Frequent flyers to Bangkok may have traipsed across the fairy-lit grounds of the city’s famous container market, Artbox Bangkok, but for the rest of us, we’ve got the local rendition this month to get psyched about. Spread across two weekends, the massive creative market is set to be one of the largest on our shores — and everyone’s already hyped up about the buzz over the 50,000 sq ft space at Marina Bayfront.
As the first overseas edition of Artbox, the Singapore version will retain elements of its Thai origins, but with a local pasar malam twist. Basically, you can expect signature swirls of fairy lights (5,000 hung across 3km, to be exact), more than 10 shipping containers of varying sizes featuring exclusive merch, over 500 local and regional vendors hawking everything from food and art to fashion and beauty at 320 booths (the line-up changes each weekend), as well as art installations created on 200 metal sheets from Artbox Bangkok.
Oh, and if you’re thinking of grabbing lunch or dinner beforehand, there’s no need to. The dining zone — complete with wooden pallets, artificial turf and beach umbrellas — features 128 booths, including names like Loco Loco and Tio Smoke, dedicated to satisfying your hunger pangs. There’s also a chill out area with freestanding hammocks and outdoor furniture by HipVan for when you find yourself exhausted by all that strolling around. Local musicians will provide the backdrop of tunes, while other activities like Thai dance performances, open mic sessions, and a Kombi Rocks photo booth will keep you entertained.
For the brave souls who feel like doing something spontaneous, get a free tattoo — it’ll be chosen anonymously, but you’ll be inked by a renowned artist brought in by MTV Asia, so… no worries? Also on site are segways, hoverboards and electric unicycles that you can try zooming around on, as well as charity drives by non-profit organizations such as Feiyue Family Service Centre and Guide Dogs Association of the Blind.
Just one potential down side to take note of: the organizers — Invade Industry and Artbox Thailand — are expecting more than 400,000 eager shoppers to turn up, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself jostling your way through the sweaty crowds and waiting in line for just about everything.
Artbox Singapore is on from Apr 14-16 & Apr 21-23, 3pm-11pm at Bayfront Event Space. Free.
Also read:
Skip the crowds and get your dose of Artbox Singapore’s Insta-worthy foods straight from these 8 cafes instead
How to ensure your event is as overcrowded and overhyped like Artbox Singapore
