The annual Singapore River Festival has returned for its seventh edition, making its first physical comeback since 2019. This highly-anticipated month-long festival promises to be a true celebration of local heritage, culture, and innovation from now till 1st October 2023.
This year’s Singapore River Festival is set to make history by introducing groundbreaking Augmented Reality (AR) activities in collaboration with BytePlus, a cutting-edge product by ByteDance aimed at bolstering businesses’ digital transformation efforts. As the cityscape evolves in tandem with technological advancements, the 2023 edition promises to deliver an unparalleled level of excitement, ushering in a new era of immersive mixed-reality experiences through an innovative AR filter. With this remarkable addition, festival-goers can anticipate a captivating journey that effortlessly merges the realms of the past and present, creating a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Key highlights of the festival as follows:
Mixed Reality Adventure:
Immerse yourself in the enchanting realm of Augmented Reality (AR) where historical landmarks come to life with interactive storytelling. Unearth the hidden stories of Singapore’s rich heritage, as AR breathes life into a mesmerising experience known as “Saba’s Time Quest.” From the inception of Singapore to its transformation into a global metropolis, this AR odyssey guarantees an unforgettable experience suitable for all ages.
Singapore River Signatures (SRS):
Savour an exceptional culinary voyage along the river with the eagerly anticipated return of Singapore River Signatures. This annual celebration pays homage to the outstanding food and beverage establishments nestled along the iconic Singapore River, offering a thoughtfully curated selection of the city’s finest dining experiences and culinary vendors.
Embark on a gastronomic adventure through our “Tales and Tastes of Singapore River” tour, an immersive journey that beautifully intertwines Singapore’s rich heritage with its vibrant gastronomy. Esteemed chefs from various F&B establishments have artfully crafted special dishes for SRS, including delectable offerings like Lobster & Citrus Multi-Coloured Pasta Arlecchino by Pasta Fresca, Ramly Special by DEADFALL by Barbary Coast, Flavour of the Sea Vermicelli by Shrimp Prawn Seafood, Bruschetta Flight by Brewerkz and Stout Braised Angus short Ribs by TEMPO Bar & Grill.
Dive into the artistry of culinary mastery through engaging workshops, such as the creation of a Mao Shan Wang Rainbow Mille Crepe Cake or perfecting Italian pasta with a Spaghetti & Spritz workshop.
Weekly Events from 7 September – 1 October:
Anticipate positive energy at Street Beats @ Circular Road, enhance your mental well-being at Wellness @ Singapore River Festival, relish heartwarming family experiences at Moonlight Fiesta, share quality moments with your beloved furry companion at Purrfect Day to Night Out, and dive into the world of Japanese Pop Culture, cuisine, and music at WORLD X FEST 2023 Japan Edition @ Clarke Quay Central—all unfolding across the entire month of September. With fresh activities emerging every weekend, be on the lookout for a diverse range of events that guarantee to captivate and entertain you throughout the month.
Light up on Bridges:
Experience the impressive transformation as Singapore’s three iconic quays, namely Cavenagh Bridge, Read Bridge, and Alkaff Bridge, come alive with breathtaking light art installations that paint the night with a vivid tapestry of colours. Each bridge is an embodiment of distinct Singaporean dreams: Future Progression, Lively Ensemble, and Garden City. The radiant illuminations on these bridges vividly manifest these dreams through mesmerizing light exhibits, casting an enchanting and spellbinding atmosphere along the Singapore River throughout the festival.
Visitors, whether they choose to take a leisurely boat ride or a tranquil stroll along the river, will have the opportunity to appreciate the distinctive symbolism and aesthetic allure of each bridge’s lighting, enhancing the enchantment of the Singapore River Festival and making it a truly magical experience.
Date: 7 – 8 September
Time: 7pm – 10.15pm
Location: Read Bridge, River Promenade in front of Clarke Quay Central and Riverside Point
Rhythm of the River:
Singapore River Festival 2023 kickstarts with an enthralling array of performances awaits, showcasing talented local live music acts such as Flame of the Forest, Caroline in the Sun, Samba Masala, and Born Fire. These artists are poised to captivate the audience with their mesmerizing shows, taking center stage at Read Bridge, River Promenade in front of Clarke Quay Central, and Riverside Point.
