If you went to ZoukOut on both days over the weekend, you’re probably in need of a detox and some proper me-time this week. Thankfully, there’s a whole host of exhibitions, films and markets to check out before hitting the parties again on Friday. Also, the Prudential Marina Bay Carnival will finally be open to public after that one-week delay.
Monday, Dec 11
CONCERT
Just like history, fashion and music tend to repeat themselves. The ‘80s was definitely a simpler time filled with big bold hairstyles, flashy and tight outfits, and not forgetting that it was an era that saw the rise of electronica being used in mainstream music. English band Culture Club, fronted by androgynous club kid Boy George, embodied it all. Catch the original line-up perform past hits from the New Wave explosion (and probably new ones too) like “Karma Chamelon” and “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me”. Dec 11
WELLNESS
If high-intensity interval training (HIIT) isn’t a challenge for you anymore, try doing it on water. Over at ParkRoyal on Beach Road, these low-impact classes will require you to do a fun, full body workout that include burpees, lunges, squats and aquaclimbers on a solid float in their pool. If not, you can always try doing Yoga. Dec 11
FESTIVE
Gardens by the Bay transforms into Singapore’s biggest yuletide affair in its fourth edition with a whole bunch of fairground activities, food stalls in partnership with Savour, performances including a circus act with gravity-defying acrobatics, and more. Through Dec 26
EXHIBITION
The problematic issues surrounding climate change and the ocean take center stage at this exhibition presented by the NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore. Featuring contributions by 12 artists, filmmakers, composers and researchers who made trips to islands in the Pacific, The Oceanic focuses on large-scale human interventions in oceanic ecospheres. Through Mar 8, 2018
EXHIBITION
Curated by acclaimed art historian Lorand Hegyi, The Artist’s Voice, brings together the works of 34 contemporary artists from around the world, to reflect on socio-political issues and the human conditioning through mediums ranging from sculpture and video. Through Mar 18, 2018
Tuesday, Dec 12
FILM
Haul yourself down to Palawan Green at Sentosa for another free Tuesday night film screening by local movie app Popcorn. This week’s silver screen pick is Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Plus, there’s free popcorn, food, music and drinks for all who attend. Dec 12
COMEDY
Catch everyone’s favorite drag queen comedian Kumar as he dishes out his usual antics, politically incorrect rants and Singapore issues-based jokes at Canvas. Dec 12
FESTIVE
It’s no Europe, but the first-ever Christmas Village set up at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza will ring the holidays to a sweaty close with a duplex carousel, Santa house and pop-up stores featuring 25 popular brands including Starbucks and Toast Box. Through Dec 25
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, but go because the exhibition explores events and portrayals of World War II beyond just your textbook syllabus. Through Mar 21, 2018
EXHIBITION
A cursed gem, a dodo and a giant stuffed sloth walk into a museum; the punchline is that they’re here to stay till the end of April. Treasures of the Natural World , the traveling exhibition from the Natural History Museum in London, makes its first and only stop in Southeast Asia at the ArtScience Museum, bringing over 200 of the London museum’s star artefacts Through Apr 29, 2018
Wednesday, Dec 13
CONCERT
IDM producer and performer Machinedrum has been on the scene and producing music under numerous monikers since 1999. Besides releasing solo material and remixes, he’s also put his magic to use for the likes of Azealia Banks, Obenewa and Jamie Liddell. This month, he’ll bleep and bloop into our hearts as he takes the stage in Kilo Lounge. Dec 13
PERFORMANCE
Experimental electro-acoustic music takes over The Projector as Playfreely‘s fifth edition presents regional and local artists who push boundaries and defy definition, like Taiwanese vocalist Alice Chang, Singapore percussionist Cheryl Ong and more. Dec 13-14
FESTIVE
It probably doesn’t get more thematic than at Universal Studios Singapore. They’re transforming the entire New York and Hollywood zones into a starry, snowy world. Go on a ride on Santa’s sleigh, help out the elves at Santa’s workshop, and as night falls, revel with Marilyn Monroe and Betty Boop as a song and dance takes place under twinkling lights and a beautiful projection mapping. Through Jan 1, 2018
