September’s here, and there’s no better way to exit the month of August than with returning food festivals, rambunctious music events and artsy plays. Just be sure to remain vigilant as you enjoy yourself and wind down on weekends out.
EVENT
Self-proclaimed foodies will not want to miss the Michelin Star Revelation Singapore 2021 livestream, available to the public for the very first time. Happening on the official Michelin Guide Singapore Facebook page and the Michelin Guide Asia Youtube channel, simply join in the excitement by tuning in from wherever you are. Be sure to congratulate your favourite restaurants when you hear the announcements live too. Sep 1
FOOD/DRINK
Popular food fiesta Eatbox is back! Taking over Tekka Place near Rochor MRT, the festival by the same folks behind Artbox Singapore and Shilin Night Market will occupy 9,500 sq ft of space as the creative food hall features 20 booths and four kiosks. But that’s not all. Besides offering unique eats like onigiri sandwiches and truffle egg burgers, the festival will also introduce a playground for adults plus a recreational content space in the basement. Exciting stuff. Opens Sep 1
ARTS/FESTIVAL
There’s no better way to bond with your grandparents than with programmes organised by the annual Silver Arts festival. Keeping seniors engaged with arts and culture, look forward to checking out activities including radio plays, dance showcases and even workshops that reflect on Singapore’s treasured neighbourhoods. Opens Sep 3
FOOD/DRINK
Gastropub Heart of Darkness Singapore is throwing a (safe yet fun) hoorah in celebration of its first anniversary at Keong Saik Road, and you’re hereby invited to be part of the fun. Just drink to your heart’s content with a Saturday two-hour free-flow drinks brunch or take the party up a notch with a three-hour free-flow package on Sunday. Ain’t nothing more relaxing than winding down with a drink in hand when the weekend arrives. Sep 4-5
FESTIVAL
Science Centre Singapore’s annual blockbuster event Untame is back. Bigger and better than ever, the three-month long learning festival happens from September to Decemeber to mirror the great reset brought about by the pandemic and mankind’s role in rebuilding a sustainable future. A four-part extravaganza, expect to find Untame Stream Festival for sensorial activities, Untame Online (a gamified platform) as well as Untame Day, an onsite experience featuring workshops and a farmer’s market. There’ll also be Untame After Dark, where visitors can find special evenings of performances. Fun. Sep 6-Dec 5
SHOP
If you’re looking to get some shopping done this month, be sure to mark your calendars for Shopee’s signature 9.9 Super Shopping Day. Offering the biggest deals all in one place, receive up to 30 percent cashback, free shipping, and other attractive rewards on a wide assortment of products available on Shopee Mall and Shopee Supermarket. Those eyeing new electronic goods will want to head over to the online Comex Super Tech Show (held in partnership with Comex) as well, to find the most value-for-money tech products. Sep 9
SHOW
A standout play is arriving this September, and that’s Love & Information, to be staged by none other than theatre darling Wild Rice. The show that’s set to reopen Wild Rice’s Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre, expect the youthful drama to focus on real-life drama, misfortunes and dilemmas. Think relatable situations like couples making dinner plans to existential crises and more. Grab your tickets here. Sep 9-12
MUSIC/FESTIVAL
Rock on at Ignite! Music Festival, now in its 14th edition and still championing exciting local talent. Always evolving, all are welcome to join in an organised workshop led by the founder of independent label Where Are The Fruits, or party to sick beats with homegrown acts such as Charlene Su and Forests. Sep 9-18
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. Sep 10-Nov 7
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. Sep 10-Oct 3
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
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. Sep 13-Nov 30
EXHIBITION
Alliance Francaise de Singapour is paying homage to one of the most illustrious names in dance by unveiling their latest exhibition, Dance: A Tribute to Rudolf Nureyev. Happening for a few months, the showcase is part of the ongoing French Excellence programme, and will showcase 14 striking costumes from Nureyev’s ballets, as seen in world-famous performances at iconic destinations including Paris Opera House. But besides the beautiful garments, locals can also look forward to viewing 49 unpublished photographs and participating in a series of talks and workshops that celebrate the King of Dance plus the evolution of ballet. Through Sep 15
SHOW
Celebrate a meaningful Mid-Autumn Festival with Gardens by the Bay, as our city’s prized nature park will be lit with lantern displays and scenic backdrops to enthrall visitors. Simply discover a Rabbits Forest set that features adorable rabbit lanterns spreading cheer in the Flower Dome; cultural performances can also be expected on weekends. Sep 15-Oct 3
NIGHTLIFE
The time has come for us to drink for a good cause as Negroni Week returns with bars in Singapore proudly serving unique renditions of the popular Italian cocktail. Just bar hop across town and pop by venues including Employees Only and Manhattan for a tipple or two. The Old Man Singapore and Smoke & Mirrors are on the list of participating venues as well. More information available here. Through Sep 19
FOOD/DRINK
Here’s another event discerning diners will not want to miss: Singapore Food Festival 2021. Happening over three weekends from August to September, the behemoth SFF 2021 is bringing gourmands more than 50 different gastronomic and drinking experiences via a unique hybrid edition. Just check out exciting tours, workshops and even secret menus at restaurants in town; more information available here. Through Sep 21
EVENT
Credit: NHB
A line-up of family-friendly digital initiatives such as craft workshops and games is taking place via the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall’s Facebook page, to commemorate the Mid-Autumn Festival 2021. But those who live around the neighbourhood will want to gather their families and friends for a stroll at the memorial hall, as giant lantern installations have been erected on its grounds. Incredibly endearing, these moon rabbits are produced by Thailand artist Boonyavee Boonsakda (Ngaew Ngaew), in collaboration with the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall. They will be on display at the lawn daily. Through Sep 26
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
Check out Renew Earth Sweat Shop at Temasek Shophouse & Post-Museum, a community and participatory art project that reacts to the environmental impact and labour conditions linked to the global fashion industry. Presenting unique works, workshops and more, simply confront issues pertaining to fashion waste while trying your hand at upcycling projects thanks to this important environmental showcase. Through Sep 30
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 Sep 30
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 here. Through Oct 17
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
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