Date: 8 – 9 September
Time: 8 September, 8pm to late
9 September, 4pm to late
Location: Circular Road
Street Beats @ Circular Road:
Celebrate the rich tapestry of Singapore’s cultural heritage at an energetic street fest. Immerse yourself in a diverse fusion of music carefully selected by the music-centric bar Offtrack, along with talented DJs manning the turntables. Anticipate thrilling arcade games that evoke nostalgia and engage in Tamiya racing, all in perfect harmony with the Singapore Grand Prix Season’s essence. And, of course, don’t miss out on our communal dining experiences, uniting everyone for a joyous and festive celebration of food and culture.
Date: 9 – 10 September
Time: 9 September, 3pm to 7.45pm
10 September, 10am to 3.45pm
Location: Clarke Quay Central
Wellness Fest:
Partnering with the Health Promotion Board, engage your mind with an exciting Word Hunt challenge that traverses multiple checkpoints along the river. Afterward, elevate your energy levels with a dynamic Trampoline workout class, providing a comprehensive cardio workout experience. Finally, conclude your day with our Serenity Sketching sessions, offering you a creative outlet to artistically convey your emotions and sentiments.
Date: 16 – 17 September
Time: 4pm to 8.30pm
Location: Robertson Walk
Moonlight Fiesta:
Celebrate this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival by engaging in curated family workshops. Get creative with activities such as the Bear Pour Keychain workshops, where you can craft your very own bear figurines, or explore your artistic side with Window Art workshops. Don’t miss the opportunity to try your hand at lantern-making during our Lantern Making workshop.
As the evening sets in, prepare to be enchanted by the captivating lantern displays and embark on an enchanting lantern festival walk by the Singapore River. Gather your family, including the little ones, and partake in a delightful stroll along the picturesque Singapore River while carrying beautifully illuminated lanterns. Additionally, the first 100 customers who register for the lantern walk at a registration fee will receive a goodie bag.
Date: 23 – 24 September
Time: 12pm to 10pm
Location: CQ @ Clarke Quay
Purrfect Day to Night Out:
Prepare for an unforgettable Purrfect Day to Night Out, dedicated to our beloved furry companions. Join the eagerly awaited Best Dressed Competition, where pets can showcase their cutest and most imaginative costumes, vying for the coveted title of Best Dressed Pet.
What’s more? Make your way to the on-site retail haven, tailored to cater to your pet’s every need and desire. Immerse yourself in a diverse selection of pet products, ranging from trendy apparel and stylish accessories to delectable gourmet treats such as mocktails and ice creams. Furthermore, ensure your pet’s well-being with the complimentary pet health checks and expand your knowledge through informative talks by experts in the field of pet care.
Amidst the festivities, relish in captivating music performances by the talented artists Harmonee and Jason Yu, rounding off this exceptional event with harmonious melodies.
Date: 29 September – 1 October
Time: 2pm to 10pm
Location: Clarke Quay Central
WORLD X FEST 2023 JAPAN EDITION @ Clarke Quay Central:
A grand finale on the final weekend – introducing a never-done-before matsuri (festival) celebrating Japanese gastronomy, anime and pop music.
Amidst all the recent Japanese craze, get to experience a taste of Japan right here at home. Explore different festival game stalls with some helm by guest cosplayers, or support local artists as they showcase their talents and creations at special mascot gijinka Cosplay competition, and win attractive prizes – all of that while revelling in J-Pop music performances by Japanese artists. Go Oishii with an array of mouth-watering delights from the food stalls, offering a diverse range of Japanese cuisine, serving up everything from savoury classics to delightful treats.
For more on the latest updates and event details, visit http://www.srf.sg and be sure to mark your calendars to join us in celebrating the Singapore River Festival 2023 – where the past meets the future!
