Singapore’s biggest pop-up container market is back again in 2024, this time with twice the fun and games and you’ll know why in a minute!
Singapore’s largest indoor all-day night festival, ARTBOX AVENUE, is unfolding over two consecutive weekends from 26 to 28 January and 2 and 4 February at Singapore Expo Hall 2.
As you step into the space, you’ll be greeted by a vibrant hub filled with different zones and experiential activities in every corner to provide endless fun and excitement for everyone.
This year’s edition sees close to 300 retail and F&B vendors, including local and international artisans from Malaysia, Thailand, and South Korea.
Get ready to explore the different local brands featured in Singapore from more than 120 F&B stalls to shopping for unique apparel amongst the long list of vendors (almost 180 retail outlets!) featured at ARTBOX Singapore 2024.
Whether you’re into the latest trends, have “gift giving” as your love language, or are simply way too good at window shopping, you’re bound to find something that catches your eye.
Take your pick from the dizzying array of quirky wares, ranging from the most adorable stickers, pins, T-shirts, jewellery, keychains, plushies, caps, socks, plants, blind boxes…the list is endless.
Some brands to look out for are The Everyday Club, with their ever-so-popular puffy bags, pouches, cupholders, and even DIY acrylic keychains.
Film lovers need to hit up Hands On Film for their eclectic range of vintage and disposable camera and film rolls.
We foresee tons of visitors flocking to K Avenue, a brand new concept from South Korea featuring over 20 trendy Korean brands across fashion, beauty, F&B, and more.
Think eye-catching designer bags, atheleisure, K-Pop merchandise, skincare, fragrances, cultural products from Seoul, Jeju, Jeonju — you and your wallet won’t be able to resist.
Those who miss dressing up a in hanbok and parading around Gyeongbokgung Palace can head over to Jeonju brand Ourlin for a chance to try on a hanbok, complete with accessories and props, and snap pretty photos.
Fans of Korean snacks will also be delighted to know that they’ll be able to do all their pantry restocking here, given the variety of instant noodles, jellies, fruits, artisanal tea, cooking products and many more.
Don’t miss out on the frozen tteokbokki and hallabong juice — a Jeju speciality — from BABI, a brand by popular Korean mukbang YouTuber HeeBab.
Honestly, I was really, really impressed by this year’s retail section (even more so than the food — more on that in a bit ), so there’s no better time to get all your shopping done.
Speaking of the food, F&B vendors from around the region have come together, unveiling an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary flavours.
You’ll probably see a number of familiar names, like BIGBIGFRIES and their handmade long fries (S$12.90) drizzled generously with sauces like mentaiko and truffle mayo.
Bishoku is also back with their line-up of Japanese-inspired snacks like Mentaiko Chicken Mantou (S$12.90), Salmon Belly (S$5.50), and Mentaiko Grilled Beef Cubes (S$5.50).
It seems as though comfort food reigns supreme this year, with highlights like the numbing, piping hot mala in a cup (from S$8) from Mala Cup; cheesy rosti (from S$8.90) from WADO; and salted egg pork belly bowls (S$12) from Indonesian brand Chris Pork.
Fans of Korean-style corndogs can hit up Kwazy Korndog for wacky concoctions like the Luncheon Dog (S$7) and even Singapore’s first ever Milo Corndog (S$8), but we opted for the Super Ring Corndog (S$8), which tasted oh-so nostalgic.
Save some room for the crispy Doori Burger (S$12 for a la carte) from Muslim-owned Mahmud’s Tandoor — this fried tandoori chicken thigh with harissa mayo and cheddar cheese on brioche buns was, honestly, the best thing I managed to try at ARTBOX.
As a huge fan of Indian street food, I also had to get my hands on the TikTok-viral Pani Puri (S$7), or savoury stuffed potato puffs garnished with yogurt, tamarind sauce, sev, fried shallots, and pomegranate, from Chai O’ Clock.
Those missing a taste of Taiwan can start making plans to visit over street food like comforting oden (around S$6), braised pork rice, grilled corn, and sweet potato from Taiwanese eatery Monki.
As for the sweets, you can find bazaar staples like ice cream, churros, and shaved ice, alongside slightly more unique options like the mochi donuts (S$6) in flavours like Sakura, Biscoff, and Matcha Strawberry from Sugar Belly.
As they say — everything tastes better on a stick — which can be applied to desserts like the rainbow jelly balls (from S$4 per stick) from 来碗冰粉.
Another viral snack, tanghulu (sugar-coated fruits, from S$2), can be found at the neon-lit BTHL. Who said you needed to go to one of the night markets in China or Thailand to enjoy this sweet and crunchy snack?
