Great news for everyone who isn’t jetting off for a holiday this month: we’ve found 49 reasons why you shouldn’t sulk behind your desk just because you’re “stuck” in Singapore. And they’re beyond the usual parties and social events you’re used to. Here, you’ll find the occasional warehouse party, a myriad of films to soak in, live concerts to bring out your inner fanboy/girl, a rave at Pulau Ubin, festivals dedicated to drinking… the time to plan is now!
“Something Nothing” by Chen Sai Hua Kuan at Discipline the City
EXHIBITION
The Substation asks all the tough questions with Discipline The City, a three-act exhibition exploring the politics of space, control and access in Singapore, through a series of experiential installations from local and international artists. Be prepared to leave disillusioned and wondering: who really owns the city? Read our interview with Alan Oei, artistic director of The Substation here. Nov 1-26 (Act III)
FILM
The 21st edition of the German Film Festival, presented by Goethe-Institut Singapore, continues to focus on films that confront contemporary issues and universal message, showcasing more than 30 that span across genres of art-house, comedy, documentary and even music. Nov 2-12
PARTY
If you’re only planning to go to one party this month, let this be it. Warehouse parties are few and far between, but Escape 56’s upcoming one is going to be a blast, especially with techno stalwart Roman Flugel headlining the party. Nov 3
PARTY
After touring for about three years from 2011-2014, house music producer Andre Hommen went back to the studio to work on his very first solo EP “The Bottom Line”. He’ll be helming the decks at Kilo Lounge, armed with about four more EPs to boot and good vibes to dish out. Nov 3
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CHARITY
Get involved in women’s causes and shop at this annual charity pop-up sale in Forum Shopping Mall. Organized by the UN Women Singapore Committee, Buy To Save will feature designer hand-me-downs (perfect since the holiday season is coming) for you to sift through over three days. You’ll also be doing good as 80 percent of the net proceeds will go to funding the UN’s local campaign, Help Anna and workshops for Her Justice; 10 percent will go to funding the UN Women Cambodia Roka Commune project; and the last 10 percent will fund the UN Women Safe Cities Metro Manila Programme. Nov 3-5
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MARKET
The trusty Farmers Market at Loewen Gardens is back this first Saturday with a good mix of organic vegetables, bread, wine, olive oil and fresh honey on sale. Look out also for specialty brands joining the market with their healthy, artisan products—like bean-to-bar craft chocolatier Fossa Chocolate and artisanal ice cream brand Licktionary Ice Cream. Nov 4
PARTY
As we wait patiently for the next epic Plastik Dreams party, the guys behind Headquarters are taking over the top two floors of that building on the corner of Circular Road and Lorong Telok for an evening of upbeat, disco-spangled house tunes in the Openair. Nov 4
DRINK
We never thought rum festival Rasa Fiesta Singapura would return this fast but they’re back; this time bringing bars like Lime House, Crackerjack and Gibson Cocktail Bar to Picnic SG at Wisma to showcase more than 100 rums, including Don Q, Chalong Bay, and more under one roof. Rum cocktails are going at $10. Nov 4-5
FOOD
The Local People are going old school with their latest indie art and music market, Local Lingo Tingkat Party. Embrace customs from yesteryears with tingkats, or tiffin carriers, which can be purchased at $12 a set with a choice of up to three dishes from the 16 made by veteran hawkers of Chinatown Food Street. Nov 4-5
DRINK/FOOD
Esteemed establishments like Raffles Hotel, Fairmont Singapore and So Sofitel Singapore are coming together for a nine-day AccorHotels Singapore Food & Wine Festival for a massive celebration dedicated to local cuisine across all their hotels in Singapore in a bid to satisfy our insatiable hunger. Yes, that means well-known restaurants and bars like Jaan, Anti:Dote and Hi-So will be involved. Nov 4-12
FOOD
Mexican king of the (Duxton) hill Lucha Loco is stepping up with their first Taco Libre event, featuring tacos made by six of Singapore’s top chefs like Artichoke’s Bjorn Shen, Cheek by Jowls’ Rishi Naleendra and Dave Pynt of Burnt Ends over 12 weeks (rotates every fortnight). These chefs will be vying for top suds as the “Ultimate Taco Champion”. Through Nov 4
