Concerts & festivals to look out for in 2016

This year hasn’t been short of festivals and concerts to attend. Though some may have been cancelled, then there are the new proposed rules and regulations, none of these mars concert- and festival-goers’ spirits to enjoy life to the fullest. 

Hong Kong star Eason Chan is holding a two-day concert at the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands at 8pm on 26 and 27 February 2016. Fans most recently met the singer up close and personal during his “Getting Ready” promo tour in Malaysia for his album of the same name. 

Good Vibes is set to return for its second edition in Malaysia next year and this time around, American alternative rock band Death Cab for Cutie will be headlining the event.  This marks the band’s first time performing in Malaysia. Fans can already buy their tickets now for the show at KL Live at Life Centre, taking place at 8pm on 27 February 2016.

Luke, Ashton, Calum and Michael – the quartet that makes up Australian pop punk band 5 Seconds of Summer – are finally coming down to Malaysia to meet their fans for the first time. The concert is set to take place at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on 2 March 2016. The band will also be touring Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and more next year.

4. Shipsomnia 2016

(Photo source: Auroral’s Facebook)

A new EDM ship is set to set sail early next year. Following the waves of cruises with similar concept – It’s the Ship, Holy Ship! – this Singapore to Phuket round trip, with a quick stop at Langkawi, will feature five days of music and arts on the high sea. With an aquatic fantasy theme, the party on the sea takes place from 2 to 6 January 2016.

5. Rainforest World Music Festival 2016

(Photo source: Rainforest World Music Festival’s website)

The annual three-day music festival takes place in the rainforest of Borneo, where there will be informative workshops, ethno-musical lectures, jamming sessions and mini concerts in the afternoon before the performance at the main stage kick off in the evening. The award-winning festival will be returning to Sarawak Cultural Village from 5 to 7 August 2016.

6. Sunset Music Festival 2016

(Photo source: Sabah Tourism)

Also located in Borneo, or at the tip of it specifically, Sunset Music Festival will once again be held at Simpang Mengayau, Kudat next year. There’s nothing more calming than being serenaded by classical music while basking in the glow of the setting sun. Contemporary tunes are also played at the festival, which will be happening from 3 to 4 June 2016.

7. Urbanscapes 2016

(Photo source: Urbanscapes’ website)

Touted as one of the longest-running creative arts festivals in Malaysia, Urbanscapes had been in the business since 2002. Though it decided to skip holding any event this year, the latest update on its Facebook page promises that plans for Urbanscapes 2016 “are afoot”.  If you’ve never had the chance to visit it before, here’s what we experienced at the festival last year.

8. Ultra Music Festival Asia 2016 – Bali

(Photo source: Ultra Music Festival’s Facebook)

A music festival that takes place worldwide, it has been held not only in Asia but also in European and North American countries. While this festival has yet to set stage in Malaysia, residents here can always visit the upcoming festival in Bali, Indonesia. No word yet on whether it will be returning to other Southeast Asian countries like Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines.

(Photo source: Urbanscapes’ Facebook)