Gong xi fa cai, friends. You’ve likely got Chinese New Year on the brain, but amid all the chaotic visiting and interrogation-enduring, don’t forget to make time for yourself. Pick up some healthy eats at a farmer’s market (to offset all the sinful snacking) or just window-shop through local crafts; you’ll need a place to spend all that newly received angpao money anyway.
New Love Farmer’s Market (Feb 1-3)
Local edgy urban farm OnHand Agrarian is throwing a real party of a farmer’s market—where you can expect fresh, authentic locally grown food, affordable seafood and plastic-free reusables in the comfort of solar-powered air conditioning. Look forward to partnering vendors from plant-based company Kroodi and fish market Seafood Element too.
Where: Shaw Tower, 100 Beach Rd.
Spring Surprise at Gardens by the Bay (Feb 2-10)
Kill two festive birds with one stone when you visit Gardens by the Bay this February. As the Lunar New Year rolls around, watch as the gardens are transformed into a vibrant playground of performances—think leaping carp, lion dances on poles, and Chinese orchestra performances; and get some shopping done at buzzing marketplace of Chinese New Year souvenirs and crafts within the Flower Dome (charges apply).
Where: Gardens by the Bay
Shop N Chill (Feb 5-6)
For the lazy East-sider itching for some casual retail therapy over the CNY break. Our Tampines Hub is the place to be. The indoor tennis court will be transformed into a mega shopping haven, complete with a flea market, food stalls, movie screenings and even fitness programmes. The only thing on the agenda is quite literally to shop and chill.
Where: Our Tampines Hub, 1 Tampines Walk
Retail Bazaar at SAM at 8Q (Feb 7-9)
As Singapore Art Week comes to a close, no better way to wrap things up than with a funky retail bazaar showcasing our local creatives. Stop by SAM at 8Q for a marketplace of arts and crafts, creators, designers, makers and inventors—after which you can pop inside for a look at the current exhibitions.
Where: SAM at 8Q, 8 Queen St.
Art of Love—Maker’s Market (Feb 13)
Angpaos aside, don’t forget that February is also the month of love. WeWork’s next Maker’s Market is spreading the love—to homegrown businesses and makers, that is. Pick up a uniquely crafted gift for your loved one from the likes of Oo La Labs, The Ordinary Co, Naked Works, The Bare Collective, The Bag Creature and Hush Candle; there are also lovingly crafted foods from Haritts Donuts, Sunlife Pastries, Bushwick Kombucha, Wanton and more if you’re banking on the stomach as the way to your lover’s heart. Stick around for fringe activities and workshops like flower jar creation and live caricature too.
Where: WeWork, 71 Robinson Rd.
Frank Food February Market (Feb 16)
Loewen Gardens is back with another family-oriented farmer’s market. In the canopied comfort of Dempsey Hill, browse organic food and beverages, fresh bakes, handmade jams, spreads and gifts from the 30-odd stalls.
Where: 75E Loewen Rd.
PlantsActually Pop-Up Market (Feb 16-17)
Calling all phytophiles (that’s science speak for plant lovers)—everyone’s favourite independent bookstore BooksActually is holding a special pop-up market, and plants are of the highest priority. The PlantsActually Pop-Up Market will be growing and selling plants in a cheeky bid to reset the karma scales from affiliate Math Paper Press’s publishing activity. You’ll obviously still be able to pick up books then too, which is always a great way to spend your money.
Where: BooksActually, 9 Yong Siak St.
