End this week with Zoukout, get zen at Blissout or head to one of these indie events: there are three book sales, an intriguing photography exhibition on China and of course, the Migrant Worker Poetry Competition.
Fri, Dec 11
ART
Check out the opening of this delightfully weird show by LA artist Ana Prvacki, whose work revolves around etiquette and eroticism. Finding Comfort in an Uncomfortable Imagination sees the ICA gallery emptied out and replaced with seating and reading corners for her illustrated guide.
FILM
The Heritage Outdoor Screenings showcase eight films by the winners and finalists of the Singapore Heritage Short Film Competition. Titles include I Am Eurasian, which deals with identity, and Beneath the Spikes, about an Indian man who is pierced a hundred times to thank the gods for his son’s well-being at the Panguni Uthiram festival.
PARTY
With big name DJs like Kaskade, Paul Oakenfold and Tiesto, it looks like Zoukout is going to be bigger and louder than ever. There’s also local rapper Shigga Shay making an appearance.
PARTY
For a way cozier dance party, check out the closing party of Club Nomad, the pop-up at Hotel Vagabond helmed by DJ Captain Planet. Expect world music remixes and a support set by DJ Bhayology of Tropical Temple fame.
LITERARY
BooksActually is launching Sonnets from the Singlish by Joshua Ip and the poetry anthology SingPoWriMo. Drop by to chill and hang out with the bookstore cats.
DRINK
New bar Grapevine Cafe and Bar is opening today in Upper Serangoon. There’s free beer from 6pm-8pm.
COMEDY
The Comedy Club is presenting their final international show of the year, with Andrew Schulz from the US and Ro Campbell from Australia.
MARKETS
Indie bookstore Booktique is having a Christmas fair with with local indie duo, Twigs & Vines, performing at this event. Grab a tome or two for your nerdy bookworm friend.
LITERARY
The Epigram pop-up store will hawk titles of local lit. Grab some from the biggest publisher of local books. Ethos Books is also having a Christmas sale. There are titles from local poets at this one, and it’s 70% off all titles at this sale. Not into books? Check out these nine other flea markets instead.
FILM
Aspiring filmmakers can try to make a film within two days at the 48-hour Film Project. Leave your fatigue at the door and drink lots of coffee.
EXPLORING
The Singapore Night Safari is transformed into a magical realm with Mystica, with surreal light effects, LED light performances and lots more.
Sat, Dec 12
PARTY
Finishing up at Zoukout? Head over to the PopUp Carnivale: Hawaiian Beach Head at Sentosa’s Wave House. For $95, you can get a free flow of vodka and whiskey drinks for three hours.
BBQ
Goodman Arts Center is celebrating the end of the year with Beats + BBQ an outdoor day party involving beers, DJs, Australian barbecue, a flea market and lots of other wholesome fun.
PARTY
Edgy street art gallery Kult is opening its new cafe with a two-day weekend party starting today. Come for Archipelago beer, chicken wings and sets by DJs and spoken word poet Deborah Emmanuel.
FOOD
Low-key types, there is a Christmas Afternoon Tea Pairing Pop-Up by Pekoe and Imp. Order an Afternoon Tea Pairing Set and enjoy some sweet treats.
DANCE
Breakdancers, unite at the Pro-Am Bboy Invasion Vol 1. It’s free to watch, and it’s taking place that that cool stretch of the rail corridor that hosts the Off the Rails parties.
DRINK
Use your force powers to grab a drink at the Star Wars Pub Crawl. Dress up as your favorite character or bring a lightsaber to get a free gift.
MUSIC
Check out these new local bands at the Aliwal Arts Centre’s No Way Out showcase. Groups include Emily in Denial, False Plaintiff and Flesh Disgorged.
GAMING
Nerds, take part in the Imagine: Dragons/Dark Sun game, where players will have to fight over the remains of a dying Earth. Those familiar with Dungeons and Dragons type games will feel at home, and newbies are also welcome.
Shakespeare nerds, catch a re-interpretation of Coriolanus by participants from the eight-week Intimate Shakespeare workshop.
WELLNESS
Peace out with yoga classes at BlissOut, and rock hard to indie band The Naked and Famous after.
WORKSHOP
Get down and dirty at Roots at Artistry, which is doing an urban farming workshop at 10am-12pm, and an 11pm talk about the same subject. There’s also a talk about the “kampong spirit” from 1pm-4pm, and what can be done for this camaraderie to be revived.
WORKSHOP
Beginners can also try their hand at Urban Farming at Open Farm Community. Sowing, cutting and propagation techniques will be taught.
Sun, Dec 13
LITERARY
Cheer on our unsung heroes at the Migrant Worker Poetry Competition. Big name Singlit names like Alvin Pang and Kirpal Singh from SMU will be among the judges. Poems will be performed alongside their English translations.
LITERARY
The Writers Club (an indie support group for local writers) turns three. Poets like Cyril Wong and Loh Guan Liang will read their work at Artistry.
PHOTOGRAPHY
In Here There Are Men, Portrait(s) of China, photographer Patrick Wack is showcasing his portraits of men (and women) from the country’s different regions.
DATING
Meet your intellectual soulmate at dating event National Gallery’s Treasure Hunt. The first team to identiy all the paintings by the clues given on the list wins.
