Forget everything you know about the month of October because Halloween parties and German beer aside, this is one that offers so much more. See the return of two wine festivals, the debut of two music festivals, as well as the arrival of American rappers Jaden Smith and A$AP Ferg, who will be performing at Zouk and Marquee respectively. There’s clearly no shortage of fun here.
FOOD/DRINK
Oktoberfest gets a local twist at The Guild. Head down to try the quintessential brat, which will be infused with the mouth-numbing spice of Sichuan peppercorns for a mala taste, then pair it with a malty pint of Young Master’s Oktoberfest lager, Festbier. Oct 1-13
FOOD
Savour some new and exclusive dishes by the seven finalists of food delivery company Deliveroo’s cooking competition at the Deliveroo Foodiepreneur Pop-up Kitchen at Incubaker. Food concepts will include both healthy meals and local favourites; tastings will be at no additional costs. Oct 2
FESTIVAL 
This Oct 3-Nov 17, be transported to France sans the expensive airfare as the annual Voilah! France Singapore Festival returns to present a wide variety of French-inspired events and exhibitions, encompassing everything from food to art. Oct 3-Nov 17
FAIR
Find fresh seafood bentos from Hokkaido, matcha cheese tarts and even Japanese beauty and wellness products, all at the Japan Food Matsuri, which celebrates Japan’s gastronomical culture. Oct 3-20
MUSIC
Canadian heartthrob Shawn Mendes will return to Singapore as a newly-minted Grammy nominee for the gripping ballad “In My Blood”, from his latest eponymous album. Two years have flown by since he last paid our shores a visit, and Mendies would have already marked their calendars to hear the 2018-released Shawn Mendes album live. Oct 4
FOOD/DRINK
Wine Fiesta returns for its 12th year at Grand Hyatt Singapore. This time, expect some gourmet dishes to accompany the fine wines presented. Executive sous chef Gregor Streun of the hotel has curated a special menu for wine pairings, so be sure to mark your calendars for an epicurean experience. Oct 4
PARTY
Beer enthusiasts, head down to 1-Altitude for their Erdinger Oktoberfest 2019, where an endless flow of beer and pretzels plus dips await. Don’t forget to bring your best buds, so you can all compete in a friendly stein hoisting or shuffleboard challenge; or just play some traditional Bavarian games together. Oct 4
PARTY
For unique renditions of party anthems, look to the Eclectic Duo, comprising DJ Dr1ft and Gillian. Bang Bang will be playing host to these international acts, so be sure to check them out for a cool party on Friday night. Oct 4
PARTY
Another exclusive party is coming to the Tuck Lee Ice Factory, and this time, it’s by the folks at Tiger Beer. They’ll be re-introducing their Tiger Crystal beer, through the Tiger Crystal Cold Ice Party that features a projection-mapping show, tunes presented by a supersonic sound system and the Tiger Crystal to be poured down a frozen ice luge. You’d better start sourcing for invites. Oct 4
PARTY
Kampong Boogie is returning to the shoddy but iconic Golden Mile Tower, for a Friday night rooftop funk-and-crunk sesh, Geylang-style. After 10:30pm, head back into The Projector for another round of partying. Oct 4
MARKET
The White Rabbit cream candy we used to know and love are making a comeback in the timely form of milk teas. Pop by Farmers and Chefs’ Crafters Market to purchase your White Rabbit sweet-infused milk tea concoctions and some fun merch, as well as some other trinkets and artisanal collectibles. Oct 4-6
EXHIBITION
Capture great moments at the Leica Playground on Saturday. Watch a live Covergirl photoshoot go down, find playbooths by Leica, Huawei and more; and check out some cool art installations and exhibitions, plus some interesting workshops. Food, drinks and live music can be expected too. Oct 5
MARKET
Markets are getting more innovative with each passing month. At Wheeler’s Estate, find live performances, food and music, in addition to the artisanal collectibles and trinkets that will be for sale. Come Saturday morning, you’ll even get an opportunity to stretch and tone at a yoga session. Oct 5
MARKET
Both humans and pets will be granted free admission into Canvas for their Sunset Pasar & Disco 2019, where the club will be transformed into a flea market. Rambunctious music will come courtesy of DJs like Muto Masahi and Jungirl, so you’ll definitely be in the mood to shop. Oct 5
PARTY
OG block party people Urban Ventures will be reclaiming the stretch at Keong Saik for their iconic throwdown involving food, drinks, art, music and even dance classes. Don’t miss their 12th escapade that’ll be a street carnival-inspired edition. Oct 5
PARTY
Catch one of the biggest names in EDM since 2010 at Marquee on Saturday evening. Dutch DJ Nicky Romero will put you in the mood to groove with his chart-topping tracks like “I Could Be The One”, a collab with Avicii. Oct 5
FESTIVAL
Get a truly hands-on experience at Archifest 2019, where a slew of workshops, exhibitions and tours await. Through Oct 9
EXHIBITION
Journey through the subways of the world and find interesting, personal stories of passengers at Life Underground. Held at the National Museum of Singapore, the installation reminds us that we’re all connected in one way or another. Oct 9-31
FESTIVAL
The Great Wine & Dine Festival 2019 is back for another three-day celebration at RWS. Sample over 400 curated wines and craft sake, take part in a series of masterclasses, and connect with other like-minded wine-loving individuals here. Oct 10-12
MUSICAL
While you may only know of local historical figure Dr Lim Boon Keng by his namesake MRT station, you’ll be able to learn more about him through his new musical coming this month. Written by his great-granddaughter playwright Stella Kon, this show will detail his life and times in Singapore. Oct 10-13
FESTIVAL
Celebrate the freedom to love through cinema at Golden Village’s Love & Pride Film Festival, returning for its 11th edition on Oct 10. Over a span of 11 days, find six LGBTQ-focused, independent movies, all in relation to this year’s theme of “Sparking Change”. Oct 10-20
FESTIVAL
Esplanade’s annual dance affair returns once again for its 14th edition. Presenting performances by both local and international dance troupes, Da:ns Festival is here to let you re-discover the body, through movement and art. Oct 10-20
PARTY
All you ‘90s kids, take it back to the good ol’ days with This is the 90s at popular hip-hop club Cherry Discotheque. And be sure to check out some 300 pieces of retro ‘90s clothing pieces that will be on sale, like band tees and windbreakers from brands such as Nike, Guess and more. Oct 11
PARTY
Trust Marquee to bring some of the biggest names in hip-hop music to our shores for spectacular performances. Following the appearance of his fellow A$AP Mob mate earlier this year, rapper A$AP Ferg will be at MBS to dish out hits like “Plain Jane” and “Work”. Oct 12
PARTY
Head down to Tanjong Beach Club once again for their Barefoot Tiki Nights party, as they will be transforming Tanjong beach into a neon paradise with DJs serving tropical beats. You won’t want to miss this edition, it’s their last Tiki Night of the year. Oct 12
FESTIVAL
Asia’s largest rose festival is returning to Singapore for the fourth time. Held at The Alkaff Mansion, Rose Revolution will offer great food (thanks to Alkaff Mansion’s restaurants and bar) and plenty of roses to try. Oct 12
PARTY
If you thoroughly enjoyed Ice Cream Sunday’s Haw Par Thrilla back in June, get excited for its second edition, that will see a collaboration with the much-lauded Hong Kong music festival Shi Fu Miz. The party will also mark the anniversary of party group Ice Cream Sundays, so expect a big blowout. Oct 12
POP-UP
Stroll down Orchard Road to find Clarin’s new pop-up, House of Clarins, right outside Mandarin Gallery. Check out themed beauty rooms and solutions to your beauty woes, and feel free to grab a fruit tea courtesy of bubble tea chain HeyTea. Through Oct 12
FESTIVAL
Singapore’s first rum festival will arrive at Keong Saik Road this month, in the form of a block party. Rum Bellion 2019 is initiated by Keong Saik joint Neon Pigeon, alongside neighbours Taki Taki, Limehouse and Bula Cafe & Bar, so expect these spaces to be taken over by rum brands with the likes of Diplomatico, Plantation, Sailor Jerry and more for a whole day of activities. Oct 13
FOOD
Enjoy a one-night only 8-course degustation dinner at modern European restaurant Preludio that’ll showcase the use of Il Borgo’s range of balsamic vinegars and condiments in interesting ways. Apart from new creations, the menu will also feature the signature La Cortina, a butternut squash agnolotti drizzled with Il Borgo’s traditional 25 year-old balsamic vinegar. Oct 17
PARTY
Get excited for Oktoberfest Asia 2019, where festival-goers will get to enjoy a free flow of beers from Erdinger WeiBbrau and Paulaner Brauhaus. If an authentic German experience is what you crave, purchase a VIP pass, as VIPs will be entitled to a special Oktoberfest buffet too. Plus, entertainment will be provided by a legit Munchen band, Rock Oompahs, whose members will don traditional Lederhosens and play classic pop dance tunes, and traditional German Oktoberfest music. Oct 18
FESTIVAL
Sip on curated bespoke cocktails and wines while catching performances by some of our favourite local artists at Raffles Hotel Singapore’s reopening festival. Eats by Tiffin Room, La Dame de Pic and even the newly-opened Burger & Lobster will be available. Oct 18
PARTY
Squeeze into your favourite dancing pants and get ready to boogie to classic ‘80s tunes at Cherry Discotheque on Friday. The whole club will also be turned into a local ‘80s scene for major vibes. Oct 18
FESTIVAL
Debuting music festival Chillfest is here to spread awareness on the subject of sustainability while delivering class acts to the mainstage. Get ready for Boyce Avenue, Charlie Lim, DJ Jade Rasif and more. Oct 19
PARTY
Another rooftop carpark party is happening at Golden Mile, as Lion City Bass is returning to the venue to dish out dubstep, hip-hop bass and disco. Oct 19
SHOW
Not-for-profit arts society The Arts Place will be revising Gaetano Donizetti’s Italian comic masterpiece Don Pasquale into a Singlish opera for their debut opera production. Oddly interesting, catch this show for just two evenings in October. Oct 19-20
EXHIBITION
BBT lovers must head to The Bubble Tea Factory, a two-month experiential pop-up at *Scape, to eat, drink and play with bubble tea. Find over 10 installations that will feature boba, and get Insta-worthy shots all across the 7000 sq ft space. Oct 19-Dec 18
PARTY
Enjoy a 5-hour kebab party by smokehouse Meatsmith that’ll include plenty of booze and greats tunes right at the heart of Little India. More details to come. Oct 20
PARTY
Collective Minds and Zouk are teaming up to bring American rapper Jaden Smith to Zouk Singapore’s mainroom for a rockin’ Thursday night revelry. Tickets have just been released, so snap ’em up quick. Oct 24
PARTY
A “rebooted” Invasion night is coming to Kilo Lounge, where a fresh line-up of DJs will be dishing out sounds. Find Bali-based Kaiser Waldon who launched his solo career with his EP titled Nobody Else, as well as a musician and performer Oliver Osborne helming the decks till late. Oct 25
PARTY
Halloween parties at Zouk are a yearly affair. Head down again to the mainroom at Zouk, as the place will be transformed into a Fright Safari come Friday night. Expect strange creatures, cage enclosures and sinister park rangers. Mad scientists will also be on the prowl for their next victims. Oct 25
PARTY
A funhouse awaits at Nineteen80 across two days in late-October. Dress up in the craziest costume you’ve got, and come ready for a night filled with tricks and treats. Cover charge applies after 10pm, so get to the halloween party early. Oct 25-26
PARTY
Meet the Rouge Ripper at Bar Rouge’s Halloween party during the weekend prior to Halloween. At the Rouge Grossery Store, come as a party-goer and stay as a shopper. Oct 25-26
EXHIBITION
This month, get a rare behind-the-scenes look at some of your favourite Disney animated films as the ArtScience Museum will be presenting Disney: Magic of Animation, for the first time ever, in Southeast Asia. Check out over 500 pieces of art from various movies, including projections, audio-visuals and interactive activities. Oct 26-Mar 29
FESTIVAL
New dance music festival La Playa is coming to FOC Sentosa to present a day-to-night beachfront blowout. Headliners include the electrifying Egyptian DJ duo we all know and love, Aly & Fila, as well as Dutch DJ and producer Jochen Miller, who will be opening for them. Oct 26
PARTY
Choose your side at Monti and Party Social’s halloween party The Spooktacular Hour Chapter 2: Heroes vs Villains. Rave your nights away on the dance floor to reggae hits and ‘90s hip-hop classics. Oct 26-28
PARTY
A Brew party will be coming to the Chye Seng Huat Hardware compound once again, with food and drinks by the cafe and music by DJs like Daryl Knows and William J. There’ll be free entry all night long, so just pop by Tyrwhitt Road whenever you please. Oct 26
PARTY
Another Victoria Wholesale Centre rooftop party? Count us in. Kampong Boogie is bringing back a Tacos & Hip hop night so you can drink and indulge in tacos by Papi’s Tacos over the Deepavali weekend. Oct 27
PARTY
Get ready for a Halloween themed drag fest at the Shine Auditorium before October ends. Two stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Nina West of Season 11 and Thorgy Thor from Season 8 and All Stars, will be in Singapore to bring you a night of mayhem and fierce costumes. Hold onto your wigs. Oct 29
MUSIC
Originally a duo, George Smith and Blake Richardson were later joined by Reece Bibby from X Factor 2014’s fourth runner-up Stereo Kicks. The trio, aka New Hope Club, rose to fame after uploading a cover of British pop-rock band The Vamps’ “Wake Up”. Catch the charming boys who’ll offer radio hits like “Love Again” and “Permission”. Oct 29
CONCERT
Before One Direction and BTS was a five-piece pop group that arguably led the revolution of the new-age boy band scene. Backstreet Boys—now technically Backstreet men—are making their return to Singapore in October this year, as part of their international DNA Tour. Oct 30
FESTIVAL
Head down to the airport for an early check-in if you’re travelling anytime from now till Oct 31, as DFS is throwing a cocktail festival in celebration of all-things mixology. Expect them to pull out all the stops with activations across all four Changi Airport terminals, where you will get to taste, mix and enjoy your own concoctions. Through Oct 31
THEME PARK
Experience new frights at Universal Studios Singapore’s Halloween Horror Nights as return for their ninth edition in September. With five haunted house, two scare zones and two special shows, the night will be promisingly eerie and filled with fright. Through Oct 31
EXHIBITION
This Sep 25-Nov 3, challenge normative ideas about the human form and find new interpretations of it through Sanpitak’s pieces at her solo exhibition, Fragmented Bodies: The Personal and The Public, held at the STPI Creative Workshop and Gallery. Through Nov 3
EXHIBITION
Those with an inclination toward all things grotesque and morbid will be thrilled with The Parkview Museum’s contemporary art exhibition. Revel in the dark fantasia that is Disturbing Narratives, which encompasses an estimated total of 60 art pieces, including installations, videos and paintings. Through Feb 8
