It’s been one heck of a year, but fingers crossed, things will start looking up this August. And thanks to our favourite businesses, event organisers and galleries, we’ve still got plenty of fun yet pandemic-appropriate activities to look out for. In the amazing month of August, catch free outdoor movie screenings at Gardens by the Bay with Moonlight Cinema, check out beautiful pieces of art at exhibitions like Something New Must Turn Up and get active with Decathlon’s first-ever virtual sports carnival. Now, who says Singapore is boring?
EXHIBITION
Celebrated glass artist Dale Chihuly’s incredible artworks are now on display at our city’s magnificent nature park near Marina Bay Sands. At Gardens by the Bay, experience over 100 sculptures and installations including the breathtaking Cloud Forest Persians and famed Ethereal White Persians. Just make a trip down to view these awe-inspiring blown glass creations in person. Through Aug 1
SHOP
Us Singaporeans love a good sale, and this National Day, our pals over at Shopee will be giving us a chance to go on a majorly discounted shopping spree. At the Shopee 8.8 National Day Sale, support local businesses and find crazy flash deals—all at the same time. Shopee funpacks are also available, so keep an eye out for those if you want to snag food and bubble tea vouchers. More incredible promotions await; further details on that later. Aug 1-9
HEALTH
Those currently struggling to stay active will really appreciate the new, inaugural Decathlon Sports Fest 2021, hosted in partnership with Sport Singapore. Featuring a slew of sports activities for the Singaporean population, partake in HIIT workouts (led by instructors from some of Singapore’s best gyms), yoga sessions and even walkathon challenges. Prizes will be given out too; more information available here. Through Aug 8
HEALTH
Happening as part of nightlife operator A Phat Cat Collective’s fundraising campaign, this ‘80s-themed workout class will help you keep fit with its Jane Fonda-inspired moves. Just fork over $20 to register, grab your aerobics outfit, and get ready to work up a sweat in your own home. Aug 17
EXHIBITION
The world-famous Museum of Ice Cream will finally be opening its doors in Singapore this August. Come Thurs, Aug 19, step into a lush, 60,000 sq ft property boasting 14 never-before-seen installations dedicated to the beloved dessert and the joys of savouring ice cream. A highly-anticipated highlight is the Singapore-inspired Dragon Playground, sure to evoke fond childhood memories. Learn more about the immersive experience here. Opens Aug 19
EXHIBITION
Created by product company Xencelabs in collaboration with Artiste Culture, the global Opposites Attract showcase is all about examining life’s contradictions and connections. Held virtually till month-end, simply hop online for a free guided tour of the exhibition to begin pondering if there is any truth to the phrase opposites attract—in love, life and everything in-between. Through Aug 20
SHOW
J&T Express may be known for its logistics service, but it is now taking things up a notch with the inaugural J&T Fashion Week in Singapore which runs from Aug 18-22. Happening as part of J&T’s ongoing efforts to support homegrown retail and fashion brands that have been affected by the global pandemic, a virtual fashion show named Support SG Local: Going Further and Beyond will be held too. Here, expect to see homegrown labels like MDS Collections, MGP Label and Saturday Club showcase their designs when the show streams live on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. Aug 20
SHOW
Moonlight Cinema is back. Returning to Gardens by the Bay this month with free outdoor movie screenings, all are welcome to watch a series of Singapore films including 3688, Singapore Minstrel and Singapore GaGa. More information available here. Aug 20-22
EXHIBITION
Expect to witness some of the most elegant, intricate pieces of art at Mulan Gallery’s upcoming presentation, Mimesis. Found at its premises along Armenian Street, the group showcase displays works by six contemporary Japanese ceramicists, including Chikako Inaba, Sayaka Shingu, Yu Tanaka and Yuri Takemura. With original creations that portray natural scenery and inorganic objects, the exhibition inspired by Aristotle’s views of perfection and imitation of nature will inspire and transcend the many boundaries of art. Through Aug 21
SHOW
The annual National Day Parade has officially been postponed to Aug 21. Returning to the Marina Bay floating platform as a centralised and in-person event then, the scaled down affair will take the theme of Together, Our Singapore Spirit and call on Singaporeans to draw new strength amidst challenging circumstances from Covid-19. Aug 21
EXHIBITION
A capsule exhibition co-organised by NAFA and the Sculpture Society Singapore (SSS) has just premiered, to focus on the unique theme of materiality. Offering a slew of abstract sculptures, ceramics, new media works and installations, the diverse showcase aims to spotlight new ways of thinking about the importance of physical experience in the appreciation of sculptural or 3D art and their makers’ outcomes.
