Singapore Night Festival 2023 has lit up The Lion City. The festival extravaganza returned for its 14th edition on August 18 in the Bras Basah.Bugis (BBB) precinct.
The thrilling festival is on until August 26 and features a new groovy roller skating rink and signature project mapping, alongside more than 50 other cool experiences, combining beautiful art and light installations, as well as fascinating secrets of arts, heritage and culture.
From musical performances, to movie screenings, interactive learning, guided tours, colourful exhibitions, theatre shows, and so more, from both global and local talent, centred around the 2023 theme of Singapore, the Great Port City….you won’t be bored.
Excitingly, most events are free-to-enter with selected programmes costing as little as $5. Overall, the festival showcases Singapore’s evolution from a port city of the past to a vibrant, multicultural hub of today. With more than 50 experiences to discover, we’ve narrowed down eight of our top picks of things to do.
Festival highlights
1. See 700 years of Singapore’s history
A six-minute colourful art installation has been developed on the façade of National Museum of Singapore. It features a female protagonist, Seri Anggerik, who goes on a journey to the 14th century. She is awestruck at how far Singapore has come as she embarks to our present day reality. This installation is Singapore’s first attempt at theatrical project mapping, where imaginations of the playwriter and artist blend with advanced technology. It plays every 30 minutes from 7.30pm to midnight until August 26. Learn more about 700 Years.
2. Discover Port City 2.0
Armenian Street has been transported into an alternate reality and a hub for creative food, art, multi-genre performances, and other immersive experiences. Visitors can’t miss the exciting treasure quest through the underbelly of Port City 2.0 inside the Peranakan Museum, while World Beyond is an iconic digital art installation into another realm. Plus, shoppers can browse for a diverse collection of goodies like books, from the marketplace Barter & Buy Market, and there are exclusive Asian edibles too.
3. Experience drone flying
ThrottleUp is hosting The Cage at Bugis+ as part of Singapore Night Festival. From August 18 to 20 and 25 to 27, visitors can try out drone flying inside a state-of-the-art LED drone arena. No matter your experience or age, it’s perfect for people as young as six to grandparents, and you’ll learn the basics from pilot instructors. Bookings cost $25 for a 20 minute session. Sign up on ThrottleUp.
4. Skate back to the swinging sixties
The National Museum of Singapore is hosting the festival’s new showstopper until August 26. Time is a Black Circle boasts a lively indoor roller skating rink in a circle, complemented by Dawn Ng’s Disco Time Portal artwork, vibrant colours, and disco scenes for the ultimate 60s dance party. You can visit the beautiful artwork – capturing nature of time, memory, and nostalgia – for free from 10am to 4pm. However, if you want to skate from 7.30pm, the price is $27 for a 25 minute session.
5. Snap ig-worthy photos
There are dozens of epic night lights and art installations, that are perfect for photos, scattered around the precinct. Visitors can admire more than 12 interactive night light projections such as A Stone’s Throw, beside the National Museum, which is activated by historic Badang when visitors step on a panel. Meanwhile, unique light projections on the plants at Farquhar Garden in Fort Canning Park is another backdrop for quirky pictures, and Critical Craft Collective’s X O X seesaws at Stamford Arts Centre is excellent to shot some content with a date, to name a few.
Additionally, you can’t miss CHIJMES which is illuminated with three different animated light projects focusing on Singapore’s history as a port city. It’s a clever way to learn about history with colourful depictions of the 1800s and post World War II days.
Why not download the Nightwalk App and venture on a trail to snap instagrammable pictures and try to win prizes by checking in at 10 different locations in the area?
6. Indulge on delicious street foods
Foodies can indulge at three iconic festival villages located at CHIJMES, Armenian Street, and the main festival village at SMU Campus Green, offering dozens of delicious delicacies. Tuck into sweet chocolate crepes, grilled meats, fusion finger food, innovative waffles like Chili Crab Praffle, global eats like Japanese udon, and so much more, as you walk around the precinct.
Otherwise, sign up for the Port Cities Food culinary journey down Middle Road, which offers curated cocktails, accompanied by stories of the Middle Road’s gastronomic heritage. Definitely, one of the best things to do for foodies!
7. Wander a world of GIFs
Asia’s largest collection of GIFs is at National Design Centre in Singapore until August 26. The free experience boasts an interactive maze, and brings together more than 80 creations from artists from across the globe for a colourful multimedia showcase. GIFFEST III is organised by EYEYAH! and uses GIFs to ignite conversations and educate on the value of imperfections for 2023’s theme Imperfect. Learn more about GIFFEST 2023.
📍National Design Centre, Singapore
8. Other cool attractions
Meanwhile, there are plenty of attractions to keep families entertained. For instance, the Children’s Museum Singapore has a family zone to play and programmes like a night’s stay in the museum when an adult is accompanied by a child.
Another highlight is the Waterloo Street Stories along one of Singapore’s oldest roads. Tales of the past come alive through a unique collaboration of dance, music, photography, art, and plays. From war days, to ghost stories, and the history of the theatre…you’ll be truly mesmerised at these interactive experiences.
Additionally, jazz lovers can relax to their favourite melodies at Capitol. See WHAT’S ON via Singapore Night Festival.
Certainly, Singapore Night Festival is the perfect place to get your groove on after dark this August, engage in learning experiences, and snap some ig-worthy moments, while celebrating Singapore’s rich heritage, history and culture. It opens from 7.30pm to midnight daily.
SEE MORE: The Best Things To Do This Weekend In Singapore