Just like that, we’ve come to the mid-year mark. And despite these uncertain times, there are still plenty of entertaining yet safe activities out there for us locals to enjoy. This July, head to socially distanced events including film festivals, brunch shindigs, exciting performances and even intriguing exhibitions for some good old fashioned fun.
SHOW
Get ready for a rainbow of a spectacle as Pam Oei’s Faghag is heading to Wild Rice @ Funan. There, revel in an experience like no other as the vibrant musical is a flamboyant comedy that touches on important issues too. Jul 1-25
FILM/FESTIVAL
Film buffs, rejoice—Singapore’s only film festival dedicated to art and artmaking is back. Happening this month, National Gallery Singapore’s Painting with Light festival is offering new and novel experiences bound to delight, especially during these uncertain times. Just check out a line-up of over 50 award-winning and premiering shows, some of which are part of screenings beneath the Supreme Court Terrace’s gorgeous glass canopy. Jul 2-25
FOOD/DRINK
Everyone’s favourite boozy brunch spot is hosting a special Independence Day edition of its popular Sunday Champagne brunch. For one day only, tuck into a smorgasbord of classic American fare that includes the Kansas City pork spare ribs, Texas smoked brisket and smoked chicken with Alabama white sauce; plus sides such as potato salad, coleslaw and mac and cheese. Toast to the socially distanced party with free-flow Veuve Clicquot champagne and Peroni beer as the Lavo event takes place from 12-3pm and is priced at $188 per pax. Jul 4
SHOP
GSS? Now that stands for the Great Shopee Sale. Happening from now till early July, the e-commerce giant is offering the craziest deals—no strings attached. For instance, enjoy 28 percent cash back throughout the entire sales period, or check in daily at noon to redeem some free bubble tea. Shipping costs are also out the window as plenty of free shipping are available across categories including sports, gadgets and accessories. Through Jul 7
SHOW
(Credit: Wildlife Reserves Singapore)
Rainforest Lumina is lighting up the wild for one final time, starting this July. Happening now till February 2022, the night walk that debuted in 2018 will offer one last multi-sensory journey that melds nature with the latest technology in light and audio projection. Focusing solely on the environment, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in a symphony of lights, beautiful orchestral music and interactive elements that inspire the appreciation of nature and wildlife preservation. More info here. Opens Jul 8
FESTIVAL
The final iteration of Festival of Women: N.O.W. (Not Ordinary Work) is happening, and like the year before, the experience will be a fully digital affair. So expect to find 15 programmes, including digital performances, interactive workshops and Instagram exhibitions. More info here. Jul 13-31
FOOD/DRINK
French craft gin pioneer Citadelle Gin’s latest creation has arrived in Singapore. Inspired by the garden cultivated by the Citadelle founder’s wife, the new Citadelle Jardin d’ete (which translates to summer garden) offers zesty flavours thanks to the addition of lemon, yuzu zest and orange peel. It is now available for purchase at select Cold Storage and Market Place outlets in Singapore at a recommended retail price of $82.
And in celebration of this launch, expect to see a number of Citadelle Gin pop-ups all around our city, including ones at Smoke & Mirrors as well as Raffles Courtyard. Simply head down to these bars to experience specially crafted Citadelle Gin cocktails and more. Jul 14-Sep 14
WELLNESS
In line with International Self Care Day this July, GuocoLand and The Big Sit have partnered up to present The Big Sit x Guoco Tower, an event that encourages locals to rest and recuperate. The 45-60mins practice will be guided by an experienced mindfulness/meditation coach, and begins with mindful movements or walking, followed by sitting. Come at least 10mins before the session to set up a comfortable spot; don’t forget to don comfortable clothes and bring along a yoga mat, cushion and masks. Jul 24
EXHIBITION
The term metaverse is probably the latest buzzword. And if you’d like to enter this collective virtual shared space, head down to the cool, newly minted UltraSuperNew Gallery at Jalan Besar for its second exhibition named Future Space. Here, expect a live, experimental sound and visual production by radarboy3000, Mantravine and Mischief Makers with Luminescence, and a mind-blowing virtual reality gallery experience in Counterplace+, courtesy of artist Jo Ho. Plenty of other VR exhibits and AI-generated artworks await as well. Through Jul 24
FESTIVAL
There may be plenty of online music festivals to choose from, but you should still mark your calendars for Splendour XR. An event conceived by the team behind annual Aussie music and arts fiesta Splendour in the Grass, this year’s concept has gone global to unite musical fans and talents from around the world. Just get excited to catch the hottest acts around, including Khalid, The Killers, Charli XCX and Of Monsters and Men. More info here. Jul 24-25
EXHIBITION
An all-new collaborative art exchange project has taken place between Singapore and South Korean artists, and it’s time to witness the fruits of their labour. Happening across June and July, the showcase at Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre will explore avant-garde ways of cross-cultural collaboration in times of uncertainty. Named Cyborg Thinks, the display of contemporary art will examine everyday human experiences and issues that may go unnoticed in today’s contemporary world. Through Jul 27
PLAY
Launching an exciting Game Quest with over 25,000 prizes is CapitaLand’s Explore the City campaign which is a gamified self-guided hunt for visitors to discover the city at CapitaLand malls. Simply begin your journey here before searching for two QR codes within each mall to scan and complete quests that entitle you chances to win prizes. Through Jul 31
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
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
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
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
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
