Oh, August. Apart from being the month that leads us into the second half of the year, it also happens to be the birth month of our country. So what better way than to spend the month celebrating all-things local, with major blowouts and plenty of National Day-themed events? Here, we’ll be giving you plenty of reasons to leave the house so you won’t have to succumb to watching the parade in your worn-out t-shirt and boxer shorts.
MUSIC
Presented by Collective Minds, American singer and songwriter Toro Y Moi will be hitting our shores with his signature chillwave beats. Fresh off the release of “Outer Peace”, catch the multi-talented artist at The Pavillion right at the beginning of August. Tickets here. Aug 1
FESTIVAL
The seventh edition of Films At The Fort will be a three-week affair this August, with hard-hitting screenings of biographical thriller Hotel Mumbai and prison drama The Shawshank Redemption, as well as light-hearted shows like comedy The Hustle and romcom Long Shot. Feast on gourmet nosh by The Providore and then imbibe some fine Casillero del Diablo wines. Aug 1-18
PARTY
Returning for its fifth year running is the Singapore River Festival. Located at three different quays—Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay, look forward to a wide variety of activities at the various spots. It officially kicks off on Aug 2, at Boat Quay’s Circular Road, with live bands, open-air dining and fireworks. Aug 2-Sep 15
WORKSHOP
Learn the ways of urban agriculture and home gardening at this beginners urban farming class by Mercure Singapore on Stevens. At Starting Your Urban Garden, get to meet local farmers that’ll conduct a fun and interactive day session. Gain insights to all the important necessities of home gardening including seed treatments, sowing methods, transplanting and more; then take home a starter kit too. Aug 3
MARKET
Described as a mini “Pasar Malam” but cooler, Design Pasar is the perfect place to find design wares, well-made goods, art, food and drinks by young creatives. Expect live performances by bands and DJs as well as visual displays by artists. Fun fair games will also be introduced for the public to participate for a chance to win prizes such as limited edition merch and design goods. Aug 3
MUSIC
Not affiliated with Baybeats by any means, Naybeats 2019 is a very real, local, alternative music festival held at the Lithe House hosted by Singaporean band The Intimate Friends. With just a $10 cover charge at the door, head over to enjoy a night of alt sounds such as post-rock, grunge, punk, indie, power pop and more. Aug 3
MUSIC
Do some good (for 16 causes) at Music for a Cause 2019, which is in its fourth edition. Held at OCBC Park Arena, enjoy grub and music from 13 local artistes, including headliners Charlie Lim and Joanna Dong. Look forward to a cross fit challenge and a yoga and meditation class too. Aug 3
MARKET
Held at the newly-revamped Funan mall, swap some of your pre-loved clothing, all in the name of fashion and sustainability. The Lelong! Lelong! Sustainable Fashion Swap will also feature some local favourite sustainable brands such as cruelty-free skincare Re:erth and Want Skincare, as well as independent womenswear label Qlothe and upcycled fashion Muta Wear. Aug 3
PARTY
A week before National Day, get ready for an alternative event that questions the very meaning and significance of the National Day Parade. Curated by artist Rizman Putra, expect the presence of artists, actors, and musicians such as Syimah Sabtu Collective, DJ Itch, Vinyl Heavy, and Syndicate, all of whom will jazz up State of Love and Trust and Stars. Aug 3
MUSIC
A two-day socially conscious music affair, Singapore-born Tropika is now into its second year. Expect booze and beats, but also profound conversations about society and politics too. Aug 3-4
FOOD
For one day only, find chef Ignacio Mattos of his award-winning restaurant Estela in New York City at Burnt Ends on the Sunday before the National Day weekend. Highlights from the exclusive menu include potato and raclette croquettes with uni and caviar, grilled foie gras with grape leaf and lamb ribs with charmoula and honey. As an added perk, no reservations will be required. Aug 4
EXHIBITION