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Rotunda, Supreme Court Wing. Photo Credit: National Gallery Singapore
POETRY
The Singapore Writers Festival kicks off this month, returning for its 20th edition with its first ever Tamil theme centred around the word “Aram”—meaning “goodness” and “doing good”. If you haven’t been back at the National Gallery Singapore in a while, jot this date down to join a specially curated tour that combines local poetry and a walkabout through the Gallery’s Supreme Court wing. The reading tour will feature 12 Singaporean authors from the original anthology, Eye/Feel/Write: Building Architectonics, who contributed texts in response to a specific space in the wing. The tour is split into two parts on two different days. Nov 4 & 11
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CHARITY/HEALTH
The annual charity run and carnival Run & Raisin’ 2017 organized by TOUCH Young Arrows is this year’s festival run for their The Giving Family Festival. The proceeds go toward helping needy children and low-income families, so push your soles and lift your soul for a meaningful cause—starting at OCBC Square at the Singapore Sports Hub. Nov 5
PARTY
Yes, it’s a great place to see Singapore’s beautiful skyline at night, but the guys behind Ce La Vi are bringing back their hectic and fun daytime Sky High Brunch party, where you can enjoy endless glasses of champagne, cocktails and a spread of modern Asian bites while grooving to tunes by fun-loving duo The Cuban Brothers. Nov 5
PARTY
The last house on Emily Hill is celebrating Poland’s independence day with grilled Polish Kielbasa, Polish cider, local craft beers, Ogorki and more at Kult Kafe’s regular Sunday on the Hill event. Nov 5
DRINK
This one’s for the real coffee snobs of Singapore. Head over to The Coffee Academics to have a taste of Esmerelda Geisha from Hacienda La Esmerelda, by far the most expensive coffee in the world at $85 per cup. Go early: there are only 80 cups available. Nov 6
MUSICAL
Singapore’s hills will be alive once again with The Sound of Music this month, as one of the most highly-acclaimed productions out of West End returns to MasterCard Theatres. Tickets range from $65-185 via Sistic. Nov 7-Dec 3
FILM
The French make films like they make their wines—with finesse, and attention to detail. Organized by the French Embassy, Institut Francais Singapour and Alliance Francaise, this edition of French Film Festival boasts 16 French comedies, dramas, thrillers and biopics that flaunt the diversity and artistry of French cinema. Nov 9-19
Bandwagon Riverboat
PARTY
If you thought the last Bandwagon Riverboat was off the hook, this edition takes it up a notch. They’re bringing together two well-loved parties onto Southeast Asia’s only Mississippi Riverboat that’s docked at Marina South—Poptart on one floor, where your favorite duo Adrian Wee and KiDG will be dishing out all things indie-flavored and Britpop; and Emo Night on the other, where you can relive days of screaming to the likes of The Used and and Taking Back Sunday. Talk about a throwback. Nov 10
MARKET
A new month calls for a new Katong Square market, which, with its vinyl records and vintage goods, touts itself as Singapore’s only true blue vintage flea market. Resident booths include familiar names like The Retro Factory, Memory Lane and The Great Vinyl Exchange; but be sure to hit up the “casual booths” for preloved bargains. Nov 10-12
FOOD
L’Entrecote Singapore is having its inaugural Free Fries Day, to thank its patrons for showing their love over the last seven years. To celebrate, the steak and fries bistro is giving away free L’Entrecote Golden Fries with their legendary secret sauce. No strings attached, we promise. Nov 11
CHARITY/HEALTH
If you’re most comfortable running shirtless, this might be the run for you. The YOLO Run is all about liberation—from expectations, societal pressures, and the shackles of a generation obsessed with body image. The organizers of the run, X-Change Republic, have pledged to donate to the Community Chest for every runner who runs shirtless. Nov 11
PARTY
German trance producers Kyau & Albert will be gracing the DJ console on Canvas’ trance night this month to showcase their prowess in the genre to Singapore’s #trancefamily. Nov 11
