What to do and see in Singapore, Singapore: The Best Cultural Events

January 11, 2022 Myesha Cogley

The Singapore cityscape looks like it was ripped from the pages of a science fiction comic book. If you’re hungry for a true Singapore experience, sample the myriad street foods or take a cultural cooking class. The Botanic Gardens and the Gardens By the Bay offer a slice of horticultural heaven, and the observation deck of the Sands SkyPark makes you feel like you’re high above the clouds. The banks and walkways along the Singapore River bustle with local activity.
Restaurants in Singapore

1. Orchard Fashion Runway

Orchard Road, Singapore 39805 Singapore http://www.orchardroad.org/fso/
Excellent
100%
Good
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Orchard Road is not often closed to cars but there is one annual event where an exception is made: The Orchard Fashion Runway. Singapore’s most famous shopping belt is transformed into a fashion walkway on this day, and models strut along wearing local and international designers' fashion pieces. It is not often that locals or tourists get to see the main street of Orchard Road filled with gorgeous models and fashion wear. Get your camera ready, and be prepared to feast your eyes on a great fashion extravaganza!

2. River Hongbao

18 Marina Gardens Drive Gardens By the Bay Gardens by the Bay, Singapore 018953 Singapore +65 8428 8247 http://www.riverhongbao.sg/
Excellent
69%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 36 reviews

River Hongbao

River Hongbao is one event during every Chinese Lunar New Year that Singaporeans and tourists really look forward to. The River Hongbao is usually held at The Float at Marina Bay, overlooking the splendid Marina waterfront area, as well as a panoramic view of Singapore’s skyline. This year, River Hongbao is held at the Gardens by the Bay from 10 Feb 2021 to 20 Feb 2021. The large premises are decorated with auspicious Chinese characters during this period, such as the twelve zodiac animals. In the evening, the whole venue lights up in a beautiful myriad of colours, and visitors will also be able to catch performances by performing troupes or singing groups online. And the best part, admission is free for all. This is a must-see place to be during the Chinese New Year holidays.

Reviewed By joeyt503

We brought our gals to River Hong Bao. My kids enjoyed taking pictures with those giant lanterns. Highly recommended.

3. Garden Rhapsody

211 Marina Way Gardens by the Bay, Singapore 018977 Singapore +65 6420 6848 http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/whats-on/calendar-of-events/garden-rhapsody-light-show.html
Excellent
60%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
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4.5 based on 5 reviews

Garden Rhapsody

4. Chingay Parade

1 Republic Boulevard The Pit Building The Pit Building, Singapore 038975 Singapore http://www.chingay.org.sg/
Excellent
60%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
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4.5 based on 25 reviews

Chingay Parade

If you are in Singapore during the Chinese New Year period, the Chingay Parade is an annual event you must not miss. Chingay means 'the art of costume and masquerade' in the Hokkien dialect and the parade is an annual celebration, where different groups and races come together to put on a colorful display. Expect to witness colorful floating platforms and street performers in fanciful costumes, from the largest street performance and float parade in Asia.

Reviewed By elliotts768 - Montreal, Canada

Having been to Singapore 3 times and having covered almost all the things to do over about 10 days, in anticipation of our upcoming travels via Singapore I looked to see what was doing for the night before departure.. Well, guess what, for the first time in my life a major event traditional to a particular city was happening and this time, for once, I was going to be there. The Chingay parade. JAN 31 and feb 01 2020 is a Mardi Gras, or Rio de Janiero style carnival parade happening right down near the hottest tourist spot in the city. Beneath the Singapore Flyer massive Ferris wheel, overlooking Merlin Park, the float, the science Center, and Gardens on the bay etc, is a 1000 person at least , performer parade. Preceded by a Carnival during the afternoon, and followed by Chinese New Years festivities. Because I was arranging for a major M&G aboard a departing vessel in the morning from the Marina Bay Pier, I had about 150 names available to me from within a cruise forum , so I arranged for special seating for many of us and this became truly a party night. If you are going to Singapore next year in Jan Feb 2021, check out the Chingay website, and buy your tickets on line Great evening

5. Chinese New Year (China Town)

Crot | Trengganu China Town, Singapore 39805 Singapore http://chinatownfestivals.sg/
Excellent
51%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
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Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 90 reviews

Chinese New Year (China Town)

Gong Xi Fa Cai! (May the New Year bring you fortune and good luck!) Be prepared to be immersed into a sea of red and gold hues as Singapore's Chinatown takes the lead in ushering in the traditional Chinese New Year! Discover the street markets coming to life with goodies such as decorative ornaments on sale; and be prepared to queue for hours for the yummy New Year snack 'bah kwa' (barbecued sliced pork). The crowd thickens by the day as the city counts down to the party — and it is the only time of the year the authorities allow the use of firecrackers in Singapore. It's definitely worth the jostle to experience the festive flavor upfront, and the crowd favorite has to be the unique New Year lanterns that represent the animal zodiac of the Chinese New Year.

