Hello again, Singapore Night Festival! This year’s festivity is chock-a-block with brill projections, vibrant performances, fun experiences, and more…
What happens when the sun goes down for three weekends in August? Well, the night owls come out to party, all thanks to Singapore Night Festival 2024! The iconic nocturnal experience returns for its 15th edition from 23 August to 7 September 2024. This year’s festival theme explores the art of play by looking at how schools and games have shaped every generation’s creative expression. Here’s what you can expect.
Your ultimate guide to Singapore Night Festival 2024
1. Buckle up, ‘cos we’re turning back the clock to the 1950s
Last year’s highlight act was all about the swinging sixties and disco fever eras. In 2024, Singapore Night Festival goes back a decade to the roaring fifties, when people headed to amusement parks to escape from real life. But it’s more than just fun attractions: back then, themed parks encouraged visitors to pursue their interests and aim for a brighter future.
Wonder World – The Machine of Nostalgia is the brainchild of local creative Sam Lo. Located at Cathay Green, it recaptures Singapore’s past amusement parks while asking festivalgoers to reflect on nostalgia, belonging, living authentically, and chasing their dreams. Try your hand at vintage games or ride on the carousel (remember that?). You can also look forward to pro-wrestling matches and poetry slams. Tickets cost $25 per person.
2. Facades get colourfully lit with cool projections
One of our favourite things about the Singapore Night Festival is the projection mappings cast on heritage buildings in the BBB precinct. Unfortunately, the National Museum isn’t participating this year due to restoration and upgrading works. Regardless, the show continues with five visual treats at the Peranakan Museum and Chijmes.
Chijmes’ four projection mappings, done by artists participating in the festival for the first time, spotlight childhood games and memories. Keep an eye out for a multi-level pinball machine filled with toys and artefacts, a playground transforming into a magical wonderland, and familiar games like hopscotch, marbles, and more. The remaining light projection takes place at the Peranakan Museum, bringing elements from its various collections to life. Psst: press all the buttons in front of the museum to activate a secret design!
3. Installations that are trip the light fantastic
As with past years, Singapore Night Festival 2024 is (obviously) going to be lit! Festivalgoers can look forward to 10 glowing spectacles across the BBB precinct, all following the festival theme. Those with a competitive streak must take part in Fortune Beads at Funan. Participants need to touch as many illuminated panels as possible within 20 seconds. Let’s see how fast and strategic you are!
If you prefer something more calming, pop over to Bugis Street and check out Delulu High. The installation features a gym, a life-sized bus, and colourful steps, all created as safe spaces for visitors to heal from past traumas related to schools. (Remember, kids: schools are cool!)
The National Design Centre showcases a tricycle stacked with tarpaulin-covered boxes. Visitors are invited to pedal on the tricycle, which activates a projection of an illustrated scene on the wall. The art piece is inspired by Chinese opera. While you’re here, nip inside and sniff out Aesop’s olfactory installation. See if you can find out the brand’s newest scent!
Meanwhile, the nearby Stamford Arts Centre features a neon immersive mural filled with illustrations from old textbooks and hardcover storybooks you might have read while growing up. One installation you’ll marvel at is Look Up, Sunbear! by local artist Tobyato. Located at YMCA and inspired by his residency there, Toby’s artwork sculpture aims to bolster youths with courage, wisdom, and an appreciation for nature.
4. Let your night unfold at the festival villages
Singapore Night Festival’s star attraction, the Festival Village, takes place across four sites this year. The main village is rooted in Singapore Management University’s Campus Green and offers visitors a whimsical and fun experience. Revisit the 1960s to the 2000s through performances and visual spectacles, check out an installation inspired by Toa Payoh’s dragon playground, and scarf down festival-exclusive creations by local brands.
Get ready for a slew of late-night adventures at the satellite villages too! Watch Armenian Street transform into Pixel Paradise, a playful universe where you can challenge other participants in fun games. Head to Chijmes to unwind and soak in the chill vibes when you’re done at the Peranakan Museum. Gr.id at Dhoby Ghaut is the newest location to join in the fold. Revellers can bask in the enchanting twinkling lights while downing ales at the beer garden or going on a foodie trail.
5. Check out exciting performances and programmes
Think there’s already a lot going on at the festival? Sorry, no bueno! There are loads of live acts and partner programmes worth checking out and participating in.
Arts House Limited’s A Date with Tradition returns at Stamford Arts Centre with more performances showcasing our diverse cultures. Look out for Malay classical dance, Indian dance, and Chinese opera. There’s even Minhwa, a type of Korean folk art.
Waterloo Street will be bustling with activities such as photography and print art exhibitions, getai shows, and tarot reading. Get your hands on personalised Insta-letters! Walk down to Bras Basah Complex for a xinyao (Mandarin music genre from the 70s and 80s) singalong hosted by various radio personalities. Or, go on a whimsical journey with a young camper and their motley crew as they try to find the Tree of Dreams.
Even though the National Museum is undergoing external work, you can still drop by for some indoor fun during the festival. Head to level two and check out the Retro Arcade Zone (Dance Dance Revolution, anyone?). Then, go up to the museum’s roof deck to play board games, nosh on snacks, and sip on drinks.
How to get to Singapore Night Festival 2024
We recommend taking the Downtown Line to Bras Basah MRT station, as it’s easier to walk to the various installation sites and festival villages. Festivalgoers can also take the East-West Line and get off at Bugis to explore the locations on foot. The highlight act takes place at Cathay Green, accessible via Dhoby Ghaut MRT station on the North-South, Circle, and North-East lines. Fyi, you’ll be walking a lot, so wear comfortable shoes. Remember to bring a water bottle, a fan, and an umbrella.
Get ready to come out and play at Singapore Night Festival 2024!
Singapore Night Festival 2024, 23 August to 7 September, 7.30pm to 12am, Bras Basah.Bugis precinct; general admission is free unless otherwise stated.
