Singapore River Festival returns from 11 to 20 September 2026 with performances, interactive installations and lifestyle experiences across Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay. This year, visitors can control the lights on a Clarke Quay pedestrian bridge, watch How to Train Your Dragon beside the river and dance at a daytime sober party serving açaí instead of alcohol.
Here are seven activities worth checking out.
1. Control The Lights On A Clarke Quay Bridge With Your Movements
At The River Rhapsody, your body becomes the remote control. Wave your arms, pull out a dance move or simply gesture towards the installation and watch as the bridge’s colours, music and projections on the surrounding trees respond to you. Because the experience is shaped by the people interacting with it, no two moments should look or sound exactly the same.
Artiste impression of The River Rhapsody
2. Watch How To Train Your Dragon Outdoors
Watch How to Train Your Dragon (2025) outdoors under the night sky with the Singapore River as your backdrop. Bring a picnic mat, or use the seating provided if you prefer not to sit on the ground. The film’s audio will play through the Cinewav app instead of outdoor speakers. Bring your own headphones or borrow a set onsite, then adjust the volume to your preference.
There is only one screening, making this the experience that families and movie fans should plan for in advance.
Image from Singapore River Festival & Artiste Impression of Movie Screening
3. Step Through Time In A Hidden Boat Quay Alley
Step into a Boat Quay back alley and watch three heritage shophouse walls transform into portals through time. The eight minute projection show, called The River Echo Chambers, traces the Singapore River’s journey from its trading past to the waterfront we recognise today, before imagining what it could become in the future.
The hidden Kinrara Lane setting adds to the nostalgia, taking visitors away from Boat Quay’s modern restaurants and bars. Bring your earphones and access the Cinewav web app to experience the show’s original soundtrack alongside the projections.
Image from Singapore River Festival
4. Enter Matcha Heaven At A Three Day Market
If matcha has become your entire personality, Matcha Central may be your ideal weekend hangout. The viral green drink takes over Clarke Quay Central for three days with matcha experiences, live DJ sets and a lifestyle market filled with artisan finds and trinkets.
Visitors can also join an appreciation masterclass to learn how to whisk matcha properly. After sipping and shopping, continue the evening at the interactive bridge lights nearby.
5. Attend A Daytime Sober Party Serving Açaí
Clarke Quay nightlife gets a sober twist at Acai Social, a daytime party where açaí bowls replace cocktails. Dance to Top 20 hits, meet new people and enjoy the energy of going out without making alcohol the main event.
The party takes place inside The Riverhouse, Clarke Quay’s oldest building. Each ticket includes one açaí bowl and one soft drink, giving the heritage venue a very Gen Z makeover for the afternoon.
Image from Singapore River Festival
6. Step Inside A Heritage Warehouse Rarely Open To The Public
Before Zouk moved to Clarke Quay, its legendary Jiak Kim Street home occupied three riverside warehouses. While countless clubbers once danced inside them, these conserved spaces are now rarely opened to the public.
A 90 minute guided tour called Whispers of the Twin Quays offers a rare opportunity to step inside the warehouses while uncovering the Singapore River’s trading past and transformation. Led by Yong from The Urbanist Singapore, the experience combines exclusive warehouse access with a boat ride and heritage walk through Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay. The tour is eligible for SG Culture Pass credits.
7. Catch A Samba Boat Parade With Mardi Gras Style Energy
This samba parade starts on the Singapore River instead of the street. SMU Samba Masala will perform aboard a boat travelling from Clarke Quay Central towards UOB Plaza, bringing drums, dancing and a hint of Mardi Gras style energy to the waterfront.
After the boat procession, the performers will head ashore for a second roving performance. Catch the first segment by the river at 8pm, then make your way towards UOB Plaza before the land parade begins at 9pm.
Images from Singapore River Festival