Space Oddities consist of two exhibits—Zhiying Cao’s 2272 Open Report and Divaagar’s Singapore is for lovers—and seeks to interpret the evolution of subcultures while providing some reflection about territories in today’s landscape. Part of The Substation’s new programme, expect some quirky, tongue-in-cheek displays about our Singaporean lifestyle too. Through Aug 4
MUSIC
For the first time, Cali rock band Chon will be bringing their math rock sounds to Singapore, for a show at the intimate venue of Esplanade Annexe Studio. Tickets may have been sold out, but if you know the right people, perhaps you’ll get a chance at listening to them live. Aug 5
PARTY
Finally, an excuse to party on a Thursday night. Hit up Marquee Singapore with your best crew the night before the long National Day weekend, for famed American Hip Hop Artist and Grammy award-winner Lil Jon will be rocking the stage, solo-style. Definitely keep his playlist on repeat all-week-long to get into the hype. Aug 8
MUSIC
Bringing all the cosmic children together the night before the long weekend is Astral Projector, with house, techno and experimental beats at Intermission Bar at The Projector. Be sure to head down for a night of fun, while Mercury reaches the greatest western elongation. Aug 8
PARTY
Time to bust out that red t-shirt of yours, and head to Monti’s National Day party for a night of fireworks, a 4-course omakase dinner and drinks. Their location at Fullerton Pavilion will promise a view like no other. Aug 9
PARTY
Bar Rouge’s annual Disco Lah! will be held on our nation’s birthday itself, from 4-10pm. Prepare for a uniquely Singaporean affair, as local snacks and mocktails and cocktails will be served, alongside a screening of the annual parade. Yes, a great view of the fireworks spectacle is promised. Aug 9
PARTY
Head to the 5th floor carpark of Golden Mile Tower for Open Door (National Day Edition), helmed by the guys at Ice Cream Sundays and Darker Than Wax. Free before 5pm, find affordable booze and local bites amidst art and visuals by independent creatives. Aug 9
MARKET
An offbeat cultural celebration, I Am Citizen by The Local People and Singapore Land Authority will be presenting a series of workshops, music and an art market at 5 Kadayanallur Street. Look out for local art installations, a modern calligraphy workshop as well as a block printing and embroidery tote bag workshop by Iki Makers Union, as well as a rooftop party with a view of the highly-anticipated fireworks. Aug 9
PARTY
A National Day party at one of the most popular hip hop nightclubs in Singapore? Count us in. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane with our favourite anthems from Britney Spears, TLC and Beyonce, at Cherry Discotheque for their quintessential ‘90s night, This is the 90s, but National Day-style. Keep your eyes peeled for funky visuals which feature footage of Singapore in the ’90s. Perfect. Aug 9
FOOD
Celebrate the nation’s 54th birthday the most Singaporean way possible, with a hearty feast at York Hotel Singapore’s Localicious tunch buffet. Enjoy an array of local favourites, with desserts like Sago Gula Melaka, Tau Suan and even a fantastic assortment of Nonya Kuehs. Free-flow drinks include Bandung, Lime Juice and Soya Bean Milk; all the drinks we love to have to beat the Singapore heat. Aug 9
MUSIC
Spend Saturday night with musician Ginette Chittick, at Intermission Bar at The Projector, post-National Day. An Indie Rock night, Daydream Nation with Ginette Chittick will kick off at 10:30pm. Get up close and personal with the very accomplished artist who have shared the stage with Foals, Beachhouse and many other famed bands. Aug 10
MUSIC
They’ve been here so many times, but we’re not complaining. American Indie Pop band Lany will take the stage once again in Singapore for their Malibu Nights World Tour. Expect plenty of synth-pop goodness that’ll keep you grooving all-night-long, from their recently-released record Malibu Nights. Aug 10
MUSIC
Revisit teen nostalgia with Westlife, who will be live in Singapore to celebrate 20 years of groundbreaking hits with the aptly-named The Twenty Tour. A promising setlist awaits, as the perennial Irish pop band has a total of 10 studio albums and over a hundred songs to choose from. Aug 10
