School holidays are always a good excuse to step away from the usual routine and spend some quality time with family. If the children have been asking for something fun to do, or if parents are simply looking for an activity that combines entertainment with books, stationery and creative activities, the upcoming POPULAR Bookfair at The Starling, Damansara Uptown could be worth adding to the holiday calendar.

Running from 28 August to 6 September 2026, the bookfair is set to bring together shopping, games, workshops and children’s activities at the Level 5 Event Hall. Rather than being just another place to browse books and stationery, this POPULAR Bookfair has a packed programme that gives visitors several reasons to spend an afternoon there.

For families in the Klang Valley, it is also the kind of event that can turn an ordinary school holiday outing into something a little more memorable. There are activities for younger children, games that older children can enjoy, creative workshops and opportunities to win prizes. Best of all, several of the activities are available free of charge, although registration and participation limits apply to selected sessions.

A Bookfair With More Than Just Books

When people hear the name POPULAR, books and stationery are probably the first things that come to mind. However, this particular bookfair is designed to offer more than simply walking around the aisles and looking for something to read.

Visitors can take part in games and hands-on activities throughout the event period. This makes it particularly appealing to parents who want their children to spend some of their school holiday away from screens while still having something entertaining to do.

The event will feature daily activities including Chess, Congkak, UNO and Jenga Challenge, giving visitors the chance to sit down, play and enjoy some friendly competition. These activities are scheduled at different times during the day, so visitors may want to check the programme and plan their visit accordingly.

There are also several special activities taking place on selected dates, including competitions and creative workshops.

Test Teamwork at the BINGO Station Game

One of the activities to look out for is the BINGO Station Game, taking place on 29 August and 4 September 2026.

Participants can form a team of up to five people, with participation limited to a maximum of three teams for the game. The activity is open to participants aged 15 and below, making it a good opportunity for children and teenagers to get involved.

Registration takes place from 1.30pm to 2.00pm, followed by the mission from 2.00pm to 3.00pm. Prize presentation is scheduled for 3.15pm.

There is also a bigger reason to join. The total prizes for the BINGO Station Game are worth RM900, so children who enjoy games and challenges may want to register early rather than wait until the last minute.

Registration is free, although participants should take note of the participation requirements and limited places.

Get Creative With the Merdeka Umbrella Art Workshop

For children who enjoy drawing, colouring and making things with their hands, the STABILO Merdeka Umbrella Art Workshop on 30 August could be one of the more interesting activities at the bookfair.

The workshop is scheduled from 11.30am to 1.00pm and provides children with an opportunity to get creative while celebrating the Merdeka season through art.

Spaces are limited, so interested visitors should not assume that they can simply arrive at the last minute and secure a place. The available information states that participation is limited and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

This is the sort of activity that parents may want to consider if they are already planning a family shopping trip to The Starling. Instead of just browsing around the mall, children can have something hands-on to look forward to during the visit.

Children Can Join the Colouring Competition

Also happening on 30 August is the Children’s Colouring Competition, another activity aimed at young visitors.

There are categories based on age, including Category A for children aged 5 to 8 and another category for older children. The competition is scheduled in separate time slots, with one session from 1.15pm to 2.30pm and another from 2.45pm to 4.00pm.

The total prizes are worth more than RM800, giving young participants another opportunity to compete while enjoying a creative activity.

For parents, competitions such as this can be a nice way to encourage children to spend time doing something creative. It is not necessarily about winning either. The experience of sitting down, concentrating on a task and seeing the finished artwork can be just as enjoyable.

Make a Personalised Zebra SARASA Clip

Another hands-on session to look forward to is the DIY Your Own ZEBRA SARASA Clip Workshop, happening on 5 September.

This workshop gives participants an opportunity to make their own customised item, which makes it slightly different from the usual colouring or game activity. For children who enjoy stationery, crafts and personalising their belongings, this could be an especially appealing session.

