Are you planning to attend the Singapore Night Festival this year? This mega Singapore festival is set for its 16th edition in August 2025. The entire Bras Basah.Bugis precinct will change into a magical wonderland with a celebration of lights, art, and culture.
The festival has been themed Island Nights, and the fest will run for three weeks from 22nd August to 6th September. You can enjoy some fabulous shows and exhibitions of sheer artistry with several installations, projection mapping, and experiential programs to check out. For more details on the SG night festival, you can visit the official website.
On that note, here’s taking a look at this eagerly awaited event from the eyes of a local. This guide will help you get an idea of what to see, do, and how to enjoy the festival in all its glory.
What Locals Know About the Singapore Night Festival
Here are some insider facts about the Singapore Night Festival 2025 that you will find helpful.
- Singapore Night Festival dates: 22nd August to 16th September.
- Singapore Night Festival location: Bras Basah. Bugis precinct.
- What to expect: You can view the amazing light projections and interactive installations along with performances. Check the official website for specific show timings.
- When to visit: Ideally, go on a weekday evening (consider Friday) to avoid the large crowds.
- Usual timing: 7.30 PM to 12 AM.
- Inside Tips: Wear comfortable walking shoes and stay hydrated due to the warm and humid weather.
Hidden Spots & Viewing Hacks Locals Swear By
Experience the vibrant energy of Singapore’s Chinatown night market during festivals
Want to find some of the best hidden spots and viewing hacks for the light-to-night Singapore extravaganza? Here are some helpful insights that you may find useful.
National Museum of Singapore Lawn
- It’s a great vantage point for you to view several Singapore night festival events.
- You’ll love the sights of the fabulous projection mapping due to the unobstructed space and lovely museum façade, which works as the massive visible screen for the projections.
SAM at 8Q Rooftop
- Why is it such a great spot to view the Singapore Night Festival? This is because of the elevated position and the unblocked view of the buildings alongside.
- You’ll find lifetime views of the light installations and projection mapping. The building’s interesting architectural touches also add a special touch to the experience.
Armenian Street Back Lanes
- The Armenian Street back lanes are an excellent place to view interactive art and several lesser-known installations.
- You’ll fall in love with the Pixel Paradise gamified experience that is themed on retro games and traditional Peranakan culture.
- The immersive performance in the Peranakan Museum offers an experiential play and interactive opportunities with friendly NPCs from the PORT CITY 2.0 fictional environment.
- Enjoy Opera in Motion, which is an interactive installation with a zoetrope and tricycle. You can savor this Chinese animated opera scene on the walls, and it comes with festive lighting and ambient music for company.
- Fortune Beads is another interactive installation where you can participate in a challenge to gather illuminated beads within a specified timeframe. You’ll earn points and explore the design which draws inspiration from an abacus.
- An interactive artwork called Between Threads will be used to illuminate the façade of the Peranakan Museum, giving you an incredible experience. It is inspired by the museum’s traditional artefact and textile collections.
Chijmes Courtyard
- Why should you visit the Chijmes Courtyard? It’s not an official spot, but is ideal if you want a vibrant ambience and access to some fabulous cafes.
- Check out the Gothic architectural theme when it lights up at night, making for amazing photographic opportunities.
- The Festival Village at CHIJMES also ensures a lively ambience with music, food and drink stalls, and interactive art installations. You can enjoy the light projections from the Lounge at the Lawn here.
Local Tips to Navigate the Festival Like a Pro
A rainy night adds charm to the glowing lanterns of Chinatown’s streets in Singapore
Want more information on navigating the Singapore Night Festival 2025 like a pro? Here’s what the locals say:
- When to Start: The festival usually begins around 7 PM, although arriving earlier will help you find the right spots to view the installations and avoid larger crowds.
- Apps/Maps: Use Citymapper to get updated information on public transportation and plan your route. It will give you an idea of the right MRT lines to use and directions. Google Maps is a reliable option for navigation and real-time traffic that you can use. Also, download the official Singapore Night Festival website or app for specific information.
- Best MRT Stations: You can try the Bras Basah (Circle Line) for direct connectivity to the main festival areas around the Singapore Art Museum and the National Museum. Another option is the Dhoby Ghaut (North East, North South, and Circle Lines) station, which gives you easy access to several areas.
