For two long years, Singapore has been devoid of the annual blockbuster entertainment event that is the Grand Prix.
Now that it is back on from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, Singapore is expecting its biggest turnout this year since the famed night race started in 2008. The 2019 Grand Prix alone saw over 250,000 spectators at the event.
While the main event here is the night street race itself (the first in the history of the sport), not everyone cares about 20 cars going in circles. It’s also an event where you can find some of the biggest international acts performing over the Grand Prix weekend, as well as various fringe events and parties happening around town.
Here’s your guide to some off-grid fun where your weekend will zoom past quicker than a Ferrari.
The acts
There’s no lack of talent in the entertainment line-up which includes noughties boyband sensation Westlife, iconic pop-punk band Green Day, the OGs of Brit rock Suede, rapper-singer The Kid Laroi, RnB outfit TLC, electronic music DJ Marshmello, and pop hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas. Most of the main stages will be located at the Padang so make sure your ticket has access to that zone.
The parties
Mandala Weekender
The music entertainment will not only be at the Grand Prix itself but the Mandala Club teams up with Marina Bay Sands to host a slew of acts over the three days. Starting big on Sept. 30, trap and hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd, house music’s Armand van Helden and Kelis will be bringing their milkshake to the yard.
Saturday night’s (Oct. 1) entertainment will see a dance party brought to you by house music stalwart and producer Louie Vega who will be spinning with his partner Anané and event promoter and party people Fat Fish Familia’s DJ Orio playing. The last day of the Grand Prix will be a bash with English electronic music duo Basement Jaxx and drum and bass heroes Rudimental.
If someone in the group needs to keep up with the race during dance time, there will be a huge 30-meter LED screen broadcasting the quali and night race. Tickets start from S$118 for general admission.
The three-day party will be going on from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, from 10.30pm to 4.30am at the Mandala Club, 31 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Singapore 089845.
Kampong Boogie
Get on the Formula Boogie at everyone’s favorite dance party in an indie cinema. Spend the Grand Prix weekend away from the sweaty crowds and on the dancefloor at Projector X with the likes of Mr Has, Darren Dubwise, AKASOUNDS and more helming the decks. Tickets start from S$20.
Kampong Boogie is happening on Sept. 30 at Projector X, 30 Merchant Road, Riverside Point #04-13, Singapore 058282.
Marquee Afterparty
Catch two iconic DJs, Steve Aoki and Afrojack rev it up at Marquee. While the rest are out there catching fast cars, you’ll get access to some high octane entertainment and fun – plus a go at the slides and famous Ferris wheel.
Steve Aoki is headlining on Sept. 30 while Afro Jack takes over on Oct. 1 at Marquee, 2 Bayfront Avenue B1-67, Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 018972.
The fringe events
GLAMboyant
Arab Street is also joining in on the F1 fun with a block party that will see food trucks, pop-up stands, an F1-themed truck with a racing simulator and arcade games and a BMX street battle where you can watch skilled riders bust out some freestyle tricks.
GLAMboyant is happening till Sept. 28 in the Kampong Gelam precinct.
LAVO Race Weekend Party Brunch
Fuel up with a hearty brunch on the race weekend at LAVO. Enjoy a luxurious Saturday afternoon with the views, free-flow wines and beers and signature dishes like the LAVO meatball and charred octopus.
Brunch starts at S$248 and is happening on Oct. 1 at LAVO, 10 Bayfront Ave, Tower 1, Level 57, Singapore 018956.
The traffic
If you’re out and about, do keep up with the road closures happening on the weekend.
