Attention, all! Gemilang Kampong Gelam 2025 is returning to Singapore’s historic district. This 35-day festival is about to be full of workshops, performances, lights – and, of course, a massive bazaar with over 120 mouthwatering F&B and retail vendors. And I’ve just scratched the surface!
Last year, a whopping 1.1 million visitors flooded Kampong Gelam – almost double from 2023 – and if you think that’s impressive, wait till you see what’s in store this time. Keep reading to find out more!
Kampong Charity Run 2025
For the first time ever, GKG 2025 is kicking off with a Kampong Charity Run on 15 February 2025! Organised with Drugfree SG and Big Boyz Run Club, this 2.4km run winds through the streets of Kampong Gelam, spreading awareness about drug-free living and fitness as Ramadan approaches.
In no shape or form am I a runner (props to those who are!), but this run isn’t about speed; it’s about community and purpose. The Central Narcotics Bureau will set up an educational booth, and Drugfree SG volunteers – including ex-drug abusers – will share powerful personal stories. Proceeds go toward Kampong Gelam Community Centre’s beneficiaries!
So, you don’t have to be a seasoned runner. If you wanna get some cardio in for a cause (or maybe you need to practice for your NAPFA test…), sign up now!
Food and Retail Bazaar
Now, I know this appeals to many of you more! I’m always weak for food and shopping opportunities. GKG 2025’s bazaar will host a whopping 80 F&B stalls, and you can expect to see beloved names like House of Lemang, Picanhas, and Satay Ummi, alongside viral hits like Smashed Burger, Al Papi’s tacos, and Flamboyant Goon’s croissants. Your tastebuds are in for a ride!
The retail section is a shopping paradise, too. From Baju Fifty-Eight’s stylish Raya outfits to Deanqaisara’s artisanal crafts and Pretty Sugar’s sweet treats, I’m sure you’ll find items that catch your fancy. So take your time; there’s no rush!
Performances and Celebrity Meet-and-Greets
It’s not a full-fledged festival without some performances, is it now? We’ve got The Joget Parade bringing a lively Malay dance procession, featuring Pencak Silat and Kompang performances! You’ll also get a taste of traditional performances like Dikir Barat, Tarian, and Kompang ensembles, with live acts from contestants of the Kaki Nyanyi reality singing competition.
And if you’re an avid consumer of Malay entertainment, I’ve got exciting news for you! Get ready – ready your hearts, mainly – for meet-and-greets with celebrities like Hannah Delisha, Mimifly, and Beto Kusyairi. You’ll not only get to watch these stars on the stage, but you can also catch them up close at the Celebrity Booth for a more personal experience.
Cultural Workshops
If there’s one thing to look forward to at festivals, it’s hands-on experiences. And with a lineup of immersive cultural workshops, this one’s got plenty! I’ve always found the Arabic script so beautiful – if you’re in the same boat, there’s an Arabic Calligraphy Workshop by local artist Erwan Bar, and you can proudly take home your creation!
At the Batik Art Workshop led by Hanisa M, you can customise coasters, wooden frames, and vases with intricate batik designs. For more interactive experiences, you can join the Seni Sini Community Art Initiative, where visitors can participate in a Dikir Barat Puppet Play and craft traditional headdresses in a free community art installation.
But one of the most intriguing workshops that caught my attention is the Coffee Revive Workshop, where used coffee grounds are transformed into exfoliating soap. Would you have ever thought this is possible? Me neither! Featuring local cafes like 60 ALLEY Bakes & Coffee, Rumi, and No Strangers Here, this is a great eco-friendly way to make the most of something that would usually be tossed away.
Sultan Mosque Light Show
Did you really think I’d talk about GKG 2025 without mentioning its signature event? Indeed, the Sultan Mosque Light Show is back with a 5.1 surround-sound experience and a custom score by acclaimed Singaporean composer Sha’aban! Symbolic Ramadan imagery – like date palms, ketupat, and olive trees – will light up the mosque’s façade in a stunning display!
New Additions for SG60
In light of Singapore’s 60th birthday, Kampong Gelam will have some new additions! The Kampong Tour is a two-hour journey through iconic spots like Masjid Sultan and Kandahar Street while you enjoy interactive stations serving mouthwatering Malay delicacies. As a bonus, you get a S$15 voucher for the food bazaar!
For those seeking more adventure, the Kampong Hunt sounds like the activity for you! Hunt for exclusive Gemilang Kampong Gelam 2025 coins hidden around the district and chat with friendly shopkeepers for hints. Keep your eyes peeled for extra clues on social media, and you might just snag up to S$8,000 in cash!
And for the sentimental souls, the Stamp Rally lets you collect stamps from four key locations – each representing a piece of Kampong Gelam’s rich heritage – and claim a postcard souvenir to remember the journey. How sweet is that?
Mass Iftar
On 22 March, join about 1,000 others in a communal Mass Iftar along Arab Street! Open to all, this event celebrates unity and generosity, bringing together One Kampong Gelam partners and Jalan Besar GRC beneficiaries. If you’ve been meaning to expand your circle, you might just make some new friends here!
Sustainability at the Forefront
GKG 2025 is piloting several new green initiatives as part of its sustainability efforts. This year, the event is partnering with Gorental.SG to deploy 100% solar-powered battery generators, which emit zero air and noise pollution, significantly reducing the event’s carbon footprint. Close to half of all F&B booths will also adopt recycled packaging materials.
Listen up, this is where you come in! If you bring your own bottles, you’ll enjoy discounted drinks at all participating vendors. Don’t say I didn’t tell you!
Details
You could be here for the food, culture, performances, or just the atmosphere – whatever your reason, Gemilang Kampong Gelam 2025 is about to be a grand celebration. So come join in on the fun!
🗓️Date: 19 February to 25 March 2025
📍Location: Kampong Gelam
⏰Time: 2pm to 11pm
For more information and the latest updates, follow Visit Kampong Gelam’s socials on Facebook and Instagram.
Visuals Courtesy of One Kampong Gelam.
