Mention Joo Chiat, and everyone immediately envisions the iconic stretches of Peranakan shophouses in all sorts of vibrant shades. The neighbourhood is oft-visited by locals and tourists alike, but unfortunately a big percentage of the footfall is mainly for the vibes and photo ops.
To give the many varied businesses in the district the spotlight that they deserve, the Katong-Joo Chiat Business Association is organising a free-to-attend street party happening on 3rd October 2026. Over 80 local merchants in the district will be involved, from eateries and boutiques to art and fitness studios. Roads will also be pedestrianised for the occasion, making it the first-ever Joo Chiat Car-Free Day.
Besides discovering and being able to support small homegrown businesses that you otherwise might not have known about, the Joo Chiat Car-Free Day street party will also be a rousing outdoor celebration spanning the entire stretch from East Coast Road to Dunman Road.
The street will be segmented into dedicated zones, leading you down a journey of different experiences:
Here’s a look at some of the merchants in the district who will be participating in Joo Chiat Car-Free Day:
Sunday roast from Cheeers Bistro & Bar (left), pistachio latte from King Cart Coffee (right).
Image adapted from: @cheeers.sg & @kingscartcoffeesg via Instagram
Local musicians and live DJ acts will provide the groovy soundtracks while you savour bites, brews, and tipples from the likes of Cider Pit, Cheeers Bistro & Bar, King Cart Coffee, and Oyster House in the Music Zone.
Curiosium East’s hands-on play structures.
Image credit: @curiosium.asia via Instagram
Give your child a packed and engaging day out with educational play sessions led by Curiosium East, pottery workshops by 3Arts Pottery, and jazz dance classes by All That Jazz Dance Academy in the Kids Art Zone.
Dried beef mala biltong from Baggies Biltong (left), banana pie from Dona Manis (right).
Image adapted from: Baggie’s Deli, Eatbook
Tuck into hearty mains, savoury tidbits, and sweet treats from 808 Eating House, Baggies Biltong, Butcher Box, and Dona Manis in the Picnic Zone.
Fight Therapy’s Muay Thai session.
Image credit: Gymny
Then, try your hand at various workouts and fitness classes in the Fitness Zone, with demos led by Active Fitness Sugar Boxing, Ayu Yoga Joo Chiat, and Fight Therapy. On the wellness front, merchants like Life Chiropractic Centre and Strength & Recovery Zone by The Muscle Lab will also be present to share more about their services.
Dog essentials at Paw Mrkt.
Image credit: Irene Kamphuis via Google Maps
Treat your furchild like royalty at the Pet Zone, featuring merchants like Dapper Dogs pet grooming studio, Pawsible dog enrichment school, and pet supply stores The Pampered Pet Corner and Paw Mrkt selling pet food, toys, and accessories. The Gentle Vet will also be there if you have any pet care queries or wish to register your pet for a health check.
In the spirit of supporting Joo Chiat businesses, registration requires you to actually hit up one of the participating merchants anytime between now and the street party on 3rd October. Of course, the earlier the better, especially since admission to this exciting event is free.
A total of 1,000 admission passes will be distributed via the participating merchants. All you have to do to acquire one is to walk into any of the shops or eateries.
3Arts Pottery’s pottery-making and painting workshops.
Image credit: 3Arts via Facebook
There’s no obligation to make a purchase to redeem an entry pass, but picking something up or signing up for a class or workshop to show your support would certainly go a long way. Refer to the full list of participating Joo Chiat Car-Free Day merchants on the Katong-Joo Chiat Business Association’s webpage.
Not only is admission free, your entry pass will also grant you a complimentary beverage during the Joo Chiat car-free day street party. Just head to the redemption counter during the day of the event and get your choice of a refreshing iced tea, specialty coffee, or craft beer.
With so many diverse local businesses coming together to showcase what they offer, the event is sure to be a blast. But supporting them and helping to ensure that they can last in the long run doesn’t stop there.
The street party will also feature games and interactive challenges surrounding the theme of heritage – a nod to Joo Chiat’s rich history. Complete the activities, which will be dotted throughout the car-free street, and you’ll receive a $5 merchant voucher to shop at the participating businesses involved.
This means savings for us customers, and the businesses gain new fans because we took the time out of our day to check out their wares. All in all, it’s a great way to support local businesses while enjoying a car-free street party outing ourselves.
Admission: Free
Venue: Joo Chiat Road, spanning East Coast Road to Dunman Road
Date: 3rd October 2026
Time: 3.30pm-9.30pm
Cover image adapted from: @curiosium.asia via Instagram, Irene Kamphuis via Google Maps
Imagine being on a staycay AND getting to see The Weeknd? Gasp.
Eat good food, enjoy live music, and try your hand at various arts and fitness…
Prices start from $28 for a 1-hour pass.
Here are all the best things to do this weekend in Singapore.
Limited to 1 redemption per child, while stocks last.
You can even use your CDC Vouchers to purchase one.