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Top reasons to hit Asia’s premier F1 event (not counting the race)

Posted: 17 Sep 2013 09:50 PM PDT

Don't like cars? Doesn't matter. Singapore has an incredible event lineup of off-track action this weekend

In the years since Singapore gave the global Formula One Grand Prix circuit its first and only night race in 2008, the event has risen to become the top automotive racing spectacle in Asia.

Each September, thousands fly in from around the world to line the stands of the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

Tickets sell out fast, hotel occupancy rates soar.

Even if you don't give a damn who hits the podium when the checkered flag falls on Sunday, the entertainment is reason alone to be in Singapore from September 20 to 23.

Music

Grammy-winning pop star Rihanna will hit the Singapore F1 Grand Prix concert stage on Sunday, September 22. Singapore's Formula 1 Grand Prix concert organizers clearly have money to burn. Year after year they bring global superstars to the race stage.

Headliners for this weekend's concert series include Rihanna. The Killers, Tom Jones, Owl City, Bob Geldof and some Canadian kid named Justin Bieber.

For K-Pop fans, supergroup Big Bang is on the roster to represent Seoul.

For tickets and times, visit Singaporegp.sg. The final night of concerts is actually September 23, the day after the races end.

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Live theatrics

Performance art gets plenty of stage time during this weekend's F1 event.

Incandescence, out of the UK, will bring three of their aerial shows to the stage: Night Circus, Masquerade and Cirque Surreal. A contemporary circus theater company, their productions feature beautiful dance choreography and high-flying stunts set to brilliant musical scores.

Italian comedian Ennio Marchetto gives Singapore a taste of his quick-change cabaret this weekend. Using paper costumes that mimic personalities like Cher, Marilyn Monroe and C-3PO, Marchetto has been in the game for 18 years. His "Living Paper Cartoon" act was awarded "Outstanding Performance" by the New York Musical Theatre Festival.

English illusionist Dynamo -- star of TV series "Dynamo: Magician Impossible"-- will be putting on two shows as part of the F1 entertainment lineup. Among the man's many televised feats, he's crossed the River Thames on foot and levitated a comedian four feet off the ground at the Emirates Stadium in London.

The official F1 Singapore page has details on show times and locations.

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Parties

1-Altitude. For those who don't give a damn which car is in the lead. Grand Prix weekend is the hottest party of the year in Singapore.

Any given bar or nightclub is going to show the races on big screens or serve up cleverly named race-themed cocktails.

1-Altitude is famed for its incredible views of the race circuit. Perched on top of the OUB building, 282 meters above ground and privy to 360-degree views of the city, you may not be able to catch a whiff of burning tires, but a view of the Singapore F1 cars racing around the flood-lit track is guaranteed.

It's the pop-up parties that attract the rich and famous.

One of the most sought-after tickets in Singapore is the pricey F1 Grand Prix after-party at Amber Lounge. Held in cities around the world, the famed F1 after-party was created by Sonia Irvine, sister of former F1 driver, Eddie Irvine.

The other hot one is the Podium Lounge. This is the party for those who want to hang out with F1 drivers, celebrities, models and billionaires. Set in the middle of the the race track, the Podium Lounge at Singapore's Ritz-Carlton Millenia is within stumbling distance of the F1 Pit Building.

Away from the track, former Bangkok nightclub supremo Bed SupperClub is bringing its unique entertainment concept to the Tanjong Beach Club for the F1 weekend. The event will feature Bed's signature mix of dining, clubbing, art and theater.

The theme of the night is 1950s Miami -- in honor of the Grand Prix's birth date -- and there will be an all-day carnival with circus acts, international DJs, fire dancers and an all-night party.

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Food

Restaurants around the city are offering Grand Prix themed specials and dinners, including sky high venues that give diners a chance to see some of the race action from above.

To feel the sort of pressure race crews experience on the track, there's the "Pit Stop" buffets at the Mandarin Oriental's Melt-The World Cafe restaurant.

Diners can fuel up with a 45-minute lunch or a 60-minute dinner -- both feature a variety of international cuisine.

Price is SG$45 for lunch, SG$60 for dinner from September 20 to 22. For reservations, email mosin-dining@mohg.com or call +65 (0)6 885 3500.

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