28 incredible things to do in Singapore this October

October’s here, and there’s no better way to exit the month of September than with exciting performances, Halloween-inspired fun and cool trails around the various local neighbourhoods. Just be sure to remain vigilant as you enjoy yourself and wind down on weekends out.

EVENT

Singapore Coffee Association and e-commerce platform Shopee have teamed up to launch the inaugural Singapore Coffee Week 2021 for local caffeine fiends to celebrate the wildly popular beverage choice. So check out a virtual, coffee-focused marketplace this month; besides vouchers and deals, participants can also go on cafe hopping trails and take lessons on blending and brewing. Oct 1-7

FESTIVAL
 

, 28 incredible things to do in Singapore this October
 

Archifest is back! And this time, the annual event has unveiled programmes which are very accessible to the masses. Simply embark on midnight heritage tours of Geylang or go on kayaking trips along Singapore’s Northern coast. More details here. Oct 1-31

EVENT

A safe yet memorable Oktoberfest experience awaits at Swissotel Merchant Court’s charming Ellenborough Market Cafe. Happening across a total of four days from September to October, expect to be treated to a variety of authentic German dishes and even a complimentary pint of beer on the house when you arrive dressed in traditional German outfits. Celebrate the occasion by choosing a cosy seat out on the outdoor terrace, before ordering some Bratwurst, Brockwurst, Thuringer, German pork knuckle and more. If a serving of beer isn’t enough (we don’t judge), just order a couple more as two pints of Erdinger Weissbier draft will go for $16 nett. Prost! Through Oct 3

FESTIVAL

Ground up initiative My Community Festival is presenting an awesome edition this 2021. Boasting a smorgasbord of physical tours and virtual experiences led by everyday Singaporeans, My Community Festival will take locals on adventures to explore hidden cultural gems in often overlooked spaces. Be sure to take note of visits to St. John’s Island and My Kusu Island; otherwise, grab your S.O. and chase the sunset at Woodlands, the Singapore River and Queenstown. Through Oct 3

FOOD/DRINK
 

, 28 incredible things to do in Singapore this October
 

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. Oct 4-Nov 30

SHOW

A production done in collaboration with the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC), Electrify My World presents a compelling story about one man’s ambition and aspiration against another’s—adapted from the controversial feud between two renowned scientists, Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla, in achieving their scientific goals. Oct 8-14

PLAY
 

, 28 incredible things to do in Singapore this October
 

Scare-seekers, brace yourselves for yet another virtual, interactive escape room experience as Halloween nears. Murder At Old Changi Hospital is the third and final Murder At… instalment by Sight Lines Entertainment, and will spook you out with realistic 360-degree video footage and flashbacks. Just try to 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. Oct 8-Nov 7

EVENT

Avid gamers will not want to miss out on the return of Singapore Games Week, featuring a number of activities including a Singapore Pavilion in Gamescom Asia and the SGW Virtual Village exhibition. Previously a more B2B event, the 2021 edition now offers cool programmes to the public, so keep an eye out for those. Oct 11-17

SHOW

Award-winning playwright Thomas Lim is back with a brand new play. In this case, the all-new Straight Acting will make its world premiere at Wild Rice theatre company’s home in Funan mall to discuss the lives of LGBTQ+ couples looking to start families. Opens Oct 14

ARTS 

 

, 28 incredible things to do in Singapore this October
 

Here’s another unconventional spot to enjoy some art in Singapore. At Pan Pacific Singapore’s Level 2 Public Art Space, see the works of artist Tsuyumi Miwa gracing the walls as pieces from her collection Fleeting Moments will be on display from now till early 2022. In fact, guests of the hotel can also engage with the artist who will be calligraphing cards at the hotel’s Atrium between Oct 23-31 (selected dates only); so there’s no better time to have some tea with the talented Japanese artist. Oct 16-Jan 31, 2022 

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-October 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 hereThrough Oct 17

FOOD/DRINK

Vegans rejoice! Hard Rock Cafe’s introducing some delicious vegan specials this October, and you can bet you’ll be getting uber nutritious eats like the Quinoa Tofu Salad, Plant Based Bolognese Filo Parcel and even the Thai Peanut Salad Wonton Cup at both Hard Rock Cafe Singapore and Hard Rock Cafe Sentosa. So get ready for a full-fledged vegan feast which will knock your socks off. Through Oct 31

FOOD/DRINK
 

, 28 incredible things to do in Singapore this October
 

You don’t need a fancy party or a crazy rager to get into the spirit of Halloween (no pun intended). At Swissotel Merchant Court’s alfresco Ellenborough Market Cafe, get to indulge in a brand new Menace Menu when Halloween evening arrives. Sip on punchy cocktails like the El Diablo, before chowing down on some delicious dishes which have been given a spooky twist. No spoiler alerts here, just head down to check out the cool new menu. Readers can quote SG Magazine for a whopping 20 percent off their meal. Oct 31
 

EVENT

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the new and meaningful Ride with Me charity campaign is ready to help raise funds and understanding for breast cancer—because they care. But besides the cycling campaign, you can also be sure to check out giveaways and quizzes on their social media pages to learn more about breast cancer-related topics. All funds raised will go to supporting the programmes at Breast Cancer Foundation, so sign up for this meaningful initiative and help accelerate BCF’s mission to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease. More information available here. Through Oct 31

EVENT

Halloween Horror Nights has returned, but this time, it’ll be a showcase of all the spooky props and displays seen at previous editions. Still toned down due to the pandemic, USS’ new Trick or Thrills will offer plenty of unique Halloween-themed fun, as food carts bearing haunting treats and creepy meet-and-greets will happen from now through November. Through Nov 7

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 info here. Through Nov 7

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

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 hereThrough Nov 30

EXHIBITION
 

, 28 incredible things to do in Singapore this October
 

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
 

, 28 incredible things to do in Singapore this October
 

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
 

, 28 incredible things to do in Singapore this October
 

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.
 

, 28 incredible things to do in Singapore this October
 

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 hereThrough Dec 31

EXHIBITION 
 

, 28 incredible things to do in Singapore this October
 

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 hereThrough 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 hereThrough 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. Jan 22, 2022