Gags aside, April is set to be a serious month of happenings—World Gourmet Summit 2019 begins in earnest, the epic Marquee Singapore Nightclub opens its doors with a big bang, the ArtScience Museum debuts its new enthralling exhibition, and of course, Jewel Changi Airport will finally be lifting its shutters for the public. Amid all these, there are more markets, foodie things and music gigs taking place than we can keep up with. Pace yourself people.
MUSIC
Seven-time Grammy winner John Mayer may have been in the music industry for close to 20 years, but will only make his live debut here this April. Dedicated fans can look forward to the charisma that oozes from his raw performances; one that regularly involves a guitar and his soulful crooning. Apr 1
EXHIBITION
As part of ION Orchard’s 10th anniversary celebrations, the mall is setting up Orchard Road’s first-ever mermaid tank installation—complete with live mermaid. Every weekend, feel free to stop by the glittering mirror-paneled facade for selfies and meet-and-greets with the mermaid. Apr 1-28
FOOD
The annual World Gourmet Summit returns, this time, spotlighting the evergreen theme of sustainability for its 23rd running. Keep a lookout for masterchef dining experiences, special celebratory menus at participating restaurants, and the produce-forward Gastro-Market taking over the Chijmes Lawn once again. Apr 1-May 12
ART
GIFs are now a part of the way we text and send messages, but what if we told you there’s an entire showcase dedicated to it? Drop by Noise GIF Fest by Noise Singapore this week for an immersive digital art experience from the GIFs by 30 young art makers as they transform the visual arts exhibition space at Blk 7 Gillman Barracks into a state-of-the-art digital showcase site. Through Apr 1
FOOD
Lime at ParkRoyal Pickering takes it to the next level for your next burger treat, featuring a Green on the Go pop-up stall right at the entrance, the ever-popular plant-based Beyond Burger® takes over and will be serving gluten-free and soy-free burger patties will made available for take-away between 11:30am and 2:30pm daily. Through Apr 12
THEATRE
The Singapore Repertory Theatre is dissecting the uncomfortable topic of partners cheating on each other to excavate fresh gags, in a translated staging of French playwright Florian Zeller’s The Truth. Not all farce, the play will set out to balance the laughs with important themes like fragile masculinity, unhappiness in one’s life, infidelity and deceit. Held at KC Arts Centre. Apr 3-20
DRINK
Saimai Nantarat from Bangkok’s ABar & ABar Rooftop will be in town for a guest shift, concocting libations at Cin Cin worthy of a Gin Jubilee champion. She’ll be making two cocktails, both based on the super premium Scottish handcrafted Caorunn Gin. Apr 4
FOOD
It’s National Burrito Day, and everyone’s favourite Mexican place is throwing a Muchachos Burrito Bash to honour the celebration. Bring your amigos, as burritos will be going 1-for-1 all day long, plus get a free beer with every burrito purchased. And if you’re a true burrito fan, join in their burrito speed eating contest and settle dinner while you’re at it. Apr 4
PARTY
International singer-songwriter and rapper Iyaz will be making his Singapore debut at trendy Clarke Quay joint Get Juiced, throwing a live showcase of music bound to get any partygoer going. Come early, as opening act Jade Rasif will set you vibing hard from the get-go. Apr 6
EXHIBITION
Not your average gallery showcase, Rewild Our Planet is a social augmented reality experience held at ArtScience Museum that uses technology to bring to life planet Earth’s many beautiful landscapes. Go on a journey that’s out of this world, and arrive (hopefully) with a greater inward appreciation for our bountiful world. Apr 6-Jun 2
FOOD/DRINK
Natural wine bar and kitchen Le Bon Funk is turning a year old, and special guest chef Jonathan Tam of Michelin-starred Restaurant Relae in Copenhagen will be coming down to celebrate with them, offering up an exclusive menu of yummy grub best paired with a glass of red, white or orange. Apr 7
MUSIC
Soak in laid-back Sunday vibes while learning a thing or two about guitars from masters Martin Miller and Tom Quayle, who’ll be holding a one-day-only masterclass and performance at Star Vista‘s outdoor plaza space at 6.30pm. After you’re tuned in, be sure to check out nearby Swee Lee Social Club for more music inspo. Apr 7
FESTIVAL
The Singapore Heritage Festival is back for its sixth year running for a special Bicentennial edition (like most arts festivals this year) that seeks to uncover hidden stories in unexpected spaces—from bus stops to Bedok—and spotlight selected neighbourhoods in Singapore. See our pick of events here. Through Apr 7
MUSIC
