October—it’s the month of frights and the mark of fall. Perhaps even more so now, given today’s circumstances. But while many annual Halloween events like the Halloween Horror Nights at USS has been cancelled, there are still plenty of other exciting activities coming your way. Start by heading online with all your favourite festivals such as the Singapore Writers Festival and Archifest which are back with a digital twist; here’s to inching a step closer to the end of 2020.
PARENTING/FESTIVAL
Envision a world filled with possibilities despite today’s circumstances at the returning Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC) this month. Apart from learning how literature helps children navigate crises, all are invited to embark on a digital journey of exploration to be immersed in a world of stories for children and young adults. Featured writers include well-known personalities like Mariko Nagai, Trevor Lai and more. Oct 3-4
PARENTING/ART
Let your little ones express their creativity at Smoke By Shou Sugi Ban Gallery’s new art class which also gives you the opportunity to catch a break. Priced at $15, each kid is allowed to partake in a fun activity while parents sip on a cuppa in the aesthetically pleasing cafe located within the quaint Esplanade mall. Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
PARENTING/FESTIVAL
Octoburst! – A Children’s Festival by Esplanade isn’t just making a splash with its 17th edition; it is also moving beyond the physical confines of its venue to reach children of all ages and needs across Singapore. From free craft workshops to interactive performances, there’s bound to be something for everyone. Oct 4-6
FOOD/DRINK
Lavo’s iconic Sunday Champagne brunches have returned, and you can now enjoy them ala carte-style throughout the month of October with a couple of your closest friends. Dig into a lavish free-flow spread that includes the Wagyu Meatball Pizza and Prime Hanger Steak; plus of course free-flow Veuve Clicquot champagne, specialty cocktails and other beverages. Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
MUSIC/LITERATURE 
Pay homage to Singapore’s three official languages in this completely auditory and textual experience happening in two parts. Primordial music tracks spun exclusively by musicians like .gif, Fauxe and Mantravine can be expected at this online silent disco by #BuySingLit filled with readings, an all-night party and an open-mic session; just join in from the comfort of your own home. Oct 8, 16
FESTIVAL
Celebrate the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival over tea and mooncakes while learning about the history of Chinese customs and traditions thanks to the first-ever virtual Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival. Held via the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall’s Facebook page, get excited and partake in fun initiatives including cooking classes, storytelling sessions and interactive craft demonstrations. Through Oct 11
ARTS/FESTIVAL
If you’ve always been drawn to the artistry of dance and movement, then get excited for Esplanade’s da:ns festival which returns with riveting works of all genres. Expect to hear witness dance professionals create new pieces with the help of artificial intelligence, demystify dance through discussions and even host refreshing workshops. Just head over to Esplanade Offstage to see its virtual line-up. Oct 12-31
SHOP
It’s the shopping event of the year, and you won’t want to miss out on this one. As Amazon returns with its annual Prime Day over two weekdays this October, there will be the launch of e-Gift Cards, 10 new categories with millions of products, new deals and a shopper’s personality quiz. All that in addition to the massive discounts and incredible savings available. Mark your calendars quick, folks. Oct 13-14
O Beautiful Night
FILM/FESTIVAL
Returning with a diverse range of films on contemporary issues, get excited to check out the 24th German Film Festival at The Projector which is happening till early November. Presented by the Goethe-Institut Singapore jointly with the independent cinema and arts venue, eight films ranging from drama to documentaries and romance promises interesting storytelling. The opening film is certainly an unmissable one; O Beautiful Night follows the tragicomic journey of a scared young man and his unlikely adventure with Death himself. Oct 15-Nov 1
FOOD/DRINK
Durian lovers, prepare your stomachs for a lavish durian dessert buffet spread at the Goodwood Park Hotel’s Coffee Lounge from October till November. In commemoration of the luxurious hotel’s 120th anniversary, the cafe will be dishing out delicious sweets including the D24 Durian Puff and Ice Cream, Mao Shan Wang Mousse Cake, Crepe, Swiss Roll and so much more. And feel free to pair this spread with any of the degustation menus or ala carte buffets available for a truly complete dining experience. Oct 17-Nov 15
GARDENING/FESTIVAL
The Community Garden Festival is back for its fourth edition with the theme of Gardening with Edibles to inspire amateur and experienced gardeners alike. So look forward to an entire slew of free programmes including talks, demos, tours and live Q&A sessions with NParks plant specialists. Oct 24-25
ARTS
This All Hallows’ Eve, go online with the Museum Roundtable as they roll out their latest Museum Roundtable Halloween Initiative Creepy-Facts or Artefacts? on the I Love Museums Facebook Page to engage all in a quiz about freaky exhibits. Learn more about the creepy-looking artefacts and decide whether they simply appear scary or indeed have a hair-raising story behind them. Then put your common knowledge to the test in their series of True or False games to win attractive prizes sponsored by the Museum Label. Oct 24-31
HEALTH/CHARITY
Stay healthy while you show support for a good cause this October with the #NWTap4HealthyHeart challenge by Nature’s Wonders as the health foods manufacturer engages all in its new social media fitness challenge. To partake, simply film a one-min video of yourself performing as many shoulder taps as you can while doing a straight arm plank. For every shoulder tap completed during the plank, $1 will be donated to the United Hearts Fund of SHF, to help create a heart-healthy nation. Also share the entry and tag your friends to get all participating in this good cause. Through Oct 28
Singapore Writers Festival 2019
LITERATURE/FESTIVAL
The annual Singapore Writers Festival has always been an unmissable literary event for locals since its inception years ago. And so in spite of the ongoing pandemic, the SWF 2020 will make its return this end-October with a digital transformation boasting a wide variety of programmes that include discussions with famed writers like Tracy K Smith, Zadie Smith and more. Over 100 activities and initiatives await your attendance. Grab your festival passes here. Oct 30-Nov 8
ARCHITECTURE/FESTIVAL
During a crisis such as the one we’re facing today, the subject of building and city design might get overlooked. But it is more vital than ever to discuss architecture and its function in today’s age, as the sector actually does play an important role in addressing current challenges. So learn how architecture can address public health concerns, climate change and more pressing issues at the first ever hybrid Singapore Archifest, hosted by the Singapore Institute of Architects. Immersive programmes like online forums, virtual exhibitions, decentralised islandwide pop-up activities are available now. Through Oct 31
FOOD/DRINK
Do some good while you feast at restaurants all across Singapore for the next five months as Hi5SG is a campaign that supports and gives back to local communities. Participating restaurants including Bar-A-Thym, Braci and Summerlong are offering promotions and privileges for dine-in, takeaway or delivery islandwide, and will then donate a portion of their proceeds to Dreams which helps underprivileged children living in HDB rental flats. More information about the non-profit nationwide dining programme here. Through Jan 2021
ARTS/EXHIBITIONS
A new series of exhibitions by 12 local art institutions and independent arts spaces have been launched in support of the local arts community. Titled Proposals of Novel Ways of Being, check out works by over 170 local artists and cultural workers through programmes and offerings across various venues in Singapore, including The Substation, National Gallery Singapore and ADM Gallery. Through Feb 2021
