Don’t be too spooked this month. Before amping up the adrenaline with Halloween festivities, take charge of your physical and mental health with a series of mindful activities to improve self-care and mental well-being.
New and noteworthy:
World Mental Health Weekend with Fitness First
Oct 12; Market Street and One George Street branches
Fitness First welcomes everyone to a day of mindful movement and self-care, featuring an exclusive pop-up with Oatside. Be among the first in Singapore to experience Sound Flow, a Fitness First exclusive. Sound Flow at Fitness First Market Street is a unique 45-minute session that combines yoga stretches with sound therapy to offer a new approach to well-being and physical relaxation. It’s ideal for anyone seeking a respite from daily stresses.
Then take your wellness journey outdoors with workouts designed by Fitness First instructors. The exclusive outdoor workouts at One George Street, Level 5 Open Garden promote relaxation and self-care in a tranquil, open-air setting. To top it off, enjoy a refreshing Oatside ice cream post-workout for a mood boost that adds a burst of joy because mental wellness should feel good inside out.
Reserve your spot here.
Re-Route Festival
Sep 26 to Oct 6; Orchard Road
Rediscover Orchard Road through Re-Route: Orchard where the festival encourages visitors to explore the topic of adaptation in the past and future on the famed street. The festival will host curated experiences, installations, programmes, and other design activations to spark curiosity and explore the topic of adaptability. View the street from a whole new perspective and appreciate the “invisible” design that shaped the space and experience across multiple locations.
Kim Lim: The Space Between. A Retrospective
Sep 27 to Feb 2; National Gallery Singapore
This exhibition shines a light on one of Singapore’s most prominent female artists, Singapore-born British artist Kim Lim. It features over 150 works, including critical sculptures and prints spanning four decades, as well as maquettes, never-before-seen photographs, and archival materials. The artworks and archival materials provide fresh insights into Lim’s artistic journey, influences, philosophy, and creative relationships and how her Asian heritage and extensive travels profoundly shaped her practice to transcend cultural boundaries and spark novel explorations of sculpture.
Singapore Food Festival
Oct 1 to 31; various locations
Singapore Food Festival (SFF) 2024 is back from Oct 1 to 31 – with a difference. This year’s “reimagined” event does away with the Festival Village and offers a decentralised experience instead. Themed “A Celebration of Old and New” and built around three core pillars – Heritage, Contemporary, and Innovation, SFF will have a month-long series of over 20 multi-genre events, ranging from the large-scale to the boutique. It intertwines the timeless culinary traditions of the old with the cutting-edge innovations of the new, and promises to offer a gastronomic journey that honours Singapore’s heritage with contemporary flair, while embracing the spirit of innovation.
Hungarian Month
Oct 1 to 31; various locations
The inaugural Hungarian Month by the Embassy of Hungary in Singapore offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of the country through culinary events, fashion showcases, scientific exhibitions, and performances. Some of the activities during the month-long celebration include curated Hungarian menus at local venues, unique dishes at Serangoon Gardens Country Club, a special cocktail evening showcasing Tokaj Gin, and many more. Highlight will be the Hungarian Fair held on Oct 26 at Capitol Piazza.
Singapore River Festival
Oct 4 to 13; Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay
The Singapore River Festival returns for its 8th edition with a dazzling display of light shows, pet-friendly river cruises, interactive night walks and live music performances up and down the historic river. Themed “River of Lights and Colours”, Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay will take on a new light with an exciting line-up of family-friendly events to complement its usual evening entertainment programme.
UltraLuxe
Oct 4 to 13; Tent@Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza
UltraLuxe is poised to be Asia’s annual lifestyle social season by bringing together world class niche luxury for both men and women, red carpet runway shows, networking panel discussions, insightful masterclasses over 10 days. Celebrated tastemakers of independent brands will present their collection of investible and collectible jewellery, timepieces, fashion and lifestyle pieces. There are two editions: the first (Oct 4 to 8) will feature four different themes ranging from iconic European jewellery houses to fine jewellery based on mindful practices. The second (Oct 9 to 13) focuses on ready-to-wear jewellery for everyday styling.
Deepavali Open House
Oct 5 to 27; Indian Heritage Centre
Held over four weekends, this year’s Open House has a vibrant carnival theme which invites visitors to revel in the colourful atmosphere of the Festival of Lights. Festivalgoers can enjoy evergreen favourites like the Little India Express – Bus Tour to catch the dazzling Deepavali Light-Up in Little India from a different perspective, or experience new ones like Parrot Astrology Fortune Telling for a personalised reading based on ancient Indian customs. There will also be free activities in the Indian Heritage Centre’s lobby throughout the Open House.
