As Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts marks its 25th edition in 2026, the beloved festival returns not just as a celebration, but as a living archive of the Nusantara’s cultural imagination. Taking place from 16 to 19 April at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, this milestone edition reflects how far the festival has come, from a platform for artistic expression to a vital space for renewal, dialogue and community connection. Over the years, Pesta Raya has grown into a gathering point where tradition meets reinvention, honouring the region’s rich diversity while keeping its living cultures vibrantly relevant.

This anniversary edition underscores Esplanade’s long-standing commitment to cultural stewardship, artistic excellence and public access. It is shaped by the trust of generations of artists, collaborators and audiences who have journeyed with the festival through changing times, and who continue to affirm its role in deepening cultural understanding through the performing arts. As Pesta Raya looks back on 25 years of memories, it also looks forward as it continues creating space for stories that resonate across borders, disciplines and generations.

A highlight of Pesta Raya 2026 is La Luna by Teater Ekamatra (Bawang Merah Bawang Putih). Inspired by the acclaimed 2023 film by director M. Raihan (Clover Films and Papahan Films), La Luna follows the quiet upheaval of a small village after the arrival of a modern lingerie shop run by an unwelcome newcomer, Hanie. Her presence unsettles long-held social codes, awakening desires that have long remained unspoken. As relationships deepen and tensions simmer beneath the village’s carefully maintained façade, the community is forced to confront its own hypocrisies and contradictions between tradition and change, conformity and desire, belief and personal freedom. 

This inaugural stage adaptation is led by an all-star cast of theatre heavyweights including Munah Bagharib, Fir Rahman, Farhana M Noor, Sani Hussin, Fauzie Laily, Siti Khalijah Zainal, Rizman Putra, Haziqah Hashir and Ali Mazrin. Together with a powerhouse creative team comprising of playwright Ridhwan Saidi, director and production designer Mohd Fared Jainal, lighting designer Adrian Tan and sound designer Safuan Johari, La Luna captures the same spirit of its namesake film and promises to be a sharp, heartfelt comedy that is as provocative as it is entertaining. 

Malaysia’s ASWARA presents Randai Macbeth, which brings the classic Shakespeare tragedy a Malaysian twist. Reimagined through Minangkabau traditions and Malay cultural identity, Randai Macbeth is a thrilling adaptation of a popular Shakespeare classic by one of Malaysia’s most inventive playwright and director, Dr. Norzizi Zulkifli. Keeping true to the original text, Randai Macbeth follows the story of a hero named Macbeth, who receives a prediction from three witches about his fate to become King. When his wife discovers this, she plots to murder the existing King so that both herself and her husband can ascend to power—resulting in worse misfortune when this tragic murder haunts both their lives.

This production by ASWARA’s Traditional Performing Arts Centre (PuTRA) from Malaysia reimagines the tragedy of Macbeth through the Malaysian theatre form, randai. Originating from the Minangkabau in West Sumatra, Indonesia, randai is actively performed by diasporic communities through Malaysia. This theatre tradition combines music, singing, dance, drama and the martial art silat. Winning multiple awards, this bold and inventive production shows the enduring power of traditional theatre and its potential for relevance in contemporary times.

For younger audiences, look out for PUNO: Sewing Memories by Indonesia’s Papermoon Puppet Theatre. Using non-verbal storytelling, original music, mask theatre and techniques inspired by Japanese bunraku and kuruma ningyo, Papermoon Puppet Theatre tells the story of single father Puno and his daughter, Tala, in this exploration of life, death and legacy.

This story follows Puno, a single dad and a tailor, who tries to sew threads of memories with his daughter, Tala. He tries to provide for his daughter’s needs, building her self-confidence and abilities so that Tala can one day continue her journey on her own. Stitching the threads and fabric of their work, Papermoon asks us to consider the different ways that death shapes us, and to recognise the significance of the lives of our loved ones beyond the moment of their passing.

On the music front, get ready for legendary Malaysian artist Dato’ Zainalabidin’s 50th Anniversary Concert. Bursting onto the Malaysian music scene in 1977 as the lead vocalist of the rock band Headwind, Zainal grew into his own identity as a solo artist upon the release of his self-titled solo debut album in 1991. This record, Zainal Abidin, also featured the hit single Hijau, which has become of his most iconic songs. Recognised for his socially-conscious lyrics and social advocacy, his distinct sound blends traditional Malaysian sounds with contemporary styles, drawing inspiration from Afro-Asian music and world music culture.

Making his Esplanade debut is Indonesia’s Adrian Khalif. Recognised for his smooth vocals, emotive lyrics and seamless fusion of R&B, hip hop and pop, this R&B crooner promises an introspective set about love and identity, showcasing fan favourites alongside deeper cuts. After graduating from the University of Indonesia in 2016, Adrian signed a recording contract with E-motion Entertainment in 2017, releasing his debut single Made in Jakarta. Adrian’s popularity skyrocketed upon the release of the songs Sialan—a collaboration with label mates Juicy Luicy band—and his solo release Menawan. Racking up millions of streams, views and followers within a short three years, Adrian quickly became one to watch in Indonesia’s rich contemporary music landscape.

Finally, as part of Pesta Raya 2026, Indonesian alternative stalwarts The Trees & The Wild presents an Asia-exclusive concert, marking a rare opportunity to experience the band in an intimate live setting. Whether through hushed, intimate passages or sweeping crescendos, The Trees & The Wild create songs that feel both personal and communal. Over the last two decades, the band has continually evolved, exploring indie rock, post-rock, folk and experimental textures without losing their deep emotional core. After making a highly anticipated live performance return at Indonesia’s Synchronize Fest in Oct 2025, the band makes their way back to Singapore in April 2026, more than 10 years after their last performance at Esplanade’s Baybeats and Mosaic Music Festival. 

From major stage productions and headline concerts to communal performances animating Esplanade’s public spaces, Pesta Raya 2026 unfolds as both a celebration and an invitation to gather, to remember, and to imagine what comes next. As the festival enters its next chapter, it continues to be a source of pride and belonging, calling on audiences to come dressed in their Nusantara best and be part of a legacy that is still very much alive.

Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts 2026 runs from 16th to 19th April 2026 at the Esplanade. More information and tickets available here