21 interesting things to do in Singapore this week (Sep 19-23)

The hectic weekend is over and now it’s time for the dust to settle. Get back into the daily groove of things with some live concerts, new places to check out and films to catch.

Monday, Sep 19

NEW PLACE
If you happen to shop at Marks & Spencer to stock up on some oh-so-English snacks, check out their new M&S cafe at for a quick tea and cakes sesh. Sep 19

FESTIVAL
ParkRoyal on Pickering is having their own Oktoberfest event at Lime on weekdays from 6-9pm, with unlimited servings of Tiger Beer and German classics like Erdinger Weissbier and the dunkel version. More info here. Sep 19-30

ART
Redsea Gallery is exhibiting work by Surrealist artist Salvador Dali and his publisher, Pierre Argillet. Check out this rare collection of over 100 original etchings, watercolors, tapestries and porcelain plates. Through Oct 5

FESTIVAL
The Singapore International Photography Festival (SIPF) returns for its fifth year with some chilling and thought-provoking images, exhibitions and retrospectives. Through Nov 13

Tuesday, Sep 20

NEW PLACE
The same people who brought you the ever-packed, Japanese-fusion Neon Pigeon at The Working Capitol are now taking inspiration from Imperial Istanbul for Fat Prince, a new bar in Tanjong Pagar that combines cocktails with kebabs. Sep 20

CONCERT
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis‘s “Thrift Store” three years ago was the first song since 1994 to top the Billboard Top 100 list without the support of a major record label. Now, the Grammy-award winning hip hop duo will be here to amaze us with tracks off their sophomore record This Unruly Mess I’ve Made and other hits. Tickets start at $68 from Sistic. Sep 20

WORKSHOP
You spend pretty much most of your week in the office, so you may as well make it comfortable. Part of The Affective Workspace, conducted by multidisciplinary experience design studio Chemistry will explore the emotions in and around the the workspace environment. Sep 20-Oct 2

PHOTOGRAPHY
Photojournalist Wong Maye-E showcases some of her photographs taken in North Korea. Titled “North of the DMZ“, the exhibition will see images of impeccable state parades, citizens going about their daily lives and more. Through Oct 15

Wednesday, Sep 21

NEW PLACE
Still easing back into the normal five-day work week? Grab a mid-week drink at Highball, where Kino Soh and her all-female bartending crew serve up simple and affordable highballs like gin and tonics and whisky sodas, starting from $10. Sep 21

LITERARY
Quality storytelling series Telling Stories Live returns after a brief hiatus to The Fabulous Baker Boy Cafe, where real people tell true stories without notes in an intimate setting. This time around, there’s journalist and anti-death penalty activist Kirsten Han, histsorial Thum Pingtjin, aka the first Singaporean to swim the English channel, among others. More info here. Sep 21

FESTIVAL
Erdinger’s Oktoberfest is back for another cycle of limited edition brews and tasty bites. A highlight this year is the unique Erdinger Barcycle, which is basically a mobile bar counter that will roam around Suntec City this month and two other locations next month. Sep 21-Oct 2

Thursday, Sep 22

NEW PLACE
Saigon Alley in Novena serves hipster Vietnamese favorites in a casual and colorful space: exposed brick, graffiti on the wall, hanging Vietnamese lanterns, et cetera. Sep 22

FILM
The film Minimalism: A Documentary explores the world of minimalism, not just in the aesthetic sense but in the way of life. The film follows families, entrepreneurs, journalists and others who have found more meaningful lives with less everything. 60 slots only, tickets here. Sep 22

FILM
The Israel Film Festival returns to Singapore for its 24th edition, and will feature a total of five films such as Tal Granit and Sharon Maymon’s The Farewell Party, Lee Gilat’s Encirclements and Tomer and Barak Heymann’s Who’s Gonna Love Me Now?, and more. Sep 22-25

Friday, Sep 23

FOOD
Brunch Bandits strike again with another cute, communal and delicious food event, The Curry Project, which takes place on the rarely-seen third floor of The Substation. Sit down, enjoy a meal served on a banana leaf and have a discussion about various curry recipes with everyone there. Sep 23

FESTIVAL
It’s been four years since Gillman Barracks, and they’re celebrating with their beloved programs Art After Dark and Art Day Out, both happening on the same weekend, with tons of food, drink, music and mural painting. Sept 23-24

PARTY
Part of the Gillman Barracks’ 4th Anniversary, check out the official afterparty at the Red Baron, featuring DJs, producer sand musicmakers who’ll provide an alternative repertoire of music for the night, ranging from ambient, glitch, down-tempo to chill trap, dubstep, old school house and more. Sep 23

FESTIVAL
The annual Archifest is back, with a big pavillion at Raffles Place Park, a slew of special events and, our favorite, an all-new series of Architours, guided tours through public, institutional and residential buildings done by top architectural firms. Sep 23-Oct 9

CONCERT
You’ve seen them recreate current top 40s songs into cool, retro renditions that are reminiscent of music from older era, and now they’re doing just that in Singapore. Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox give a one-night-only performance at The Star Performing Arts Center. Sep 23

DRINK
Drop by Freehouse for this edition of “One Night Stand” as they’ll be serving up, straight from the tap, five beers from Japanese brewery, Coedo. Sep 23

PARTY
Head over to Kult Gallery, where more than 20 artists will turn the space into a record store reminiscent of the 1982 American coming-of-age film, Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Remixed album art, deconstructed vinyl and installations inspired by David Bowie will add to the 80s vibe. Through Oct 31