We’re fast approaching F1 season, which, to anyone other than die-hard race fans, mostly means a weekend full of blowout parties. We’ve rounded up all of the season’s hottest parties, so you can decide where you want to blow your cash.
For a no-expenses-spared night…
Amber Lounge
The swankiest of all after parties (and the official one for F1), this one’s got a $900 price tag to get in. Expect to rub shoulders with A-listers like David Beckham and Gordon Ramsay, as well as the F1 drivers come Sep 19-20. There’s even Black Eyed Peas’ Apl.de.ap performing and a fashion show by Ted Baker and Chi Chi von Tang. If you’re feeling especially splashy, a Jeroboam table is going for $26,600 (with free entry for eight). Free-flow Dom Perignon and cocktails obviously.
Boudoir Noire
Not exactly a get-up-and-dance type of party, this burlesque show brings something new to the F1 table for two nights (Sep 19-20). New York City’s famed “theater of varieties” The Box brings boundary-pushing acts (think acrobatics and kooky characters on stage) and Singapore’s first burlesque dancer, Sukki Singapora, to the Capitol Theatre. An $800 ticket gets you free-flow Taittinger Champagne, spirits and cocktails by the boys of Proof & Company.
Podium Lounge
The locally conceived version of Amber Lounge, this party is held in the posh Ritz Carlton ballrooms. They’ve got cool DJs like Kristian Nairn (or Hodor from Game of Thrones) and Hed Kandi’s Mark Doyle. The event also has F1 memorabilia for auction, a fashion show and lots of drinks—a relatively reasonable $300, but that doesn’t include free-flow booze for all three nights (Sep 18-20).
For something more affordable…
Bang Bang Singapore Race Weekend
Right in the middle of all the race action (no views though) is Bang Bang. The club is celebrating with two nights of parties involving DJs Ruckus (Sep 18) and Jesse Marco (Sep 19) who are laying it down with super hip EDM beats. You could fork over extra for table reservations, but the entrance fee is only $45, with a free drink.
Race Afterburner @ Kyo
The cool basement club will no doubt be the watering hole of the younger, hipper set. It’s a weekend (Sep 18-19) of electronic music by DJs. It’s a little more alternative than most clubs, but hey, a light-up beer pong table is always welcome.
Toy Room F1 Weekend @ Pangaea
London’s Toy Room transplants to Singapore for F1 weekend (Sep 18-20). Housed in baller playground, Pangaea, it’s three nights of parties with the likes of DJ Kaveh, Tito and American rapper Tyga. The full line-up isn’t out yet, but it seems like there are going to be more Top DJs and special guests to round off the weekend. You also won’t be too cramped here as tickets are limited to 100 per night and start at $188.
For crazy views…
Sky High Pitstop at 1-Altitude
One of the world’s highest bars probably has pretty great views of the track. While the cars may seem small from 282-meters in the sky, the club and bar are hosting a weekend (Sep 18-20) full of parties. First off, there’s Altimate’s Johnnie Walker Circuit party with cool DJs on the decks, then there’s 1-Altitude’s rooftop soiree with four different pitstops for cocktails by the likes of Grey Goose and Hibiki. Tickets start at $68.
Night Race Weekend @ Ce La Vi
The Marina Bay Sands club is pulling all the stops this race weekend. They’ve even got an extended lineup starting Sep 16 and going to Sep 23 with DJs Samantha Ronson, Cassidy and Jose Padilla on the decks. And if you want to start the party a little earlier, they’re also hosting a burger barbecue with Afro-Latin music and cocktails. The official Martini Racing Party (Sep 19) is also happening here. Plus, the cover charge starts at $28 if you go to the SkyBar during the day.
Sky Grande Prix
Lifestyle complex 50RP transform their 45th-storey concepts, Angie’s Oyster Bar, Sear, Empire and Patio, into four different themed rooms this Grand Prix weekend. The five-night (Sep 16-20) long party has DJ Remy Kersten from Hong Kong, fashion giveaways and lots of bottle popping. One ticket, which starts at $88 for a one-night pass, gets you access to all the rooms, too.
For something beachside…
Smack by Beach Up: Race Special
If you love F1 for the glam parties but hate the crowds, then the beach is where you’ll probably find respite from the race-crazy throngs of people. Our perennial beach bar fave, Tanjong Beach Club, hosts this race special with more resident DJs laying down funky, sun-friendly tunes and, of course, a round of beer pong come Sep 20.
Splash & Dash
The ever-hip W Hotel has a pool party over F1 weekend (Sep 19). Mr. Has and British DJ duo Dirty Vegas provide the music for this chill-out session with lots of bubbly, super soakers and beautiful people. The perfect reason to party during the day gets even better when the cover charge is only $35.
For something nostalgic…
Dom Perignon presents Luminous
A stalwart club in Clarke Quay, Attica is the backdrop for this splashy (in more ways than one) party on Sep 18. First off, there are much-coveted bottles of Dom Perignon. Coupled with the see-to-be-seen glam crowd and DJs Paul Harris and Dirty Vegas, this night will take you back to all those good ol’ Attica times.
Mambo Jambo
Zouk moves its iconic song-and-dance night to the Esplanade Park just for F1 season. What gets more nostalgic than jamming out to your favorite 80s hit songs while dancing in unison with fellow Mamboers? Plus, it’ll be happening all race weekend, from Sep 18-20, in Zone 4 of the tracks.
For something different…
Road to Ultra
In the mood for a good ol’ rave? Well this Miami EDM festival makes its debut in Singapore on Sep 19 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre. They’ve got three huge DJs taking turns to spin the decks including dubstep darling Skrillex, Alesso and Dutch heavyweight Nicky Romero. The gargantuan expo hall will be filled to the brim with neon ravers, amazing light effects and thumping music. Grab tickets for $168.
F1 Weekend Pub Crawl
The Singapore River pub crawl is back with three more bars playing host to raucous shot-takers and drink-happy partygoers. It all ends at a big club and where you’ll be guaranteed a supply of booze and good music. It’s taking place over two weekends starting Sep 11-12 and Sep 18-19 for $25.