Having performed a very special one-off show here in October last year as part of her Speak Your Mind tour, British songstress Anne-Marie will be making her way back to Singapore to entertain us with her infectious pop tunes in a one-night-only performance at the Capitol Theatre. Apr 9
COMEDY
Stand up guy Tom Green is performing on our shores, letting audiences here see (but mostly laugh) at his brand of personal, relatable and frankly surreal comedy on stage for the very first time here. Held at The Whisky Library @ Vagabond Club. Apr 12
PARTY
Finally! The most anticipated nightlife opening of the year has arrived. Marquee Singapore, with its 21-metre high indoor ferris wheel and tube slides, will be welcoming its first partygoers at their opening weekend, where DJ greats the likes of Tiesto and Afrojack will set us all spinning into a frenzy till the wee hours. Apr 12-13
MUSIC
After the massive Rugby 7s scrum, head on over to Clarke Quay Fountain Square for Music After 7s, where you get to rock on with homegrown bands as they take to the stage. Be sure to fuel up on beer and food deals offered by Harry’s, Le Noir, Octopas and more to keep you going all night. Apr 12-13
CONVENTION
Calling all pawrents, the annual Pet Expo, Singapore’s largest pet fair, is back for its sixth edition. The spotlight falls on wellness this year, with three wellness therapy events jam-packed into the three-day schedule due to the growing demand on pet health. Apr 12-14
DRINK
Game of Thrones fans, embark on your own quest to slay GOT trivia and alcoholic beverages alike at the Crawl of Thrones. Choose a house (or side with the White Walkers), then journey through four bars, starting at Chimichanga, for a night worthy of the eve of the season eight premiere. Apr 13
EXHIBITION
The ArtScience Museum’s next big showcase is a whimsical one sure to be a hit with all audiences. Leading us all through the rabbit hole is Wonderland, which celebrates all the intrigue of Lewis Carroll’s timeless universe, and invites you to step through the looking glass for an immersive museum experience. Apr 13-Sep 22
FOOD/DRINK
It’s gonna be messy, it’s gonna be artsy, but most of all, it’s gonna be delicious. Get to play with your food at Artichoke’s Brewers and Makers event, where mezze, grilled meat and veg gets thrown on the table, seafood boil style, for your feasting pleasure. Wash it all down with endless pours of frothy, freshly-tapped Pilsner Urquell beer. Apr 14
MARKET
April sees the inauguration of new market series Bayfront Pop-Up Market, organised by TGIF Bazaars and held weekly at Gardens by the Bay. At this opening edition, shop for adorable little trinkets, including metal straw sets, stationery and snacks. Apr 14
EXHIBITION
What do national service, shamans and an apocalyptic Singapore have in common? They’re all tied to some form of mythic tradition—and are each explored in this year’s edition of Stories That Matter. Look out for the highlight of the programme—four feature-length documentaries from Brazil to Singapore that interrogate the role both traditional and contemporary myths play in our lives today. Through Apr 14
EXHIBITION
The ground-breaking Minimalism: Space. Light. Object exhibition spanning National Gallery Singapore and ArtScience Museum traces the origins and evolutions of the Minimalist art movement, in more than 150 works loaned from all over the world. Check out our quick picks here. Through Apr 14
SHOPPING
The world’s first Pokemon Center outside of Japan, the Pokemon Center Singapore, is set to open on the same day as the much-anticipated Jewel Changi Airport. Details are scant (we know there’ll be Singapore exclusives), but if it’s anything like the ones in Japan, you can expect plenty of merch, collectibles and cards to be on sale. Apr 17
GAME
The whole of Sentosa, from the Boardwalk near VivoCity all the way to Tanjong Beach, will be turning into a Pokemon Go! Safari Zone, where AR sprites of rare, shiny and never-before-seen Pokemon will roam the island for the first time. Expect players of the hit mobile game to throng the resort island; so stay away if you’re not catching ’em all. Apr 18-22
PARTY
Missed the opening weekend of Marquee Singapore? The following weekend is still set to be thumping with legends Above & Beyond and Steve Aoki keeping the dancefloor lit with their addictive brand of trance and electro house hits. Wear your dancing shoes. Apr 19-20
MUSIC/FESTIVAL
Expect a full-blown line-up of over 50 bands, vocalists and musicians from the region at the biggie 10th edition of Skechers Sundown Festival. Besides music, you’ll be kept entertained by art and film content, a marketplace, and even a camping ground so there’s no need to worry about heading home after. Apr 19-21
MARKET
For two consecutive weekends, TheGrounds@Kranji will be buzzing with a multitude of stalls inspired by the original Shilin Night Market in Taiwan, boasting a highly anticipated maze of street delicacies and creative eats. Consume your weight in Taiwanese favourites such as crispy-skinned Taiwanese fried chicken and of course, bubble tea. Also, look forward to arcade games, carnival kiosks, life-sized claw machines, as well as eight KTV booths to get your inner Jay Chou on. Apr 19-21, 26-28
