Design District
Singapore River Design District
A Nation by Design, Told Through the River
This year, the Singapore River Festival debuts its first-ever Design Edition—a bold new chapter that transforms the river into a living design district, in celebration of Singapore Design Week’s theme, Nation by Design.
Just as Singapore has been shaped by vision, innovation, and resilience, so too has the river—once the trading hub, now reimagined as a canvas for creativity and connection.
Experience how design brings history to life and shapes the future through:
Symphony of Lights, where heritage bridges shine with stories and artistic vision
Singapore River Odyssey & Illuminating the Past, Heritage Reimagined Tours that connect past to present through stories behind each architecture
Dreamriver Market & Upcycling Workshops showcasing conscious creativity
Appreciate visual storytelling across each checkpoint through Singapore River Passport and redeem a Singapura Otter Iron-on Embroidery Patch
This is a festival where design doesn’t just decorate—it defines, connects, and inspires.
Come witness a vision of nationhood through the lens of design—starting at the river where Singapore’s story began.
Symphony of Lights
12 – 21 Sep 2025
7.30pm and 10.30pm daily
3 Bridges with a Vision Interconnected
Beneath the vibrant pulse of the city, the historic bridges that arch over the shimmering Singapore River come alive with rich tales of history. Each bridge, a silent sentinel, whispers secrets of the past, serving as a tribute to the river's storied origins. These bridges are powerful symbols of connection—bridging us to our roots, intertwining us with one another, and beckoning us toward the future. At night, the soft glow of illumination dances along the river, transforming the paths into a tapestry of light and life, inviting all to explore the Singapore River that vibrates with the energy of stories waiting to be discovered.
Visions of the Future @ Read Bridge
Inspired by the angels at Clarke Quay, luminous halos gracefully extend toward the vibrant Read Bridge, beckoning visitors to the bustling commercial space beyond. This enchanting display creates an inviting atmosphere, drawing people in with its captivating charm.
Rhythms of the Water @ Cavenagh Bridge
A point of resonance where the flow of the river, the wisdom of the trees, and the presence of people all meet. Captured by the movement, translucency, and tranquility of the flowing waters, the design evokes an undulation of the river, shimmering with a play of light and the dynamic movement through the pulsing colours.
Designer Spotlight
Light Collab is an award-winning lighting design studio based in Singapore and Japan, specialising in the art of using light to enhance visual environments and experiences. With a strong commitment to design excellence, the studio engages in a wide range of projects, focusing on how light can shape perception and elevate the way spaces are experienced.
The Roots of Light @ Robertson Bridge
As the river's waters were cleansed in the 1980s and the area underwent a magnificent rebirth, the bridge emerged as a symbolic spine, weaving together time, people, and place. This inspired a breathtaking lighting concept that mirrors the harmony between rejuvenated natural elements and the captivating natural origins of light. The linear patterns, vibrant colors, and enchanting forms create a serene oasis in the heart of the residential neighborhood.
Dreamriver Market
20 & 21 Sep 2025 | 3pm to 9.30pm
Space Outside Grand Copthorne Waterfront Singapore
This vibrant open-air celebration along the Singapore River brings together local artisans, mindful brands, and thoughtfully crafted finds in a beautifully designed riverside setting. From eco-friendly fashion to artisanal treats, every stall tells a story of creativity and care. Come wander, connect, and soak in the calm rhythm of the river in good company.
Architecture & Design Tours
Discover the architectural beauty of the Singapore River through two curated tours — a boat ride offering unique perspectives of iconic riverside buildings, and a guided night photo walk that captures the river’s illuminated structures, textures, and design stories in motion.
Singapore River Odyssey
13 Sep 2025 | 10.30am to 11.30am (Sold Out)
13 Sep 2025 | 5pm to 6pm
14 Sep 2025 | 10.30am to 11.30am
$38 per pax (inclusive of boat ticket)
Boarding and Alighting Point: Water B Raffles Place Jetty
On this boat tour, trace Singapore’s extraordinary evolution in just 60 minutes. Glide from heritage godowns at Robertson Quay to gleaming towers at Boat Quay, as heritage educator Yong uncovers hidden rooflines, climate-smart canopies, and architectural icons that turned a working river into the city’s cultural runway. History, urban design, and skyline views—all in one unforgettable ride.
Illuminating the Past, Heritage Reimagined
20 & 21 Sep 2025 | 6.30pm to 9pm
$20 per pax
Meeting Point: Brewerkz Riverside Point
Discover the Singapore River like never before through the lens of architecture. This guided photo walk takes you on a visual journey from heritage bridges to modern structures, revealing how light, form, and materiality have shaped the river’s transformation. Along the way, capture dynamic design moments—both historic and contemporary—set against a backdrop of illuminated cityscapes.