Ed Sheeran
CONCERT
Ed Sheeran may have broken his wrist, elbow and rib in a bicycle accident earlier in October, but fans of the British singer-songwriter can heave a sigh of relief as his sold-out “Divide” World Tour at Singapore Indoor Stadium will go on as scheduled. Nov 11-12
FESTIVE
As with every year, bask in the Christmas spirit on Orchard Road with the annual light-up along the shopping stretch. They’re changing things up a little as this year, the lights will go into full force from 3pm every day in broad daylight. How, you ask? Click here. Nov 11-Jan 1
HEALTH
The Great Eastern Women’s Run is back, this time with a slew of new activities for mothers who run. In addition to the half-marathon, 10km and 5km Live Great! Fun Runs, a new category “2km Mummy + Me Run” will cater to mothers and daughters aged 7-12; photo walls and a ball pit will also be added to the 5km Fun Run. Nov 12
CONCERT
Masego started off creating videos of himself live-looping with his sax, beat machine and keyboard on YouTube until producers like Kaytranada and FKJ began to notice him. Since then, he coined the term “trap house jazz” to describe his unique sound. He’ll be captivating audience with his music and charm at Kilo Lounge this month. Nov 13
CONCERT
You don’t have to travel all the way to Hong Kong just to watch Feist do her thing at Clockenflap because Esplanade is bringing her here for this edition of Mosaic Music series; the same one that brought us Rachael Yamagata, Grimes and earlier this year, PJ Harvey. Nov 14
CONVENTION
If you’ve always wanted to buy the affordably priced products on Qoo10 (but feared they were too cheap to be true), now’s your chance to cast all apprehension aside. For the first time, the e-commerce retailer is taking the great deals offline for a Digital Fair at Plaza Singapura. Over 35 digital and IT stores will be participating. Through Nov 15
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MARKET
It’s all about craft beers, ciders, sakes, minimal intervention wines and small batch spirits over at Temple Cellars’ The Alt Mkt. Over a span of three days, bring out your inner connoisseur and taste over 250 unique products and partake in exclusive masterclasses and sharing sessions by their partners and industry experts. Pick your favorite bottles and stock up for the holiday season to enjoy 25 percent off usual retail prices. And yes, there will be grub to munch on and great tunes to accompany the weekend. Nov 17-19
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ART
Beautify your home with new contemporary pieces of artwork by shopping at the Autumn edition of Affordable Art Fair. There’ll be works from 69 galleries representing over 500 artists from Singapore, Asia and the rest of the world to check out. Nov 17-19
PARTY
Singapore’s underground rave scene has never been more alive, as party planners Rainbow Productions organizes Singapore’s first doof over at Pulau Ubin. Details for Astral Moon Bush!: The Great Spirit are still in the works but if you’re all about peace, love, unity, respect and psytrance, stay tuned here. Nov 18
PARTY
Hot on the heels of her latest and fifth record Lune Rouge, Californian producer Tokimonsta returns to Singapore. Last year, she went through a harrowing brain surgery to treat a rare disease called Moyamoya. Despite temporarily losing her speech and musical abilities, she quickly recovered and got back into the studio to produce this fifth studio album; one that’s the most personal to her. Nov 18
HEALTH
The Swissotel Vertical Marathon returns this Nov, with 1,336 steps over 73 storeys at Swissotel The Stamford, one of Southeast Asia’s tallest hotels (standing at 226m). For its 30th anniversary, look out for new race categories and prizes to be won. Nov 19
EXHIBITION
The third edition of Objectifs’ Women in Photography group exhibition spotlights eight international and local women photographers and their works exploring domesticity and family. Follow Belgian photographer Bieke Depoorter around North America where she documents the homes of strangers who let her stay a night in I Am About to Call it a Day; or peruse uncomfortable portraits of Bangladeshi housewives and housemaids in Jannatul Mawa’s Close Distance. Through Nov 19
CONCERT
