability and flashes of humour.

Performed in Malay and staged in the intimate Pentas 2, this emotionally charged drama offers a close-up on identity and familial love with layered dialogue and strong ensemble chemistry. A thoughtful addition to KL’s independent theatre scene that lingers after curtain call. Tickets available at cloudjoi.my.

Need a reason to go out? This is your sign. Close July with a curated weekend of discovery, good taste, and a little wonder.