MUSIC
Remember when the Youtube meme “Darude – Sandstorm” first came about? Well, the man himself will be here, with his global hit Sandstorm. The finnish DJ who have been rocking stages at Tomorrowland and Future Music Festival is slated to perform at Ce La Vi on Saturday night, during the long National Day weekend. Aug 10
MARKET
Visit the Singapore Botanic Garden’s The Villa Fiesta to pop by Ginger Garden Farmer Market, where farmer’s market-goers can find an organic, curated mix of commodities from local farmers as well as local craftsmen and artisanal producers. Aug 10
FOOD
Spend a night enjoying durians and learning about the fruit with fellow durian lovers during the National Day long weekend. Initiated by One Faber Group, the first-ever “Mao” Faber Durian Night will see premium-grade quality Mao Shan Wang durians from Pahang, durian-themed interactive stage games and even a discussion about the well-loved fruit led by durian expert Collin Chee and his community of durian aficionados. Also enjoy some local dishes like satay, grilled seafood and barbecued wings prepared by One Faber Group’s kitchen. Aug 10
PARTY
Join Tanjong Beach Club in celebrating their 10-year anniversary at their birthday bash, Tanjong Paradisco. Happening over a span of two days, brace yourself for a whole lot of fun, including activities such as a Bottomless Brunch with Perrier-Jouet, a yoga session by the beach and silkscreen printing. Of course, music will be provided, at the Ultimate DJ Blowout featuring DJs like Bondax, Brendon P, Ray Ming and many more. Aug 10-11
FOOD
Head down to Sentosa for a giant bonanza filled with grilled eats, booze and entertainment. Beating its 2018 record, there’ll be 27 F&B establishments present at Sentosa GrillFest 2019, with six of them taking to the sandy shores for the first time. There’ll even be a massive Gelato Bomb from Gelatissimo and Durian Edition’s charcoal-grilled durian. You won’t miss the 3m-tall tepee BBQ pit found on the beach either, where chef Jeremy Cheok from Slake will be cooking up a feast. Through Aug 12
FESTIVAL
The fourth edition in a series of seasonal events held at Tanjong Pagar, Natsu Camp Fest organised by Japan Rail Cafe will transform Guoco Tower’s Urban Park into an exciting outdoor fiesta. Inspired by summer in Japan, be sure to turn up to watch performances that’ll feature both Singaporean and Japanese artistes in this blowout, among some tasty delectables and lush greenery. Aug 15
FESTIVAL
Returning after its 2018 edition, LumiNation will be held mid-August, and will explore the untold stories of Singapore’s history and heritage over a weekend of interesting programmes. Keep up with them on social media as their exciting line-up will be released soon. Aug 15-18
THEATRE
Back by popular demand, mark your calendars for some mid-August cultural fun from local theatre group How Drama. The production of Fat Kids Are Harder To Kidnap X is mainly inspired by current affairs and trending topics, so this re-staging of their 10th anniversary show will definitely bring up issues such as the HDB rulings, Oxley saga, crispy rendang and more. While the cast will attempt to perform 31 plays within the hour, the audience will get to decide the order. Extra points for the interactive factor. Aug 16-18
MARKET
Meet up with your Carousell dealers—sans the embarrassing MRT gantry waiting game—at Carouselland 2019, to be held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre. Themed “Small Dreams, Big Possibilities”, the virtual marketplace will once again take physical form and entice with an extensive list of over 300 vendors manning booths offering various knick-knacks in honour of everyday aspirations. Aug 16-18
EXERCISE
Conducted by Angie Yeo, teacher and co-founder of Yoga+, the Cat Welfare Society’s inaugural Cats & Yoga event will be one for both cat lovers and singletons. Spend an evening meditating, while being surrounded by the furkids of cat cafe Neko no Niwa. Aug 16
WORKSHOP
Enhance your urban garden with helpful tips and tricks from local farmer experts. Encompassing topics such as fertiliser applications and plant propagation techniques, Nurturing and Growing Your Urban Garden by Mercure Singapore on Stevens will allow intermediate home gardeners to learn ways to sustain their own farm. Also, get to take home a pot of stem cutting, a bag of soil generator and garden journal to track your urban gardening journey. Aug 17
