Gemilang Kampong Gelam 2025: A 35-Day Ramadan Celebration of Heritage, Community & Sustainability

Get ready for an electrifying Ramadan experience as Gemilang Kampong Gelam (GKG) 2025 returns for its fifth edition from February 19 to March 25, 2025. Presented by One Kampong Gelam and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), this highly anticipated festival transforms Singapore’s oldest urban district into a vibrant hub of tradition, culture, and sustainability.

Following an astounding 1.1 million visitors in 2024—nearly doubling the previous year’s attendance—this year’s edition amplifies the festival’s core pillars of heritage, community, and sustainability. Over 35 days, visitors can indulge in mouthwatering street food, immersive light shows, hands-on workshops, and captivating performances that bring the spirit of Ramadan to life.

This year’s festival introduces exciting firsts, including the Kampong Charity Run 2025, Kampong Tour, Mystery Treasure Hunt, and Stamp Rally. The festivities culminate in a heartwarming communal Iftar, uniting 1,000 attendees for a shared breaking of fast.

Kampong Charity Run 2025 (February 15, 6 AM – 10 AM)

Kickstarting the celebrations is the inaugural Kampong Charity Run 2025, organized in collaboration with Drugfree SG and the Big Boyz Run Club. This 2.4km run through Kampong Gelam aims to promote a drug-free lifestyle and healthy living ahead of Ramadan. The event features a Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) awareness booth and personal stories from ex-drug abusers. Proceeds will support Kampong Gelam Community Centre, providing meals and aid to those in need.

A Feast for the Senses: The Ramadan Bazaar

The heart of GKG 2025 lies in its bustling food and retail bazaar, featuring 80 food and beverage stalls serving both traditional and modern delights. Returning crowd favorites include House of Lemang, Picanhas, and Satay Ummi, while fusion flavors like Smashed Burger and Al Papi’s tacos promise an exciting culinary adventure. Dessert lovers can enjoy treats like Kunafa from ALAA and Turkuaz’s Turkish ice cream. For shoppers, an array of fashion, festive cookies, and home decor will be available from brands like Baju Fifty-Eight, Deanqaisara, and Pretty Sugar.

Interactive Cultural Workshops

Engage in the district’s artistic heritage with hands-on workshops:

• Arabic Calligraphy by Erwan Bar: Learn the delicate art of Islamic script.
• Arts by Hanisa M: Create batik designs on coasters and vases.
• Seni Sini Workshops: Enjoy communal art installations, puppet play, and craft sessions.
• Coffee Revive: Upcycle used coffee grounds into exfoliating soaps in a sustainability-focused workshop.

(*Workshops are priced at $20 per person, except for free Seni Sini sessions.)

Sultan Mosque Light Show: A Spectacle of Tradition & Innovation

A festival favorite returns—the Sultan Mosque Light Show, now with a 5.1 Surround Sound experience and an original score by acclaimed Singaporean composer Sha’aban Yahya. Running every Friday to Sunday from 7:40 PM to 9 PM, this breathtaking display illuminates the mosque’s facade with imagery representing Ramadan’s spirit of renewal and community.

Captivating Performances & Celebrity Appearances

Experience the magic of traditional and contemporary performances every weekend:

• Joget Parade: A dynamic showcase of Malay dance, Pencak Silat, and Kompang drummers.
• Live music & reality show stars: Enjoy performances by Kaki Nyanyi contestants and classic Tarian, Dikir Barat, and Kompang ensembles.
• Celebrity Meet-and-Greets: Catch Hannah Delisha, Mimifly, and Beto Kusyairi live at the Celebrity Booth!

New Interactive Experiences

To celebrate SG60, GKG 2025 introduces:

• Kampong Tour: A guided exploration of Kampong Gelam’s cultural gems, including the Sultan Mosque and historic Kandahar Street, with traditional Malay food tastings and a $15 Ramadan Bazaar voucher.
• Mystery Treasure Hunt: Search for hidden GKG 2025 coins across the district for a chance to win up to $8,000 in cash prizes.
• Stamp Rally: Collect stamps from key locations to create a commemorative Kampong Gelam postcard.

Kampong Gelam’s Communal Iftar (March 22, 6:30 PM)

A festival highlight, the Mass Iftar gathers 1,000 participants for a meaningful communal breaking of fast along Arab Street, embodying the values of unity and gratitude.

Sustainability at the Core

This year, GKG 2025 steps up its eco-friendly efforts:

• Partnering with Gorental.SG to power the event with 100% solar-powered battery generators.
• Discounts for visitors who bring reusable bottles at participating beverage stalls.
• Nearly 50% of F&B booths using sustainable packaging materials.

Plan Your Visit

Gemilang Kampong Gelam 2025 runs from February 19 to March 25, operating 2 PM – 11 PM (Monday – Thursday) and 2 PM – 11:30 PM (Friday – Sunday).

Supported by Coca-Cola (Official Beverage Partner) and PARKROYAL on Beach Road (Official Hotel Partner), this Ramadan celebration is set to be the biggest and most vibrant yet.