2021 has been a wild ride. And as the year comes to a close, it’s time to look forward to the festive season and spend time with loved ones. Here are the best events, festivals and programmes to have fun; just one more month till 2022 arrives, people.
EXHIBITION
The Embassy of Mexico is putting together the second edition of their Day of the Dead or Dia de Muertos exhibition, offering locals a proper look at this meaningful display of Mexican heritage. Not only will the 2021 exhibition spotlight the great Aztec empire, it’ll also commemorate the 700th anniversary of the foundation of Mexico-Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztecs (Mexicas) and the 500th anniversary of its fall in 1521. Through Nov 2
FESTIVAL
The annual Voilah! France Singapore Festival has always been the event to immerse in French culture, and this year’s event promises to be no exception. So enjoy a fancy fiesta celebrating joy and hope, highlighting all the magnificent aspects that characterise France and Singapore’s bilateral partnership. Over 50 different programmes await. Nov 3-Dec 10
MUSIC/FESTIVAL
Now in its 20th year, Baybeats will be transforming the typical three-day fiesta into a four-day event, allowing as many audiences as possible to catch live performances as well as live-streamed ones. Look forward to some of the most iconic Singapore bands who have been spotted in past editions; there’ll be performances by the rambunctious Amateur Takes Control, eclectic Tiramisu, pop-rock superstars Electrico, dream-pop quintet Pleasantry and more. Nov 4-7
WORKSHOP
Deepavali is just around the corner, and Geylang Serai Heritage Gallery is celebrating the Festival of Lights with a beautiful traditional flower tying workshop. Priced at a mere $5, participants will learn about the use of different types of flowers in Indian customs through a fresh flower display while making their own string of flowers. Nov 6
SHOW
La Clique may have been unsuccessful in staging a performance earlier in May due to the unexpected Phase 2 (Heightened Alert), but they’re nothing if not determined to wow audiences this second time around. So get ready to witness a unique blend of circus, comedy and contemporary cabaret variety as the show arrives at the Marina Bay Sands theatre this year-end. More information available here. Through Nov 7
FESTIVAL
Singapore Cocktail Festival will be in its sixth edition this year, and festival-goers can look forward to a whole myriad of events including bar crawls and music-inspired cocktails and cocktail brunches. The organisers have even brought in bartenders and signature drinks all the way from London to join the fun, so don’t miss out on this. Nov 12-Dec 12
PLAY
Now presented in a brand new format, the immersive Murder at Old Changi Hospital will allow theatre-goers to become players, and tackle the virtual gameplay with same plot, but that much more fun. Simply uncover the events leading up to the alleged murder of a young canteen worker, and the disappearance of four Commandos associated with the victim in 1996. More information available here. Nov 12-Jan 2, 2022
EXHIBITION
Singapore Brickfest 2021
Lego lovers and builders, listen up. Singapore Brickfest is back, and this official Lego fan exhibition is featuring some amazing builds by local and international award-winning artists to bring inspiration to builders of tomorrow. Discover nostalgic sets which pay homage to our local culture, or check out a massive medieval castle diorama. More information available here. Nov 14
EXHIBITION
Delve deep into the notion of gift-giving at Singapore Art Museum’s new exhibition The Gift, held at National Gallery Singapore’s The Ngee Ann Kongsi Concourse Gallery as their heritage buildings remain closed for renovation works. Presented as one of four related exhibitions in an ongoing transnational project, The Gift will showcase key artworks and exhibits which harbour fascinating stories. Through Nov 17
POP-UP
A Disney fan’s dream come true, Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration in Singapore will be an immersive experience featuring the one and only Mickey Mouse. A major highlight will be the Sorcerer Mickey’s Magic room, where a mystical tunnel will transport visitors to an enchanting place of fantasy and magic. Learn more about the exhibition here. Nov 19-Mar 20, 2022
FOOD/DRINK
In celebration of Creamier’s 10th anniversary this month, the popular ice cream shop is pulling out all the stops to give back to their loyal patrons. And amongst the exciting line-up of events and giveaways is the Golden Ticket campaign, which is yes, inspired by the premise of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. With 10 Golden Tickets packed into Creamier’s ice cream pints, those who find the prize and activate their ticket by this year-end will be entitled to a free scoop of ice cream every day for an entire year. Good luck! Through Nov 19
FESTIVAL
Immerse in selected panels from this year’s thought-provoking line-up anytime, anywhere with Singapore Writers Festival’s Video-on-Demand pass. Pass holders get to return to their favourite panels from the Festival and re-watch them as they please. For just $12, purchase a VOD pass and get unlimited access to over 80 programmes available, including this year’s Event of the Season with Julia Quinn, bestselling author of the phenomenal Bridgerton novels. Get to meet Rhianna Pratchett, the brains behind some of your favourite gaming moments, or spend a session with R.L. Stine, a name synonymous with teenage horror and all our adolescent memories. Through 28 Nov
FOOD/DRINK
Yotel’s Komyuniti bar now serves a fabulous new range of non-alcoholic cocktails. Featuring premium non-alcoholic spirits produced by Lyre’s including Dry London Spirit, Aperitif Rosso and American Malt, these placebo cocktails are perfect for some guilt-free indulgence alongside a komyunal-style dining experience. Through Nov 30
FOOD/DRINK
Ginett has got a brand new, seasonal menu specially curated for fall, and all are hereby invited to experience the delectable dishes. Think Halibut and Mushroom, Coq au Vin, Kabocha Squash Veloute and even Pumpkin Tarts; these new eats at the elegant Hotel G wine bar will surely delight. No tricks, just treats. Through Nov 30
ARTS
Who says artworks must be admired in stuffy museums? Not our favourite National Gallery Singapore, that’s for sure. And now, you can check out their latest initiative, The People’s Gallery. Held at several void decks across neighbourhoods in Singapore, check out art in everyday spaces as these public housing areas will bear “artworks” from now till November. Just scan the QR codes on the pillars to view the pieces and engage on the special microsite. More information available here. Through Nov 30
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
The world-famous Museum of Ice Cream has finally opened its doors in Singapore. So 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. Through 2021
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
PLAY
An Instagrammable instant noodle-inspired playground has opened at Tekka Place, for locals to celebrate their love for cup noodles, Korean ramyun and more. Here as a pop-up till early 2022, head down to interact with installations, snap pictures with OTT exhibits and purchase cool merchandise. Better yet, check into the nearby Hotel G for their special Slurping Good staycation package (till Dec 31, 2021) to enjoy some respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Through Jan 22, 2022
ATTRACTION
Aspiring paleontologists, Lego fans and lovers of the Jurassic Park film franchise, listen up. The Singapore Zoo and River Wonders will be staging the first-ever Brickosaurs World in Asia, featuring more than 60 life-sized dinosaurs from Nov 13–May 3, 2022. Happening at both attractions, the event will offer an immersive maze of hidden clues and puzzles which will create an interactive playground for explorers to get lost in the archaeological wonders. Constructed over a period of 8,548 hours, the pre-historic terrestrial vertebrates will come to life thanks to the use of 1.5 million Lego bricks. Through May 2, 2022.
