With Ramadan taking place at the end of March, Kampong Gelam (GKG) 2025 is back for the fifth installment of Ramadan celebrations. With a dynamic blend of food, culture, and vibrant energy, this year’s edition is bigger and better than ever. If you missed last year’s festival, which attracted a whopping 1.1 million visitors, now’s the time to mark your calendars until 23 March!

As always, this iconic event will spotlight the best of Kampong Gelam, celebrating heritage, community, and sustainability.

As part of the annual party in Singapore, the market for 2025 will feature 120 food, beverage, and retail vendors, including some faves such as Satay Ummi, Picanhas, Smashed Burger, Al Papi, and House of Lemang. From fusion food like Turkish ice cream from Turkuaz to traditional Malay snacks, you will not go hungry.

Always buzzy and beautiful, this event on Singapore’s packed cultural calendar is not to be missed. Soak up the vibrant atmosphere and enjoy the fun as the sun goes down around Bugis and the good times begin. If you need a break from eating, there’s also a huge range of non-foodie cultural activities available, from workshops to shopping.

Here’s what to look out for:

Sultan Mosque Light Show

The Sultan Mosque Light Show remains a key highlight of the event. This year, it will feature captivating visuals and a 5.1 surround sound experience crafted by Singaporean composer Sha’aban Yahya. The stunning display, which includes symbolic imagery like date trees and emotive music, will turn the mosque into a breathtaking visual spectacle. Check it out Friday – Sunday, 7:40pm – 9pm (in 15-minute intervals).

Traditional & Contemporary Performances

Live music includes the traditional Joget Parade to soulful Dikir Barat. Some local Malay celebrities, such as Hannah Delisha and Mimifly, will also be live on stage.

Kampong Tour

Enjoy a guided walk through Kampong Gelam with stops for traditional Malay snacks, plus a $15 voucher for the food bazaar.

Mystery Treasure Hunt

Don’t miss the chance to win up to $8,000 through a fun and interactive treasure hunt.
Stamp Rally: Collect stamps from four key locations to receive a unique postcard souvenir.
Mass Iftar: On 22 March, a community gathering of 1,000 people on Arab Street to break their fast together in a celebration of unity.

Interactive Workshops

* Arabic calligraphy at Erwan Bar’s workshop
* Coffee grounds exfoliating soap-making with Coffee Revive
* Dikir Barat puppet-making workshops for kids and the young at heart

Retail Vendors

Explore a range of retail stalls offering festive treats, traditional Malay fashion, and more at the bustling bazaar

Want more? This year, GKG will also focus on sustainability, introducing solar-powered generators, zero-waste efforts, and offering discounts to those who bring their own water bottles.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR