The merry month of May has arrived, and with it comes all sorts of fun and whimsy. First, there’s the returning Flipside festival at Esplanade which features awe-inspiring circus performances; then there’s the new murder mystery production by The Theatre Practice happening end-May. But say all else fails, just visit good ol’ restaurants and bars like Ce La Vi for food and drinks with a view.
Just remember to abide by safe distancing measures and mask up at all times.
FOOD/DRINK
If plant-based menus tickle your fancy, head over to Parkroyal Collection Pickering’s Lime restaurant to try its new mouth-watering vegetarian-friendly eats. The delicious Meatless Meat and Vegetables in Tomato Sauce Pizza awaits, along with other wholesome dishes like the Miso Meatless Meat Bolognaise with Vegan Egg which uses Just Egg Folded, a plant-based egg substitute. From now onwards
SHOP
The exclusive Boss x Russell Athletic collection has arrived here in Singapore, and in its line-up at Mandarin Gallery, find plenty of unisex pieces that channel athleisure vibes. Get a sneak peek of the collection here before heading down. From now onwards
FOOD/DRINK
Ce La Vi’s popular Sky High Hawker series is back. Still offering delicious hawker dishes, simply soak up unparalleled views of Singapore’s skyline while feasting heartily. Make your reservations here. May 1-2
POP-UP
From now till May, step into a world of chocolate at Changi Airport as the transportation hub has collaborated with leading global chocolatier The Hershey Company. At T3, visit the pop-up inspired by the iconic Hershey’s Chocolate World store in New York’s Times Square that includes an Amazing Chocolate Machine dispensing newly-launched chocolate varieties. Personalise your own Hershey’s Giant Bar, then enjoy photo-ops at larger-than-life chocolate installations too. Through May 3
FOOD/DRINK
Trust Thai beer brand Singha to marry our love for spicy, hearty nosh and lager at the first-ever Singha Food Fest in Singapore. In compliance with safety regulations, the festival has become a decentralised one, with over 17 participating restaurants offering delicious dishes such as Tom Yum Goong, Pad Thai, River-side Grilled Prawns and more. The whole shebang will even culminate in a lucky draw for festival-goers to win a grand prize—a 2D1N staycation at Andaz Singapore. Through May 10
ARTS/FESTIVAL
An all-new festival of digital performances is happening on Telegram. Named Strike! Digital Festival, the showcase will see virtual productions by seven theatre troupes including Attempts, Bound Theatre and The Second Breakfast Company. To be given access to the festival’s Telegram group chat which offers links to the line-up, simply register your interest here. Through May 2
MARKET
The ever-popular Geylang Serai Hari Raya Bazaar has been transformed into Bazaar Kita, a brand new virtual bazaar for all things Ramadan. Besides enjoying delicious eats, also feel free to shop to your heart’s content and catch online performances via Wisma Geylang Serai’s Facebook page. Through May 12
EXHIBITION
Office practices have changed dramatically over the past year, but one thing’s for sure: flexible work arrangements are here to stay. Have a good look at the coming evolution of office design as the National Design Centre has partnered with interior design studio Paperspace Asia to offer The Office, Disrupted – Redesigning the Workplace in a Time of Change.
Introducing new ideas surrounding space, human connections and technology, the exhibition ultimately explores how these concepts converge in the workplace to create the ideal work life. More information about the exhibition here. Through May 13
ARTS/FESTIVAL
Trust Esplanade’s whimsical Flipside festival to channel the fun amidst these tough times. Following an abrupt cancellation last year, the fun-filled fiesta has returned with renewed vigour to present a myriad of adrenaline-pumping performances. Featuring live, digital and hybrid productions which include everything from juggling workshops to improv comedy shows, just learn what’s on at Flipside 2021 here. May 28-Jun 6
FESTIVAL
Every year, the Singapore HeritageFest uncovers and celebrates lesser-known aspects of our local culture, and this year will be no different. Look forward to enjoying over 100 on-site and online programmes which offer an exploration of our country’s healthcare history and food heritage, besides reliving stories that unite us as a nation. Check out unique tastings at local heritage businesses, or go on a food-themed photowalk in the Bras Basah.Bugis (BBB) precinct. Through May 30
SHOW
Investigate a chilling murder mystery in The Theatre Practice’s new interactive online play. Named The Bride Always Knocks Twice—Killer Secrets, get excited to question suspects, explore an on-site crime scene and more. May 31-Jun 6
FESTIVAL
From comedy shows to live concerts, the upcoming SCCC Cultural Extravaganza 2021 has got it all. For an entertainment-filled month you won’t regret, check out our itinerary here. Through Jun 12
EXHIBITION
As the final destination on this travelling exhibition’s global tour, Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition will be giving local fans of the George Lucas media franchise a reason to geek out this end-January. Discover nearly 200 props, models, costumes and artwork from the original film franchise, then answer the simple yet profound question—what force shapes you? Through Jun 13
FESTIVAL
Hari Raya Aidilfitri is just around the corner (May 13), and to join in a joyous celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, head to Malay Heritage Centre’s returning fun-filled fiesta, #KasiOnRayaFest. Just snap OOTD pics at an outdoor display, or try your hand at origami art during drop-in craft activities. There are also musical performances, online workshops and TikTok dance challenges. Through Jun 13
POP-UP
Explore the old-world charm and grandeur of the Orient Express as this travelling exhibit arrives in Singapore for the very first time to allow locals the chance to experience what it must have been like to hop on a journey from Europe to the East.
With two original train carriages, a 158-year-old locomotive and 300 heritage items such as uniforms, shields and more, seize the opportunity to check out this exclusive pop-up by pre-booking your tickets in advance. Through Jun 2021
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 five 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 per cent off at Lime Restaurant. Prices start from $1100++ to $1500++ per room per night. Available for booking from now to Jun 30, 2021. Terms and conditions apply. Through Jun 2021
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 to 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
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 info 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
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. Through 2021