MARKET
Back with another family-oriented farmer’s market, Loewen Gardens will be playing host to Frank Food August Market. Browse through organic food and beverages, fresh bakes, homemade jams, and even pick up gifts for friends from the 30-odd booths. Aug 17
BOOKS
Presenting an engaging discussion of poetry is Deep Cut: The Art of Being Present, hosted by Ethos Books and Littered with Books. Poets and editors Wai Kit Ow Yeong and Muzakkir Bin Samat will provide insights about our interconnectedness with the world and nature. They’ll also be sharing some of their favourite verses and writings, to exemplify how good works represent mindfulness. Aug 17
FOOD/DRINK
For a free-flow of Veuve Clicquot Champagne, unique cocktails, contemporary Asian buffet, as well as house beats, head to Ce La Vi for yet another party brunch. Their Sky High Brunch will be the perfect, lavish blowout to chase away those blues after a hectic work week following the previous week’s long weekend. Aug 17
MUSIC
Both dogs and humans are in for a musical treat at Jazz for Dogs 2019, which couples good music with a great cause. Although it’s free for all, pledge a donation to the Singapore’s oldest animal welfare group, Action for Singapore Dogs with a picnic basket full of treats, including Frozen Custard by famed burger joint Shake Shack. Aug 18
COMEDY
Prepare to laugh till your sides ache, as host of The Daily Show Trevor Noah will be in Singapore for two stand-up comedy shows. We hope you’ve gotten your tickets, as they’ve all been sold out. Aug 19
PARTY
Jam out to good tunes provided by Mark Hope, a guest DJ who will be helming the decks at Nineteen80 bar. A once a month feel-good sesh, Wax & Jam preserves the art of vinyl spinning with funk, soul, disco, jazz and more. Aug 22
TRIVIA
Put your common knowledge skills to good use at Queer Trivia Night with Preetipls, the third in a new series of monthly social gathering for the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Presented by Two Queens and Prout, and hosted by Youtube sensation Preetipls, expect lots of laughter, wallet-friendly drinks and plenty of fun. Time to team up with friends for a chance at winning exclusive prizes worth $200. Aug 22
PERFORMANCE
Life Circuit is an ongoing project and two-day audiovisual experimental performance by the collective Inter-Mission, which will be presented at Lee Kang-So’s Disappearance, Bar in the Gallery (1973), at National Gallery Singapore. It’s also held in conjunction with Awakenings: Art in Society in Asia 1960s-1990s. Aug 22
FESTIVAL
Happening end-Aug is the highly-anticipated Singapore Night Festival, held within the Bras Basah-Bugis precinct. And returning for the second time since their first performance at Night Fest’s fifth edition is Fuerza Bruta, who will once again impress with their acrobatic and aerial acts. Aug 23-31
PARTY
Take it to the dancefloor at Zouk, as master house musician Moti will be bringing the party on this particular Saturday evening. Having released mega hits with musicians such as Tiesto and Showtek, you’ll be in good hands at One Dance Presents Moti, Supported by Hong. Aug 24
WORKSHOP
Another farmer’s workshop by Mercure Singapore on Stevens, learn the ways of composting which helps regenerate delicate ecosystems with Composting 101. Learn various composting techniques, and even receive a starter compost bin to kickstart your composting journey, alongside some tips and tricks that’ll allow you to accelerate the breakdown process of your homemade compost. Aug 24
DRAG
One of the biggest names in the Drag world is winner of Rupaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 2, Alaska Thunderf*ck, who will be bringing a performance of a lifetime to Singapore this August. The comedy queen herself will be taking on her chart-topping hits coupled with some witty banter at Alaska – Live in Singapore (R18). Aug 27
FOOD/DRINK