After an entire evening of indulgence, why not balance things out with a healthy acai bowl (S$12) from The Açaí Collective or a refreshing, not-too-sweet lemonade (from S$4.50) from Lemonaide?
But if it’s alcohol you seek, look no further than ARTBOX’s Official Lager Beer, Chang Beer. You may even stand a chance to win merchandise and get free beer!
They say that good things come in waves and ARTBOX Singapore will once again be partnering with SGAG as its co-organiser for more fun (and painful?) activities and experiences.
I mean, who remembers the Beam of Pain last year and the ensuing chaos that followed after? Yep, get ready for more of that this year.
Engage in a fresh new challenge of the ominously named Hopscotch of Pain to see how long you can last (on one leg). That is lowkey self-torture, but if you’re not about that life, there are also new competitions to partake in.
The best contenders of all these challenges, inclusive of the National Piak Cockroach Championship and National Water Bottle Tornado Championship, will stand a chance to pocket S$888 in cash prizes back home!
Besides the titillating challenges, there are also more things to look out for!
ARTBOX Singapore 2024 features two new zones: Central Avenue and Open Plaza.
With its three-level display of vibrantly decorated shipping containers and psychedelic neon lights, graffiti, and street signs, it is almost impossible to miss Central Avenue.
This is where you’ll get the opportunity to snap countless photos with artistic works like Cloakstop, a bus stop-themed installation that celebrates self expression — this year’s theme.
You can also strike a pose (or five) at ARTBOX Street Press, a 20ft container consisting of quotes and sayings that ARTBOX event-goers live by, or STOP, LOOK & CROSS!, a giant spotlight exhibition made up of three giant inflatables.
You’ll also be able to witness the magic happen at the ARTBOX Stage with thrilling live performances and energetic atmospheres.
Look forward to captivating performances from local talents like violinist Jocelyn Ng; saxophonist Spruce Teo; local bands Reverie, The Passerby, and The Mad Trio; and Thailand’s own The Parkinson.
For aficionados of art and culture, Open Plaza is well noted to be the zone for all of those things. Creativity comes alive in the form of chess competitions by Aliwal Chess Club, vibrant murals, a mini amphitheatre for relaxation, and so much more!
Offering a diverse array of engaging activities and exhibits, the Open Plaza is also home to all creative workshops, so you can try your hand at doll making, scented candle crafting, terrarium workshops, and perfume making, just to name a few.
Enthusiasts looking for opportunities to personalise items like sneakers, tees, and phone charms, may look forward to exploring this zone.
You can expect to see long queues at Jelly Caricature, best known for their five-minute portraits, cat merchandise, and most notably, the Jelly Podtraits “photobooth” that dispenses adorable photo strips (called podtraits) with hand-drawn manga-inspired caricatures.
Ooh, and regular-goers of Teo Heng should look out for their Karaoke Containers, so that you can let loose and belt it out in an actual” KTV lounge, complete with a plush sofa, big-screen TV, and privacy curtains.
The Open Plaza is also home to the ultimate Gamestop Arena, where you’ll find VR and Nintendo Switch games — open for everyone to hang out and play while sinking in comfy seats.
If you’re looking to get creative all while indulging your sweet tooth, head on down to the chocolate painting workshop curated by Janice Wong, where you can transform sweet canvases into edible masterpieces.
All things considered, there is plenty to eat, see, and do this year, along with a whole lotta good vibes.
Alright, I will cut the chatter and just let you know the ticket prices already, jeez.
Single-admission tickets are from S$6 on weekdays and S$7 on weekends per pax. If you’re unsure of your schedule and want to get the tickets during the event, it is S$7 on weekdays and S$8 on weekends per pax.
Each admission ticket is entitled to the following:
- Complimentary AI Photobooth experience at Alternate VP that turns
moments into memories - Complimentary session at Teo Heng KTV-in-container (limited to 1 song per ticket)
- Complimentary VR or Switch Gameplay at Gamestop Arena
- Complimentary try at the Arcade Alley’s claw machine with up to
1000 prizes up for grab daily - Free 6-month premium TikTok Music subscription
Will you be getting your tickets for these two exclusive weekends?
Artbox Singapore 2024
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍 Singapore Expo Hall 2, 1 Expo Dr, Singapore 486150
🕒 12pm–11pm (last entry at 10pm)
🗓️ 26 to 28 Jan, 2 to 4 Feb 2024
For more lifestyle updates like this, subscribe to our Telegram channel at @confirmgood.
Photos by Christabel Tan
I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨
