Let’s take a visit and explore of Artbox 2024, Singapore’s annual largest all-day, creative night festival. Artbox 2024, held annually at the Singapore Expo Hall 5, stands as Singapore’s largest all-day creative night festival.
Artbox traces it roots originating in Bangkok, Thailand from 2015 as a pop-up market. Its an event showcasing local artists, designers, and entrepreneurs. Since then, Artbox quickly gained popularity and expanded worldwide. Since its Singapore debut in 2017, it has continued to captivate audiences, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The event aims to support the creative community and provide a platform for emerging talents.
This year, Artbox introduces themed sectors transforming Expo Hall 5 into a micro entertainment and food city of its own. In the nutshell, Artbox is divided into four main sectors- an open plaza for games, a shopping district, a central seating area, and a night market-style flavor boulevard. It is tad a multifaceted experience for attendees.
Central art containers
As you step into Artbox 2024, you’re greeted by the iconic shipping containers, a signature feature retained from previous years. These containers form a central avenue, housing various art installations seamlessly woven into the thematic experience.
While there are fewer large art pieces this year, the spread-out container centerpiece and diverse installations maintain the event’s unique charm. However, Artbox this year has notably has lesser art pieces such as the large art piece inflatables we saw on last year’s Artbox 2023.
Moreover, The central area also hosts a Beer Garden, a main seating area, and a TikTok music zone offering free trials via coupons. Notably, entry tickets come with a bonus KTV session, courtesy of Teo Heng.
Arcade alley games
Furthermore, the shopping district also houses an arcade alley and a games section near the entrance, where you can play English chess on regular-sized tables or opt for a larger-than-life chessboard.
Also, the Workshops and Gamestop arena by the entrance is a place where you can play games or chess. Here, the games section also has several tables where you can play English chess, using the small couple tables or even a larger than life chess board.
Encircling the compound are some Nintendo switch booths and VR zone where you can have a go on bean bags to play games of Mario kart or smash for that matter to spend the time here.
Also, the art caricature booth by Jelly Caricature remains a favorite, drawing long queues of patrons eager to get their faces sketched.
Shopping market place
The highlight of the event is the marketplace in the shopping district, featuring about 180 stores spread across four rows of wide walkways.
Here you see the return of the vintage camera shop with a selection of 80s era film cameras to try out and for sale.
There are several clothing, costume jewellery shop as well as artists selling stickers, crochet and patches. There are also few booth doing temporary tattoos and henna tattoos too.
A Korean corner adds diversity, offering Korean snacks and the opportunity to rent a traditional Hanbok for an impressive, yet odd experience for a Thailand-inspired event.It does bring about the Korean vibes like what we did at South Korea palaces last year.
You are good at the market place for about 30 mins to an hour tops. While exploring the shops, you’ll notice strong Thai influences, from clothing shops to the Beer Garden serving Chang beer and the prevalence of Thai milk tea in the food area.
Flavour Boulevard food street
The Flavour Boulevard, dedicated to food, has expanded significantly this year, boasting around 100 stalls offering more than just snacks.
Chang beer continues to run the Beer Garden, and the food options range from quirky dishes like “mala in a cup” to main food staples.
Main food staples includes ready-to-go snacks, deep-fried treats, noodles (such as ramen), desserts (including ice cream), and an array of beverages, from bubble tea to fruity mixes. Notable finds include Wagyu beef and Taiwanese pastry cakes.
SGAG Stage and live performances
For entertainment, Artbox 2024 features two stages—the performance and live music stage overlooking the dining area and the SGAG stage hosting participant challenges.
Also, the SGAG stage offers an obstacle course challenge where participants must navigate a balancing beam surrounded by foam cubes to ring a bell at the far end. The record stands at an impressive 3.4 seconds, showcasing the event’s thrill and excitement.
All in all, that wraps up our exploration of Artbox 2024. The event offers a vibrant mix of stalls, artisanal crafts, arts, games, and live performances. If you desire an art-focused or just want to find a place to chill for the night in the east this weekend, Artbox 2024 is a no-brainer, especially for those who appreciates creativity, culture, and a good time.
