There’s a lot of visibility for the LGBTQI community here in Singapore this month, and that’s a good thing. For far too long, the voices of the community have been mocked, ridiculed or worse, silenced, but we are ready. While the world was busy celebrating pride and love in June, we’ll do it in July. Stand on the right side of history as we hold hands together in solidarity and celebrate the freedom to love this month. And while you’re at it, mark your calendars for an onslaught of wacky parties, book launches, talks, forums, live gigs and so, much, more.
Photo credit: Camp Kilo Charcoal Clubs’ Facebook page
MARKET
Camp Kilo Charcoal Club is serving some art realness with their first edition of the Actually Affordable Art Market, which allows locally-based artists to reach out to a discerning crowd. Everything’s going for $200 and below. Jul 1
WELLNESS
Kick off the new month by getting in touch with nature again. Head to Botanic Gardens on Sunday morning for an outdoor yoga class with one of Urban Yogis’ guest teachers, Kathy. Jul 1
PARTY
What’s better than a beach party? A fabulous one that goes on throughout the night, even though it’s a Sunday. The only LGBTQI beach party around, FOC Sentosa‘s Aquaholic Pool Party is one that’s off the charts with their drag queen performances, bottle promos and all-round good vibes. Jul 1
TOUR
The Singapore Zoo will be transformed into a lush and luminous universe to mark the attraction’s 45th anniversary this year. Experience Rainforest Lumina for yourself, where a whole stretch of tropical rainforest will be lit with multimedia visual effects come nighttime. You can even spend your night there by a campfire, if you so wish. Jul 1 onwards
MARKET
Kampung Glam’s So Gelam Market harks back on the good ol’ days of chill weekends where neighbors actually gathered round to chat and relax over food, drinks and entertainment by their friends. Baghdad Street will be closed off and turned into a happening street with colorful tents, fairy lights, and batik buntings. Yes, there’ll be food, drinks, snacks, artisanal lifestyle products and more. Through Jul 1
You can find more markets here.
FESTIVAL
In celebration of The Fullerton building’s 90th anniversary, over 90 vintage, classic and super cars from around the world will be making an appearance at the very first Fullerton Concours d’Elegance event, where car enthusiasts, photography buffs and more will be down to immerse themselves in all-things automotive. Enjoy music performances, art installations and food from the Fullerton culinary team while you’re there. Through Jul 1
BOOK
Whether you’re a passionate supporter of print, or just in search of a new coffee table book, the annual Singapore Art Book Fair is a good place to be. This year’s edition brings together 74 local and international exhibitors presenting a bumper line-up of art books, art catalogues, zines, monographs and more for your purchasing pleasure. Working on a limited budget? Head to the all-new Zine Room first, to browse zines at the library so you know exactly which independent creative you want to support. Through Jul 1
TRIVIA
Oh, geez… if you think you know all things Rick and Morty, put it to the test and join in this trivia night at The Armoury Craft Beer Bar. Jul 2
MUSIC
Chase away the Monday (and Tuesday) blues with some smooth tunes performed by Australian jazz legend James Morrison live at newly opened entertainment venue Cool Cats at the NCO Club. Jul 2-3
WELLNESS 
Want to go for a post-work run, but nobody at the office is as active as you are? That’s fine. Join in Virgin Active’s Run Club, which happens weekly every Monday starting this month, where anyone from newbs to advanced runners looking for company to run with can do so from their Raffles Place outlet. You’ll get a Virgin Active Run top and a bottle of water; all you need to bring is a pair of running shoes, socks and an openness to making new friends. Jul 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
CONCERT
We don’t know what we did to deserve this, but finally, after decades of releasing numerous number one hits we have all memorized by heart, Celine Dion is finally making a stop in Singapore for her Celine Dion Live 2018 Tour, which will also kick off Marina Bay Sands’ 2018 Sands Live concert series. Tickets may be sold out, but we’re sure you’re resourceful enough to find one elsewhere. Jul 3-4
THEATER
W!LD RICE’s annual Singapore Theatre Festival (STF) is returning this month with a line-up of eight original world premieres by our island’s own. Check out our picks for the sixth STF here. Jul 5-22
WELLNESS
Disconnect to reconnect: join Australian-based yoga teacher Emma Ceolin Yoga as she leads a two-hour Yoga for Anxiety workshop at Yoga Inc. Jul 6
Haus of Gemini
DRAG
