The Best F1 Events, Parties & Festivals To Check Out — And You Don’t Need An F1 Ticket For Most Of Them

Start your engines and gear up for a slew of exhilarating events as Formula 1 makes its return to Singapore after a two-year hiatus. And we’re not just talking about the Singapore Grand Prix from Sep 30 to Oct 2. F1 fever has taken over the island with race-themed parties, festivals, activities and F1 driver appearances taking place across Singapore during Grand Prix Singapore Season (GPSS). 

There’s something for everyone, whether you prefer getting close to the action (limited tickets still available here) or you can soak up the F1 atmosphere at a more relaxed pace, even without a race ticket.

Watch the Singapore Grand Prix, of course

After two long years, F1 is finally making its comeback in Singapore. Besides seeing the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen duke it out during the night race, F1 fans can expect over 75 performances across eight stages. Green Day, Westlife and Marshmello headline the entertainment line-up for the three-day racing extravaganza. Fans are in for a taste of nostalgia as acts like TLC and Suede will also take the stage. Two new support races will also be making their Singapore debut — the all-female W Series, and one of Asia’s most competitive GT Series, the TSS The Super Series.  

Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2022
When: Sep 30 to Oct 2
Where: Marina Bay Street Circuit
More info  

Get up close with an F1 replica car, enjoy MasterChef Asia-worthy bites and beer

If you want to get up close with a Formula 1 race car, make a pitstop at Clarke Quay where Peroni Nastro Azzuro’s Back With Passion event, on from now until Oct 2, has a host of F1-related activities that’ll thrill F1 fans and foodies alike.

Taking centrestage is Singapore’s first and only display of the Aston Martin Formula One team replica car. Stay for beer and nibbles from an exclusive Peroni x F1 menu curated by MasterChef Asia winner and Restaurant Ibid chef-owner Woo Wai Leong. Don’t miss out on the grilled unagi on mantou buns ($16) and grilled sliced octopus ($24). To complete the night out, a host of live performers will take the stage on select nights.

Over race weekend from Sep 30 to Oct 2, a revved up three-day race programme will take place. Visitors can try their hand at race simulators (with every purchase of Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0%) and win prizes while they’re at it.

Back with Passion
When: Sep 16 to Oct 2, 6pm to 11.59pm daily
Where: Clarke Quay Fountain Square
More info

Check out a Lego F1 car, meet a McLaren F1 driver (the real deal, not a Lego version)

At the Lego Technic McLaren Formula 1 Pop-Up Experience, a life-sized Lego model of a McLaren Formula 1 race car made up of 288,315 Lego bricks is the star of the show. Happening from Sep 23 to Oct 2 in front of Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza, this pop-up will give visitors a chance to admire and even get in the driver’s seat of the spectacular Lego F1 car that took 1,900 hours to construct. McLaren F1 driver, Lando Norris, will also make an appearance at the pop-up on Sep 28.

Lego Technic McLaren Formula 1 Pop-Up Experience
When: Sep 23 to Oct 2, 11.30am to 9.30pm
Where: In front of Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza
More info

Watch the race in luxury — free-flow champagne and fab trackside views included

Splendid views of the race, free-flow champagne, no need to battle the crowds. If this sounds like your type of Formula 1 viewing experience, then head to Smoke & Mirrors on race day (Oct 2) for The Penthouse, a premium limited ticketing F1 experience, priced at $1,880. The evening kicks off at 6pm with free-flow champagne and bespoke cocktails, and food is served all night long. As the race commences at 8pm, guests will be treated with trackside views perched atop the National Gallery Singapore, and race night rounds off with fantastic views of the fireworks. But that’s not the end of the night — the party continues with international DJs helming the decks.

The Penthouse
When: Oct 2, 6pm to 2am
Where: Smoke & Mirrors, 1 St. Andrew's Road, #06-01 National Gallery Singapore, 178957
More info

Catch an F1 pop-up truck at a street festival

The Kampong Gelam precinct is about to come alive with Glamboyant, a 10-day street festival from Sep 23 to Oct 2 that has a plethora of food, live performances and other activities — and even an F1 pop-up truck.

It’ll be held over five main areas with different activities happening in each one, so be sure to set aside a good amount of time here.

Foodies, zero in on the food trucks at Aliwal Street Carpark hawking halal fusion trendy bites and street food faves. An outdoor silent cinema at Sultan Gate will screen family-friendly films like Jumanji The Next Level and The Karate Kid (separate charges apply). A roving F1 pop-up truck will swing by on Sep 27 and 28 with arcade games and race simulators to get folks geared up for race weekend. An extreme sports BMX arena at Sultan Gate Park will thrill visitors with BMX street battles and free workshops.

Of course, a street festival isn’t complete without live entertainment. The official launch on Sep 23 at 8pm will see a slew of local acts, including Raw Energy featuring Hady Mirza and Alia. Daily performances will see DJs helming the decks at Haji Lane and traditional dance acts taking the stage at Baghdad Street/Bussorah Street. Tickets at $5, available here.