Continue to eat and drink well while cafe hopping at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, at the very first Cafe Culture being held over the last weekend of August. Highlights include international cafes and concepts such as Copenhagen’s The Coffee Collective, Melbourne’s Lune Croissanterie and Switch Coffee from Tokyo. Aug 29-Sep 1
FILM/FESTIVAL
Held at The Arts House, the Malaysian Film Festival will be celebrating our neighbouring country’s cinema scene with film screenings, panel discussions and even talks by directors of the featured films. Check out the list of featured films and get your tickets here. Aug 30-Sep 1
THEATRE
Eat Duck, a new play by playwright Zenda Tan and director Claire Wong, is about an extended family who holds a seven-day Taoist wake for their grandma. Navigating unfamiliar traditions, rites and rituals, Eat Duck examines the struggles Singaporeans face during very difficult times. Aug 29-Sep 8
MARKET
Singapore’s version of the well-loved Aussie’s flea markets, Twilight: Flea & Feast will be playing host to some of the tastiest street food from around the globe. There will be over 50 F&B booths as well as over a hundred others offering lifestyle and fashion goods. Prepare to be entertained, as games and movies will also be featured at the flea. Aug 30
PARTY
Transfix Presents David Gravell, Supported by Hong will see the IDMA Best Trance DJ and Best Breakthrough DJ nominee DJ David Gravell and his signature trance sounds. You’ll definitely be in for a treat as Gravell has travelled the world to stage performances at major raves like Ultra Europe, Ultra Miami and Creamfields. Aug 31
WORKSHOP
Learn new and nutritious recipes that are best paired with fresh harvest from your garden. The fourth in a series of workshops by Mercure Singapore on Stevens, Let’s Eat Real Fast Food endeavours teaching participants to adapt to a healthier lifestyle with easy-to-make recipes, perfect for the busy Singaporeans. Aug 31
THEATRE/FESTIVAL
The M1 Patch! A Theatre Festival of Artful Play by the bilingual The Theatre Practice returns for its sophomore edition on Waterloo Street, with an even more diverse line-up as its inaugural show. Over 15 fun and playful programmes await. Through Sep 1
EXHIBITION
The National Gallery’s next big exhibition, Awakenings: Art in Society in Asia 1960s-1990s, is a comprehensive, bold and provocative one. Comprising 142 art pieces by more than 100 artists from 12 countries in Asia, the artworks confront social, economical, cultural and political issues that plagued Asia during those three decades. See our guide to the highlights. Through Sep 15
EXHIBITION
See pieces of China’s modern haute couture juxtaposed against art from Asian Civilisations Museum’s own art collection at Guo Pei: Chinese Art and Couture, an exhibit inviting guest to contemplate the reimagining of the Chinese aesthetic. Through Sep 15
EXHIBITION
Food packaging—beautifully crafted plastic wraps, carton boxes, tin cans and more that inform, entice and make you wanna fork out dough you don’t have. But is that all there is to it? Journey through the history of modern day food packaging in Singapore at the National Museum’s Packaging Matters exhibit, and you just might find a renewed appreciation for all them compelling coverings. Through Sep 15
EXHIBITION
The ArtScience Museum’s next big showcase is a whimsical one sure to be a hit with all audiences. Leading us all through the rabbit hole is Wonderland, which celebrates all the intrigue of Lewis Carroll’s timeless universe, and invites you to step through the looking glass for an immersive museum experience. Our guide to the exhibition here. Through Sep 22
EXHIBITION
Another massive exhibit over at the ArtScience Museum is Floating Utopias, an exploration of the hot-air balloon and how its (literal) ascension has impacted our world. Come discover its storied history through over 40 artworks, including eight large-scale air-filled sculptures. Through Sep 29
EXHIBITION
The glittery Ion Orchard is celebrating its 10th birthday, and everyone’s invited to partake in a celebration of awesome food deals and plenty of Insta-worthy moments at their pop-up Kaleidoscopic Playhouse. Expect a mirror room built using almost 300 reflective surfaces, free for all to enter and snap away. Through Sep 30
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