MUSIC
Clear your schedules—soulful music duo Ibeyi, comprising twin sisters Lisa-Kainde Diaz and Naomi Diaz, will be making its Singapore debut. Their truthful, visceral tunes, a mix of Afro-Cuban, R&B and jazz, will be heard live here for the very first time at Victoria Theatre. Get tickes while you can. Apr 20
MARKET
This Easter, indulge in a spot of guilt-free shopping and eating at the Sustainable Easter Fair, where ethical products from the likes of Eden+Elie, UBU Swimwear, Kildi Photo and more will be on showcase. If you’re feeling peckish, venue Winestone is offering a special deal on bites to go with a glass or two. Apr 20
MUSIC
For those who didn’t manage to score a ticket to Ed Sheeran’s sold-out Divide tour last year, you’re in luck cause the “Perfect” singer will be returning for a new headline show at the National Stadium. For those who didn’t manage to get a ticket, we can only hope he’ll be back again next year. Apr 26
PARTY
Electronic music veterans Cosmic Gate is set to take over the Zouk MainRoom for a Transfix night of progressive dance, ethereal waves and feel-good surrealness bent on lifting your spirits to another plane. Apr 27
MARKET
At Public Garden, score handcrafted bags and accessories, apparels and even potted plants from independent labels across Southeast Asia at reasonable prices. This is one for literary enthusiasts too, with books by passionate, indie authors also on showcase. Apr 27-28
FESTIVAL
Perk up, fans of flora. An offshoot of the annual Singapore Garden Festival returns, bringing with it the debut of an all-new Horticulture Show. The new segment seeks to provide a platform for locals to grow (pun intended) their love for greening, nurture an interest in horticulture, and simply soak in the beautiful displays, all from the comfort of Jurong Lake Gardens. Apr 27-May 5
THEATRE
Theatregoers rejoice, for The Esplanade’s inspiring developmental programme is back. The Studios will be presenting Singaporean works—both old and new—that have been developing under keen mentorship for the last year, all unifying under the theme of ‘The Weight of a Stone in a Pocket’. Through Apr 27
PARTY
Music people Singapura Dub Club is taking over Sentosa Boardwalk joint Bones ‘n Barrels for a Suka Suka Sunday street party. Enjoy Jamaican jerk BBQ grub, awesome drink deals, and of course, great music, all happening on the waterfront. Apr 28
EXHIBITION
Asian Civilisations Museum and London’s British Museum are coming together to present Raffles in Southeast Asia: Revisiting the Scholar and Statesman, to illuminate the different sides of founding father Sir Stamford Raffles himself. Peer into the historic Raffles Collection on loan from the British Museum, that comprises largely Javanese and Sumatran objects Raffles personally collected during his time in the region. Through Apr 28
MUSIC
Chances are you’ve probably heard the catchy tunes of twin brothers Charlie and Craig Reid of The Proclaimers multiple times in your life. Celtic rock number “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” has made its fair share of cameos in various films throughout the years, and now, their recognisable Scottish accents is set to ring loud at the Capitol Theatre. Apr 29
FOOD
In need of good steak at reasonable prices? Pop-up steakhouse The Feather Blade is where you need to be. The London’s Flat Iron-inspired restaurant will be setting up shop at where Club Street stalwart Zui Hong Lou operates, dishing out quality cuts for just $21 every weekend for a limited time; chow down while you can. Through Apr 29
EXHIBITION
One of Singapore’s smallest minority communities is finally having their moment in the spotlight at Chetti Melaka of the Straits: Rediscovering Peranakan Indian Communities. Come hear the lesser-known stories of the Chetti Melaka, also known as Peranakan Indians—descendants of early South Indian migrants who to Singapore in the 15th and 16th centuries, and married local Chinese or Malay women. Through May 5
EXHIBITION
Held poignantly at CBD gallery Hatch Art Project, I Would Prefer Not To Do Anything is a look at deep-rooted fatigue in today’s society. See artist Iqi Qoror’s surrealist works curated to give an intimate look into our universal state of burnout, worsened by an overwhelming culture or need to constantly project positivity. Through May 16
FOOD
There never needs to be a reason to gorge on durian, but Goodwood Park Hotel gives a mighty good one every year regardless. Come celebrate their annual Durian Fiesta, this time with six new exquisite D24 durian desserts, four perennial favourites, and a majestic appearance from the Mao Shan Wang in the form of a cheesecake. Through Jul 14