Reviewed By KierraHaven

A lot of great items to buy at a reasonable cost! We went there in the afternoon. The place was a bit crowded. There were some restaurants too. We didn't stay for long since we're leaving in the evening. It was great having to visit such a good place with friendly people.

6. Singapore Night Festival

Bras Basah Bugis, Singapore 39805 Singapore http://nightfest.sg/programmes/detail/build-your-own-singapore-night-festival-2017
Excellent
55%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 31 reviews

Singapore Night Festival

Staying in Singapore over the last two weekends of August? You'll be in for a visual treat at the Singapore Night Festival. What's there to do in darkness? Plenty, as an extravaganza of performances and artworks that make use of light are dispersed in Singapore's premier art precinct, Bra Basah-Bugis. Most museums in the neighborhood are also opened for free till late at night, hosting local and overseas talents. Do not miss the display show that is screened on the facade of the National Museum — it's usually playful and thought provoking, plus it's super impressive that it's screened on an iconic national monument!

7. i Light Marina Bay

Around Marina Bay, Singapore Singapore http://www.ilightmarinabay.sg/
Excellent
45%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
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4.5 based on 49 reviews

i Light Marina Bay

8. Singapore International Festival of Arts

1 Old Parliament Lane The Arts House At the Old Parliament, Singapore 179429 Singapore [email protected] http://www.sifa.sg
Excellent
42%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
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4.5 based on 12 reviews

Singapore International Festival of Arts

Into its 41st edition, Singapore International Festival of Arts 2018 presents diverse and distinctive work from Singapore and around the world that ignites the imagination, inspires myriad audiences, and provokes reflection and dialogue. Get ready for a plethora of theatre, music, dance, literary and visual arts at the pinnacle arts festival that will happen over three weekends from 26 April to 12 May, and across over ten performance spaces, including the Festival House, located at The Arts House.

9. Thaipusam Festival

397 Serangoon Road Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Singapore 218123 Singapore http://www.yoursingapore.com/festivals-events-singapore/cultural-festivals/thaipusam.html
Excellent
46%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
36%
Poor
4%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 28 reviews

Thaipusam Festival

Living in multicultural and multi-racial Singapore gives us the chance to witness and celebrate different religious festivals. Celebrated by the Hindu devotees, Thaipusam is an annual festival held over two days, where devotees offer thanks and seek blessings. The event is traditionally a colorful affair, where devotees carry pots of milk or wooden 'kavadi,' decorated with flowers and peacock feathers balanced on their shoulders. To catch a glimpse of the Thaipusam Festival, station yourself anywhere between Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple at Serangoon Road and Sri Thendayuthapani Temple at Tank Road, where devotees will walk the four and a half kilometers.

Reviewed By ole12 - Birmingham, United Kingdom

There is a lot of information on line about the Hindu Thaipusam festival . It’s a moveable feast like the Christian Easter festival and takes place end of January/ start of February. I was lucky enough to be there this year..2020. I did a lot of research on line and even contacted the local tourism office but no one could give precise timings. The best place to go is Little India, Serangoon Road... it’ll have barriers all along the route. The participants go to the temple around midnight for prayers and piercings but I believe it’s not for the public. Get the MRT or a taxi to Little India.. the MRT station is by the route. I got there at 8.30am but the procession was still moving at 10 am and celebrating continued during the day.

10. Singapore River Festival

Along Singapore River (Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, Robinsons Quay), Singapore Singapore http://www.srf.sg/
Excellent
11%
Good
67%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
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4.0 based on 9 reviews

Singapore River Festival

The Singapore River Festival is three exciting days of performing arts and entertainment in outdoor areas around the Singapore River, namely Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay and Boat Quay. These popular spots come alive with a variety of acts that pay tribute to the heritage of the Singapore River. A good mix of dining, arts, retail, entertainment and great locations, it's a fun way for family and friends to hang out on a weekend.

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