The capital’s liquid landscape will soon shift into high gear as the Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week (KLCW) returns for its third edition from 28 April to 3 May 2026. This week-long celebration of mixology and craft spirits continues its mission to champion the local bar scene, acting as a bridge between Malaysia’s evolving drinking culture and the global stage. 

Building on the success of previous years, the festival once again adopts its proven decentralized approach, turning the city into a coordinated cocktail hub by dividing it into four primary zones. This familiar format allows attendees to navigate concentrated programming within Petaling Jaya and Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), Bangsar and Damansara Heights, the Kuala Lumpur City Centre, and the heritage-rich enclave of Chinatown. Each area will host its own unique activations and guest shifts, leading up to a large-scale collective celebration.

At the heart of the programme is the City Takeover, where influential bar programs from across Asia and the Middle East take over local venues. Leading destinations from cities such as Bangkok, Tokyo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Dubai will bring their distinct techniques and storytelling to Kuala Lumpur. Local mainstays set to host these international guests include Bar Trigona, Penrose, Reka:Bar, JungleBird, and Amazonas, alongside newer additions like Bā by Kinugawa and Cacao Mixology & Chocolate

Beyond the nightly guest shifts, KLCW 2026 continues its popular culinary dimension through a series of cocktail pairing dinners. These sessions see collaborations between top-tier mixologists and some of the city’s most respected restaurants, including Akar, Terra, Nadodi, Yellow Fin Horse, and DC Restaurant among others.

For those seeking professional insight, the “Tipple Talks” conference is happening at W Kuala Lumpur on 1 May. This full-day forum features industry figures discussing the intersection of culinary heritage, workforce evolution, and the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of hospitality.

The festival reaches its peak on 2 May at Sentul Depot with the KLCW Festival Village, a cornerstone of the event’s interactive celebration. From 1:00 pm to 11:30 pm, the historic space will offer an environment where guests can explore diverse cocktail selections from renowned brands, participate in masterclasses, and enjoy live performances. The specific schedule of international guest bartenders and the full pairing lineup remain under wraps until the official preview on 1 April 2026.

For more information, visit @klcwofficial or klcw.my

Visuals: Images courtesy of Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week

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