As the Lion City readies itself for the much-anticipated Formula 1 racing season, Kampong Gelam’s Glam Circuit Festival helps build up to the special occasion as part of Grand Prix Season Singapore 2024. Spread across different corners of the area, visitors can enjoy musical acts, try all sorts of food, and participate in fun games for all to enjoy.

Near the event’s main stage, guests can find many activities to participate in. For those who wish to feel like an F1 racer, have a go at their racing simulator booth that will have you driving around the scenic views of Singapore. Test your skills by trying to get through each lap with the best time and avoid crashing into the walls. Right next to the racing simulator is the screaming booth. It’s certainly a wonderful way to de-stress and let out any pent up emotions, all with the possibility of being rewarded for it if you reach the screaming threshold. Finally, there’s also a cardboard racecar that guests can come together to decorate and paint as they see fit.

Aside from the racing simulator, there are traditional parlor games to enjoy as well. Try your hand at ring toss, the mini golf course, a Velcro shooting range, and much more for families and friends to enjoy. Rack up enough points and you’ll be able to bring home a stuffed friend. Of course, after all the games, there are countless food stalls to try out for when you start feeling hungry. There are burgers, fries, birrias, shawarma wraps, croissants, and more for you to treat your palate. As you enjoy the food, there’s also live music playing throughout the event from various local acts to vibe out to.

“The Glam Circuit Festival 2024 is a celebration that goes beyond the thrill of speed and the charm of our cultural heritage,” shares One Kampong Gelam chairman Zaki Maarof. “It offers a multitude of experiences that symbolize the diversity and dynamism of the Singapore night race. We are excited to present an event that reflects true to the vibrant and inclusive spirit of Kampong Gelam in such a refreshing way leading up to the race weekend.”

Even on a regular day, Kampong Gelam is quite a wonderful sight to see. Serving as the go-to community hub for the local Mediterranean and Muslim community, plus the vibrant art scene, the best way to describe it is Quiapo crossed over with Cubao Expo. Wandering around the streets, you’ll find the buildings covered in eye-catching mural artworks that bring life to the trade hub. Aside from the souvenir stores, you’ll find many fabric shops, thrift stores, and many artisan stores to explore. 

For those in the area, the Sultan Mosque stands out the most among all the buildings. Originally built in 1824 by Singapore's first sultan, Hussein Shah, the building was demolished and rebuilt in 1932 as part of renovation efforts. It is a solemn place that attracts passersby's eyes due to its beautiful architecture. Every now and then, the entire area goes quiet as prayers are played from the place of worship, giving one a feeling of peace.

Another endearing feature of Kampong Gelam is the lively food and beverage scene. There are countless bars and restaurants for anyone to find what meal they’re craving for. Two restaurants are worth checking out, Blu Jaz Café and Cappadocia Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant. For the first, you’ll find it along Bali Lane while the latter can be found along Bussorah St. Both are best enjoyed as a big group. Blu Jaz Café offers a ridiculously huge naan that is enhanced by the other dishes offered. They also provide Western delights like a cheese charcuterie board and a pizza platter. Meanwhile, Cappadocia Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant has a wonderful menu of kebabs to choose from further enhanced by its friendly staff. Don’t miss out on ordering the Turkish coffee, served with a side of Turkish delight. You can even have your fortune read after drinking your coffee.

While festivities from the Glam Circuit Festival will only run until the big Formula 1 weekend on Sept. 22, exploring the beauty of Kampong Gelam can be done anytime. It’s easily accessible via the Singapore MRT by dropping off at Bugis Station. Find yourself lost in retail therapy, go on a culinary adventure, discover new artists, and find yourself in this beautiful little area of Singapore.