Last night was pure magic at Gardens by the Bay as they officially kicked off their SG60 celebrations with "SPARK", a mesmerising firefly-inspired light installation, and the return of the much-loved "Orchid Extravaganza" at Flower Dome!
And yes, I made it just in time to catch "SPARK" in action under the stars. Thousands of glowing, biodegradable light sparks rise and fall gently in the tropical air, like fireflies dancing in slow motion. It felt like I had stepped into a dreamy Studio Ghibli scene!
This is the first time "SPARK" has landed in Southeast Asia, and it's here for only four nights (until 3 August 2025!) at Supertree Grove Lawn. The installation is the brainchild of Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde and supported by GIC, the Tote Board, and the Embassy of the Netherlands, which also celebrates 60 years of diplomatic ties with Singapore this year. What a beautiful double celebration!
Each floating spark is a poetic reimagination of fireworks, but gentler and more sustainable. The kids around me were absolutely enchanted as they tried to “catch” them mid-air, and I had a blast experimenting with light photography. If you’re planning a romantic night out or a family date, this is one experience not to miss before the weekend ends.
(Photo Credits: Gardens by the Bay)
Orchid Extravaganza 2025（兰花盛事）
Over at the Flower Dome, "Orchid Extravaganza" is back with over 6,000 stunning orchids in full bloom! This year’s theme proudly celebrates our local heritage, with floral displays that weave in everything from Singapore's national flower, Vanda Miss Joaquim, to uniquely named hybrids like Papilionanda Chua Chu Kang and Vanda KK Women's and Children's Hospital.
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| (Photo Credits: Gardens by the Bay) |
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| (Photo Credits: Gardens by the Bay) |
Add to that stunning gold-plated orchid brooches by RISIS, authentic kebayas and beaded slippers from Rumah Kim Choo, and historical artefacts from the Peranakan Museum, and you have the perfect weekend plan for culture lovers!
In celebration of SG60, you also get to enjoy a complimentary all-access adult ticket to the Peranakan Museum with each Flower Dome ticket, Friends of the Gardens e-card, or SG60 Wonder Blooms pass.
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| (Photo Credits: Gardens by the Bay) |
Orchid Extravaganza runs till 31 August 2025.
Admission to Flower Dome applies.
*Psst… there’s even a social media contest where you could win a RISIS gold orchid brooch! Visit www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/orchids for more information.
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(Photo Credits: Gardens by the Bay and MediaCorp)
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| (Photo Credits: Gardens by the Bay and MediaCorp) |
What Else is Happening This August?
The SG60 vibes don’t stop here. Gardens by the Bay has lined up more free events in August to keep the celebrations going:
National Day Concert – Ties That Bloom
📍The Meadow | 3 August 2025 | 4.30pm fringe activities, 7.30pm concert
The Purple Symphony (TPS) – Singapore’s largest inclusive orchestra of musicians with and without disabilities – will also bring audiences a heartfelt medley of familiar local tunes, blending Eastern and Western instruments in a moving tribute to Singapore’s 60th birthday.
So, don’t forget your picnic mats!
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| (Photo Credits: Gardens by the Bay) |
NDP 2025 Bay Celebrations
📍The Meadow | 9 August 2025 | 4.15pm – 9.00pm
Catch a live telecast of the National Day Parade right at Gardens by the Bay, with live performances happening on-site too. This is the first time the Marina Bay area is an official satellite site for the NDP, and Gardens by the Bay is the perfect place if you want to soak up the patriotic vibes without the crowds at the Padang!
