Illuminating the Night: A Preview of the Singapore Night Festival 2024

Global Team
16 Oct 2024 - 4 min read

Singapore Night Festival - Singapore's biggest nighttime experience - returns to the Bras Basah, Bugis area for its 15th edition this year. Held over three weekends in August-September, this year's festival is themed "Art of Play". This exploration of the concept of play and childhood is inspired by the region's historical significance as the birthplace of some of Singapore's first schools.

Discover the region's unique stories and traditions through the festival's signature projection mapping artwork, nightly light installations by local and regional artists, as well as a range of exciting programs, culinary and retail experiences in various Festival Villages, and performances including jazz performances and xinyao sing-alongs – an unforgettable celebration of art and culture!

The visitor may go back in time with this year's Highlight Act entitled "Wonder World", and enjoy the old and retro atmosphere of Singapore from the 1950s to the 1970s. Conceptualised by local artist SKL0, this unique-looking theme park experience ponders and touches on the modern ideas of nostalgia and heritage. Look forward to being immersed in a world of amusement park rides, old-school gaming kiosks, nostalgic themed food and drinks, shows, and more!

What’s Happened on Singapore Night Festival

Festival-Village-at-CHIJMES

Source: Singapore Night Festival Official Website

Singapore Night Festival this year has an "Art of Play" theme, the Singapore Night Festival aims to commemorate the legacy and culture of Bras Basah, Bugis (BBB) through the viewpoints of play, creativity and childhood nostalgia. Some of Singapore's first schools, such as St Anthony's Convent, Anglo-Chinese School, St Joseph's Institution, and Tao Nan School, were once located in this area. Although these institutions have relocated, the area remains home to new educational institutions such as the Singapore Management University, the School of the Arts, and the University of the Arts Singapore (NAFA and LASALLE).

This year, the festival has been extended to three weekends, covering a total of 16 days. The Singapore Night Festival will host the first Xinyao singalong concert at the Bras Basah Complex and the first late-night festival village at GR.ID, promising an unforgettable experience for all visitors. One of the most anticipated events at this year's festival is the highly immersive Highlight Act, "Wonder World - Enter the Machine of Nostalgia", which offers visitors a journey into a carnival world that traverse the image of nostalgia. As BBB's largest nighttime experience, the Singapore Night Festival will continue to feature a diverse range of offerings from tours and workshops to immersive retail experiences.

The Singapore Night Festival features more than 50 experiences including performances, nightly installations and three festival villages. The main festival village returns to the Singapore Management University (SMU) Green Campus for the first time since the pandemic, featuring food vendors such as The Slurp Shack, Booze Affairs and Praffles, alongside performances at SMU Arts Fest.

Graphic artist Kristal Melson, 40, also a Singaporean illustrator, experimented for the first time with inflatable sculptures in a nightlight installation on Jalan Bugis called "Florescence". This work is a representation of the periwinkle flower trade in Singapore.

The festival also offers an unforgettable experience with various events and art installations that liven up the nights in Singapore. In the Singapore Night Festival, there will be an amalgamation of art, history and culture that lives in the past and present.

What to Do on Singapore Night Festival

CMSG Open House

Source: Singapore Night Festival Official Website

Everyone can enjoy the Singapore Night Festival and some events are free. Watch incredible performances from local talents from 07.30 at night until early morning. Don’t miss various kind of interesting events that liven up the night atmosphere in the Bras Basah.Bugis area. From stunning art displays to innovative interactive installations, this festival offers an experience you shouldn't miss. Here are some of the main activities you should do during the festival:

1. Visit Wonder World: The Machine of Nostalgia

Wonder World – The Machine of Nostalgia is located in Cathay Green and is an innovative concept from Sam Lo. Visitors can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a 1950s amusement park. Here, visitors will be invited to reminisce about their lives and dreams authentically, fostering a sense of belonging.

2. Enjoy the Lively Atmosphere at Festival Village

Experience the nostalgia of the 1960s to 2000s through various performances and visual spectacles. Visitors can witness extraordinary creations from local brands and installations inspired by the Toa Payoh dragon playground. You can also play at Pixel Paradise on Armenian Street or relax at Chijmes after visiting the Peranakan Museum. Soak up the joy and twinkling lights at Dhoby Ghaut. There is also a culinary trail and beer garden to enhance the cheerful atmosphere.

3. Embark on an Eccentric Journey of Art and Spirituality

Stop by Waterloo Street for print and photography exhibitions. Visitors can also watch the Getai performance, synonymous with the Ghost Festival, or take part in tarot card readings. For Mandarin music fans, there are 70s-80s xinyao music performances at the Bras Basah Complex. Join the young campers and crew for an adventure to find the Dream Tree.

4. Enjoy Past Themed Artworks

One installation worth visiting is "Look Up, Sunbear!" located at the YMCA and created by local artist Tobyato. Tobyato's work conveys a message of courage, wisdom, and caring for nature for the younger generation. Also, check out the immersive neon murals by the Stamford Arts Centre. These works include illustrations from old textbooks and childhood hardcover storybooks. Meanwhile, there is an old bicycle at the National Design Centre where, as visitors pedal, projections of Chinese opera scenes appear on the wall.

5. Watching Projection Mapping

Projection mapping is one of the favourite performances for visitors to the Singapore Night Festival. Visitors can see historic buildings illuminated by stunning projection mapping. This year, you can watch this performance at the Peranakan Museum and Chijmes. The Peranakan Museum projection will feature elements from its various collections, while the Chijmes Museum will display beautiful and colourful childhood games and memories.

With Singapore Night Festival 2024 taking place over three weekends, don't miss the opportunity to join in and celebrate Singapore's arts and culture in a colorful and fun atmosphere. Bring friends and family to enjoy the various performances, art installations and unique experiences that have been prepared. Come play and celebrate the beauty of Singapore's arts and cultural heritage at this captivating festival!

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How to Get to the Singapore Night Festival Location

How to get to the location where the Singapore Night Festival is held? You can depart from various places in Singapore using the MRT to Bras Basah MRT Station. After that, you just need to exit through door B.

Book a hotel around Bugis or Bras Basah to make it easier, so you just have to walk. Use Traveloka to book one, or book a flight to Singapore as well.

To make your trip even more convenient, book your tickets and accommodations through Traveloka. With Traveloka, you can find the best deals on any tickets, nearby hotels, flights and more tourist attractions. Plus, you can read reviews and get travel tips to ensure you make the most of your visit. Start planning your adventure today with Traveloka and enjoy a hassle-free memorable trip!

In This Article

• What’s Happened on Singapore Night Festival
• What to Do on Singapore Night Festival
• 1. Visit Wonder World: The Machine of Nostalgia
• 2. Enjoy the Lively Atmosphere at Festival Village
• 3. Embark on an Eccentric Journey of Art and Spirituality
• 4. Enjoy Past Themed Artworks
• 5. Watching Projection Mapping
• How to Get to the Singapore Night Festival Location

Flights Featured in This Article

Tue, 21 Jan 2025
Manila (MNL) to Singapore (SIN)
Start from ₱ 3,464.42
Cebu Pacific
Book Now
Tue, 14 Jan 2025
Clark - Pampanga (CRK) to Singapore (SIN)
Start from ₱ 2,237.83
Tue, 14 Jan 2025
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Singapore (SIN)
Start from ₱ 1,021.27
AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)
Book Now

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