artLIVE – On the morning of December 8, the opening ceremony of the very first Saigon Urban Street Fest by artLIVE officially took place, kicking off this year’s theme: ‘Head Out Of The Original’. The event opened a creative playground where young people and artists can freely express themselves and take part in a variety of street art activities.
Saigon Urban Street Fest: A path that connects Saigon and street art
Tucked away in narrow alleyways and quiet corners of Saigon, moss-covered walls come to life as canvases for bold and imaginative street art. Under the hands of passionate street artists, these once-forgotten spaces are reborn, bursting with color, rhythm, and creative energy.
In the dim light of the city, the lines and shades of street art glow like echoes of memory, painting a version of Saigon that is at once modern and deeply nostalgic.
The phrase “Old But Gold” could not be more fitting for Saigon – a city where the past and present meet, a place that both embraces and shelters every personality and every identity.
Street art, though rooted in history, continues to evolve, always carrying within it an unshakable artistic spirit. It is a medium where individuality is celebrated and where artists carve out space to express their unique voices.
Once seen simply as a form of rebellion or a tool for social commentary, street art today has become a recognized art form in its own right, a vibrant cultural expression embraced by communities across the world.
What Saigon and street art share in common is their timeless charm, a classic foundation that continues to pulse with energy and evolve alongside the rhythm of contemporary life.
Saigon Urban Street Fest amplifies the idea that art can transcend its origins. From traditional and foundational roots come fresh, modern expressions, inclusive of all genders, and all ages. It’s an invitation to break boundaries, to let street art rise beyond its subcultural niche and enter a broader, more mainstream space, one that is celebrated, explored, and appreciated through a modern and open-minded lens.
Every artist and activity featured at Saigon Urban Street Fest carries within it a breath of duality, where the old meets the new. It’s a playground of rebellion, mischief, and rule-breaking – all the spirited traits of street culture – but expressed through a lens of beauty, purity, and true artistic intent.
The unique allure of street art activities
With the advantage of a vast outdoor space set against one of the city’s most historic landmarks, Saigon Urban Street Fest promises to bring participants a fresh, creative street art experience.
Visitors will be immersed in a true sense of freedom, surrounded by music, the breeze, and the vibrant hum of the city’s streets.
At Saigon Urban Street Fest, everyone is invited to share their passion for music and build meaningful connections through a variety of engaging activities, all designed to strengthen community spirit.
Street Art – A playground for creative expression
This activity is designed for creative souls who love to express their individuality through vibrant forms of street art, especially graffiti.
At the Street Art zone, visitors will witness live graffiti sessions by artist Thảo Xeko, featuring the collaborative Draw Your Dream mural alongside a series of artworks inspired by Saigon with themes such as Saigon Faithful, Saigon Fresh, and Saigon Fun.
Guests are also free to unleash their creativity through hands-on activities, painting directly on backdrops or customizing tote bags, hats, T-shirts, and even sneakers at the Re-new Zone.
Pop-up Zone – Where brands showcase the spirit of street culture
A space for food lovers, the Pop-up Zone at Saigon Urban Street Fest brings together elements of public art, trendy drinks, and cake tasting.
Here, participants can enjoy free samples of standout products from both local and international brands: Hillway, Orion, Lúave, Nitro cold brew coffee made with cold brew, Fentimans tonic, and the Nitro Carbotek brewing system.
At the Pop-up Zone, you’ll step into a diverse world of art, where every corner is brought to life with fresh, stylish ideas from various brands.
Hype Space – Experience street art in the heart of Saigon
Music is the element that brings together street art lovers at Saigon Urban Street Fest. The event features Hip Hop and Rap beats, creating an authentic street vibe right in the center of District 1.
At Hype Space, audiences can enjoy live music and energetic, visually captivating performances by artists from Germany, alongside Vietnamese performers such as Felix Minh An Nguyen, The Funky Monkeys, Quach The Nam, Son Luong, Balienzz, Nguyen Duc Vinh Quang, singers Giana, DUYBI, and the band Whee!.
Street Wear – Expressing identity through fashion
With the theme “Head Out Of The Original,” Saigon Urban Street Fest encourages attendees to show off their unique street style – dynamic, spontaneous, and full of personality.
Participants are invited to incorporate the festival’s three signature colors blue, yellow, and pink into their outfits, strike a pose in the creative spaces of the event, and stand a chance to win exclusive prizes.
Draw Your Dream with Saigon Urban Street Fest
More than just breathing new life into old items, Saigon Urban Street Fest gives you the chance to create your own personalized tote bags and cup holders through the Draw Your Dream x HAVU Art Studio activity.
For just 20,000 VND and 30,000 VND, you can decorate one-of-a-kind items inspired by Saigon’s iconic architecture and beloved local dishes, turning everyday objects into creative keepsakes filled with your personal touch.
Alongside it is the Re-new Zone – a space to “revive” old but still usable items. Participants can bring their hats, shirts, shoes, and more to decorate using exclusive stencil designs from HAVU Art Studio.
For just 10,000 VND per item, young creatives are free to bring their ideas to life using materials like KOVA paint and acrylic markers.
All proceeds from these activities will be donated to the Draw Your Dream project, which supports the building of safe homes for underprivileged families in Dinh Quan District, Đong Nai Province.
The event is free and open to the public from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM on December 8, 9, and 10 at the Saigon Central Post Office.
