Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week 2025 returns

Kuala Lumpur is poised to once again take centre stage in Asia’s cocktail circuit as the Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week (KLCW) returns for its second edition from April 22 to 27, 2025. Building on the momentum of its debut, the festival is set to be a landmark event, cementing the city’s reputation as a premier destination for cocktail connoisseurs.

With participation from over 27 renowned bars, KLCW 2025 will transform the city into a playground for mixology enthusiasts. The festival strategically divides Kuala Lumpur into five dedicated cocktail zones—Bangsar, Petaling Jaya/Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, Damansara Heights, Chinatown, and Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Each district will host a series of electrifying events, including exclusive guest shifts, innovative collaborations, and one-night-only experiences that promise to captivate both locals and international visitors alike.

This geographical spread encourages festival-goers to embark on a city-wide exploration of Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant nightlife, experiencing the unique character and creative flair of each participating venue. From intimate speakeasies to lively rooftop bars, KLCW offers an unparalleled opportunity to savour the best of the city’s cocktail culture.

Opening party and pickleball tournament

Festivities will begin early this year, with an exciting pre-festival Opening Party and Pickleball Tournament scheduled for Sunday, 20 April 2025, at @pickleparkmy, Flour, Fire & Stone. Running from 9 AM to 2 PM, this high-energy opener brings together 28 public players and 28 industry insiders in a mixed-and-matched pickleball showdown. Entry is free, but slots are limited—participants are encouraged to sign up early by scanning the event’s QR code.

Complementing the action-packed tournament, acclaimed bars including Bar Trigona, Penrose, Three X Co, and Reka:Bar will be serving crafted cocktails from 11 AM until stocks run out. Attendees can expect an infectious atmosphere with live beats, delectable food offerings, and a preview of what the week has in store. At 11:30 AM, the official KLCW 2025 launch will take place, giving visitors an early glimpse into the festival’s highlights and setting the tone for the days ahead.

Industry seminars and workshops

Beyond the revelry, KLCW 2025 also places a strong emphasis on education and professional development within the cocktail community. The festival will feature a robust lineup of industry-focused seminars and hands-on workshops led by international bartenders and industry veterans. Topics will cover a wide range of interests, from advanced mixology techniques to sustainable practices in bar operations and emerging trends in the global cocktail scene.

These knowledge-sharing sessions are designed to not only inspire local bartenders but also to elevate the overall standard of Malaysia’s cocktail industry. By fostering dialogue and collaboration between local talents and global experts, KLCW aims to leave a lasting impact that extends far beyond the festival week.

KLCW Festival Village

As the week-long celebration draws to a close, all eyes will turn to the highly anticipated KLCW Festival Village. This immersive hub of activity will serve as the festival’s grand finale, bringing together all elements of the cocktail experience under one vibrant roof. Visitors can expect a carnival-like atmosphere brimming with pop-up bars, brand showcases, live entertainment, and, of course, an endless flow of expertly crafted cocktails.

The Festival Village is more than just a closing event—it is a testament to Kuala Lumpur’s growing stature as a world-class cocktail destination. It offers a final, unforgettable opportunity for cocktail enthusiasts to connect, celebrate, and toast to the city’s flourishing scene.

Global cocktail map

With its ambitious programming, international collaborations, and community-driven spirit, Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week 2025 is poised to raise the bar once again. By blending entertainment with education and showcasing the city’s vibrant cocktail culture, the festival not only enhances Kuala Lumpur’s nightlife but also firmly establishes it as a contender among Asia’s top-tier cocktail capitals.

For cocktail aficionados and curious explorers alike, KLCW 2025 promises a week of spirited discovery, unforgettable experiences, and a celebration of craftsmanship at every pour.