artLIVE – Saigon Urban Street Fest by artLIVE was a vibrant playground for young people and artists to freely express their individuality. The three-day event took place on December 8, 9, and 10 at the iconic Saigon Central Post Office.
The Saigon Urban Street Fest, a street art festival designed for the youth, has officially wrapped up, but the energy still lingers among every attendee. Over three electrifying days, the festival welcomed more than 40,000 visitors, all diving headfirst into the fun and turning up the heat across every corner of the event.
Saigon Urban Street Fest: A Bridge Between the Classic and the Contemporary
With a strong community-driven spirit, Saigon Urban Street Fest was created as a vibrant and progressive playground for the youth of Ho Chi Minh City. At the same time, it offered a stage for independent and indie artists to showcase their talents and connect with a wider audience.
Throughout its three-day run, the festival stayed true to its mission — unfolding within the historically rich space of the Saigon Central Post Office, it brought to life a celebration of contemporary street art that felt both fresh and deeply rooted in cultural identity.
The event welcomed over 40,000 visitors, spanning generations — from little kids to middle-aged adults, from high school students to energetic young adults. Everyone took part enthusiastically in the festival’s signature experiences, from contributing to the collaborative “Draw Your Dream” community canvas to immersing themselves in the electric performances of local artists.
It was this diversity and shared passion that created an atmosphere unlike any other — one where the classical met the contemporary, and the soul of the city pulsed through every beat, every brushstroke, every cheer.
What Went Down at Saigon Urban Street Fest 2023?
Street Art Zone
The spotlight of this zone was the vibrant graffiti series created by artist Thao Xeko, centered around three themes: Saigon Faithful, Saigon Fresh, and Saigon Fun.
These murals captured the attention of young visitors and art lovers alike. As the pieces came to life, crowds gathered to watch Thao Xeko in action, many staying until the final strokes, documenting the process with awe and admiration.
Another highlight was the “Draw Your Dream” community canvas. By the end of the very first day, it was already covered in a burst of colorful drawings from the public.
After three days, the canvas had become a vibrant mosaic of emotions and joy, capturing the spirit, dreams, and collective creativity of the “citizens” of Saigon Urban Street Fest.
The “Draw Your Dream” canvas drew plenty of attention from festivalgoers.
In addition, a collection of 22 doodle artworks, each representing Thu Duc City and the 21 districts of Ho Chi Minh City, drew thousands of participants, especially children. Created through a collaboration between artLIVE and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, the project became known as “Vietnam’s Largest Doodle Artwork on Ho Chi Minh City Tourism.”
Renew Zone
The Renew Zone stayed buzzing throughout all three days of the festival! A creative collaboration between Draw Your Dream and HAVU Art Studio gave festivalgoers the chance to design one-of-a-kind pieces. From young attendees to older visitors, everyone got excited about the DIY print-and-custom corner – a place to “renew” your style by printing on new items or upcycling old ones. Participants proudly brought home their personalized tote bags or quirky “ca quai-ik” mugs, each carrying its unique flair and story.
Nonstop energy at the Re-new Zone all festival long
Thanks to the enthusiastic participation of festivalgoers, all proceeds from the Re-new Zone will go toward Draw Your Dream – a charitable project by artLIVE that helps provide new homes for underprivileged families in Dinh Quan District, Dong Nai Province.
Check-in Booth
The Check-in Booth was in constant motion, thanks to the incredible energy of everyone who showed up during the three-day SUSF experience. 500 caps and 500 wristbands, all specially designed in the signature green, pink, and yellow palette of Saigon Urban Street Fest, were handed out to participants through fun minigames and giveaways.
At the event’s main backdrop, some of the most joyful and memorable moments were captured.
Pop-up Zone
The Pop-up Zone stayed lively and bustling throughout all three days of Saigon Urban Street Fest. Brand booths from Orion, Hillway, MiT Catering, Lúave, and KOVA Paint drew in crowds eager to explore and enjoy. With over 10,000 giveaways prepared each day, it didn’t take long before everything was completely swept off the shelves.The presence, energy, and memories created by every one of you are the most treasured gifts that Saigon Urban Street Fest had the honor of receiving.
At Saigon Urban Street Fest, festivalgoers enthusiastically engaged with interactive booths hosted by leading brands. At MiT Catering, visitors enjoyed complimentary Nitro Cold Brew, a unique blend of cold brew coffee and Fentimans tonic, served using the Nitro Carbotek system provided by Ly Gia Vien. Orion attracted attention with its high-quality snacks and lively interactions with its brand mascot. At Hillway, guests sampled signature milk teas and received gifts including backpacks and handheld fans. The KOVA Paint booth showcased eight distinctive paint colors, inviting attendees to explore, take photos, and bring home branded tote bags. Lúave also impressed with its bold tea selection, offering four distinct flavors for guests to try.
Hype Space
Last but not least, the most anticipated zone of Saigon Urban Street Fest kept the energy-burning bright across all three days. Thousands of attendees gathered to vibe with the diverse sounds and styles of Whee!, DUYBI, and Giana, creating unforgettable moments at the heart of the festival.
Saigon Urban Street Fest captured countless moments of festivalgoers swaying, singing along, and vibing to the music performed by featured artists.
The applause and cheers at Hype Space never faded, especially during the electrifying performances by Felix Minh An Nguyen, The Funky Monkeys, and featured Vietnamese artists.
The applause and cheers at Hype Space never faded, especially during the electrifying performances by Felix Minh An Nguyen, The Funky Monkeys, and featured Vietnamese artists.
The audience was fully enjoying the artists’ performances
Saigon Urban Street Fest citizens were treated to a feast of emotion, energy, and street art spirit, from powerful dance performances to breathtaking circus acts that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
The artists’ performances were met with overwhelming love and enthusiasm from the crowd
Over three days, audiences of all ages not only enjoyed spectacular shows but also had the chance to interact directly with artists, especially during The Funky Monkeys’ performances, where some lucky festivalgoers even became part of the most thrilling circus acts on the Hype Space stage.
Saigon Urban Street Fest extends its heartfelt thanks to our valued partners – the Goethe-Institut and HAVU Art Studio, who accompanied us every step of the way, from early preparations to the final moments of the event.
We are also deeply grateful to our brand sponsors – Orion, Hillway, Ly Gia Vien, Sơn KOVA, and Lúave – for supporting the festival throughout its three days and for bringing exciting activities to life.
Special thanks to:
- Ly Gia Vien, for sponsoring the refreshing nitro cold brews served to guests.
- Sơn KOVA, for supporting the creation of three signature graffiti murals by artist Thao Xeko in the Street Art Zone, along with meaningful experiences and giveaways for attendees.
Finally, Saigon Urban Street Fest 2023 would like to thank every one of you for your incredible energy, presence, and support over the past three days. We hope the festival becomes a cherished memory – a colorful mark in the journey of your youth.
