The month of May is set to be packed with tons of things to do around town. From beach festivals to blockbuster concerts, here are 25 more things to do this month.
THEATER
The Singapore Repertory Theatre’s annual Shakespeare in the Park series is back with The Tempest. This interpretation of the Shakespearean classic stars our very own Julie Wee, and features light and sound effect by award-winning designers. May 1-24
ART
It’s the debut of The Days That We Wander/Wonder, a group exhibition of seven Singapore-based artists who depict stories told by those who have suffered from mental disorders. May 1-31
CONCERTS
Show some love to local instrumental outfit Sphaeras at their album launch where they’ll be playing songs from their debut album, Moirai. Also happening on the same night is the Backstreet Boys concert, nuff said. May 2
COMEDY
The original cast of UK comedy show, Whose Line Is It Anyway? is in town for three nights of improv sketches. They’ll be acting skits based off simple cues and prompts, with lots of audience participation. May 4-6
PARTY
It’s Cinco de Mayo! No idea what it commemorates, but here are (at least) five places to party on this joyous occasion. May 5
FESTIVAL
Voilah! French Festival Singapore is back for another edition of all things France. Whether you like French wine and cheese or love French movies, it’s all about French culture with screenings, talks and special dinners. May 4-Jun 21
OUTING
Part art show, part party, part narrative experience, Tell Your Children presents: Paradise Shores, tells the story of the enigmatic Paradise Shores, a fictitious island revered for its ancient ruins and magical properties. There will also be tons of food and Tiki cocktails. May 8, 7pm
SHOP
Just when you think you can navigate VivoCity, there’s a new shop on board. Weekends carries a range of accessories, home decor and pretty little trinkets from the likes of Jonathan Adler, Kate Spade and Acctim.
FESTIVAL
New tapas restobar Lepark are at it again with Getai Ethnica. The second edition of this rooftop festival includes performances by local bands like Cashew Chemists and HubbaBubbas, but also an outdoor film screening, a pet adoption drive and yoga sessions. May 9-10
PARTY
He’s the No. 1 DJ in the world and he’s throwing a huge show. Dutch DJ Hardwell spins his blend of electro-house hit songs and remixes at this night-long event. May 9
FASHION
Singapore Fashion Week is back, with the fabulous Diane von Furstenberg doing the opening show. Other international highlights include Thai designer Thakoon and madam Victoria Beckham. On the local front, we’re especially excited about Ong Shunmugam’s new collection. May 13-17
LITERARY
Monthly series Telling Stories Live returns to Fabulous Baker Boy with regular people telling real-life stories with no notes. Expect to laugh, cry and mingle.
FILM
On the roster at local dumentary festival, Endeavours Documentary Film Festival (May 13-17), are edgy feature-length documentaries like The Invisible Migrant, The Last Man on the Moon and Citizenfour. There’s also the 25th European Union Film Festival (May 13-24) happening at the same time, with films like Austria’s The Silent Mountain and France’s The Connection.
EAT
If you haven’t made it down, head to Keong Saik’s newest addition: Neon Pigeon. It’s a Japanese-inspired izakaya with tons of small plates for sharing and great, cheap cocktails.
STAGE
World-famous ballet stars from the English National Ballet re-enact Le Corsaire, a fantasy tale about a pirate saving a beautiful harem girl. May 14-17
CONCERTS
Award-winning indie outfit alt-J (May 17, 8pm) come to town for a one night-only performance of their signature electronic, folk and indie rock sound from their newest album This Is All Yours. But if you’re not feeling them, Owl City (May 21, 8pm) is also coming down to play songs from his highly-anticipated forthcoming album.
LITERARY
For two nights at Sing Jazz Club, Singapore spoken word poets Marc Nair and Deborah Emmanuel perform All Poetry is Useless, a series of poems that question the value of the art form. May 15-16
FESTIVAL
Tiong Bahru’s chillout restaurant Coq & Balls hosts Good Times: The Sunday Edition, a bimonthly party showcasing local artists and musicians like Nicholas Chim, the Good Times crew and illustrator Kristal Melson. May 17, 1pm
MUSICAL
Who knew we would have a musical to call our own? Singapura: The Musical charts Singapore’s pre-independence struggle through the lives of ordinary Singaporeans in the ’50s and ’60s. May 19-Jun 28
FESTIVAL
One of the region’s most widely-attended independent music festival, Music Matters Live, is back with over 50 live acts including Jeremy Loops, Bastian Baker and Dru Chen. May 20-23
DRINK
Charismatic bartender, Mark Graham Thomas, opens his new place on Duxton. Club 39 (39 Duxton Hill) is finally open to the public, with small Italian plates and food-based cocktails.
THEATER
A play centered around a deaf boy, Tribes explores the meaning of family, the sense of belonging and limits of communication. May 22-Jun 7
PARTY
Tanjong Beach Club’s Full Steam Ahead gets a revamp. Now, it’s an indie disco all-day party with DIY coconut bikini stations, super soakers, tarot card readings and music by the likes of Aeroplane, LouLou Players and Dave Does. May 23
CONCERT
It’s time for a throwback when Boyzone come to town to celebrate 20 years together. The hit ’90s boyband will be singing ballads like “No Matter What” and “All That I Need.” May 23
PARTY
You know you’re getting old when Zouk celebrates its 24th anniversary. The stalwart nightclub turns into a giant playground for the night, with DJs District O, Hong and Matthew on the decks. May 23
SPORT
The National Vertical Marathon has participants climbing up a jarring 63 stories up the One Raffles Place building. Good luck! May 24
