Theme: Rebirth
After a two-year pause, the Singapore Night Festival (SNF) returns to the city skyline, inviting culture connoisseurs and ‘out‑of‑the‑box’ minds to step into a night of wonder. The festival kicks off with a vibrant spotlight on the Bras Basah‑Bugis precinct, showcasing a dazzling lineup of local artist works, eye‑catching light shows, and roving dance performances—perfect for history buffs and also for those single‑men desperate to impress their girlfriends with something other than a pizza night.
Why Every Pair of Walking Shoes is a Must‑Have
With over 55 programs in the calendar, you’ll be walking, dancing, and perhaps even jogging through the city’s nocturnal landscape. If you’re ready to explore, read on for five unforgettable experiences that stole my heart.
Top 5 Must‑See Experiences
- Glowing Gallery of Dreams – A night‑time art walk that transforms the old heritage buildings into a glow‑pop gallery. Each piece animates with light, making the wall appear to breathe. A perfect spot for Instagram clicks!
- The Story of Bugis – An audio‑driven guided walk that brings the historic Bugis streets to life. Voice narration complemented with subtle LED lighting gives you a backstage pass to the past.
- Live‑Crafted Light Show – Artists in the trenches of the arts park mingle lights and kinetic sculptures. A mesmerizing display that feels like watching a sunrise over a neon sea.
- Dance‑in‑The‑Air – Roving dancers glide through the streets wearing LED harnesses that pulse to the rhythm of their heartbeat. If you’re looking for a little inspiration or a new dance partner, this is the place.
- Birdwatching with Food Trucks – Evening markets that double as live light installations. Local chefs whip up street‑food treats while gyros of LED lights spin overhead. It’s a culinary rave, and everyone is invited.
In Summary
The SNF 2025 is a kaleidoscope of lights, local artistry, and social moments that tell a story of rebirth. Come for the historic vibe, stay for the dazzling light shows, and bring your best leg‑wear. It’s a festival that will leave you glowing for days after—just don’t forget to let your girlfriend know that the dates have been upgraded from “never goes out” to “LIGHTS OUT!”
1. Cathay Hotel: The Curse of the Missing Red Shoe by Vertical Submarine
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Step into a Whimsical Night of Pop‑Up Theatre at Cathay Green
Ever dreamed of walking through a living postcard of old‑school Singapore cinema? That’s exactly what the latest night‑time fever at Cathay Green promises. The crowd‑pulling highlight this year is a pop‑up that resurrects the legendary Cathay complex, and inside it, a theatrical adventure inspired by the 1960 movie Lion City—a cheeky, Cinderella‑meets‑Bengali‑romance hybrid.
The Tour: A Blend of Mystery, Romance and a Dash of Thriller
- Meet iconic characters like Matt Bond, the sassy Orang Minyak, the whisper‑thin Pontianak, the flamboyant Mambo Girl, and the enigmatic ASP Latiff.
- Every corridor feels like a snippet from a Wes Anderson film—think Grand Budapest Hotel but with Singaporean flair. Mirrors, hidden alcoves, and a labyrinth of quirky room layouts will make you double‑check your GPS.
- Photographers, you’re in for a treat: sneak a selfie with the “live‑in” characters that roam the space. Just make sure you don’t get too close to Pontianak—she’s not exactly a selfie star.
What You’ll Experience
Picture a single evening that’s a mash‑up of detective work, romantic sparks, a thriller podium, and a love‑note to classic Singapore cinema. The show stops the clock at 60 minutes—long enough to digest the story, short enough to keep the adrenaline buzzing.
When & Where
- Venue: Cathay Green, making the old Cathay complex the new hotspot.
- Dates: August 19, 20, 24, 25, 26 & 27.
- Times: 7:30 pm & 8:45 pm, with a midnight curtain at 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Tickets & Pricing
- Single ticket: $33
- Bundle of four tickets: $112 (includes 10 % booking fee & 7 % GST).
Hold onto your seats—this is not your average night out. It’s a journey back to classic film lore with a modern twist, all while you stroll through mystery and romance.
Tickets available now—seize the moment before the curtain cracks!
2. Midnight Show at the Capitol by Mojoko
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Catch the Retro Glow of Singapore’s Iconic Chill‑Spot
Projections, Popcorn, and a Whole Lot of Fun
Why This Projection‑Mapping Feat Is the Latest Instagram Obsession
Already on your wanderlust radar? SNF’s dazzling light shows are the go‑to spot for anyone who wants a picture that screams “I had a blast.” Among the six spectacular setups that light up the city, the splash at the National Archives of Singapore is undeniably the star.
Throwback Hues & Classic Posters
Picture this: lush, vibrant colors spraying across the building’s façade, bringing back that classic movie‑poster vibe you’d once see in the flick‑fans’ wall at the old Capitol Theatre and Cathay Picture House. If your childhood ran through the mid‑90s, the nostalgia hits hard, recalling the posters that once heralded big‑screen adventures at places like Bedok’s old Princess theatre or the bustling Rex theatre in Little India.
