Market culture is quickly taking root in sunny Singapore, and the arrival of August just means an added, fun National Day spin. Whether it’s blowing dough on artisan food products or saving your cents at a completely free bazaar, the line-up this month has something in store for everyone.
Singpasar (Aug 4-6)
Local pride is key at the annual design-centric pasar malam Singpasar, which returns for its third edition at the National Design Center this National Day weekend. Bringing together the best in locally designed products and brands, the market is the perfect one-stop shop for anyone who’s looking to fill their life with Singapore-unique goodies, from furniture to apparel. Look out for familiar names like artisan jeweller Carrie K, or pick up an ice cream sandwich cushion from indie retail store Meykrs—one among many. Event organizer The Farm Store will be on-site too for their first-ever pop-up store, selling more than 800 quirky souvenirs made by local designers. And if you’re feeling peckish, take your pick from a host of local F&B vendors and their offerings.
Where: National Design Centre
Sunday Social Market (Aug 6)
Nothing like spending your Sunday vibing to house music while browsing one-of-a-kind market wares. Sunday Social returns to Camp Kilo Charcoal Club to unite music and fashion, in an all-in-one market featuring artisanal bakers, crafters, interior design, fashion accessories, and the famous roasts from Camp Kilo. Featured vendors include Balinese accessories brand Lilla Lane and homegrown health food bakery Oh My Goodness; while the day’s tunes will be provided by Giuseppe G, Nic RiffRaff and Muto Masashi.
Where: Camp Kilo Charcoal Club
Epicurean Market 2017 (Aug 11-13)
It’s market weekend Aug 11-13, with three markets happening simultaneously across the island. The fun kicks off with the Epicurean Market, back for its fifth run at Marina Bay Sands and complete once again with award-winning restaurants like Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay and Wolfgang Puck’s CUT. If you’re hankering after something aside from gastronomic pleasures and private tastings, check out the Farmer’s Market at the event—extended to include the best of fresh produce and gourmet items sourced from markets around the world. Three-day passes are available at $39.
Where: Marina Bay Sands
Katong Square Lifestyle & Vintage Market (Aug 11-13)
The monthly flea market at Katong Square is getting a bumper-sized, National Day update this Aug. To celebrate the nation turning 52, there will be a table with all items at 52 percent off marked prices. On top of that, expect the usual vintage offerings at this flea market—vinyl records, vintage jewellery and watches, haute couture and more; as well as charity and casual booths selling second-hand wares. Resident booths include The Retro Factory, Vinyl Kakis and Karang Unique.
Where: Katong Square
Red Hot Flea (Aug 11-13)
If you still haven’t gotten enough of fleas and ploughing through kitschy market offerings, dive in to the Red Hot Flea at Baghdad Street, organized by the Fri-nally Fete Street Market—people who clearly empathize with the need to celebrate the end of the work week. Street apparel, jewellery, artworks and accessories are just some of the items that will be on offer.
Where: Baghdad Street
Singapore Really Really Free Market 50 (Aug 13)
Now a staple in the local flea market scene, the Really Really Free Market is back at Maplewood Park with their motto of reducing consumption and waste—and a day of sustainable shopping. For first-timers, expect to see a community of vendors come together to lay their wares on mats—books, CDs, toys, clothes and more; don’t be afraid to pick up anything that catches your eye. And it’s not just disposable items that will be up for grabs—skills and services like tarot card reading, hair cutting and poetry writing will be on-site as well, because sharing is caring.
Where: Maplewood Park, Lorong Ah Soo
Farmers’ Markets at Loewen Gardens (Aug 19)
Fresh produce, organic cheeses, jams and wine—these are a few of everyone’s favorite things; and also what’s on offer at the Farmers’ Market at Loewen Gardens. Taking place one Saturday a month, the market aims to capture a piece of home, and bring together like-minded individuals whose little joys in life include good food and a passion for produce. Look out also for stalls set up by talented home bakers, who come armed with sweet treats and baked goods, in the event that your sweet tooth starts itching. For hot food and coffee, The Pantry located next to the market should more than suffice.
Where: Loewen Gardens
Organic-Friendly Farmers’ Market (Aug 26)
Organized by the folks over at In Touch Concepts, the seventh edition of the Organic-Friendly Farmers’ Market is all about staying healthy as a family. Educate the little ones about food sustainability and health foods while you stock up on seasonal, organic veggies fresh from local and Asian farms. Located on level 10 at Hotel Jen Orchardgateway, the event promises great views of downtown Orchard Road as well.
Where: Hotel Jen Orchardgateway