Participation is limited, so early registration is recommended. Visitors should also check the event’s registration requirements before heading down.

Free Daily Games for Visitors

Not every activity requires visitors to wait for a special competition date. The POPULAR Bookfair will also feature daily games during the event period.

The programme includes Chess, Congkak, UNO Game and Jenga Challenge, giving families something to do even if they are visiting on a day when the larger workshops are not taking place.

Daily Chess sessions are listed for 12.00pm to 1.00pm, while another activity period is scheduled from 5.00pm to 6.00pm. Since the programme includes several games and activities, visitors may wish to check the on-site schedule for the latest arrangement when they arrive.

These simple games are also a good reminder that a fun family outing does not always need to involve expensive entertainment. Sometimes a board game, a little competition and a group of friends or family members can be enough to keep everyone entertained.

Why Should You Visit the POPULAR Bookfair?

There are plenty of reasons to consider making a trip to this bookfair during the school holidays.

First, it gives families an easy reason to spend time together. Instead of simply taking the children shopping, visitors can combine browsing with games, competitions and creative sessions.

Second, the event offers opportunities to win prizes worth hundreds of ringgit. With the BINGO Station Game offering total prizes worth RM900 and the Children’s Colouring Competition offering prizes worth more than RM800, competitive youngsters have something to look forward to.

Third, many of the activities are free, which is useful for families trying to keep school holiday spending under control. Visitors can enjoy the atmosphere and activities without necessarily having to spend heavily on entertainment.

There is also the shopping side of the bookfair. Visitors can browse books, stationery and other items while they are there. For parents preparing children for the new school term, a visit could be a convenient opportunity to pick up reading materials or stationery at the same time.

Most importantly, the bookfair provides a different kind of school holiday experience. It brings together reading, creativity, traditional games and modern activities in one location.

Plan the Visit Before Heading Down

Anyone interested in joining the special activities should pay attention to the registration arrangements. Some sessions have limited capacity, and selected activities are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

It is also advisable for participants to keep and bring the relevant receipt where required and present it during registration. Visitors should check the official event information and registration requirements before attending to avoid missing out.

For registration, visitors can use the provided link: Register for the POPULAR Bookfair.

With the event running for more than a week, there is plenty of time to choose a suitable day. Families can visit during the weekend for the bigger competitions and workshops, or drop by on a weekday to browse and enjoy the daily activities.

Overall, the POPULAR Bookfair at The Starling, Damansara Uptown looks like a worthwhile school holiday stop for families who want more than just a shopping trip. With books, stationery, games, creative workshops, competitions and prize opportunities all brought together, it offers plenty to keep children occupied.

So, if the school holiday calendar still has a free space between 28 August and 6 September, this could be a good opportunity to bring the family down to The Starling, Damansara Uptown. Check the activity schedule, register early for the limited sessions and make the most of the free games and creative activities available throughout the bookfair.

Promotional/Event Details

Date: 28 August-6 September 2026

Venue: Level 5, Event Hall, The Starling, Damansara Uptown, Malaysia

Time: Event activities take place at various times.
Daily activities include sessions around 12.00pm-1.00pm and 5.00pm-6.00pm. BINGO Station Game registration is 1.30pm-2.00pm, game time is 2.00pm-3.00pm and prize presentation is at 3.15pm on 29 August and 4 September. STABILO Merdeka Umbrella Art Workshop runs from 11.30am-1.00pm on 30 August. Children’s Colouring Competition sessions are 1.15pm-2.30pm and 2.45pm-4.00pm on 30 August.

Highlights: BINGO Station Game, STABILO Merdeka Umbrella Art Workshop, Children’s Colouring Competition, DIY Your Own ZEBRA SARASA Clip Workshop, Chess, Congkak, UNO Game and Jenga Challenge.

Registration: https://bit.ly/4qkvyRX

Type: Bookfair, family event, free activities, competitions and promotional event