Looking for a fun way to celebrate National Day this year? Get ready, because the heart of Kuala Lumpur is about to turn into one giant celebration!
From 29 to 31 August 2026, head over to Dataran Merdeka for Festival Ambang Merdeka 2026: Malaysia Madani: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati, organised by CIMB and Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur.
With more than 100,000 visitors expected, the three day festival will be packed with live performances, delicious food, local shopping, cultural activities, interactive attractions and, of course, an epic countdown to Malaysia’s 69th National Day.
Whether you’re coming with family, hanging out with friends or simply looking to soak up that Merdeka energy, there is plenty waiting for you.
A Full Day of Merdeka Festivities
From 29 August, you can enjoy a bustling festival experience featuring food and beverages, artisanal products and unique finds from local entrepreneurs and MSMEs.
If you’re planning to go all out, 30 August is the day to mark on your calendar.
Kick things off with recreational activities including running, cycling or just simply walking in the morning with your family and friends.
As evening arrives, the atmosphere shifts from sporty to spectacular.
At 60pm, the Orkestra Kuala Lumpur will take the stage for a full orchestra performance, setting the mood for a night filled with music and celebration.
And then comes the main event.
Get Ready for the Konsert Ambang Merdeka Kita Bagi Jadi
Starting at 10.30pm, the Konsert Kita Bagi Jadi @ Ambang Merdeka 2026 will take audiences on a spectacular 90-minute musical journey.
Directed by renowned creative director Pat Ibrahim, the production carries the theme Menyusuri Sejarah, Memperkasa Semangat and brings together music, dance, storytelling and orchestral performances in a celebration of Malaysia’s history, cultural diversity and creative spirit.
The concert will feature celebrated Malaysian artistes including Aina Abdul, Mimifly, Aman RA, Asmidar, Datuk Zailnalabidin, Nadia Aqilah and Haziq Rozebi as part of a massive 350 performers including musicians from Orkestra Kuala Lumpur, dancers and dikir barat performers.
That’s not all. Three original songs will also make their debut during the production, including #HmmmDulu by Mimifly in collaboration with CIMB, which shines a spotlight on scam awareness through a catchy beat, turning important reminders into something Malaysians can sing along to and remember
Then, as the clock gets closer to midnight, the crowd will come together for the moment we’ve all been waiting for.
The Merdeka countdown.
As Malaysia officially welcomes its 69th National Day, Dataran Merdeka will light up with a 10-minute spectacular fireworks display. Definitely a moment worth staying up for.
31 August: Keep the Merdeka Spirit Going
Woke up on Merdeka Day still wanting more? Good news. The celebrations continue.
On 31 August, visitors can dive into Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage through a range of activities, including dikir barat workshops, It is the perfect opportunity to discover and experience traditional Malaysian music, arts and culture in a more interactive way.
Families can also catch a special screening of ‘Stories of Malaysia, Told Through Documentary’ and wrap up the three day celebration with another breathtaking projection mapping showcase.
Food, Shopping and Fun All Weekend Long with OCTO!
The festival will also give these small businesses greater exposure to new customers while creating more opportunities for local vendors and brands to grow.
CIMB will support participating businesses through its ecosystem and digital payment solutions, making it easier for them to transact and serve customers throughout the event.
And yes, shopping comes with perks too.
Visitors can enjoy a seamless cashless experience by paying via DuitNow QR on the CIMB OCTO App (OCTO), with eligible users receiving up to RM30 cashback.
Here’s where it gets even more interesting.
Spend RM30 using OCTO and you’ll earn a stamp and a chance to try your luck at the Gachapon Machine, where instant cash rewards worth RM5, RM10, RM20 or RM25 are up for grabs.
If you spend more than RM60, you’ll earn another stamp & chance at the Gachapon Machine plus additional rewards; Luxasia Sample Perfumes and Etika Medispa Voucher!
With two stamps, you can redeem an exclusive OCTO Blind Box, while stocks last.
Thinking of starting your banking journey with CIMB? Festival visitors can also open a CASA-i account, either DURIAN-i or EcoSave-i, with a minimum deposit of RM20.
Those who sign up for any CIMB products or register and activate OCTO can also receive exclusive goodies such as a CIMB tote bag, OCTO phone strap and keychain, while stocks last. Free stuff? We love to see it.
Do visit Zon CIMB at the festival. Great things are waiting for you!
The Merdeka vibes will also spread beyond Dataran Merdeka, with large scale building wraps and branded displays appearing across Kuala Lumpur, including Menara UAB, Rapid KL buses and KL Sentral.
So, What Are You Waiting For?
From local food and shopping to cultural experiences, live performances and a massive Merdeka countdown concert, Festival Ambang Merdeka 2026 is shaping up to be one of Kuala Lumpur’s biggest National Day celebrations.
So grab your family, call your friends and come dressed in your best patriotic colours because Dataran Merdeka is about to be filled with red, white, blue and yellow. 🇲🇾
A little tip before you head out: wear light and comfortable clothing, bring a portable hand fan, stay hydrated and come prepared for a full day of fun.
Visitors are also encouraged to take public transport, as Dataran Merdeka is easily accessible via LRT, MRT and Monorail services, which will operate 24 hours from August 30th to 31st. Most roads will be closed anyway. Trust us, letting someone else deal with the traffic sounds like a pretty good idea.
Come early, explore everything the festival has to offer and be part of a massive celebration as Malaysians come together to celebrate 69 years of independence.
For more information, you may visit and follow CIMB on Facebook and Instagram.
See you all at Dataran Merdeka!