Highlights of the exhibition include V for Vague, V for Vogue, W for Vague Vogue by Yeo Chee Kiong, a piece of sculpture and publication which poses questions about what it means to perform topical research; Eat my Smelly Flowers by Subashri Sankarasubramanian that explores still life; as well as Geo-Palmistry by Chen Yanyi, a collection that documents the artist’s memories and personal experiences. Through Aug 22
EXHIBITION
The artistic practices of Singapore’s post-independence era may not be widely discussed, but all that is about to change at National Gallery Singapore’s new exhibition. Spotlighting six post-independence Singaporean artists including Chng Seok Tin, Goh Beng Kwan, Jaafar Latiff, Lin Hsin Hsin, Mohammad Din Mohammad and Eng Tow; Something New Must Turn Up features over 300 installations at the Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery. More on the exhibition here. Through Aug 22
FOOD/DRINK
The annual Singapore Food Festival is back. Returning for its 28th year, SFF 2021 will be offering live masterclasses with local chefs including Bjorn Shen and Maxine Ngooi, tours of Singapore farms and factories, as well as secret menus at some of the most happening restaurants in town. Just get the full details here. Aug 27-Sep 21
EXHIBITION
While many of us would like to leave 2020 behind and look forward to brighter days, it’s important to remind ourselves how strong and resilient people have been during those dark months. Happening from Feb 27-Aug 29 at the National Museum of Singapore is Picturing the Pandemic: A Visual Record of COVID-19 in Singapore, which offers an intimate look into life in Singapore in the new normal, and perhaps a way to share with future generations what it was like during the early phases of the pandemic. Through Aug 29
SHOW
Credit: NHB
For the entire month of August, seven of Singapore’s monuments in the Civic District will be lighting up red in celebration of our country’s years of independence. Just make a trip down to the Bras Basah. Bugis precinct, and witness Insta-worthy light projections at venues including National Museum of Singapore, National Design Centre and Central Fire Station. Learn and plan your route here. Through Aug 31
HEALTH
In celebration of Singapore’s 56th birthday, Singapore Sports Hub has curated a line-up of pandemic-appropriate activities that will bring friends and families together as one, and ignite that can-do spirit. Just go on a virtual GPS hunt, try innovative fitness workouts with a local twist and look out for a show-stopping light display. More information available here. Through Aug 31
EXHIBITION
(Credit: National Arts Council)
A new exhibition by NAC has premiered at Stamford Arts Centre, and this time, delve into the history of traditional dances in Singapore. Just check out the reflections and first person accounts of six anchor artists—each representing a pillar of the local traditional Chinese, Malay and Indian dance domain. Tapping on the narratives of these influential figures, viewers will get an intimate look at the traditional practices handed down over generations; thoughts and perspectives that underlie the current traditional dance climate; and views on traditional dance in a modern environment. More info on Routes here. Through Sep 12
EXHIBITION
Alliance Francaise de Singapour is paying homage to one of the most illustrious names in dance by unveiling their latest exhibition, Dance: A Tribute to Rudolf Nureyev. Happening for a few months, the showcase is part of the ongoing French Excellence programme, and will showcase 14 striking costumes from Nureyev’s ballets, as seen in world-famous performances at iconic destinations including Paris Opera House. But besides the beautiful garments, locals can also look forward to viewing 49 unpublished photographs and participating in a series of talks and workshops that celebrate the King of Dance plus the evolution of ballet. Through Sep 15
EXHIBITION
Get a rare glimpse of life in traditional and contemporary Japan at the Asian Civilisations Museum’s new double-bill showcase. Named Life in Edo | Russel Wong in Kyoto, the exciting exhibition runs from now till mid-September to tell some lesser-known stories about the Land of the Rising Sun. While Life in Edo draws attention to the lifestyle and trends of the Edo period, Russel Wong in Kyoto offers previously unseen photographs of Kyoto’s geiko culture. More information available here. Through Sep 16
EXHIBITION