Pilates in Pink
Oct 6, Conrad Singapore Orchard; Oct 13, UE Square
The Moving Body and SmartFit Pilates are hosting Pilates in Pink 2024 in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pilates in Pink offers a unique way for people to come together, get active, and raise funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF). There are two Mat Pilates sessions at Conrad Singapore Orchard and UE Square, and participants of all levels are invited to wear pink, move for a cause, and support breast cancer awareness. 100 percent of the proceeds from both events will go to BCF, helping to raise funds for breast cancer awareness, early detection, and support services. Sign up here for Oct 6 session and here for Oct 13 session.
The Japan Rail Fair
Oct 11 to 13; Urban Park, Guoco Tower
Presented by Japan Rail Cafe, The Japan Rail Fair 2024 is the fifth iteration of the much-anticipated Japanese lifestyle and travel event. It invites visitors on a journey to rediscover the wonders of Japan, from travel insights and traditional delicacies to engaging family-friendly activities and cultural experiences. Check out booths from AirJapan from the ANA Group, Japan Airlines, Pokemon Center Singapore, and Takara Tomy. Visitors can also buy various culinary treats from across Japan such as iconic snacks, seasonal produce and alcohol, watch a live instrumental performance by the Wind Ensemble Nippon Singapore, and take part in a lucky draw with prizes like a pair of tickets for a return flight to Tokyo.
School of Tomorrow
Oct 17 to Nov 28; New Bahru
This interactive exhibition by Kinetic Singapore, puts a unique spin on eleven familiar school subjects, like painting with natural inks derived from fallen leaves in art class and counting your carbon footprint in maths class. In partnership with social impact hub Temasek Shophouse, the exhibition will feature a new History Class that takes you on an immersive journey through Singapore’s transformation from rickshaws to electric cars and two free fireside chats on Oct 24 and Nov 7 (registration is required) where experts discuss the fascinating challenge of balancing heritage, conservation and sustainability. Another addition is the operational bookshop, featuring specially designed stationery and wares made in collaboration with eco-innovators from materials such as eggshell and sawdust.
Haw Ror Villa 3
Oct 18, 19, 25 and 26, Har Paw Villa
This year, the event has come back larger and more haw-rrifying than ever before, with upgraded scares to boot across three zones. It’ll be a Haw Par Villa park-wide affair, with interactive twists to old favourites.The star attraction is still Hell’s Museum, the world’s first museum on death and the afterlife. Experience the infamous Courts of Hell in an entirely new light – or rather, no light at all. It will also be celebrating its 3rd birthday so expect loads of scares. After that, make your way to the other two zones in the park: The Villa Has Eyes – An Interactive Guided Park Tour, and The Shaman’s Bazaar.
Gamescom Asia
Oct 17 to 20; Suntec Singapore
Gaming giant Capcom, best known for publishing titles in the Resident Evil, Street Fighter and Mega Man franchises, will be making a return to Gamescom Asia 2024 this year. Attendees will have the chance to try out demos of its latest games and the chance to witness Street Fight 6 history being made at the official Capcom Pro Tour 2024 Super Premier Singapore tournament.
Sentosa Festive Market – Halloween Edition
Oct 19 and 20; Palawan Beach Walk, Sentosa
It’s two days of spooky fun on Oct 19 and 20 from 4pm to 9pm at the Halloween edition of Sentosa Festive Market. Go shopping at the pet-friendly market located by the beach, participate in hands-on Halloween-themed workshops or get a tarot card reading. Kids can dress up and go trick-or-treating at the stalls as vendors will be handing out candies.
Red: An Artful Murder
Oct 30 to Dec 1; To be revealed
Part of Sight Lines’ Crack The Case immersive theatre experiences, audiences are invited to the opening of Red, a new art exhibition by Ragavan for a night of art, wine… and murder. With a glass of complimentary wine in hand, audiences will interrogate suspects, find clues, and try to crack the case of this artful murder. This will also be the first time the series is taking place outside of a conventional theatre space.
