It’s showtime: Singapore concert scene heats up with music festivals and F1 SGP in the next month
SINGAPORE – With three music festivals and the Formula One (F1) Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2025 taking place here in September and October, there will be a bonanza of shows for every type of music fan.
While Singapore’s F1 is one of the biggest annual global sports events, one of its draws since its 2008 debut ha s been the concerts that take place within the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
With A-list names from the music world as headliners, previous editions of the three-day shows were also some of the biggest gigs held in Singapore, with the largest stage at the Padang drawing up to 60,000.
The star-studded, multi-genre 2025 line-up includes K-pop stars G-Dragon and CL on Oct 3; American rock band Foo Fighters on Oct 4; and British music icon Elton John as the race weekend’s closing act on Oct 5.
With this being the 16th edition, the organisers understand the demographics of their patrons better and have tailored the programming to meet their needs, says Mr Adam Firth, executive director of Singapore GP.
The circuit park is divided into four zones that offer varying entertainment options.
Mr Firth tells The Straits Times: “For example, a large portion of those with a Zone 1 ticket come from Europe and Australia and have a more Gen X music palate, with a preference for more retro or indie acts.
“Over at Zone 4, ticket holders bring wider demographics and include younger patrons. Here, we try to provid e s omething for everyon e, with a diverse line-up to cover a huge spectrum, such as K-pop icons, EDM sensations, rising stars from the region and even a Japanese metal band (Babymetal).”
There are also new elements in 2025, such as a 24m-long tongkang-inspired ship that forms the backdrop for the Sail Stage in Zone 1.
Mr Firth adds: “Each year, we challenge ourselves to add more elements to up our game, and to keep fans excited to discover new aspects of the Marina Bay Street Circuit. We’re constantly evolving and exploring ways to elevate the look and feel of all corners of the Circuit Park. This includes staging, production, photographic moments and performances that will hopefully be memorable.”
Meanwhile, Mandopop lovers can look forward to the fourth edition of One Love Asia Festival Singapore on Sept 13 and 14.
Organised by event manager and promoter IMC Live Global, under multidisciplinary entertainment company IMC Group Asia, it returns to the 8,000-capacity Bayfront Event Space, where the 2022 and 2023 editions took place, after being held at the Padang in 2024.
A spokesman for IMC Group Asia told ST: “We strongly believe the Mandopop market remains vibrant, and One Love Asia Festival contributes to its landscape by providing an inclusive platform for artistes at every stage of their development. Many of the younger artistes were inspired by the more established ones in our line-up, and they represent the industry’s promising future.”
September will also see two music festivals happening at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS). The Bubbling & Boiling Music And Arts Festival – also on Sept 13 and 14 – is held at Resorts World Ballroom, while Jam Off 2025 takes place on Sept 27 and 28 at Universal Studios Singapore (USS).
Bubbling & Boiling, organised by Beijing-based company Sparkle Live Entertainment, was launched in 2023 and has travelled to Chinese cities such as Tianjin, Nanning and Xiamen. The Singapore edition marks the first time the festival is being held outside China.
Day 1 features K-pop acts such as girl groups I-dle, H1-Key and Hitgs, boy band Cravity, and singer Xiumin, a member of boy band Exo.
Day 2 showcases Mandopop from Zhejiang-born singer Kun and Singaporean singer Boon Hui Lu, Cantopop from Hong Kong diva Joey Yung and English songs by American singer-songwriters Anson Seabra and Ari Abdul.
A spokesman for co-presenter RWS said: “By pairing world-class entertainment with memorable lifestyle experiences, RWS exemplifies its signature blend of hospitality and innovation, while contributing to Singapore’s appeal as a premium global entertainment hub.”
The integrated resort will also be playing host to Jam Off 2025, organised by Hong Kong-based event agency Destinations Network Tourism and Leisure Marketing (DN).
It is part of the Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS) 2025 from Sept 26 to Oct 5, which complements the Singapore Grand Prix with race-themed festivities that spotlight the city’s attractions, dining experiences, entertainment and retail scene.