Another week another drama, drama. Peaches’ inaugural amateur drag queen competition, Drag Wars, returns for its third round this week. Last weekend, we saw military realness, peaches and cream fishy-ness and an alien invasion at the club. The remaining eight will battle it out as they impersonate Spice Girls and Little Mix in groups of four. Read this to find out more about the competition. Jul 6
DANCE
Have a knack for dancing? Head over to Kult Kafe and join in Salsa Under The Stars, where you can join in a 45-minute beginner Bachata workshop with guest instructor Max Ahmad and Cheryl Qiao Rou, followed by a free-for-all party supported by guest DJ Ashish and resident DJ May May, who’ll be switching things up throughout the night with Bachata, old school Salsa, cha cha, reggaeton and Kizomba tunes. Jul 6
PARTY
German duo Monkey Safari is bringing their brand of house music to the skies at Ce La Vi for one night only. Jul 6
WELLNESS
If you’ve always wanted to get down to trying yoga or pilates, but can’t decide, why not try a mix of both? Kick off your Saturday with a yogalates class, a blend of the two that combines the flexibility of yoga and the benefits of strength training in pilates, at Singapore Botanic Gardens. Jul 7
PARTY
The eponymous Urban Ventures is back, but it’s moving out of Keong Saik Road for the first time. The street party will see live DJs, group street yoga, F&B offerings, live performances, Underground Market and a myriad of quirky fringe activities for its 10th edition. Jul 7
WORKSHOP
It’s one thing to read about sustainable living, and another to actually practice it. Learn how to grow your own vegetables with a couple of urban farming experts at The Living Centre. Jul 7
PARTY
Bingo Players—once a duo that included the late Paul Baumer—helms the decks at Bar Rouge Singapore for a bouncy night of electro house. The “Rattle” DJ-producer from Netherlands has played at some of the biggest festivals, including Electric Daisy Carnival, Tomorrowland and Coachella. Jul 7
One of the exhibitors for Sprout. Photo credit: Vegepod Singapore’s Facebook page
FESTIVAL
Learn how to live and eat sustainably at Sprout, Singapore’s largest and first farm-to-people festival, happening at Suntec. A glorified farmers’ market? Nah. Here, more than 50 local exhibitors, ranging from farm growers and urban farming to artisanal good and specialty food come together for a thoughtful cause.. Jul 7-8
FILM
As part of PinkFest—the fringe activities segment leading up to Pink Dot—The Projector is organizing their own little LGBTQI film festival, screening four films over four weekends for Pink Screen. Jun 7-8, 14-15, 20 & 22
CONCERT
Remember when American Idol was actually a thing in the noughties? Yeah, so did we. The multi-platinum rock band Daughtry is no stranger to Singapore, having performed at St James Power Station, Singapore Grand Prix and ION Orchard’s Fifth Anniversary. The band was formed by Chris Daughtry, the runner-up of the show’s fifth season 12 years ago. They’re back in Singapore to perform at Zepp @ Big Box. Jul 11
COMEDY
The people behind comedy icon Kumar’s 50th birthday bash are back with a new event—and this one’s all about bang for your buck. Come July, Dream Academy’s Happy Ever Laughter is pitting 12 of the island’s best comedians against each other, for a showdown that’s bound to leave you with your sides delightfully split. Jul 11-19
Still looking for a place to watch the World Cup? Click here for our recommendations.
PARTY
Kilo Lounge welcomes Tokimonsta, who’ll be playing at Kilo Lounge under the Red Bull Music banner. Hot on the heels of the remixed album of her fifth record Lune Rouge released in March, the Californian producer, who had to undergo two harrowing brain surgeries back in 2016, will be dishing out her brand of moonlit music for one night only. Jul 12
BOOK
What’s it like to grow up liking the same sex in Singapore, or perhaps losing a partner to suicide? Do transgender men or women have it tough here? Pick up Leow Yangfa’s anthology of heartfelt stories like these and more when I Will Survive launches at BooksActually. Jul 13
FOOD
Singapore-themed culinary event Singapore Food Festival 2018 returns for its 25th edition. Expect the usual chef collabs, masterclasses, food trails and cocktail pairings, as well as the main festival highlight, Streat. Jul 13-29
ART
Spend the weekend at Art Porters, a contemporary art gallery near Tanjong Pagar, to learn a bit more about queer art from three points of views—a curator/historian’s, an artist’s and a collector’s–through a curation of LGBTQI art by international artists across a range of media. Jul 14
Photo credit: 2018.i.m.design.mark.lewis.photography / Under the Bridge Parties SG’s Facebook page
PARTY
