What to Expect at GastroBeats 2025: Singapore’s Ultimate Food Playground Returns With Coca-Cola in the Mix

Foodies and festival lovers, mark your calendars: GastroBeats 2025 is back this year, and it’s bigger, bolder, and tastier than ever! Held at the Bayfront Event Space, this epic mash-up of culinary treats, music, and immersive experiences is the kind of weekend escape you don’t want to miss.

But let’s be real, the food is the real headliner, and Coca-Cola is here to make sure every bite comes with the perfect fizzy pairing.

🍔 EAT: A Foodie’s Playground, with Coke in Hand

We headed down to Bayfront for the media preview last week, and the first thing that hit us (aside from the incredible sunset backdrop) were the rows of food stalls dishing out everything from cult-favourites to fresh new finds.

One of our returning heroes? Jett Barbeque. Their smoky, fall-off-the-bone ribs are back and just as mind-blowing. Smoked for a painstaking 8 to 12 hours, each bite is rich with depth and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Hard to believe this started as a home kitchen venture, now it’s a must-visit at the festival.

For something new, we were thrilled to try Aunty Siam‘s Hakka Fried Pork Belly. A crispy, golden-crusted dream paired with sweet chilli sauce and a zingy side of pickles. The textures, the balance, the crunch? Chef’s kiss.

Also don’t miss the Meatmen Zone, curated by Singapore’s OG recipe kings, @themeatmenchannel. You’ll find their legendary siobak alongside exclusive GastroBeats dishes like Mie Rendang Rice Paper Rolls. Local joints like What The Puff and Khao are also part of this zone, bringing their unique flair to the mix.

Apart from food and music, experiential theme zones have also been set up, adding another dimension of fun to the Festival Village. Coca-Cola, a major sponsor, presents a dedicated zone full of activities and photo-taking spots.

Foodmarks is designed in conjunction with SG60, and revolves around Singapore’s favourite national pastime – eating. Splashed in an iconic red, it’s hard to miss. This Food Fest Zone features activities referencing iconic Singaporean dishes like Chicken Rice and Nasi Lemak. Dishes that go well with, you know, an ice-cold Coca-Cola.

• Foodmarks DigiMap: What better way to celebrate food culture than to spread the word on your favourite food spots? Share with us the best eats that complement Coca-Cola.
• Food Match: This tile-flipping matching game challenges your memory. Will you be able to match all these iconic local dishes?
• Recycle Me! Game: Sort and recycle coke cans in this educational digital game.
• Coke Cover Up: Battle your friends in a strategic game of tic-tac-toe. It’s team Coke against team Coke Zero.
• Photobooth Fun: Don’t forget to grab a photo featuring Coca-Cola-themed backdrops, props, and stickers

Don’t forget to share your moments at @CocaColaSG with #CocaColaSG and #CocaColaFoodFest

🎤 VIBE: Rewind. Replay. Remix.

When the sun sets, the beat drops. GastroBeats 2025 debuts Rewind. Replay. Remix. SG Edition, a multi-sensory music throwback by AJX Collective. Dance through the decades from retro rock ‘n’ roll to 2000s bops across three iconic zones, complete with light shows, interactive dance floors, and nostalgic visuals.

Get your first drink (beer or soda) free with your ticket, and groove with friends in a totally pet and family-friendly space.

🍻 CHILL: Jalan Carlsberg & More Adult-Approved Fun

Ready for some grown-up nostalgia? Step into Jalan Carlsberg, a throwback streetscape with a modern twist. Snap a pic on Singapore’s (probably) biggest kopitiam chair, explore a quirky minimart, and sip a cold one at the Carlsberg Kopitiam with your crew.

Other unmissable adult zones:

• iichiko Club by Makoto-Ya: Discover Japan’s top shochu through guest shifts by Singapore’s coolest bars. Think limited-edition cocktails and exclusive afterparties.
• Connor’s Shake Express: Hop on this Tube-inspired setup, spray your name at the graffiti wall, and DIY your own keychain.

🧜‍♀️ FEEL: Jelilo Rises from the Deep

New this year: Jelilo takes over! These glowing jellyfish-like beings (created by local artist @lesdoublewood) are here to bring an eco-conscious twist to the party. Expect installations that blend sustainability with surreal vibes reminding us that we can have fun without trashing the planet.

💵 PAY: Seamless transactions at Your Fingertips

As the official payment solution provider, DCS is here to ensure a fuss-free experience for all festival-goers. Whether you’re paying with good ol’ plastic or Web3-funded cards, every swipe is instant and hassle-free. That means no fumbling, or fuming, just feasting.

You’ll get to:

• Pay seamlessly across all vendors (yes, all).
• Use fiat or stablecoin-funded cards, welcome to the future!
• Earn instant rewards as you indulge.
• Enjoy the whole month of food, music, and fun without missing a beat.

With support for Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, Diners, Discover, Alipay, WeChat Pay and more, DCS is basically saying: “Your wallet, your way.”

But that’s not all. DCS is turning up the fun with these exclusive festival perks:

• Win Big: Stand a chance to drive off in a brand-new BYD Atto3, escape to a luxury resort in Bali, or bag free flight tickets just by tapping and playing.
• Buy 2, Get 1 Free: DCS card holders enjoy 3-for-2 on beer, stout, and cider at all drinks and bar points. Hydration? Consider it handled.
• Play + Earn: Head over to DCS’s Treasure Cove for beer pong, fast-hand challenges, and instant giveaways because yes, your festival ticket comes with a shot at glory.

What are you waiting for?

GastroBeats 2025 is chock-full of activities, including claw machines, arcade games, and photobooths. Solace Studio’s diner themed pop-up is likely another popular attraction in the Festival Village, so be sure to give it a visit! 

• Location: Bayfront Event Space
• Dates: 29 May – 22 June 2025
• Time: 4 pm – 11 pm daily
• Pricing: General admission is free, charges apply for selected activities.

When you’ve finished savouring the food and music at the Festival Village, be sure to check out the captivating light installations for this year’s i Light Festival. Anchored on the theme To Gather and in celebration of SG60, the Festival features a new lineup of 17 light art installations across four urban spaces, transforming them into inclusive and meaningful destinations. 

Right by the entrance of GastroBeat 2025, you’ll find Embrace, presented by Defence Collective Singapore in commemoration of the Singapore Armed Forces’ 60^th anniversary. This luminous tribute invites visitors to link hands with life-sized silhouettes, creating a vivid image of protectors and the protected standing in solidarity.