For nine editions, Keong Saik Road has been host to one of the island’s most well-attended street parties—the roads are cleared of cars, and artists, musicians and other key lifestyle figures descend upon the gentrified street to bring a little bit of non-expat life back. But for the upcoming 10th edition, organizers Lopelab are switching things up by taking the party out of Keong Saik, and moving it just a little way north to Temple Street. Fret not; the activities remain the same for Urban Ventures X, happening on Jul 7.
There are still the live DJs (JustMack and fresh face Bongomann) to groove to, group street yoga (courtesy of Yoga Movement), F&B offerings, and quirky fringe activities like salsa dancing and pop-up poetry booths. The fan favorite Underground Market will make a return too, featuring the pre-loved goodies of local personalities and social media influencers (think Aarika Lee, Jade Seah, Nadia Rahmat and more). Get the shopping itch out of your system over at the Artisans Market, or just lay back and listen to local voices at the Live & Local Stage—the likes of sobs, Subhas, and hauste will be playing from 5pm.
On top of that, Lopelab is taking the anniversary as an opportunity to champion sustainability (and be more of a meaningful cause in general). Car-free partying aside, Urban Ventures X will be a carbon-neutral event, verified by the United Nations, and powered through ES Power—offsetting 21 metric tons of carbon dioxide. Slightly off-tangent but no less important, the event also aims to raise funds for local initiative Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2), which supports migrant workers who are unable to feed themselves. By donating a minimum of $5 here, you’ll be entitled to a 5% transaction at both the F&B and Artisans’ Markets, and all proceeds will go to TWC2’s Cuff Road Food Programme.
As usual, admission is free, so take the opportunity to give back a little if you can. And get there early; we’re guessing the new, more accessible, Chinatown location will mean bigger crowds.
Urban Ventures X happens Jul 7 at Temple Street. More information here.