- Heat Hacks: Stay hydrated and carry a reusable water bottle. You can easily fill it at water stations or buy drinks from local vendors. Wear light and loose-fitting clothing and take breaks in air-conditioned spaces or shaded zones. There are several shops, cafes, and museums where you can also stop to relieve the heat. Consider a cooling towel or spray bottle for temperature regulation. Avoid visiting between 12-3 PM to bypass the hottest temperatures.
Where to Eat Like a Local Near the Festival
Thinking where to eat near the festival like a local? Check out these tips below:
- Hawker Centres: You can try Hainanese chicken rice, Laksa, and chilli crab at the Maxwell Food Centre. Feast on Hokkien mee, char Kway Teow and other local delights at the Chinatown Complex Food Centre. These are affordable yet delicious options for you to consider.
- Restaurants: Some of the top picks for you include Whitegrass in CHIJMES (contemporary Singaporean treats with French technique) and Tablescape Restaurant & Bar (European-themed menu) in Grand Park City Hall.
- Ramen Joints: You’ll find several local joints and stalls selling ramen near the festival. One of the top spots is Takagi Ramen at the Dhoby Ghaut Exchange.
Where to Stay: Best Serviced Apartments Near the Festival
Rest in style and comfort in a well-appointed serviced apartment bedroom in Singapore
Where can you stay near the Singapore Night Festival? You can consider spacious and comfortable serviced apartments over traditional hotels. They offer more space, privacy, flexibility, and freedom at reasonable rates, particularly for extended stays. What’s more, you’ll get all the amenities and hotel-like service you want, along with diverse configurations for different travel groups (this helps you avoid booking multiple hotel rooms).
On that note, here are some serviced apartments you can consider for your trip to attend the night festival.
1. Bencoolen Street Serviced Apartments, Bugis
- Why Locals/Travelers Prefer It: Swimming Pool, 24-Hour Reception, On-Site Gymnasium, Fully-Equipped Kitchen
- Vibe: Boutique
- Ideal For: Couples
2. Premium Apartments on Shenton Way, Marina Bay
- Why Locals/Travelers Prefer It: Daily Housekeeping, Swimming Pool, Gym, Fully-Equipped Kitchen, Lounge, Meeting Rooms, On-Site Bar, Café, and Restaurant
- Vibe: Luxury
- Ideal For: Solo Travelers, Couples, Small Family
3. Anthony Road Residences, Orchard Road
- Why Locals/Travelers Prefer It: Lounge, Gym, Pool, Spa Treatments, Fully-Equipped Kitchen, Concierge, Barbecue Area
- Vibe: Creative
- Ideal For: Families, solo travelers, couples
4. Chinatown Serviced Apartments, Chinatown
- Why Locals/Travelers Prefer It: Well-Equipped Kitchen, Prime Location near MRT, Flat-Screen Television, Dry Cleaning & Maid Services
- Vibe: Eco-Friendly & Mid-Range
- Ideal For: Smaller families, couples, solo travelers
Bonus: What to Do After the Festival
The iconic Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay illuminated against Singapore's night sky
Wondering what to do after the Singapore night festival like the locals? Here are some suggestions that you might want to consider:
- Clarke Quay: Most locals head to Clarke Quay for their regular fix of nightlife. You’ll fall in love with the colorful bars, clubs, and restaurants. Enjoy riverside dining and boat rides here while shopping at the swish Central Mall.
- Sentosa Island: Party like the locals with a trip to Sentosa, where you can frequent the casino, enjoy the nightlife, or simply lounge at the gorgeous beaches!
- Orchard Road: What’s a Singapore trip without some luxury shopping? You can head to Orchard Road once the festival’s done and pick up the choicest retail goodies. If you’re not keen on purchases, just take a stroll and watch the lovely window displays and animated people all around. It will make your day for sure!
Final Thoughts
Are you feeling excited to attend the Singapore Night Festival? The city is set for an extravaganza like never before! You should plan your trip early and book your flights and serviced apartments in Singapore in advance. It will help you avoid last-minute crowds and booking hassles. Make sure you check out serviced apartments from TheSqua.re for a comfortable experience while noting the above-mentioned tips carefully. Here’s to a fabulous Singapore trip ahead!