This 2021, seize the opportunity to head back into galleries and art spaces. The Singaporean and Southeast Asian art museum, National Gallery, has finally unveiled its latest exhibition, Georgette Chen: At Home in the World. Having opened late last year, the late local painter’s eponymous exhibition will undoubtedly feature some of her most prominent artworks as well as rare archival materials to showcase her life and times, in Singapore and globally. More information available here. Through Sep 26
EXHIBITION
Fashion is often a reflection of the times. So explore the changes in women’s status, roles and lifestyle since the 19th century through fashion at Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall’s brand new exhibition. Titled Modern Women of the Republic: Fashion and Change in China and Singapore, the exhibition will display close to 100 artefacts and photographs, focusing on Chinese women’s clothing and accessories from China as well as Singapore which span almost a hundred years. Through Dec 12
EXHIBITION
What is local fashion? Consider this question at Asian Civilisations Museum’s latest exhibition, #SGFashionNow. Showcasing works by renowned local designers as well as our next generation of fashion creatives, ACM will offer gorgeous exhibits for all to ogle at. Through Dec 19
ARTS/EXHIBITION
In the new and refreshed Goh Seng Choo Gallery at the National Museum of Singapore, visit A Voyage of Love and Longing which features a selection of the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings paired with Malay literature for the first time. Rediscover the rich cultural heritage of our local Malay community and neighbours through 19th century drawings alongside Malay pantuns (rhyme quatrains), classical texts, love ballads and more. Through Dec 31
MUSIC/FESTIVAL
Originally slated to take place across two weekends in April 2020, Hydeout music festival has instead introduced an ever-evolving music hub to keep fans satisfied thanks to a constant release of exciting content throughout 2021. Check out episodes with iconic DJs such as DJ Snake, Don Diablo and Martin Garrix, as well as major singer-songwriters like Rita Ora, Charli XCX and Tinashe. You’ll also want to mark your calendars for performances by some of the hottest rappers around, including Wiz Khalifa, G-Eazy and The Kid Laroi. Get 20 percent off your Hydeout Season Pass using SG Magazine’s promo code: HYDExSGMAG. Through Dec 31
STAYCATION
Get hooked with Parkroyal Collection Pickering’s new Bait and Breakfast staycation. This unique experience includes a one-night stay at the hotel’s Collection Signature Suite and a three-hour private fishing trip around the Southern Islands. Sail away onboard the luxurious Wellcraft 330 Coastal yacht, courtesy of Wanderlust Adventures, while learning the art of fishing from a professional guide. You’ll be provided with all the equipment, accessories and live bait for your fishing adventure. Limited to two guests per trip, you’ll also enjoy a stopover at Lazarus Island to bask in the sunshine.
That’s not all. The package includes full Collection Club benefits with daily Champagne breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails at the Collection Club Lounge, as well as 20 percent off at Lime Restaurant. Prices start from $1100 to $1500 per room per night. Available for booking from now to Dec 31, 2021. Terms and conditions apply. Through Dec 31
EXHIBITION
Head to the newly-revamped Changi Chapel and Museum to visit its renewed prisoner of war exhibition. Now presenting the lived experiences of internees during our country’s Japanese Occupation, the enhanced galleries showcase antiques and artworks within its premises too. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for interesting artefacts including a never-before-seen 400-page diary and a Kodak Baby Brownie camera. More information available here. Through Dec 31
EXHIBITION
Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci is a household name in both the arts and sciences. Now, Singaporeans are invited to step into his world, as the Science Centre Singapore honours the celebrated artist and scientist in its latest showcase, Da Vinci The Exhibition: Be Inspired to Innovate. So look forward to tracing da Vinci’s advanced understanding of math, science and nature through 10 themed zones; fun, interactive photo-ops will also be available for guests to be thoroughly entertained. Through Jan 2, 2022
ATTRACTION
Friendly fella Otah the Otter is back. Following a successful run at our city’s most prominent nature park last December, local entertainment company El Masnou is reintroducing the lovable character to tell new stories through enhanced, otter-themed experiences. Named Volume 2: Blast Off and Volume 3: Grocery Run will be held at Gardens by the Bay and Suntec City respectively. Expect that same interactive, immersive fun; more info here. Through Jan 2, 2022
