Singapore’s most anticipated urban lifestyle playground is back! GastroBeats 2025, affectionately known as “The People’s Festival,” returns to transform the Bayfront Event Space into a vibrant celebration of food, music, and community from 29 May to 22 June 2025. This year’s edition promises to be particularly special with the takeover by Jelilo, a cheeky, larger-than-life character created by Singaporean creative powerhouse Lester Lim.

Jelilo’s Playful Universe at GastroBeats 2025

For the first time ever, GastroBeats 2025 will be completely reimagined through the lens of Jelilo’s playful universe. Known for his bold aesthetic and lovable charm, Jelilo isn’t just a character-he’s a vibe that will permeate throughout the entire festival experience.

Visitors can look forward to stepping into a bright, bouncy world where Jelilo will appear in unexpected places across the fairgrounds. From immersive photo opportunities and art corners to exclusive merchandise drops, the character’s presence promises to inject an extra dose of joy and childlike wonder into the festival atmosphere.

The Jelilo invasion also extends to this year’s special activation “Let’s Trouble The Water!”-an environmental awareness initiative featuring Jelilo characters Captain Skull, One Eye, and Scarface. This installation will rally festivalgoers to take collective action against marine pollution while providing both visual spectacle and educational value, perfectly aligning with the sustainability goals of the concurrent i Light Singapore festival.

A Month-Long Feast for the Senses

Running daily from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm, GastroBeats 2025 will showcase approximately 50 homegrown food vendors serving both classic favourites and innovative modern creations. The culinary landscape will feature everything from street food staples to gourmet delicacies, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Beyond just eating, GastroBeats 2025 transforms dining into a multi-sensory experience where flavours, sounds, and sights come together. The festival prides itself on being a celebration of Singapore’s diverse culinary heritage, bringing together vendors who represent the rich tapestry of the city-state’s food culture.

Music and Entertainment Galore

No festival is complete without music, and GastroBeats 2025 promises to deliver a soundtrack that keeps the energy high throughout the event. Daily live performances by local talents will set the mood for what the organisers describe as a playground for “music, food, and endless fun”.

This year’s festival continues its tradition of supporting emerging artists through the “GIG-ers” programme, where up-and-coming musicians perform under the mentorship of beloved local band 53A, who serve as Chief Music Officers (CMOs) of GastroBeats 2025. These performances offer visitors the chance to discover Singapore’s next generation of musical talent while enjoying the festival’s culinary offerings.

Nurturing Local Talent: The GastroBuds Mentorship Programme

One of the most meaningful initiatives at GastroBeats 2025 is the GastroBuds Mentorship Programme, which provides aspiring food entrepreneurs the opportunity to transform their culinary dreams into viable business ventures. Under the guidance of The Meatmen Group, who serve as Chief Foodie Officers (CFOs), participants receive mentorship in various aspects of the food business, from operations and branding to marketing.

The programme has been gaining momentum in the lead-up to the festival, with sessions focusing on brand development, social media strategy, and practical preparation for running a booth. For many home-based business owners, GastroBeats 2025 represents their first opportunity to showcase their culinary creations to a broader audience.

Similarly, the “GB-LETs” programme nurtures aspiring food content creators under the mentorship of Aiken Chia and Nina Tan, the festival’s Chief Content Officers (CCOs). This initiative highlights the growing intersection between food, social media, and digital content creation in Singapore’s vibrant food scene.

Community Spirit and Inclusivity

GastroBeats 2025 goes beyond food and music to foster a sense of community and inclusivity. The festival features vibrant retail zones where local creators and small businesses can showcase their unique products and handcrafted items, creating a marketplace that celebrates Singaporean creativity and entrepreneurship.

In a thoughtful touch that has become increasingly important to Singaporeans, GastroBeats 2025 maintains its pet-friendly policy, allowing visitors to bring their furry companions along to enjoy the festivities. This inclusive approach ensures that the festival truly lives up to its reputation as “The People’s Festival.”

Sustainability at the Heart of GastroBeats 2025

In alignment with the environmentally conscious ethos of i Light Singapore, GastroBeats 2025 has implemented several sustainability initiatives. The festival uses energy-efficient lighting, solar-powered facilities, and has banned plastic straws from the event grounds. Visitors are encouraged to bring reusable cups and containers to further reduce waste.

The “Let’s Trouble The Water!” activation with Jelilo characters serves as both entertainment and education, highlighting the urgent need to address marine pollution while encouraging sustainable practices among festivalgoers.

Getting to GastroBeats 2025

Located at the Bayfront Event Space next to Marina Bay Sands, GastroBeats 2025 is easily accessible via public transport. The venue is served by three MRT lines-North South Line, Downtown Line, and Circle Line-with Bayfront, Downtown, Marina Bay, and Raffles Place stations all within walking distance.

For those driving, car parks are available in surrounding developments including Marina Bay Sands, Marina Bay Financial Centre, and One Marina Boulevard. There’s also an open public car park adjacent to the event space and the Red Dot Design Museum.

Mark Your Calendars for GastroBeats 2025

With its unique blend of culinary adventures, musical performances, and community spirit-all wrapped in Jelilo’s colourful world-GastroBeats 2025 is shaping up to be an unmissable event on Singapore’s cultural calendar. Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, or simply looking for a vibrant way to spend your evenings from late May to June, this festival promises memories that will last long after the last beat fades.

The countdown to GastroBeats 2025 has already begun. Will you be joining the feast?