KL’s cocktail calendar is about to hit its most ambitious note as Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week (KLCW) returns for its third edition from 28 April to 3 May 2026, transforming the city into a week-long playground for cocktail lovers, hospitality insiders, and global bar talents alike.
Designed as both a celebration and a conversation starter, KLCW 2026 builds on the momentum of previous editions with a broader international lineup, deeper industry engagement, and a more immersive city-wide format – further cementing Kuala Lumpur’s growing status on the global cocktail map. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming cocktail circuit.
A city divided, a drinking scene united
Following last year’s format, Kuala Lumpur will be mapped into four cocktail zones: Petaling Jaya / TTDI, Bangsar / Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, and Chinatown. Each zone will host guest shifts, bar takeovers, and curated events that reflect the personality of its neighbourhood.
KLCW 2026 will culminate in the Festival Village on 2 May, held at Sentul Depot, where cocktails, music, performances, and brand showcases come together in a single, high-energy celebration. Expect an open, festival-style setting that invites both casual drinkers and seasoned enthusiasts to explore the craft behind the glass.
Global bar talents take over local stages
The City Takeover concept remains one of the defining pillars of KLCW. This year, leading bars from Bangkok, Shanghai, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Taipei, Dubai, Seoul, Singapore, Manila, Hanoi, Macau, and beyond will bring their signature programmes to Kuala Lumpur – each interpreting their city’s drinking culture through technique, ingredients, and narrative-driven menus.
On the home front, an extensive lineup of Kuala Lumpur bars will play host, including Amazonas, Bar Trigona, JungleBird, Penrose, Reka:Bar, Soma, Three X Co, Wet Deck, and many more – underscoring the depth and diversity of the city’s own cocktail ecosystem.
Tipple Talks on the future of hospitality
Beyond the cocktail circuit, Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week 2026 introduces Tipple Talks, a full-day food and beverage conference taking place on 1 May at W Kuala Lumpur. Curated as an education-driven programme, Tipple Talks brings together industry figures for a series of talks and panel discussions examining the evolving landscape of hospitality. Topics range from culinary heritage and identity to workforce transformation, artificial intelligence, and the growing influence of the creator economy on food and beverage culture.
The inclusion of Tipple Talks signals a growing maturity within the event, positioning Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week not only as a celebration, but as a space for reflection, learning, and long-term industry development.
Where culinary meets mixology
Expanding its culinary dimension, the 2026 edition introduces a series of cocktail pairing dinners in collaboration with official dining water partners S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna. Working alongside guest bartenders, some of Kuala Lumpur’s most respected restaurants will host curated dining experiences that explore the intersection between kitchen and bar.
Participating restaurants include Akar, Barkar, Bistro Lea, DC Restaurant, Fifty Tales, Ling Long, Nadodi, Pickle Dining, Roost, Tangram, Terra Dining, Yellow Fin Horse, and more, each offering a distinct interpretation of how cocktails can elevate the dining table.
A growing global presence
With FunNow as its official reservation and ticketing partner, and support from a wide range of international spirits brands, Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week 2026 reflects the continued growth and confidence of Malaysia’s cocktail ecosystem.
The full lineup of guest shifts, pairing dinners, and conference panels is set to be revealed on 1 April 2026.
For more updates and ticket information, follow @klcwofficial on Instagram.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week 2025
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