Dust off those walking shoes and charge your phones – Singapore’s biggest nocturnal experience is back to light the city up from August 22 to September 6, 2025. This time, the Singapore Night Festival 2025 goes under the dreamy theme of Island Nights – think kampong nostalgia meets tropical beats, with a hefty dose of dazzling displays.
With over 80 free and ticketed experiences packed into two glowing weeks, you’ll want to carve out at least one evening or three to really soak it all in. We’re talking light installations you can actually walk through, projection mapping on some of the city’s most iconic buildings, art that makes you pause and breathe, plus plenty of food, drinks and live performances to keep the vibes going late into the night.
Time Out tip: budget at least three hours – that way you can wander between highlights, sneak in some snacks, and still have time to catch a performance or two at the festival villages. Not sure where to start? Here are some of our favourite must-sees at this year’s festival.
Sky Castle at Cathay Green
We can’t resist this interactive sound and light installation by Australian art and technology studio ENESS. Step through the giant inflatable arches and watch them respond to your movement with rippling colours and twinkling sounds. It feels like walking through a living, breathing rainbow after a storm, which makes for a great serotonin boost, and of course, photo op. Tickets start from $5 – get yours here.
Kampong Chill at Capitol Singapore
If you see scaffolding and tarps outside Capitol Theatre, don’t be alarmed – it’s not a work in progress, it’s part of the art. Australian-Singaporean duo Yok and Sheryo have turned the space in front of Capitol Theatre into a breezy tropical hideout, complete with bamboo, cheeky slogans and a vibe that’s all about reclaiming rest. Pop inside, sink into a seat, and give yourself permission to do absolutely nothing. We like to think of it as the festival’s official chill-out zone. Bonus: you can snag some quirky merch from the booth outside.
Mosaic at National Museum of Singapore
Projection mapping is a festival staple, but this one is next-level. French artist Jérémie Bellot and composer Ena Eno transform the museum’s façade into a kaleidoscopic journey through the stars, seas and heritage of the region. Expect cosmic voyages, flowing batik patterns, and music that swells in all the right places. Each show is under five minutes – short, sweet and seriously stunning – with a 10-minute intermission in between.
Awakening, Roadside beauties and healing remedies, Island Waters, and Dari Pulau Ke Pulau at CHIJMES
As if CHIJMES wasn’t dreamy enough, it’s getting four projection showcases by four Singapore-based artists this year to amp up the magic. There’s Asher Yeo’s Awakening for its folkloric flair, and Adeline Kueh’s Roadside beauties and healing remedies for the gorgeous nod to herbal traditions. We also love KangLi’s Island Waters and Hafi’s Dari Pulau Ke Pulau (From One Island to Another), which traces her grandparents’ migration journey. Watch all four unfold on the Gothic-style chapel, from start to finish.
Ku a Dreamer at Funan Kinetic Wall
This one’s playful, interactive, and a little bit whimsical – just how we like it. Step on the button by the cloudy-headed figure and watch the Funan Kinetic Wall dance in light. Together with Ku, a child-like character, Vietnamese artist Tùng Monkey’s creation is a sweet reminder to find a moment of respite, recharge your spirit, and rekindle your own dreams.
What else is there to see and do at the Singapore Night Festival?
Tons. If you’re stopping by Armenian Street for multidisciplinary art duo Kai Ting and Boon’s illuminated sea creatures in Jiwa Laut, Space Objekt x Reza Hasni’s Skygazers: Dreaming into the Past and Future neon installation, or just soaking up the festival vibes of Paradise Island, be sure to cool off with a free survival kit and pandan popsicle from 7pm daily while stocks last.
Festival villages are also where the party really happens. Retro District at Bugis Street Art Lane will scratch your nostalgia itch, while SMU Campus Green goes big with SMU Arts Fest: 2560. There’s also plenty of food and drink to fuel your wanderings. And if you’re up for more, catch performances at spots like the Children’s Museum Singapore, Fort Canning Park, Stamford Arts Centre, and more.
Discover the full list of programmes and explore Singapore Night Festival 2025 through these self-guided experiences here.
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