Designer Spotlight
Yong Min is a passionate heritage educator and founder of The Urbanist Singapore, known for bringing fresh perspectives to local history and urban design. With over 60,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram, he’s making Singapore’s architectural stories engaging and accessible for a new generation.
Designer Spotlight
Fujifilm collaborates with a selected group of professional photographers, known as X-Photographers, who represent the brand and showcase the creative possibilities of its imaging technology.
Joseph Goh is an award-winning international photographer and Fujifilm X-Photographer, renowned for his captivating work featured worldwide. As a passionate instructor and brand ambassador, he shares his expertise through talks, workshops, and judging photography competitions across Asia and the UK.
In Partnership with:
Echoes of 1959 Singapore River
8 & 18 Sep 2025 | 3.30pm to 6pm
$45 per pax
Step aboard a guided cruise and journey back to 1959 along the Singapore River. Discover rich stories from the past through engaging heritage storytelling, soak in the scenic views, and enjoy local bites as you explore the river’s vibrant history and culture.
Design Meets Sustainability
Totes Fun Club!
By YABAI YABAI
Upcycle Lab: Design Thinking for a Sustainable Future
Celebrate sustainable living with two hands-on design workshops curated by Studio29. Learn to personalise a custom tote bag made from repurposed fabrics and craft your own unique accessory tray using recycled plastics—all while embracing eco-conscious creativity.
20 & 21 Sep 2025 | 2pm to 3.30pm
$38 per pax
Location: The Residence, Intercontinental Robertson Quay
In this hands-on workshop, participants will get to design their own fun and functional bag using simple sewing and Sashiko techniques. They will learn how to give scrap fabrics a new purpose by turning them into playful textile collages, complete with handy pockets for cards and little knick-knacks. By the end of the session, each participant will take home a one-of-a-kind upcycled bag they can proudly call their own.
Pressed to Impress
By Plastify
20 & 21 Sep 2025 | 4.30pm to 6pm
$38 per pax
Location: The Residence, Intercontinental Robertson Quay
This hands-on workshop introduces participants to the principles of plastic circularity and sustainable design. The session begins with an engaging overview of Singapore’s waste management system and the complexities of plastic recycling. Participants will then get the opportunity to operate a manual injector machine and transform discarded plastic into a personalised accessory tray to take home.
Designer Spotlight
Studio29 is a creative studio founded by Angelina Lourdes, crafting meaningful experiences at the intersection of art, culture, design, and education. Guided by sustainability, Studio29 collaborates with local and international creatives to create programmes and platforms that connect communities through purposeful storytelling and thoughtful design.
Dream City – Mini Wire Art SculptureWorkshop
20 & 21 Sep | 2pm to 5pm
$38 per pax
Discovery Room, Basement 1, Asian Civilisation Museum
Step into Our Dream City, a hands-on wire art workshop where imagination meets craft, led by local sculptor Mr Yeo Chee Kiong. Guided by your vision of a dream home and city, create your own mini wire sculptures — from houses and parks to pets and city dwellers — using vibrant aluminium wires.
Each piece becomes part of a larger, collaborative Dream City model. Once completed, explore this miniature world through the lens of a roving mini remote-controlled car.
Let’s build the city of our dreams together!
Venue Sponsor:
Curator Spotlight
Sunday Social Market is a vibrant pop-up market supporting local makers and sustainable living. Each event is carefully curated to ensure a unique outdoor experience that fosters meaningful connections. With its distinctive vibe, the market celebrates creativity and community spirit, offering a platform for local artisans to shine.
Singapore River Festival Key Visual
Specially designed for SRF, this year’s visuals evoke exploration and forward-thinking—reflecting our River of Dreams theme and celebrating the journey and future possibilities ahead.
River of Dreams Key Visual
Singapore River is featured at the heart of the scene, animated by lively activities along its banks, to convey vibrancy, movement, and community connection. Illustrated in a playful, whimsical style, it sparks curiosity and a sense of wonder. Titled River of Dreams, the artwork emulates the festival’s dynamic energy and the fluid, lively spirit of the Singapore River.
Singapore River Passport
Explore Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay through a thoughtfully crafted journey. Collect stamps at key locations, uncover hidden gems, and complete your experience to redeem an adorable iron-on otter patch from Singapura Otter. A fun and creative way to discover each quay’s unique charm.
Designer Spotlight
Singapura Otter is Creamier’s new retail brand that celebrates the heart of Singapore through culture, flavour, and wildlife. Inspired by the iconic otters that roam the island, its endearing mascot, Lucky, brings a playful charm to everyday experiences. With thoughtfully designed products that reflect the spirit of the nation, Singapura Otter is set to become a beloved icon in its own right—capturing the imagination of both locals and visitors alike.