The Lighting Beat & Digital Artistry
What makes this show truly unforgettable? It isn’t just the glowing numbers; it’s the orchestra of music, smooth transitions, and the sheer way the light wraps the history of cinema around a modern landmark. A little more than a jog around Fort Canning Park, it’s a full‑blown ticket to feel the pulsing heart of a cinematic past.
Travel & Time
- Venue: National Archives of Singapore
- Dates: Aug 19 – 27 , 2022
- Time: 7:30 pm to 12:00 am
Don’t let this light‑show slip by—you’ll want to capture that “wow” moment for both your memory and your Instagram feed. And if you’ll be there, you’ll know why the locals call it the perfect blend of nostalgia and modern tech. Cheers to a glowing night out!
3. City of Books by Fish Jaafar
Night Lights at BBB: A Bookish Glow‑Up
15+ glowing spots light up the BBB precinct, turning everyday corners into midnight playgrounds.
The Spotlight: City of Books
- Location: Bras Basah Complex
- Dates: 19‑27 Aug 2022
- Hours: 7:30 pm – 12:00 am
Picture a gigantic, anamorphic pavement mural that makes it look like books are flying off the walls and vanishing into a cosmic void. That’s City of Books. It pays a cool shout‑out to Bras Basah’s legacy as the book‑lover’s paradise.
Why It’s Magic
We’re talking about a visual spectacle that feels straight out of a wizarding world. Fish Jaafar, the Singaporean artist behind the piece, says stories shine brightest when they’re told on a classic 2‑D canvas. And honestly, we’re totally with that.
Think of the moment in Harry Potter when Hagrid drops the wizard bomb and a flurry of Hogwarts acceptance letters starts falling around Harry’s pajama time. City of Books captures that same surreal, book‑burst vibe – but in real life.
A Few Fun Facts
- It’s an anamorphic work, so it looks realist one way, but you’ll see something even cooler from a different angle.
- Set for midnight to early morning, so you can step in after your coffee and get lost in the literary orbit.
- Perfect spot for Instagram stories—just make sure your phone’s battery is charged!
All in all, if you’re in the area between Aug 19 and 27, drop by Bras Basah and let the books do the talking. You’ll leave with a warm, midnight glow and a story to brag about. Cheers!
4. Discoloo Centre by P7:1SMA
Get Your Groove On at the Waterloo Centre
Ever wonder what a night out feels like without some toe‑tapping tunes and swaggering dance? Look no further. The World’s Most Vibrant Night Festival is packed with a mash‑up of musical acts and spontaneous dance parties right inside and around the Waterloo Centre.
Why You Can’t Miss the Silent Disco by P7:1SMA
Picture this: you’re standing in the middle of a crowd, your headphones blasting the silent disco curated by the ultra‑cool contemporary dance troupe, P7:1SMA (pronounced Prisma). It’s a drop‑in that’ll have you moving like a pro, even if you’re more of a “fluff” dancer than a “floss” dancer.
Lightbulb Moment – Classic 1970s Vibes
- Celebrate with a homage to John Travolta’s iconic “Staying Alive” scene.
- Think big hair, bell bottoms, and dance moves that rock the soul.
- It’s a nod to the venue’s legendary disco roots – did you know it was the original Zouk of the ’70s?
Event Details
- Venue: Waterloo Centre
- Dates: Aug 19, 20, 26 & 27
- Time Slots: 8 pm–8:45 pm
9:30 pm–10:15 pm - Admission: Free – just arrive 45 minutes early to lock in your spot.
So grab a friend, set your phone’s alarm, and head down to WATERLOO – the place where the past’s groovy beats meet the future’s dance floor. See you there, and remember: fun is just a dance away!
5. After Hours@My Bras Basah with May Hui
Explore the Big City Like a Local
If you’re hunting for something more than a quick photospot at the Singapore Night Festival, grab our walking guided tour. It’ll whisk you through the iconic spots of Bras Basah – from the historic St. Joseph’s Institute to the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, and the National Museum of Singapore.
Meet Your Guide – May Hui
- She’s got stories about Charlie Chaplin and Michael Jackson taking a stay at the legendary Raffles Hotel.
- And the real mystery? Whether a tigress ever strutted on those hotel grounds. Spoiler: no confirmation, no denial.
Why a Walking Tour? Lighting Up Your City‑Sleuth Brain
Personally, the freshest way to discover a new city is a stroll that lets you soak in the local vibe. I’m kinda embarrassed to say I’ve never tried that at home, but this is your jackpot to feel like a native tourist for the first time.
Invite your pals from overseas, and together you’ll dive into the rich history of this legendary district.
Event Details
| Meeting Point | Bencoolen MRT Station, Exit E |
| Dates | August 19, 20, 26 & 27, 2022 |
| Time | 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. |
| Admission | $30 per person |
Reserve your spot here – and, if you’re curious about the whole Singapore Night Festival, feel free to dig up more info at the official site.
First published on Wonderwall.sg.