Launched in 2024 at the Somerset Belt youth precinct, 2025’s event boasts performances held at USS’ New York Street and Sci-Fi City zones, creating a festival atmosphere differing from that of traditional concerts.
Ms Evette Chan, DN’s event director, said: “Audiences will be immersed in a one-of-a-kind experience where live music meets themed environments, offering a dynamic way to enjoy the performances up close, surrounded by cinematic backdrops, rides and the buzz of GPSS.”
Apart from headliners such as Hong Kong’s Ekin Cheng and Hins Cheung as well as South Korea’s Rain, the line-up will include Hong Kong acts Stephy Tang, JC and Nowhere Boys.
Ms Chan said: “This selection represents a blend of cross-generational icons and contemporary stars, curated to appeal to diverse Asian audiences.”
Here is ST’s guide to the top acts to catch across the four events.
British singer, songwriter and pop icon Elton John last performed in Singapore in 2015.
PHOTO: ELTON JOHN/FACEBOOK
Where: Singapore Grand Prix, Padang Stage in Zone 4 When: Oct 5, 10.20pm Why you should go: He might have retired from touring, but the British music icon, one of the world’s most successful and enduring pop stars, is not done with performing live yet.
Even if you are not a fan, you would be familiar with classics like Tiny Dancer (1972), Sacrifice (1989), Can You Feel The Love Tonight (1994) and, most recently, Cold Heart (Pnau remix), a 2021 duet with English-Albanian pop star Dua Lipa.
And if you are a fan, his F1 show will be a long-awaited one as he last performed in Singapore 10 years ago at The Star Theatr e.
John’s set closes the Singapore Grand Prix and will kick off right after the winner of the race is crowned. It is a prime slot that traditionally pulls the biggest crowd, so expect around 60,000 people to throng the Padang.
Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi made a comeback to live shows after a hiatus of two years.
PHOTO: AFP
Where: Singapore Grand Prix, Padang Stage in Zone 4 When: Oct 5, 6.15pm Why you should go: Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi’s return to Singapore was supposed to have happened much earlier, in 2023. But he cancelled that gig, as well as the rest of his world tour, due to health reasons.
The two-year hiatus seems to have done him a lot of good. His recent comeback shows, which included a surprise set at British music festival Glastonbury 2025 in June, have been met with critical acclaim and fans have praised their triumphant nature.
Best known for the 2019 hit Someone You Loved, he played his only show in Singapore at Capitol Theatre in 2020.
British electronic music and pop group Clean Bandit are behind modern pop classics such as Rockabye and Symphony (both 2015).
PHOTO: BIG BEAT RECORDS
Where: Singapore Grand Prix, Wharf Stage at Zone 1 When: Oct 3, 7.40pm Why you should go: Pop-classical crossovers are nothing new, but British electronic pop group Clean Bandit took it to another level with their string of hits in the last decade.
Songs like Rockabye (2015) and Symphony (2015) are modern pop classics and have accumulated a total of over nine billion streams on platforms such as YouTube and Spotify.
Their live shows are known to merge elements such as electronic music, live drums as well as classically trained musicians.
The trio’s F1 appearance will also be their first show in Singapore in six years. Their previous gigs here included a set at music festival Neon Lights in 2019 and a concert at The Star Theatre in 2018.
American rock band Foo Fighters.
PHOTO: DANNY CLINCH
Where: Singapore Grand Prix, Padang Stage in Zone 4 When: Oct 4, 10.20pm Why you should go: The Singapore gig will be the first full-band show in more than a year for the Grammy winners, led by one of rock’s premier frontmen Dave Grohl.
A lot has happened to Foo Fighters in recent years. Beloved drummer Taylor Hawkins died in 2022, which led them to cancel the rest of the shows that year. They released 11th album But Here We Are in June 2023, and resumed performing with new drummer Josh Freese from that year to mid-2024. Freese was let go in May, and the F1 show will likely see them perform with new drummer Ilan Rubin.
The band last performed in Singapore at the National Stadium in 2017, and also did a show at the now-defunct Harbour Pavilion in 1996.
American alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins.
PHOTO: THE SMASHING PUMPKINS/FACEBOOK
Where: Singapore Grand Prix, Wharf Stage at Zone 1 When: Oct 5, 6.15pm Why you should go: The Smashing Pumpkins’ return to Singapore’s shores will be as close as you can get to a reunion of the original line-up from the band’s golden era.
Joining frontman Billy Corgan are fellow founding members James Iha on guitars and Jimmy Chamberlin on drums. Corgan was the only original member the last time the band performed in Singapore in 2010 at music festival SingFest.
One of the most enduring outfits from the alternative rock boom of the 1990s, Smashing Pumpkins are still putting out new music and released latest album Aghori Mhori Mei in 2024.
Australian-New Zealand rock band Crowded House are best known for mid-1980s and early-1990s hits such as Don’t Dream It’s Over (1986).
PHOTO: SINGAPORE GP
Where: Singapore Grand Prix, Wharf Stage at Zone 1 When: Oct 4, 7.30pm Why you should go: If you grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, some of the hits by the Australian-New Zealand band will take you on a nostalgic trip, like pop-rock staples Better Be Home Soon (1988), Weather With You (1991) and their most famous song, Don’t Dream It’s Over (1986).
Crowded House includ e fr ontman Neil Finn and bassist Nick Seymour, who were part of the first line-up back in 1985. The current make-up also includes Finn’s sons Liam and Elroy, both of whom joined the band in 2020 and play instruments such as guitars and drums.
South Korean rapper and singer-songwriter G-Dragon is leader of boy band BigBang.
PHOTO: XXXIBGDRGN/INSTAGRAM
Where: Singapore Grand Prix, Padang Stage in Zone 4 When: Oct 3, 10.10pm Why you should go: G-Dragon – leader of K-pop luminaries Big Bang – is back in Singapore after almost eight years. He last performed solo at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in 2017.
The singer has been on a major comeback trail with his Ubermensch world tour. It is named after his latest album released in February, his first solo album in over a decade.
If G-Dragon’s Ubermensch shows are any indication, fans can expect a visual and aural feast. His stage set-ups have included immersive, artificial intelligence -driven visuals, and he has also been wearing striking outfits by the likes of Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto.
South Korean rapper, singer and songwriter CL, a member of K-pop girl group 2NE1.
PHOTO: CL/FACEBOOK
Where: Singapore Grand Prix, Padang Stage in Zone 4 When: Oct 3, 7.45pm Why you should go: The solo set by rapper and singer CL comes just a month after she performed with her girl group, 2NE1, at music festival Waterbomb Singapore at Siloso Beach on Aug 31.
But unlike the multi-part vocals in the quartet’s tunes, her own repertoire focuses on her rapping and singing, showcasing a different side to her. Songs such as The Baddest Female (2013) and Spicy (2021) lean more towards genres like trap and EDM, and even incorporate experimental beats.
South Korean singer Rain.
PHOTO: DESTINATIONS NETWORK TOURISM AND LEISURE MARKETING
Where: Jam Off When: Sept 27 and 28, 9.20pm Why you should go: The singer-actor has become quite the regular fixture here in recent years. He appeared at Marquee in 2023 to celebrate the nightclub’s fourth anniversary and at music festival Waterbomb Singapore 2024.
Rain will be back to strut his stuff at Jam Off, taking the stage for a 40-minute set each night as the closing act, with possible variations in set list and staging. Expect signature hits such as the upbeat It’s Raining (2004) and sexy Rainism (2008) and his blend of sensual R&B vibes with dance moves inspired by Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake.
I-dle will take the stage at the Resorts World Ballroom on Sept 13, as part of Bubbling & Boiling Music And Arts Festival Singapore.
PHOTO: BUBBLING & BOILING MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL
Where: Bubbling & Boiling Music And Arts Festival Singapore When: Sept 13 Why you should go: The five-member girl group last held a concert here at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in 2023. Since then, they have released their second studio album 2 (2024), which spawned the electrohouse earworm Super Lady. Another number, the pop-punk Fate, was nominated for Song of the Year at Mama Awards in 2024.
