This month, there a number of festivals around Malaysia for a cultural and musical treat for the senses – and not to be missed are the exciting Malaysian Independence Day celebrations that will be held in various locations around the country.

1. George Town Festival

The George Town  Festival was launched in 2010 to commemorate George Town receiving the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This month-long revelry celebrates community, culture, heritage, and arts, transforming the city into a stage to showcase performance, installations and collaborations from local and international artists.

With over 100 events scheduled this year, this festival will feature workshops, theatre performances, concerts, art exhibitions, comedy shows, and more to entice just about anyone.

Venue: Various locations around George Town including Dewan Sri Pinang, MBPP Town Hall and Esplanade
Date: 29th July – 30th August
Tickets: Visit georgetownfestival.com/events/list/ or redtix.airasia.com to find tickets to individual events. You can also get tickets at 86 Lebuh Armenian, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Website: georgetownfestival.com

2. Rainforest World Music Festival

This fun-filled festival brings together world renowned musicians to the same stage from various continents as well as indigenous musicians from the interiors or Borneo. The festivals includes afternoon workshops followed by evening performances.

There will also be food, arts and crafts, souvenirs, and CDs by performing artists to create a wholesome festival atmosphere. This is a not-to-be-missed event in the heart of the Bornean jungle. Do get your tickets early to enjoy early bird discounts.

Date: 5th – 7th August
Venue: Sarawak Cultural Village, Sarawak
Tickets: www.ticketcharge.com.my
Prices:  From RM120 – RM380 for adults and from RM60 to RM170 for children. Family package (2 adults + 2 children) from RM240 – RM280
Website: rwmf.net

3. Standard Chartered KL Marathon

The Standard Chartered JKL Marathon is back for another edition. The categories available this year range from 1-5km non-competitive, a half marathon of 21km and a full marathon or 42km. There are 35,000 slots for this 2016 edition and it will be the eighth Standard Chartered Marathon in KL so far.

Unfortunately, all the slots have been filled and registration is currently closed, but you are welcomed to join in as a spectator, and cheer on the participants.

Date: 7th August
Venue: Dataran Merdeka and KL City
Website: www.kl-marathon.com

4. Good Vibes Festival 2016

The Good Vibes Festival 2016 is about enjoying good music with good company with a little art, fashion, and the Good Bites food village – featuring local artisanal entrepreneurs – thrown in for good measure. Since its debut in 2013, this homegrown outdoor music festival has always offered a line-up of local and international artists from well-known bands to new, up-and-coming act, and this year is no different. There will be something for all music lovers.

The festival this year will be held at The Ranch in Gohtong Jaya, Genting Highlands on 12th and 13th August. The event is outdoors and it will go on, rain or shine, so be prepared.

Date: 12th – 13th August
Venue: The Ranch in Gohtong Jaya, Genting Highlands
Tickets: boxtix.asia
Website: goodvibesfestival.com

5. KL Fashion Week Ready to Wear

The KL Fashion Week Ready to Wear show was designed to be a platform where Malaysian designers can showcase their ready to wear collections and highlight the creativity and strength of the Malaysian fashion industry. Last year, over 100,000 people  attended the five- day event featuring more than 80 local designers’ collections.

Date: 17th – 21st August
Venue: Pavilion, KL
Website: klfashionweek.website

6. Start in Tioman

This is a joint effort between the Pahang State Government, Tourism Malaysia,  Villagers Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd, Divers Association and Diving Centre Operators to showcase Tioman as an exciting dive destination while raising awareness on the importance of conserving the marine ecology. With activities like beach clean-ups, marine conservation talks, and artificial reef construction, the program is designed to emphasis the beauty of underwater life, both for tourism and environmental conservation purposes.

You can sign up for the open water course, advanced open water dive course, rescue diver course, or snorkelling. There will also be a photography contest, diving games, beach games, snorkelling trips, and a lucky draw to keep you entertained.

Date: 18th – 21st August
Venue: Kampung Genting, Pulau Tioman
Register by contacting either of these numbers: +609-4131 441, +609-7996 364, +6012-7387 700, +6019-7855 810, or +6010 4035 600
Price: RM1188 (for open water, advanced open water, and rescue diver courses), RM488 (snorkelling)
Website: www.facebook.com/StartInTioman

7. Hari Merdeka (Independence Day)

This national day is a tribute to Malaysia gaining independence from Britain in 1957. An annual parade, which consists of cultural performances and military processions such as the 21-gun salute, is held traditionally in Merdeka Square, KL.

In addition, since 1985, the national parade has been spread throughout the nation to cities such as Malacca, George Town, Kuching, Johor Bahru, Putrajaya, and Kota Kinabalu. Make sure to catch a glimpse of this patriotic celebration if you’re in town.

Date: 31st August