Popular Festivals and Events in Singapore | Year-Round Attractions

One of the best ways to truly experience Singapore is to take part in one of the many festivals and events that occur throughout the year. These fun-filled events celebrate the island’s diverse culture. Discover the most popular festivals and events in Singapore to add to your Singapore trip itinerary.

Singapore Festivals in January, February, and March

Pongal (Harvest Festival)

Celebrate new beginnings at Pongal, a multi-day Indian harvest festival that takes place in mid-January. It comes from the Tamil word “pongu,” which means “to boil over” or “flourish.” Visit Singapore‘s Little India to watch performances, join in on workshops that honor the community, and give thanks for the year’s harvest.

Thaipusam

Each year in January or February, on the full moon, Hindu devotees come together for a two-day festival known as Thaipusam. This festival honors Lord Murugan, a deity known for vanquishing evil in service of virtue, youth, and power. Head to Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple or Sri Thendayuthapani Temple in Singapore‘s Little India neighborhood to see the festivities.

Chinese New Year

Chinese Lunar New Year is an annual event that’s celebrated all over Singapore‘s Chinatown neighborhood, where friends and families come together to offer blessings for a prosperous new year. The festivities begin sometime between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20, depending on when the new moon occurs. Some of the can’t-miss events include the colorful, exciting Chingay Parade and the viewing of the giant lanterns at River Hongbao.

Singapore Art Week

Experience the best artistic talent Singapore has to offer at Singapore Art Week, a week-long event in January. It takes place online and in person throughout Singapore. The events highlight a variety of different visual arts categories and include performances, exhibitions, talks and discussions, and workshops.

Singapore Cocktail Festival

Enjoy a refreshing beverage at the Singapore Cocktail Festival, an annual event that brings cocktail makers and lovers from around the world together. This adults-only event is held at Bayfront Event Space in the Marina Bay area, where legendary bartenders host tastings and demonstrations and battle for the title of “best cocktail.” Bars throughout the island also host events during the festival.

Events in Singapore in April, May, and June

Singapore International Festival of Arts

Discover the diverse artistic talent of Singaporeans at the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA). This mid-year event occurs over one month and features local and international artists. Visitors can watch films or plays, enjoy musical performances, tour art exhibits, and more. There are also some virtual events.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri

After the holy month of Ramadan comes Eid al-Fitr, a festival that Singaporeans know as Hari Raya Aidilfitri. This event marks the end of the fasting period and is celebrated with traditional dishes and desserts. Head to the Geylang Serai area to see the colorful lights, festive decorations, and vibrant performances.

Vesak Day

On the first full moon of the lunar month of Vaisakha (between April and June), Buddhists come together to celebrate the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. Devotees typically start Vesak Day by leaving offerings at one of Singapore‘s many Buddhist temples, and end it with a candlelight procession. The rest of the day is spent completing good deeds. Tourists can view the procession at Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery.

Wellness Festival Singapore

Established in 2022, Wellness Festival Singapore (WFS) is a 10-day event that focuses on physical and mental health and wellness. Visitors can participate in various hands-on activities, including active workout classes, relaxing yoga sessions, art therapy workshops, meditation guides, and more. There are also events like cooking demonstrations and healthy lifestyle talks.

Dragon Boat Festival

Watch exciting rowing action at the summer Dragon Boat Festival. Several clubs participate in races at the Bedok Reservoir, the Kallang River, and Gardens by the Bay Marina Channel. Highlights include hearing the historic drum beats, cheering on the teams in their colorful, dragon-shaped boats, and enjoying traditional rice dumplings.

July, August, and September Festivals in Singapore

iLight Singapore

Head to Marina Bay for iLight Singapore, a light art festival with a focus on sustainability. Local and international artists and art students create art installations that use recycled products, energy-efficient LED lights, alternate energy sources, and other sustainable features. Guests can walk the waterfront promenade to enjoy these displays up close.

Singapore Food Festival

Experience Singapore through food at the Singapore Food Festival, an annual celebration of the island’s eclectic cuisine landscape. This month-long festival includes virtual and in-person cooking seminars from famous chefs, exciting competitions, food tours, themed celebrations, and more. Some chefs stick to traditional dishes, while others create new combinations for the festival.