Glamboyant
When: Sep 23 to Oct 2
Where: Kampong Gelam precinct (Aliwal Street Carpark, Baghdad Street, Haji Lane, Sultan Gate and Sultan Gate Park)
More info

Soak in the F1 hype with a weekend of races you can actually take part in

Okay, so you’ll most likely, very probably never be able to race in Formula 1. But there’s still the HyperDrive Cities Festival, Asia’s first hybrid online to offline motorsports festival that will see an array of race-themed experiences taking places. We’re talking electric go-karting races and simulated racing challenges. The top 25 Sim racers from the region will also compete for top honours in the championship. Homegrown talents like RRILEY (aka Sandra Riley Tang) and Haneri (aka Daphne Khoo) will also take the stage at the festival. Tickets from $10.

HyperDrive Cities Festival
When: Sep 23-25
Where: *Scape
More info

Find out how the night race gets lit at this free F1 photo exhibition

You probably know by now that the Singapore Grand Prix has bragging rights as the first-ever night race. But how does it all come together? Twelve Years of Lights and Racing in the Lion City is an exhibition that celebrates the team that lights up the atmosphere of the street circuit after the sun sets. Held from Sep 28 to Oct 3 at The Arts House, it features the work of Italian lensman Flavio Mazzi, one of the most renowned F1 photographers. Get a glimpse of a treasure trove of archive images from previous races in Singapore, and even sneak peeks into the teams’ private factories.

Twelve Years of Lights and Racing in the Lion City
When: Sep 28 to Oct 3, 10am-10pm
Where: The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane
Free admission

Attend a bougie F1 soiree alongside F1 drivers

Amber Lounge is back, and the ultra-luxe post-race party has a new home at The Fullerton Bay Hotel’s The Clifford Pier. Expect to rub shoulders with celebs and even Formula 1 drivers (Fernando Alonso, Nico Rosberg are among the drivers who’ve been spotted here before) at the F1 party to see and to be seen at. The glamorous afterparty will also feature immersive theatrical cabaret and cirque-themed performances. On opening night, Dutch superstar DJ Oliver Heldens helms the decks, while Swedish singer-songwriter John Martin alongside Michel Zitron, and American rapper Fatman Scoop take the stage on Sunday.

Of course, VIP partying comes with a pretty price tag — individual VIP passes are priced at $800++ for Oct 1 and $1,200++ on Oct 2; table bookings start at $3,000 for four pax on Oct 1 and $4,000 for Oct 2 (includes a set of drinks such as champagne, vodka, and beer). Feeling flash? The all-new Noir Suite, which accommodates 15 to 20 pax, is also the priciest, and is available to book for upwards of $100,000.

Amber Lounge
When: Oct 1 and 2
Where: The Clifford Pier, Fullerton Bay Hotel
More info

Get a bird’s eye view of the F1 track

Enjoy unparalleled views from the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands. CÉ LA VI, which is holding four days of F1-themed celebrations from Oct 28 to Oct 2. Get decked out in LED, neon punk, and race-inspired outfits for the Grand Prix Cyber Rally, and party in the Club Lounge that will be transformed with race-inspired décor and neon photo installations. DJ Danny Tenaglia spins at the Club Lounge on Oct 1, while local and Malaysian DJs, including DJ Alam, Anand, and Arsit P, keep the multi-sensory party going throughout the weekend.

Entry from Sep 29 to Oct 2 is $38 from 12pm to 6pm, $48 from 6pm-10pm and $98 from 10pm onwards (all prices include one premium pour). For the best views, book one of CÉ LA VI’s outdoor tables. On Oct 1 and 2, table bookings start at $1,500++ for an outdoor standing cocktail table for six pax, available from opening time until 10pm. Separate bookings and prices apply for table bookings from 10.30pm onwards.

Grand Prix Cyber Rally 2022
When: Sep 28 to Oct 2
Where: CÉ LA VI Singapore, Level 57, Marina Bay Sands Skypark, 1 Bayfront Avenue  
More info

Party at a private members’ club (no, you don’t have to be a member)

From Sep 30 to Oct 2, the general public will be able to party with private members club, Mandala Club, when it takes over the Sands Expo and Convention Centre at Marina Bay Sands for a three-day music extravaganza. International artists Rae Sremmurd and Kelis take the stage on Friday, Armand van Helden and Louie Vega with Anané on Saturday and finally, Basement Jaxx and Rudimental perform on Sunday. The qualifying race on Saturday and the full F1 race on Sunday will also be screened on a massive 30m LED screen. Tix from $118.

Mandala Weekender
When: Sep 30 to Oct 2, 10.30pm to 4am. F1 screenings on Oct 1 and 2 start at 7pm.
Where: Hall C, Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands
More info

Keep the party going with Steve Aoki and Afrojack

More high-octane revelry is in store at MBS, this time, at Marquee. The mega club will host internationally acclaimed DJs Steve Aoki and Afrojack take over the decks on Sep 30 and Oct 1 respectively. Tickets are available at $80 for ladies and $100 for men (excludes booking fees). Or if you’re in a hurry to get the party started, expedited entry tix are available at $250.

Marquee Singapore 2022 Race Weekend
When: Sep 30 and Oct 1
Where: Marquee Singapore, B1-67, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue
More info