Originally known as (G)I-dle since their formation in 2018, they were rebranded as I-dle on their seventh anniversary on May 2, 2025, and comprise Miyeon, Yuqi, Soyeon, Shuhua and Minnie. Their first appearance here under their new name will mark the start of a new chapter for thequintet and their fans.
Taiwan-born diva A-mei is widely lauded in the Mandopop world for her powerful voice and emotional range.
PHOTO: IMG LIVE GLOBAL
Where: One Love Asia Festival Singapore When: Sept 13 Why you should go: Widely lauded in the Mandopop world for her powerful voice and emotional range, the Taiwan-born diva – who headlines Day 1 – ended her ASMR World Tour in May 2025, which stopped twice at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in 2023 and 2024.
In August 2025 , the music video for her song Full Name (2017) became her second to surpass 100 million views on YouTube,cementing her lasting popularity. From heart-rending ballads to electrifying bangers, an A-mei show will never disappoint .
Taiwan-born singer Angela Chang’s biggest hit is the hopeful folk song Invisible Wings (2006).
PHOTO: IMC LIVE GLOBAL
Where: One Love Asia Festival Singapore When: Sept 14 Why you should go: At the Yuewen Global IP Awards in February, attendees were moved by the Taiwanese-Canadian singer’s dramatic and evocative performance of Break The Cocoon, the theme song of animated series Soul Land (2018 to 2023).
Just half a year later, she is returning to headline Day 2 of One Love Asia Festival Singapore 2025, treating fans again to her bright, bell-like voice. Chang’s biggest hit is the inspiring folk song Invisible Wings (2006), which will certainly make it onto her upcoming set list.
Zhejiang-born singer Kun has appeared in many variety and reality shows.
PHOTO: KUN/INSTAGRAM
Where: Bubbling & Boiling Music And Arts Festival When: Sept 14 Why you should go: Zhejiang-born Cai Xukun’s star rose on the back of Chinese variety and reality shows such as Hunan TV’s Up Young! (2012), where he ended up in the national top 200, and Super Idol (2015 to 2018), which he participated in for two seasons.
After he appeared in Idol Producer (2018), he became a member of the temporary Chinese boy band Nine Percent from 2018 to 2019, which catapulted his fame further.
Now going by the mononym Kun, his most popular hit is the R&B ballad Lover (2020) and his most recent EP is Phenomenon, 2019 (2023). Boasting nifty dance moves and oozing Gen Z cool, he is one to watch.
Hong Kong singer Ekin Cheng.
PHOTO: DESTINATIONS NETWORK TOURISM AND LEISURE MARKETING
Where: Jam Off When: Sept 28, 8.10pm Why you should go: If you missed the Hong Kong singer-actor’s solo concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in 2019, here is another chance to see him live.
He embarked on his Here & Now Ekin In Concert tour from 2022 to 2024, giving fans a hit of nostalgia with classic tunes such as Years Of Friendship (1996) and Willing To Replace You (1996), the theme songs of the 1990s Hong Kong crime film franchise Young And Dangerous, which he starred in and remains most famous for.
Hong Kong singer Hins Cheung.
PHOTO: DESTINATIONS NETWORK TOURISM AND LEISURE MARKETING
Where: Jam Off When: Sept 27, 8.40pm Why you should go: No stranger to RWS, the boyish-looking singer performed at Resorts World Ballroom in 2024, as part of his The Next 20 tour to celebrate his two decades in show business . This time, he is tackling the integrated resort’s USS with a 30-minute show.
It is not Cheung’s first outdoor performance in Singapore either, as he previously took the stage at One Love Asia Festival Singapore 2023 with a nine-song set, including the sentimental Soul Ballad (2006) and empowering My Way (2002).
Mixing moving numbers with heartfelt reflections of his life in the banter segments, his Jam Off segment promises to take audiences on an emotional journey.
Hong Kong-born singer Joey Yung.