It seems like the only direction Harry Styles is going ever since the announcement of the indefinite hiatus of 1D, is up. The English singer-songwriter released his self-titled debut album to much fanfare in May this year, which contains the ‘70s soft rock-influenced, chart-topping single, “Sign of the TImes”. Nov 23
Pond
CONCERT
Another great export from our far-away neighbor in the Southeast is psychedelic rock band Pond (they share members with Tame Impala). Initially, the whole point of Pond was to let anyone in to play whatever in a collaborative music project. Now, they’ve chalked up a total of seven studio albums in less than a decade. Catch them at Esplanade Annexe Studio. Nov 23
FILM
Now in its 28th edition, Singapore International Film Festival continues to be a shining platform for independent cinema in Asia for 11 days, screening 112 films across a multitude of genres and presentations that will showcase very different storytelling and outstanding cinematography. Check out our picks here. Nov 23-Dec 3
CONCERT
While bubblegum pop might be the path that most Korean artists go down, South Korean outfit Hyukoh has found success in another scene. Just barely three years old, they’ve risen through the ranks and stirred up the Korean indie scene, earning them the title “Band of the New Generation”. Nov 24
DRINK/HEALTH
Organized by Enterprise Sports Group, Run for Beer 2017 is Singapore’s first and largest beer running event. The race is a winding 3.2km that takes you through the best of Singapore’s cityscape landmarks, including the Raffles Landing Site, Boat Quay and Cavenagh Bridge—before ending back at Clarke Quay, no less, for a well-deserved beer. Nov 24
MUSICAL
Local theater company W!ld Rice has been staging annual holiday musicals for the past 15 years. This season, they’re bringing veterans Ivan Heng and Glen Goei (who returns to the stage after 30 years) together for the first time in Mama White Snake, a playful retelling of the ancient Chinese folk tale Madam White Snake. Nov 24-Dec 16
DRINK
Wine festivals are nothing new in Singapore, but this upcoming one is for the Pinot Noir fans. Pinot Palooza, held at Esplanade Annexe Studio, is an Australian traveling wine and music festival dedicated to the unbridled imbibing of Pinot Noir wines that will be making is debut in Singapore. Nov 25
Sole Superior 2016
CONVENTION
Singapore’s highly anticipated and largest sneaker convention, Sole Superior, returns for the fifth time to Zouk. If you’re looking to cop a pair of rare kicks and limited edition shoes, this is the place to be. Nov 25
PARTY
Once you’re done splurging at Sole Superior, head over to a warehouse over at 5 Pereira Road for their first ever afterparty, where Fool’s Gold Records’ artist and LA-based electronic music producer Falcons will be making his Singapore debut, promising a hyped night of dancehall, electronica and hip hop tunes till the sun comes up. Nov 25
DRINK
Rally the troops and get ready for some non-stop whisky action as Southeast Asia’s largest whisky and spirits show, Whisky Live Singapore 2017, returns for its eighth edition. Nov 25-26
CONCERT
Multiple award-winning Danish electro indie pop darling Mø has been busy making her name for herself co-writing songs and lending vocals to the likes of Avicii, Iggy Azalea and Major Lazer. But for her gig at Zouk this month, she’ll stand on her own with her band, performing songs from her expansive discography at Zouk. Nov 26
DRINK/FOOD/WORKSHOP
Robert Parker Wine Advocate (RPWA) is launching their inaugural GastroMonth, where you can skip waiting lists of revered restaurants in Singapore and enjoy a whole month of wining and dining, workshops, and more. Through Nov 26
alt-J
CONCERT
If you were bummed out from missing Mercury award-winning British indie outfit alt-J at the inaugural Bali edition of Bestival, fret not. They’ll be dropping by SIngapore for a one-night performance at Esplanade Theatre before going on their five-state Australian tour. Nov 29
EXHIBITION
On the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore, the National Museum of Singapore remembers 1942, with their first large-scale, blockbuster war exhibition featuring more than 130 artefacts from 10 overseas museums and institutions. It’s the biggest collection of war stories to date. Check out the exhibition to explore events and portrayals of World War II beyond just your textbook syllabus. Through Mar 21 (2017)
