If you’ve haven’t heard of it already, Urbanscapes 2017 is happening this Friday! Malaysia’s longest-running creative arts festival returns with bigger and better lineup of exciting activities and performances.

Since its inception 15 years ago, Urbanscapes started with the aim of bringing together the local creative communities in various fields, including design, music, arts, film, and other creative disciplines. Today, the platform has grown to become an internationally known and attended event which includes both local and international talent. Performers who have graced the event in the past include Yuna, Paperplane Pursuits, Franz Ferdinand, and Australian psychedelic rock band Tame Impala.

This year, Urbanscapes will be held across various locations around Kuala Lumpur, including KL Live Centre and The Row. Participants can anticipate world-class performances by various local and international acts like Clean Bandit, Mew and Stars, and The Venopian Solitude.

For the next three weekends, art attendees, festival goers, and pop culture vultures can participate in various events such as #ThisIsKualaLumpur which is an enthralling photo project that includes an exhibition, talks and photography walking tour, as well as Chinatown Chowdown to dine and wine on exclusive Urbanscapes-themed nosh at various eateries and pop-ups all over Chinatown.

Many of the events require a ticket or registration, but there are a number of free activities that you can take part in, such as Paras Bunyi Live Show and Musika Vinyl Market.

Music

Urbanscapes 2017 is stepping up its game with big international acts. Headliners Clean Bandit, best known for their hit ‘Rather Be’ featuring Jess Glyne, are taking the stage at KL Live on 18^th May, whereas the Danish progressive-rock trio, Mew, will be entertaining their fans on 10^th May supported by Indonesia’s rock group The Trees & The Wild.

Although Urbanscapes is a major music festival, the recently reopened The Bee Publika will be hosting a few intimate performances including English math rockers, TTNG, as well as guitar wunderkind and one-man band, Mylets. Sharing the stage with these acts are Melbourne-based Taiwanese electronic artist on the rise Cloudy Ku, Malaysian experimental band The Venopian Solitude, and many more.

Check out the complete line up of music acts at urbanscapes.com.my.

Arts

For all art enthusiasts, there a plenty of events arranged for you as well. For the entire duration of the festival, the basement at Urbanscapes House will host COLLECTIVE | Individuals, a visual arts project which aims to engage with active art collectives in Malaysia including Hideout, Rumah Studio, The Secret, and more, to co-curate and co-organise group exhibitions, in continuing to diversify and enrich the local arts ecosystem.

Also, Komik Kon Malaysia is back and this time, they’re taking all attendees on a road tour. In collaboration with Funko Pop Malaysia, KL Sketch Nation, and local comic artists, the event follows a ‘Superhero in the City’ theme with competitions, fan based events, collectable trades, upcoming talents, and exclusive showcases.

For more art exhibitions and workshops, visit urbanscapes.co.my.

Markets

If you’re looking for something more on the fun side, then it’s worth checking out the markets. TIFFIN THROWDOWN: Battle Of The Poke Bowl is back and this time, it’s all about the hottest Hawaiian trend in town – poke bowls. All vendors will compete against each other to construct their best poke bowls and attendees get to be the judge on which they think is the best. If that sounds fun, come join the event and see outlets like Fin, Kurin, Sushi + Rotary Sushi Bar and more, dishing their best bowls out.

On the 13^th and 14^th May, curious collectors and connoisseurs will get a chance to find plenty to shop and swap at Patina by The Fine Companions, a market showcase of vintage clothing, leather works, and vinyl goods. If you’re looking to find something from a bygone era, this is the place you should be.

Tickets

Some events in the festival are free for all to enjoy while others require a ticket which can be purchased ahead of time or at the door, depending on the event. Also, some workshops require advance registration. To find out if you need a ticket for the event you’re interested in checking out, please refer to the line-up list on the Urbanscapes website.