PHOTO: JOEY YUNG/INSTAGRAM
Where: Bubbling & Boiling Music And Arts Festival Singapore When: Sept 14Why you should go: The frequent visitor to Singapore has been performing here every year since 2023, with a solo concert at Marina Bay Sands in 2023 and a 40-minute set at One Love Asia Festival Singapore 2024 at the Padang.
Yung’s career received a second wind after she appeared in the Chinese reality television show Sisters Who Make Waves in 2021, where she came in fourth place.
She headlined her 30-show Las Vegas-style residency at Macau’s Studio City from 2023 until May 2025, and released the single But You Are Sweet in June.
Norwegian DJ and record producer Alan Walker.
PHOTO: MOHAMMED SARMADAWY
Where: Singapore Grand Prix, Padang Stage in Zone 4 When: Oct 4, 7.30pm Why you should go: The masked Norwegian DJ and music producer is one of EDM’s (electronic dance music) top live draws.
If his previous shows are any indication, it will not be just one man pushing buttons behind a DJ booth, as Walker is known to frequently interact with the crowd and often incorporate live vocals in his sets.
His stage set-up is slated to be theatrical, with massive LED visuals, light shows and pyrotechnics. Fans can also expect to sing along to massive hits such as Faded (2015), the first EDM track to clock over three billion views on YouTube.
He last performed here in 2024 at the Singapore Expo as part of his Walkerworld Asia Tour Pt. 1. He released his latest and fifth album, Walkerworld 2.0, in January.
British singer and Spice Girls member Mel C will do a DJ set at the Singapore Grand Prix.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE GP
Where: Singapore Grand Prix, Sunset Stage at Zone 1 When: Oct 5, 5.45pm Why you should catch her: Formerly known as Sporty Spice from girl group Spice Girls, the British singer has performed here several times, including a solo live show at Harbour Pavilion in 2001.
Now, she is helming a DJ set and not a vocal performance.
Her DJ sets, which date back to 2017, are known to be fun and celebratory, and will likely include pop anthems, electronic beats and nostalgic hits – including from her solo catalogue. She may even drop some Spice Girls bangers like she did in previous gigs.
British DJ and electronic dance music veteran Pete Tong.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE GP
Where: Singapore Grand Prix, Sunset Stage at Zone 1 When: Oct 4, 8pm Why you should go: A celebrated figure in the EDM world, British DJ Pete Tong has worn many hats in the last few decades. Expect his set to be an extension of the long-running BBC’s Essential Mix (1993 to present), a radio show he hosts that celebrates the depth and breadth of electronic music.
The music tastemaker is known for mix albums and released his last one, Pete Tong & Friends – Ibiza Classics, in 2021. His previous gigs in Singapore include the 2016 HSBC World Rugby Sevens.
More than just a radio legend, he is also a touring DJ, record label owner, founder of the Pete Tong DJ Academy and perennial champion of electronic music talents both established and new.
One Love Asia Festival Singapore 2025Where: Bayfront Event Space, 12A Bayfront AvenueWhen: Sept 13 and 14, doors open at 3pmAdmission: $198 (single-day) and $338 (two-day) via
or Ticketmaster (go to ticketmaster.sgor call 6018-7645)
Bubbling & Boiling Music And Arts Festival SingaporWhere: Resorts World Ballroom, Resorts World Convention Centre, 8 Sentosa GatewayWhen: Sept 13 and 14, 2 to 10pmAdmission: $235 to $345 for a one-day ticket, $355 to $525 for a two-day ticket via Ticketmaster (go to
or call 6018-7645)
Jam Off 2025Where: Universal Studios Singapore, 8 Sentosa GatewayWhen: Sept 27 and 28, doors open at 7pm, performances from 7.30 to 10pmAdmission: $188 to $248 a day via Ticketmaster (go to
or call 6018-7645)
Formula One Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2025Where: Marina Bay Street CircuitWhen: Oct 3 to 5, various timingsAdmission: From $148, go to
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milky n yoyo 05/09/2025
While Singapore’s F1 is one of the biggest annual global sports events, one oits draws since its 2008 debut ha s been the concerts that take place within the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
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