We love our secret parties just like the next discerning partygoer, and the last time local party organizers Under The Bridge (UTB) threw one was in Feb. They’re back, and they’re returning to the basics of a true UK-style free party, where you can expect a cool mix of glitch hop, breakbeat, D&B, elecro-swing and everything else on the spectrum. More details will be announced closer to the date, but in the meantime, read what they had to say about their last party. Jul 14
BOOK
Open your minds, open your ears and most importantly, open your hearts, for Singapore’s first-ever zinefest dedicated to queer voices is here. We’re not sure why it took so long, but we’re happy that Camp Kilo Charcoal Club is taking the step to present 20 queer zines from Singapore and around the region. There’ll be performances, workshops, improv classes and even zine-making sessions. Jul 14
FILM
Cinema screenings in Singapore are getting more and more novel, but we’re not complaining. This one’s over at East Coast Park, but there are no seats, no popcorn, and no air-con. Instead, there’ll be comfy pillows and mattresses to lay on, freshly-grilled barbecued nosh and the natural breeze from the ocean. Two dates, two different films and full silent cinema immersion (films haven’t been announced yet). Jul 14 & 18
MARKET
As part of PinkFest—the fringe activities segment leading up to Pink Dot—music, fashion and food come together at the pink edition of Camp Kilo Charcoal Club’s Sunday Social Market. Shop fashion accessories, crafts and interior decor, taste bites from artisanal bakers and indulge in Camp Kilo’s hearty roasts while DJs spin house music to get you in the spending mood. Jul 15
FOOD
Besides the grilled cheese sandwich, one of the things we really love about Park Bench Deli (PBD) are their exciting collaborations with both local and international chefs and F&B concepts. As part of this year’s Singapore Food Festival, PBD has lined up two special collabs—one with Old Airport Road’s Roast Paradise, where they’ll be creating east-to-west dishes like the Roast Meat Banh Mi and Premium Roast Char Siew Bossam; and the other with popular halal Indonesian rsetaurant Rumah Makan Minang, where they’ll be putting together a tantalizing beef rendang burger, a grilled cheese sandwich with curry and their version of a dream nasi padang platter. Jun 15 & 29
DANCE/FOOD
We love culinary affairs that come with a twist. A Samsui Love Story: A Food & Dance Affair, part of this year’s Singapore Food Festival, tells the tale of a samsui woman who meets a satay man (he’s actually an undercover spy) as tensions build in the lead up to WWII. Jul 17-20
CONCERT
Many had their hands up in the air when they noticed Odesza was absent from Laneway Singapore this year, but their inclusion in the lineups for We The Fest and Good Vibes had many of us hopeful. Lo and behold, the young duo will be making their debut here as part of their “2018 A Moment Apart Tour”. Jul 20
EXHIBITION
Take a glimpse into the everyday life of migrant workers through an intimate lens at Blind Spots, an interactive photography exhibition at Objectifs by non-profit creative group Labour Arty that seeks to bring about greater awareness of what migrant communities in Singapore go through daily. Jul 20-Aug 5
Photo credit: Kong Chek Yong / Pink Dot SG’s Facebook page
PICNIC
It’s that time of the year again. Whip out your finest pink top and head down to Hong Lim Park for Singapore’s annual LGBTQI picnic/rally, Pink Dot. There will be barricades again, and you’ll be required to show your pink/blue NRIC or passport. Check out the other two videos here and here. Jul 21
DRAG/PARTY
Two months ago, we saw the inaugural disco drag ball held at Hard Rock Cafe, and boy, what a spectacle that was. Campy and all-out fun party peeps behind Mismatch are back for the second edition at the same place, happening right after Pink Dot. The Love Ball will see Pangina Heals back as the inimitable host who’ll read the house down, as well participants who’ll werk it on the floor to get the 10s from the judges. Jul 21
PARTY
If you still have it in you after Pink Dot and the Love Ball, head over to Suntec where the now-defunct Play teams up with Hypertainment to throw a massive Pink Ball at one of the halls. Probably the largest post-Pink Dot LGBTQI party in town, there’ll be two dance areas and shows by 20 performers. Jul 21
FESTIVAL
We aren’t called the Garden City for nothing. Singapore’s obsession with manicured shrubs and tree-lined avenues is only the beginning when it comes to displaying our penchant for well-designed flora. If you fancy yourself a fan of horticulture, head to Gardens by the Bay for the return of the Singapore Garden Festival (SGF)—the premiere garden show showcasing creations from the world’s top garden and floral designers under one roof. Jul 21-Aug 3
EXHIBITION
Angkor: Exploring Cambodia’s Sacred City. Masterpieces of the Musee national des arts asiatiques-Guimet showcases more than 140 sculptures, watercolors, drawings, and historic memorabilia from the museum in France, for a detailed look into the magnificent history of Angkor. Through Jul 22