Singapore Grand Prix

Formula One racing enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Singapore Grand Prix, an annual event at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. During the Grand Prix season, many restaurants and retail locations offer race-themed entertainment and vibrant celebrations. The three-day main event showcases Formula One drivers racing along a challenging 3.146-mile (5.063-km) track.

Hari Raya Haji

Hari Raya Haji, or Eid al-Adha, is one of the main Islam holidays. This four-day event commemorates the obedience and faith of Ibrahim (Abraham), a man who was called to sacrifice his son. Hari Raya Haji is mainly celebrated through animal sacrifices and solemn prayers.

Singapore National Day

Every year on Aug. 9, Singaporeans gather to celebrate Singapore National Day, a day that commemorates Singapore’s independence from Malaysia. The main events include the National Day Parade and the National Day Rally, where the Prime Minister gives a speech. Fireworks displays at Marina Bay serve as the perfect end to this day of celebration.

Singapore Night Festival

Watch Singapore come to life after sunset at the Singapore Night Festival, a week-long event held in the Bras Basah.Bugis district. Talented artists create enchanting art installations that light up the streets, taking viewers on a unique visual journey. There are also street performances and other cultural showcases.

Mid-Autumn Festival

Celebrate the end of the fall harvest season at Singapore‘s Mid-Autumn Festival. This traditional Chinese festival is celebrated throughout the Chinatown district after the sun goes down. Traditional paper lanterns, battery-operated lanterns, and other lights are displayed and carried to illuminate the streets. Visitors can enjoy live performances while eating the festival’s traditional dish, mooncakes.

Top Events in Singapore in October, November, and December

Deepavali

Deepavali, or Diwali, is an important cultural festival celebrated by Hindu families and other religious groups in Singapore. This Festival of Lights takes place mainly in the Little India area and includes exciting performances, activities, traditional music, and delicious food and drinks. Participating homes and businesses decorate using traditional oil lamps (Diya) and intricate, colorful decorations (Rangolis).

World Gourmet Summit (WGS) Singapore

Experience the best in fine dining at World Gourmet Summit (WGS) Singapore. Many celebrated restaurants and Michelin-star chefs participate in this annual event, allowing guests to enter a world of exciting flavors and learn techniques from the masters. Each year, a new theme is chosen to inspire chefs as they build their gourmet menus.

Halloween Horror Nights

One of the largest Halloween events on the island is Halloween Horror Nights, a spooky event that takes place at Universal Studios Singapore. During the Halloween season, guests can enter the park at night to explore various themed haunted houses and watch special performances. Spooky “Scarezones” make the experience more immersive.

HypeWorld

Pick up tickets to HypeWorld to enjoy two nights of incredible electronic dance music with a fun party atmosphere. This dynamic outdoor music festival first occurred in October 2022 at Gardens by the Bay in Marina Bay, with performances from a dozen local and international DJs and musical acts. The lineup for future events is yet to be determined.

Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon

On the first Sunday in December, fitness enthusiasts gather for the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. Competitions include a full marathon, half marathon, 10km run, and a 10km wheelchair race. The marathon route starts at the F1 Pit Building and ends at the Float @ Marina Bay. As it’s a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, this event draws thousands of participants from around the world.

Christmas Wonderland

Celebrate the Christmas season at Christmas Wonderland, an annual event that takes place at Gardens by the Bay. Visitors can explore a variety of fun and festive areas, including St. Nick’s Square, Gingerbread Grove, the Games Village, and Mistletoe Alley Market. There are light-up sculptures and Christmas trees to view, games to play, gifts and crafts to purchase, and much more.

Marina Bay Singapore Countdown

Get ready for the start of a new year at Marina Bay Singapore Countdown, an iconic fireworks show at Marina Bay. The shows occur on multiple nights in December, with an extended display on Dec. 31 to help ring in the new year. The colorful fireworks explosions illuminate the Marina Bay skyline, ensuring an unforgettable experience for locals and tourists.