EXHIBITION
In a stunning collab between National Gallery Singapore and the Musee d’Orsay in Paris, Claude Monet and his contemporaries grace our sunny island with over 60 Impressionist masterpieces in Colours of Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Musee d’Orsay, featuring works like the dreamy Le Bassin aux nympheas, harmonie rose. Through Mar 11, 2018
Thursday, Dec 14
PARTY
English rapper and producer Roots Manuva is bringing his sick flow and thumping beats to Kilo Lounge. He’s been touted as one of the most influential artists in British music history. Dec 14
CHARITY/FILM
Catch up with the latest in the new Star Wars trilogy while helping Oogachaga, a Singaporean non-profit LGBT organization, at the private screening of Star Wars: The Last Jedi at Golden Village Tiong Bahru Plaza. Dec 14
COMEDY
He’s been described as quick-witted, whip-smart and risque by local media. He’s part of our region’s new wave of stand-up comedians, and you’ve probably seen him on Channel 5. Sam See takes the mic at The Merry Lion as the venue’s first Singaporean headliner. Dec 14-16
MARKET
The people who brought you Artbox Singapore are back with an even bigger market. While it ended up being a bit of a literal hot mess, one thing’s for sure—Singaporeans love their giant, overhyped markets. Enter Flashbang; Singapore’s first and largest creative retail “playground” that will take over the carpark space opposite Cineleisure. It’s been touted as a combination of Artbox and iLight Marina Bay. Through Dec 30
EXHIBITION
Kult Gallery brings fantasy cult favorite Dune by Frank Herbert to life through a variety of VR pieces, paintings, print and project mapping by local and regional artists in their new exhibition, Dune: A Sci-fi Art Show. Through Dec 30
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? Find out here. Through Jan 1, 2018
Friday, Dec 15
PARTY
Your favorite app for wine, beer and spirits, BottlesXO, is throwing a Caribbean Night party at Lime House, serving up Afrohouse Caribbean beats courtesy of DJ Maksibs, paired with delicious rum cocktails and premium housepours. Dec 15
CONCERT
Local jazz outfit The Steve McQueens will be performing at the Esplanade Annexe Studio in a double bill performance with Japanese experimental soul band Wonk as part of Esplanade’s on-going 15th anniversary celebrations. Dec 15
PARTY
Spanish DJ and producer Bushwacka! has been on the scene for about 29 years and has undertaken various monikers throughout his career. He’s bringing his flavor of tech house to Singapore’s latest underground haunt, Mao. Dec 15
MARKET
The Civic District’s coolest F&B row, South Beach Avenue, is turning into a Christmas party street thanks to organizers The Local People. Santa’s Workshop @ The South Pole will be a blend of art, design, food and music. Come between 8-10pm for free LED balloons! Dec 15-17
MARKET
Bringing cheer to the westerly heartlands for the second year running is the Church of the Good Shepherd. They’re setting up a Christmas weekend market filled with dazzling lights, choir and string performances, as well as festive stalls offering hot food, sweet treats and artisanal goods from local shops. Dec 15-17, 22-23
FOOD
You’ve probably seen a slew of Penang’s street art on social media, but if you’ve never given yourself the chance to head over to try the street food, fret not; it’s coming to Singapore. This month, head over to York Hotel for Penang Hawkers’ Fare, where you can stuff yourself with char koay kak, ban chang kueh and more at the 12 live stations. Dec 15-Jan 1, 2018
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. Through Dec 16
CARNIVAL
Get your adrenaline pumping at Singapore’s largest carnival. The massive Prudential Marina Bay Carnival will span across 25,000 sqm (or the size of three and a half football fields) at The Promontory and Bayfront, and boasts more than 40 rides and games—most of which are from the UK, Germany and Italy. Dec 15-Apr 1, 2018
EXHIBITION
If you fancy yourself a cinema enthusiast, the Singapore Art Museum’s latest exhibition Cinerama: Art and the Moving Image in Southeast Asia is a must-go. In a series of immersive, multi-medium installations, the exhibition brings together the works of 10 artists and art collectives from across the region. Here are five you should check out. Through Mar 18, 2018
