Splashier than ever: The return of Songkran Festival 2025
February 17 2024, Singapore: This year, Downtown East transforms into a lively outpost of Thailand’s most exuberant celebration, as the Songkran Festival returns from Mar 15 to Apr 15. The month-long revelry of tradition and spectacle officially opens with a splash on Mar 22: an electrifying performance led by none other than Tachaya Prathumwan, the multi-hyphenate Thai sensation, better known as ‘Keng’ (Thai: เก่ง), whose artistry bridges the contemporary and the classical. With his showmanship and cultural resonance, Prathumwan sets the opening stage at Wild Wild Wet (WWW) for a festival that is as much about heritage as it is about unbridled festivity.
Beyond the spectacle at WWW, the festivities spill into every corner of Downtown East, where traditional Thai dance performances and Muay Thai showcases add a touch of old-world charm to the revelry. At WWW, water play zones turn up the splash factor, while outdoor movie screenings offer a leisurely escape. For those looking to take home a piece of the celebration, exclusive festival premiums spice up the experience. Emerging with a fresh identity, its contemporary, multi purpose facility is crowned by a corrugated steel facade inspired by shipping containers. Designed by the award-winning Freight Architects LLP, the venue is a bold, industrial nod to modernity, a striking contrast to its previous dome-shaped profile.
WWW is getting a Songkran makeover, with vibrant festival-themed decor, playful photo ops, and interactive shooting targets setting the scene. The real action, however, unfolds in the designated water fight zones, where an arsenal of water guns awaits, along with an inflatable maze to add a twist to the splash battles. For those with a competitive streak, a dunk tank offers the perfect opportunity to test their aim. Adding to the fun are the all-new, game-changing Hasbro Nerf Super Soaker Dunk-Fill water blasters available around the park, featuring an innovative tank design that allows for instant refill by simply submerging the tank in water – just dunk and go! Every WWW day pass comes with a complimentary Singha beer or refreshing Malee Coco 100% coconut water, keeping revellers cool under the sun. Festival tickets are on sale now.
Off-Peak Day Pass (Mon – Fri; closed on Tue): $16 (child) | $22 (adult)
Peak Day Pass (Sat & Sun, school hols & PH): $29 (child) | $39 (adult)
For two nights only, Neptune Cove transforms into an open-air cinema for all WWW day pass holders, inviting families and friends to bask in the spirit of Songkran with an outdoor screening of Moana (Mar 22) and Finding Nemo (Apr 12). The beloved Disney adventures echo the festival’s themes of family, renewal, and the call of the open water. Complimentary popcorn and LED candy floss will be up for grabs on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, claim a cozy bean bag, and settle in for an evening where the waves meet the silver screen.
Visitors can also catch the mesmerising regional Thai dance performances at D’Resort and Downtown East outside the WWW entrance – look out for the skilled dancers at D’Resort from 12 – 12.10pm, and outside the WWW entrance between 3 – 3.10pm.
During the March school holidays, families are invited to three mornings of exclusive festivities at Event Square. The programme is an enticing mix of cultural and martial arts showcases, from a graceful Thai dance to the ceremonial Wai Kru performances and demo matches featuring Thailand’s Rungubon Eminent and Singapore’s own Kenji Ong. Admission is free, but arrive early to secure your slot.
Young festival-goers (ages 3 to 11) can join trial Muay Thai kids classes for an exciting introduction to the martial art. Led by Elite Coach’s experienced instructors, these 45-minute sessions (two per day) provide a fun, safe, and interactive space to learn basic moves, techniques, and values. With personalised coaching to build agility, focus, and confidence, kids also gain essential self-protection skills. Limited slots available at $5 per session – and bookings can be made on UPlay.
Spend at least $60 ($50 for NTUC members) in up to two combined receipts at Downtown East to redeem a super soaker for epic water fights. Or, a minimum of $80 in up to two combined receipts ($70 for NTUC members) for a limited-edition Songkran towel bag. While stocks last. Terms apply.
From 6pm, the stage comes alive with a dazzling showcase of traditional Thai dance, each performance a tribute to the country’s rich culture. As the sun sets, the evening unfolds into a vibrant celebration of music, movement, and tradition
Immerse yourself in the cultural and spiritual essence of Muay Thai with Wai Kru – a ritual performed by fighters before a match to honour their teachers, ancestors, and the deities that protect the art. This sacred tradition expresses gratitude for the privilege to train and compete, while seeking protection for both the fighter and their opponent.
Watch the Wai Kru rituals performed by champions like Rungubon Eminent from Thailand, a WBC Muay Thai titleholder, and Kenji Ong, Singapore’s first Muay Thai representative at the SEA Games with over 20 years of experience. Friendly demo matches will follow, highlighting their skills and agility.
The night’s highlight will be a captivating live performance by Thai celebrity ‘Keng’ Tachaya Pratumwan, who will deliver two dynamic 30-minute sets blending traditional Thai and Southeast Asian music with contemporary styles.
The Hat Yai-born multi-talented singer, composer, and content creator has amassed millions of followers and has earned 27 awards at the 2016 World Championships of Performing Arts in the United States. His rise to fame, including a first runner-up finish on The Voice Thailand, solidified his place as a trailblazer in contemporary Thai music. His performance at the Songkran Festival will offer a mesmerizing musical experience, enhanced by a stunning stage production.
As the night heats up, live DJ sets showcasing Thai remixes will ensure festival-goers keep the energy high and the party going! Those who miss out on the fun on Mar 22 can look forward to a second night of exclusive programmes lined up on Apr 12 – the eve of Songkran – from 6 to 9pm beside the Tsunami wave pool, including the fascinating Thai dance performances, Muay Thai bouts as well as live DJ sets across the night.
*Access to the festival opening ceremony, outdoor movie screening and water play zones requires the purchase of WWW day passes
Official event partner: Tourism Authority of Thailand
Official beer partner: Singha
Official F&B partner: Unified Asia
Official water blaster partner: Hasbro Singapore
Don’t forget to check out the array of Thai eateries and restaurants around Downtown East, to complete the authentic Thai experience!
Mookata (E!Hub #02-126)
Operating hours:
Sun - Thu: 12pm - 3am
Fri - Sat: 12pm - 5am
(E!Hub #01-108)
Operating hours:
Daily: 11.30am - 10pm
SPECIAL BUNDLE DEAL:
From Mar 15 to Apr 15, redeem a complimentary Mango Sticky Rice with $20 spent, and a 10% off any spicy menu item!
(E!Avenue #02-335)
Operating hours:
Daily: 12pm – 9.45pm