Picnics at the park, Mandarin musicals and Zouk’s eponymous Mambo Jambo party, all happening this SG50 weekend.
Fri, Aug 7
THEATER
The Nine Songs classical poems written by Chinese poet Qu Yuan over 2,000 years ago are brought to life through nanyin music and the Liyuan Opera.
OUTINGS
The Marina Barrage has a Families for Life picnic with aerial displays, performances by the SAF Music & Dance Company, food trucks and games. If that’s not your thing, head to Botanic Gardens’ SG50 Concert in the Park where there are heritage tours, concerts and bandstand performances, outdoor movie screenings and a live telecast of the parade.
MUSICAL
Nanyang the Musical is a coming-of-age story inspired by the tumultuous lives and times of Singapore’s first generation artists. It depicts an up-and-coming painter from Xiamen moving to Shanghai to advance his artistic career.
DRINK
New bar Fresh! is hosting We Are Xin Jia Po where you can load up on their signature Xin Jia Po Sling for $50 a jug. Another locally-inspired cocktail bar Hopscotch is also celebrating SG50 with cocktails and a barbecue. There will be Bandung shooters, chunk satay and a free flow punch bowl.
FOOD
#SGEatWithUs is a potluck-style food carnival with 12 unique home-cooked local recipes like braised duck bunds, ondeh ondeh ice cream and lemongrass satay. Feel free to bring your own dishes, too.
Sat, Aug 8
PARTY
Relive the heyday of Zouk’s Wednesday night parties at Mambo Jambo. This special SG50 edition means that the resident DJs will be playing sing-a-long Top 40s and disco hits. And if you know the dance moves, joining in is always encouraged.
ART
A collaborative effort among 10 artists including Audrey Yang and Pamela Ng, RememberingLKY: A Tribute to Mr. Lee Kuan Yew features paintings to commemorate the legacy of the late Minister Mentor.
DATING
Just in case you’re feeling a little lonely, head to CompleteMe’s 1-to-1 Rotation Tea. This dating event is meant for those below 35.
FESTIVAL
This year’s Singapore International Festival of Arts features musicals, film screenings and dance marathons across seven weeks. Highlights include Kumar’s Living Together, a series of live stand-up comedy performances and Cabanons, a circus installation.
Sun, Aug 9
ART
Squeeze in a little workout while checking this art exhibition. Lee Wen’s Ping-Pong Go Round is a conceptual take on the ping pong table with its donut-shaped structure. Just dive in for a game or two.
OUTINGS
The Esplanade’s National Day celebrations has dance and music performances by local talents, as well as interactive art installations. There’s also a bazaar featuring indie bookstore BooksActually and popsicles from Popaganda.
PARTY
’90s-inspired cocktail bar Fresh! hosts a rooftop party where you can get a glimpse of the RSAF planes and the fireworks at the end of the evening. The cocktail bar has one-for-one cocktails until 10pm and Xin Jia Po Sling in jugs for $50.