FOOD
Goodwood Park Hotel’s annual durian festival returns with all-time favorites like durian puffs, crepes, strudels, ice cream and more. Through Jul 22
Sasha Velour. Photo credit: David Ayllon
DRAG
The last year was a fabulous one for local drag fans, with superstar alumni from RuPaul’s Drag Race gracing our shores with their sold-out shows. First it was Season 6’s Bianca Del Rio in November, then dynamic duo from Season 8 Naomi Smalls and Kim Chi (with a bonus appearance by Lady Bunny) in March. This July, another fierce queen is making her way over—and it’s none other than Season 9 winner and reigning Drag Race queen Sasha Velour herself. Jul 25
AWARDS/FOOD
The third edition of Michelin Guide Singapore will take place at Resorts World Sentosa’s East Ballroom. If you’d like to know the results firsthand, you’re welcomed to the award dinner for $595 a pop, where you can enjoy a six-course wine-pairing dinner. Jul 25
DRINK
CK Kho, who was named Bartender of the Year at the Bar Awards 2017, will be in town for one night only at gin bar Cin Cin for a guest shift from 7-11pm, where he’ll be offering two signature cocktails—both gin based, of course—for your drinking pleasure. Jul 25
FOOD
For anyone who enjoys noods, Singapore’s only ramen festival, Ramen Revolution, returns to Resorts World Sentosa for a second run. The organizers have promised to bring back all the same elements as last year’s: A wide variety of ramen dishes from various Japanese establishments here, two guest restaurants from Japan and other activities. Jul 27-29
FILM
As part of resident punk institution The Substation’s 2018 lineup, local producer Jeremy Chua has curated a block of films retaliating against the en bloc (get it?) fever that’s putting iconic landmarks at demolition risk. On the Block Film Festival will feature two Singapore premieres—Kleber Mendonca Filho’s award-winning Aquarius, and a free-and-easy, nine-hour screening of Wang Bing’s critique of industrialism in China West of the Tracks. Jul 27-29
Solarstone
PARTY
Hark back to the good ol’ days where trance was blared through clubs all over the world, as legendary English trance producer Solarstone lands in Singapore to take over Zouk’s eponymous trance night, Transfix. Jul 28
FOOD
The 50 Cents Festival at Chinatown is back, under this year’s Singapore Food Festival banner. Get your hands on delish snacks and full-on meals like Kerabu Bee Hoon, fish moilee, banana balls and more for 50 cents. Just be prepared to squeeze your way through Smith Street as yes, it’s going to be insanely crowded, judging by last year’s turnout. Jul 28-29
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. Jul 31
DANCE
The M1 Contact Contemporary Festival returns for its ninth run, presenting 16 shows of 28 dance works from 14 different nationalities across six performance platforms. Through Aug 5
MUSICAL
We’re just as excited as you are about the return of The Lion King to our shore for its 20th anniversary It’s been more than two decades since the epic musical film about lions in Africa first came into our lives, and again in 2011 when the musical made its Southeast Asian debut. Immerse yourself in the magnificent world of Simba, Nala, Rafiki, Mufasa, Timon, Pumba and company when it returns for a two-month run. Through Aug 26
EXHIBITION
The eighth edition of Singapore Art Museum’s annual family-friendly contemporary art exhibition explores the concept of time. Ten artists and art collectives from around the world have taken over SAM at 8Q for Imaginarium: Into the Space of Time, presenting immersive and interactive installations exploring the tales and theories that shape our memories and future. Through Aug 26
Wind Walkers: Theo Jansen’s Strandbeests
EXHIBITION
Dutch artist Theo Jansen is sending his prized Strandbeests to our shores. In fact entirely non-living, his world-renowned creatures made of PVC and wood are powered by wind, and spend their days moving gracefully across beaches (hence their name, which translates to “beach animal” in Dutch). Head to the ArtScience Museum for an exclusive look at this new species, where you can look at “fossils” of past beests, and even walk alongside 13 original Strandbeests. Through Sep 30
EXHIBITION
2018 has shaped up to be a fantastic year for Marvel. Besides the two epic movies releasing to staggering global success, they’re also presenting Marvel Studios: Ten Years of Heroes at ArtScience Museum, which delves into the science and tech behind the whole Marvel Cinematic Universe. Through Sep 30
EXHIBITION
Peranakan Museum’s latest exhibition, Amek Gambar: Peranakans and Photography, delves into the Southeast Asian history of photography through the pictured lives of the Peranakan community in the region. Through Feb 3, 2019
