This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on September 25, 2015.

4 ways to celebrate the mid-autumn festival

Be at Publika Shopping Gallery from 5pm onwards this Sunday, to watch dragon dance performances, participate in a lantern rally or shop at the bazaar — all part of their mid-autumn festival celebrations. Gather family and friends for the activities at Level G2, The Square, Solaris Dutamas, 1, Jalan Dutamas 1, Kuala Lumpur. Admission is free and the schedule of the festival can be found at www.facebook.com/PublikaGallery.

If you have yet to purchase any mooncakes this season, take your pick from the classic baked and mini snow skin mooncake options at Tao Chinese Cuisine, Intercontinental Kuala Lumpur. The handmade mooncakes are packed in vibrant butterfly motif gift boxes, with a 10% discount for bulk purchases of 51 to 100 boxes and a 15% discount for over 101 boxes for orders placed by this Sunday. Intercontinental Kuala Lumpur is located at 165 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur and the details of the promotion are at www.intercontinental-kl.com.my. 

Join in the fun at the Thousand Lantern Parade tomorrow starting from 4pm till late at Sungei Wang Plaza. Lanterns will be given away for free before the parade is flagged off from the main entrance of the mall at Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. There will also be lion and dragon dance troupe performances accompanying the parade. More information is at www.sungeiwang.com.

Hilton Kuala Lumpur is offering high tea with an oriental twist for the mid-autumn festival. The “Savour the Mooncake High-Tea” is presented in an exotic steel birdcage, and consists of a selection of moon cakes, savoury spring rolls and scones with home-made durian cream in place of clotted cream and jam. Priced at RM164 nett for two, the high tea is available all this weekend at The Lounge, lobby level of Hilton Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Stesen Sentral, Kuala Lumpur. Call (03) 2264 2596 for reservations.

2 shows to catch

Beijing Opera

Experience the traditional form of Beijing Opera combined with techniques of modern theatre to narrate the fleeting period of youth based on the legend of Faust who sells his soul to the Devil. Young Curtain follows the story of an actress, at the prime of her career, who meets a mysterious man who sells her a potion promising everlasting youth. Show times are 8.30pm today and tomorrow and 3pm and 8.30pm on Sunday at Auditorium DBKL, Menara DBKL 1, Jalan Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur. Tickets priced at RM60 and RM80 can be purchased at www.diversecity.my.

Short + Sweet

Check out the biggest little festival in the world — Short + Sweet — made up of original works all under 10 minutes in length. Head over to Pentas 2, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan (off Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah — formerly known as Jalan Ipoh) Kuala Lumpur this weekend at 8.30pm to watch the performances in the musical genre. Tickets can be purchased from www.ticketpro.com.my at RM25 or RM35 each. Call (03) 4047 9000 or visit www.klpac.org for more.

2 new pet cafes to check out

Cat lovers can count their felines in when making plans for the weekend. Purradise Pet Cafe allows your cat to explore the grounds or play with other cats while you catch up with friends over a smoothie or fresh juice. The cafe is situated on the first floor of 24, Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 2, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. Visit www.facebook.com/mypurradise or call (03) 2389 0976 for more.

Have a cuppa with your furry friend close by at CuBs & CuPs, a dog-friendly cafe with a menu catering to the needs of your pets too. Expect a warm welcome from playful resident Huskies and Pomeranians at the cafe. CuBs & CuPs is located at Lot 22, Wisma Rapid, Jalan 30/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur Call (016) 689 1258 or (014) 639 5023 or log on to www.cubsncups.com for more details.

3 places to go to for pastry

Yeast Bistronomy

The next time you find yourself in the Bangsar Baru area, pop by Yeast Bistronomy for a meal or for a dose of their lovely pastries. The outlet also offers a range of freshly baked farmer’s bread, baguettes, croissants and brioches displayed at the entrance of the restaurant. Find them at 24G Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. Call (03) 2282 0118 or visit www.yeastbistronomy.com for more details.

Bowery Petit

Choose from the ample selection of sweets and savouries at Bowery Petit. This newly opened New York-inspired eatery offers bagel balls, pizzas, buns and a delicious range of Danish pastries. There are both indoor and outdoor seating areas if you wish to dine-in. Bowery Petit is situated at 48, Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. Call (03) 7710 0295 for more.

Levain Boulangerie & Pâtisserie

Make plans for weekend brunch or, if you would like to avoid the crowd, simply drop by to stock up on pastries at Levain Boulangerie & Pâtisserie, where you will be spoilt for choice with the assortment of French pastries available. Levain is located in a bungalow complete with parking space and an al fresco dining area at 7, Jalan Delima Off Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur. Further information can be found at www.levain.com.my or by calling (03) 2142 6611.

3  jazz acts to groove to

Az Samad

Guitarist-composer-educator Az Samad, who has performed across the United States, Europe and Asia for the past 19 years, will be performing at Gaslight Cafe & Music at 8.30pm tonight. Swing by Unit 15-2, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Plaza Damansara, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur to be serenaded by his soothing jazzy strums. Further information is available at www.facebook.com/gaslightcafekl, or call (03) 2011 4047 for queries.

John Thomas Trio

Sway to the jazzy tunes of drummer John Thomas and friends at No Black Tie as he performs with Willy Rebano (keys), Patrick Terbrack (saxophone) and Ken Chung (bass). Thomas has performed at numerous jazz festivals including Arts Alive! Jazz Fest in South Africa and Jarasum International Jazz in South Korea. The show starts at 10pm tomorrow with a cover charge of RM50. No Black Tie is situated at 17 Jalan Mesui, off Jalan Nagasari, Kuala Lumpur. Visit noblacktie.com.my or call (03) 2142 3737 for more details.

Victoria Newton

Victoria Newton will be at Alexis Bistro Ampang today and tomorrow. She has performed at the Perth International Jazz Festival, London International Jazz Festival and Ingolstadt Jazz Festival in Germany. Mark your calendar for dinner or drinks at Alexis Bistro Ampang, Great Eastern Mall, 303 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur from 10pm onwards. Visit www.alexis.com.my for further information and call (03) 4260 2288 for dinner reservations.