They’re like festivals—all the great vibes, delicious food and drinks, silly dancing and banging tunes, minus the overcrowding and all the issues that come along with them. If there’s one thing we should be thankful for, is that Singapore still knows how to have a bit of fun, even in our infamous, sweltering climate. We’re no stranger to block/street parties or car-free days, especially since they’ve been happening more often than before, so we’re confident that it’s a thing now (even the government is hopping on the block party bandwagon). With so many parties happening in the coming weeks, we’ve picked some of the cooler ones you might actually enjoy, including four this weekend.
The Bloc Party @ Armenian Street (Aug 19-20 & 26-27, Fri-Sat)
Who/What: Armenian Street will be cordoned off for a block party, with tenants in the area getting involved as part of the annual Singapore Night Festival festivities.
Highlights: You’ll never be bored at the Singapore Night Festival, and this Bloc Party is no different. Over the two weekends, look out for the deep rumbles of a motorcycle convoy led by Harley Davidson Singapore, settle your differences with your friends in a light saber battle by FightSaber Singapore or just dance the night away to the beats of roving percussion band Rhythm de Passion, back-to-back music acts called Isms & Schisms presented by The Substation and acapella tunes by Vocal XTC.
Details: Free, 7:30pm–2am
Gallery & Co Block Party (Aug 19, Fri)
Who/What: Gallery & Co.’s monthly block party is back this weekend.
Highlights: It’s about time you threw on those dancing shoes again. Grab your buddies and go disco dancing at the Gallery & Co Block Party to the eclectic mix of disco music courtesy of veterans DJ KFC and Hookstyle, who’ll keep the party alive in the outdoor area.
Details: Free, 9pm–1am
Caribbean Bloc Party (Aug 20, Sat)
Who/What: Urban Ventures, who’re responsible for various street activities on Keong Saik Road over the past few months, are partnering up with Lime House to throw a massive Caribbean-themed block party.
Highlights: As part of the eatery’s third anniversary, the road will be transformed into a carnival of sorts, with a roaring drumming performance by Bloco Singapura, a public street salsa lesson where you can learn to gyrate your hips from dance coach Wendy Yee of Pure North, a street party that’ll dole out the best of reggae, salsa, soca, hip-hop and latin music and more. Of course, if you’re knackered from all the activities, you can refresh yourself with special $12 rum cocktails, courtesy of—who else—Lime House. Soak up the night at the afterparty at Lime House, as DJ Bhayology curates a mix of high-energy Caribbean soca and afrobeat tunes.
Details: Free, 4pm–late
Sub City: Kult Kafe D&B BBQ (Aug 20, Sat)
Who/What: Revision Music’s Sub City series returns after its run at the HPL Building on Cuscaden Road.
Highlights: They’re bringing the party to the outdoor area of Kult Kafe on Emily Hill for a day of drum & bass and barbecue goodness. They’re also celebrating the return of Andy Vortex and Diphasic, alongside a line-up of Singaporean DJs who’ll drop some thumping drum & bass beats.
Details: Free, 2pm–10pm
Kawara Reggae Dancehall in di Air (Aug 27, Sat)
Who/What: Year-old reggae and dub collective Lion Steppaz Sound is bringing its new dancehall party series to The Great Escape.
Highlights: There will be a half dozen selectas from Singapore, Japan and France, and they’ve promised cool visual projections to go with the music. It’s free to get in and a glass of wine starts at $8
Details: Free, 10pm–3am
Skinny’s Block Party (Aug 28, Sunday)
Who/What: Skinny’s Lounge on Boat Quay is kicking their legs up and letting loose on Sunday to throw a party that’s pretty much a throwback to the many days spent at your favorite watering hole during your haydays.
Highlights: Live out your glory days and play Edward Forty Hands (duct tape included), Beer Pong (ping pong balls included) and a few rounds of doubles pool, all while having kitsch hip-hop playing on the lounge’s Mattblacc sound system.
Details: Free, 1pm–8pm
Gillman Barracks 4th Anniversary (Sep 23-24, Fri- Sat)
Who/What: They’re celebrating their fourth birthday this year with two full days of activities in September.
Highlights: It’ll be a weekend of artistry and festivities, with new exhibitions and programs by the various galleries, guest exhibitions by the fifth Singapore International Photography Festival and the Supermama Porcelain Festival. Friday, Day 1, is Art After Dark, involving late night entry to the galleries and lots of schmoozing, food pop-ups, performances by local musicians and a live mural painting courtesy of artist Speak Cryptic. Once you’re all pumped up, end the night at the official after party hosted by Red Baron. But if you’re not the nocturnal sort, Gillman Barracks continues its celebrations on Saturday at Art Day Out!, with artist-led talks and workshops, guided tours, a farmers’ market and more.
Details: Free, 7pm–11pm on Sept 23; 2pm–7pm on Sept 24.
