5 Must-Experience Festivals in Singapore: A Local’s Guide

There are so many things Singapore does right, one of them being the incredible festivals. I'm excited to share with you my top picks for the city's festivals. You should be able to squeeze at least one of these in your itinerary, no matter when you're visiting. 

1. Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF)

Imagine this: sitting under the stars, popcorn in hand, and watching some cool movies from around the world. That's what you can expect at the Singapore International Film Festival. One of my favorite memories was finding this little indie film that turned out to be amazing. So, my advice? Don't be afraid to check out movies you haven't heard of before—you might be surprised!

Start your day with a documentary that makes you think. Then, wander around the festival area, chat with other movie fans, and share recommendations. Wrap up the night with a blockbuster movie and treat yourself to some fancy popcorn—it's all part of the fun!

2. Singapore Food Festival 

Oh boy, where do I even start with the Singapore Food Festival? From yummy hawker food to fancy new dishes, this festival is a food lover's dream. I remember stumbling upon this little family stall in Chinatown that had the most amazing dumplings. It just goes to show that sometimes the best food is found in the most unexpected places.

You have to begin your food adventure early with a trip to a busy hawker center—the early bird gets the best food, trust me. Then, go on a food excursion through different neighborhoods, where you'll find delicious surprises around every corner. And don't forget to save room for dessert—because you can't leave Singapore without trying some yummy durian ice cream!

3. Singapore Grand Prix

As someone who loves a good adrenaline rush, I think the Singapore Grand Prix is a must-see. There's something really exciting about watching cars race around the track at night. Try to watch the race from the rooftop of a nearby building—it is such a cool view!

Start your engines with a visit to the Marina Bay Street Circuit, where you can watch the race and feel the excitement in the air. My tip? Treat yourself to a VIP ticket for the best views and perks. After the race, keep the fun going by checking out the nightlife around the circuit—because Singapore knows how to party!

4. Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival is like something out of a fairy tale—lanterns glowing in the dark, delicious mooncakes, and lots of fun with friends and family. Consider joining a lantern parade through Chinatown when visiting.

A walk along the Singapore River is the best way to start your evening, where you'll see lots of beautiful lanterns. Then, head to a park for more fun and games. And don't forget to make a wish when you release a lantern into the sky—it's a tradition that's really special.

5.  Singapore Arts Festival

If you love art and creativity, you'll have a blast at the Singapore Arts Festival. From incredible performances to amazing art exhibitions, there's so much to see and do. The last time I joined in, I found this hidden art installation in an alley—it was such a cool surprise!

Dive into the arts scene with a visit to the main festival venue, where you'll see loads of cool stuff. Remember to check out some of the smaller galleries and studios, too—you never know what you'll find. And be sure to chat with the artists—they're usually really friendly and happy to share their work with you.

So, there you have it—my guide to having an awesome time in Singapore's festival scene. Whether you're into movies, food, racing, or art, there's something here for everyone. So grab your stuff, get out there, and make some memories! See you in Singapore!