Singapore is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, and its festivals reflect the rich diversity that defines the city. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, the city’s celebrations of traditions like Thaipusam, the Singapore Grand Prix, Chingay, the Singapore Food Festival, and others offer a unique window into the cultural tapestry of Singapore.
Chingay
7 & 8 February | 8pm | F1 Pit Building
The Chingay Parade is a street parade to celebrate the Lunar New Year, evolving into one of a few annual festivals celebrating Singapore’s cultural diversity. This year’s theme, “JOY,” coincides with the nation’s 60th birthday (SG60), with a special focus on food. The parade will showcase the nation’s multicultural heritage in creative and immersive ways, with food-inspired floats, intricate costumes, and art installations that reflect the joy of shared meals. A special SG60 showcase will include a performance by 60 lion dancers, as well as over 4,000 performers from 150 organisations.
Tickets: S$20-$60
Thaipusam
11 February | Serangoon Road, Tank Road
Thaipusam is a significant Hindu festival in Singapore, celebrated by the Tamil community to honour Lord Murugan. The festival features hundreds of devotees piercing their skin with skewers and elaborate kavadis as acts of penance and gratitude. They embark on a 4km foot procession from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple in Tank Road. The best spots to watch this procession are along the route between the two temples, where the vibrant colours and live music make it one of Singapore’s more unique festivals. Word of warning: it’s not for the squeamish.
Ramadan Bazaar
26 Feb – 31 Mar
As one of Singapore’s must-visit festivals, the Ramadan Bazaar is a vibrant annual event that signals the start of the Muslim fasting month, offering a festive atmosphere with a mix of food, clothing, and accessories. The super popular Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar features around 500 stalls, with over hundreds dedicated to mouthwatering food and drinks that celebrate the spirit of the occasion. Another popular destination is the Kampong Glam Ramadan Bazaar, where over 100 stalls spread across Kandahar Street, Muscat Street, and Baghdad Street. In addition to shopping, you can also enjoy live cooking shows and performances, bringing together the flavours and traditions of Ramadan festivals.
Singapore International Festival of Arts
24 May-1 June
The Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) is a prestigious annual event that showcases the best in global and local performing arts, offering a platform for a diverse range of performances, including theatre, dance, music, and multimedia art. Held at various venues across Singapore, SIFA features international collaborations and thought-provoking works that engage with contemporary issues and audience experience. SIFA includes workshops, talks, and exhibitions that allow the public to engage with artists. It’s one of Singapore’s more vibrant festivals that contributes to its cultural landscape, establishing the city as a significant hub for the arts in Asia.
Tickets: vary by location and programme
Singapore’s 60th National Day
9 August | 6.30pm | Marina Bay
Singapore National Day marks the country’s independence from Malaysia in 1965. This year’s festivities are particularly special as Singapore celebrates its 60th birthday. At the heart of the festivities is the National Day Parade (NDP), a grand showcase of military parades, cultural performances, and creative displays that culminate in a stunning fireworks extravaganza at Marina Bay. Locals play a pivotal role: students, community groups, and volunteers coming together months in advance to rehearse for mass dances and choir performances. Citizens also don red and white clothes, the national colours.
Tickets: The main parade is only available for citizens and PRs via a ballot process; other spectators can still catch the fireworks at Marina Bay
Singapore Food Festival
Date & Location TBC
One of the most mouthwatering festivals, the Singapore Food Festival (SFF) celebrates the city’s diverse culinary heritage, showcasing both traditional and modern food innovations. Held over several weeks, it offers a variety of activities, including food tastings, live cooking demos, and workshops with renowned chefs. The festival features pop-up markets, dining events, and thematic experiences like food trails and heritage tours. Last year’s event included unique showcases, such as a Teamlab chocolate and art exhibit, and a Michelin-starred chef’s future of dining experience.
Admission: varies by event
Singapore Grand Prix
3-5 October | 8pm | Marina Bay
Perhaps one of Singapore’s most famous festivals, the Singapore Grand Prix is a marquee event in the Formula 1 calendar and the first-ever night race in the sport’s history. Set against the night scene of Marina Bay, the race is known for its challenging street circuit, dramatic turns, and electrifying atmosphere which takes place over 62 laps of the 4.94-kilometre Marina Bay Street Circuit. Over the years, it has seen legendary drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, and Fernando Alonso deliver thrilling victories. Beyond the track, the Grand Prix has hosted star-studded concerts featuring global music icons such as Rihanna, Maroon 5, and Jay Chou.
Tickets: $388-$12,950 (depending on location along the circuit & package)
Mid-Autumn Festival
6-8 October | Chinatown, etc
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a tradition originating in ancient China as a celebration of the harvest and the worship of the moon goddess Chang’e. It’s one of those festivals where families and friends come together to enjoy mooncakes, traditional pastries filled with lotus seed paste or red bean, and sometimes salted egg yolk. Lanterns of all shapes and sizes light up parks, streets, and public spaces, creating a festive atmosphere. Celebrations are held in various locations, with Chinatown, Gardens by the Bay, and the Jurong Lake Gardens being particularly popular spots for street food, street lightups, and cultural performances.
Singapore Marathon
5-7 December | 4.30am | F1 Pit Building
The annual Singapore Marathon is one of Asia’s premier running events. The race offers multiple categories, including the full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K, with top finishers vying for cash prizes and a chance to make their mark in the international running community. Over the years, the Singapore Marathon has attracted a number of renowned marathoners, such as Kenyan Wilson Kipsang, a former world record holder and Ethiopian long-distance legend Tirunesh Dibaba, with multiple Olympic and World Championship golds. The marathon route takes runners through iconic landmarks, such as the Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore Flyer, and the Botanic Gardens, offering a scenic tour of the city’s blend of modern architecture and lush greenery.
Entry Fee: $87 (5km)-$178 (full marathon)
[Note: While there are fireworks at some of these festivals, it’s an offense to possess, sell, and set off any fireworks in Singapore, and offenders may be fined up to S$5,000.]