Ongoing events:
Everyday Practices
Aug 30, 2024 to Jul 20, 2025; Singapore Art Museum
Everyday Practices is the inaugural exhibition at Singapore Art Museum (SAM)’s new collection gallery at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, marking the opening of a dedicated space featuring artworks from the SAM collection that reflect contemporary global practices and life today. The exhibition features 21 artworks from 19 artists and one artist collective from 10 countries across Asia, whose practices span different generations and media. It delves into the themes of everyday life, examining the repetitive nature of daily activities and the physical endurance they demand. Visitors can discover how everyday actions can be transformed into meaningful gestures amidst adversity. The public can also look forward to a variety of programmes and activities designed to foster diverse conversations inspired by SAM’s collection.
Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience
From Aug 31; Singapore Expo
Following its world premiere in Milan and expansion into the USA, Brussels and London, Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience is making its Asia-Pacific debut in Singapore in August. The surreal and colourful interactive experience invites guests to escape into a whimsical world of bubbles, in which they can engage their senses and let their imaginations run wild.
Teo Eng Seng: We’re Happy. Are You Happy?
Sep 6, 2024 to Feb 2, 2025; National Gallery Singapore
This is the largest and most in-depth survey on Cultural Medallion recipient and pioneer artist Teo Eng Seng to date. Featuring close to 70 artworks that respond to global social-political events of the mid-20th century, visitors can peek into Teo’s own lived experiences and his contributions to the local visual arts scene. Discover how he transforms everyday materials into vibrant works of art, embedding humour and irony into his socially engaged practice.
Teyvat SEA Exploration
Sep 12 to Oct 28; S.E.A. Aquarium, Resorts World Sentosa
Dive into Teyvat SEA Exploration, the first-ever partnership between Genshin Impact and S.E.A. Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa. Taking place from Sep 12 to Oct 28, one of the most popular role-playing video games in the world will come to life in the aquarium during this one-of-a-kind event. Visitors and gamers will journey into a series of immersive environments inspired by the underwater in-game area of Fontaine – one of Teyvat’s seven regions (Teyvat is the name of the primary world in the game).
illumi
From Sep 13; Bayfront Event Ground
The world’s largest light, sound and multimedia event illumi will make its international premiere at Bayfront Event Ground from Sep 13, and promises to be an unforgettable experience for all ages with plenty of photo ops for the ’gram. Experience immersive spaces, magical landscapes and lifelike animatronics throughout the nine themed worlds.
Universal Studios Singapore Halloween Horror Nights 12
Sep 27 to Nov 2; Universal Studios Singapore
Get ready for more bone-chilling scares as the event returns to Universal Studios Singapore on selected nights from Sep 27 to Nov 2. With the theme of dark dreams, the event will transport guests to a realm where dreams and nightmares co-exist, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. There will be four all-new immersive haunted houses, three terrifying scare zones, and three hair-raising shows.
Underground: The Summoning
Sep 25 to Nov 3; Battlebox, Fort Canning
Set in the historic Battlebox World War II bunker spanning 12,000 square feet beneath Fort Canning, Underground: The Summoning is Singapore’s largest immersive horror experience. The nerve-wracking experience features interactive sequences, live theatrical performances, and mind-bending special effects.
Japanese Film Festival 2024
Sep 26 to Oct 20; Shaw Lido, Oldham Theatre and The Projector
This year’s festival, co-organised by Japan Creative Centre, Japan Foundation and Singapore Film Society, is a compelling blend of tradition and modernity. It features a carefully curated selection of 31 films across seven programme segments. Following last year’s successful masterclass, it will also have two Masterclasses and two sessions of post-screening Q&As with filmmakers in attendance. For the full schedule and to buy tickets, visit here.
Cesar Jung-Harada: An Ocean City Imagined
Sep 21 to Oct 27; ArtScience Museum
The exhibition presents life-sized models of groundbreaking technologies that harness the power of the world’s oceans, offering renewable and sustainable solutions to the climate crisis. Dive into a floating ocean city of the future which manifests as large-scale installations anchored by International Ocean Station – a bold speculative blueprint of a floating city based off Singapore and its surrounding geography.
ArtPlay Haus
Ongoing; 37 Beach Rd
The brainchild of Elaine Tan, ArtPlay Haus is a new sanctuary where art and play meet healing. Individuals and families are invited to relax, connect, and bond through art-based workshops, art jamming sessions, and art therapy programmes while soaking in the lush greenery surrounding the charming shophouse along Beach Road. The family-friendly space is also ideal for private events and gatherings.
This article was first published on Sep 30, 2024.
