65 fun things to do in Singapore in October

We’ll spare you the puns about September ending, because October is positively bursting with things to do and places to be seen at. Fill your calendar with a bevy of film festival screenings (ranging from horror to art house), art exhibitions, Oktoberfests, and booze festivals where day-drinking is 100 percent encouraged (why hello, Wine Fiesta). But pace yourself; come end October, there’ll be plenty of wild Halloween parties to attend, not to mention the ongoing island favorite Halloween Horror Nights 8.

FOOD
The all-American hotdog is getting a twist at Dean & DeLuca this month. Choose from two funky dogs—a meat lover’s delight called the Pepper Philly Dog, which layers sauteed black pepper beef, crispy onion rings and melted cheese over a juicy beef hotdog; and the Sloppy Baek, a Korean-American union of homemade con carne, gochujang sauce and zesty kimchi atop a chicken hotdog. Each dog comes with a side of chips, and you can get 15% off with Mastercard. Oct 1-Nov 30

DRINK
Celebrate in true Bavarian style at The Spot as it celebrates Oktoberfest 2018 with plenty of meat offerings like the Pressed Crispy Pork Knuckle and Chorizo Pork Sausage, alongside pints of Paulaner Munich Dunkel, Asahi Super Dry and Hitachino Red Rice Ale. Oct 1-6

CONCERT
Household name Sam Smith first broke out onto the scene when he laid vocals for Disclosure’s hit single “Latch” back in 2012, and subsequently on Naughty Boy’s “La La La” right after releasing his first single, “Lay Me Down”. Now with a string of Grammys and number one singles under his belt, he’s heading to Singapore for two (likely sold-out) shows at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Oct 2-3

TALK
A continuation of the panel discussion on book The Naysayers Book Club, The Politics of Representation will dive headfirst into the state of multiculturalism in Singapore, the importance of minority representation in popular culture, and other critical social issues oft swept under the rug. Leading the discussion is T Project founder June Chua and AWARE advocate Filzah Sumartono, who will be sharing their experiences in running a shelter for the transgender community and telling the neglected stories of Muslim women, respectively. Oct 4

Sorry Angel

FILM
Can you feel the love tonight? Golden Village’s annual Love & Pride Film Festival is back in its 10th edition with a line-up of international films celebrating acceptance and the human universality of love. Be sure to catch French bittersweet love story Sorry Angel, and The Miseducation of Cameron Post, which won the grand jury prize at this year’s Sundance. Oct 4-12

PARTY
The next Kampong Boogie takes place in an abandoned shophouse along Jalan Besar’s notorious red light district in Little India; fun! Get down and dirty to a mix of funk, soul, groove, tropical, world, afrobeat, hip-hop, house, disco by the Ice Cream Sundays DJs and other selectors. Location will be revealed on the day of the party, but look out for a candle on the ground in the Desker road alleyway. Oct 5

PARTY
As part of Archifest 2018, one-night-only party Artifacts will bring together a seamless mix of diverse music selectors at Intermission Bar (underground EDM label Darker Than Wax is behind the programming), with $5 beer specials all night long. Oct 5

DRINK
Head down to 112 Katong for wine masterclasses, $3000 worth of prizes, and lots of alcohol, at the inaugural Booze Fest by the Epicure team. Oct 5-7

MUSICAL
Kick up your heels ladies and gents; Tony-Award winning Kinky Boots is finally here in town. Come get swept away in the story of underachieving Charlie Price as he meets flamboyant drag performer Lola, in an extravagant musical display of glittery sky-high stilettos, set to the music and lyrics of multi-award winning singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper. Oct 5-14

FOOD 
It’s the season of the carnivore with Lime Restaurant’s new Thrill of the Grill meat fest. Under the directorship of Executive Chef Yap Wai Lunn, savor sumptuous char-grilled meats and seafood cooked over charcoal grill—like lamb shish kebabs, wagyu beef cubes, pork belly char siew and chicken tandoori. You can also get seafood dishes like seabass and sambal marinated squid cooked to smoky perfection; or dip into the international and local specialties like chilli crab pasta and mushroom risotto if you need help padding out all that protein. Oct 5-21

EXHIBITION
New York pop artist The Sucklord rose to fame for his cheeky bootleg toys—unlicensed action figures and toys made subversive and spanning themes of politics, porn and memes. For the first time, he’s holding a solo show in Singapore at Kult Gallery (the genius himself will be present on opening night), so stop by for a hit of sleazy, hilarious art. Oct 5-Nov 10

EXHIBITION
Powerful ladies step up to the plate in Objectifs’ Women in Photography photo exhibition. This year, in line with prolific collective movements such as #MeToo and #TimesUp, the exhibition will throw pertinent issues of politics, sexuality and cultural oppression into the spotlight via poignant visuals from international female photographers. Oct 5-Nov 18

PARTY/MARKET
Urban Ventures‘ wildly successful block party/street market is coming back to Temple Street. It’s their last blowout of the year, which guarantees an impressive line-up of mouthwatering nosh, drinks vendors, artisanal goodies and crafts alongside the usual outdoor yoga experience and live gigs, featuring Subsonic Eye, Fauxe, Cravism and more. Oct 6

PARTY
There ain’t no party like a beach party, and for the final Beerkini Rocks event of the year, Bikini Bar is pulling out all the stops to turn your lazy Saturday afternoon into one filled with live rock music, irresistible drink promotions and massively fun beach games. Oct 6

HEALTH
The annual Pink Ribbon Walk is back in support of breast cancer patients. Lend your support via two categories, a 3.5km walk or a 5km run—no matter which one you go for, remember to dress to the theme of pink. Plus, good news for dog owners; your furkids are also welcomed to run together with you. Oct 6

DRAG
What happens when drag queens get to have a revue exactly the way they want it? A RIOT!, that’s what. The slightly filthy, definitely trashy, and highly entertaining show is back, with the likes of Mona Kee Kee, Sherri, Mika Vogue and more on the line-up, and your host, Becca D’Bus. Oct 6

PARTY
The party continues with Yum Yum Disco Dong’s all-new Riot afterparty series KITCHEN SYNC, which will drop throwback tunes and queer anthems galore throughout the night; nothing is too campy or tacky. There will even be a fabulous amateur group lipsync with prizes to be won, Drag Race style. Oct 6

HEALTH
Here comes inaugural run—the HooGa + Run 2018 aims to instill happiness and pass on positive vibes, via a 5km fun run and 10km competitive run. The run kicks off and takes place at Punggol Waterway Park, with programs afterwards that include a lucky draw contest with fabulous prizes such as tickets to Korean pop idol Hwang Chi Yeul’s concert. Oct 6

EXHIBITION
After conservation comes an interrogation of the heritage icons we hold close to our heart. The Substation’s next installment in their programme is an interactive, adventure course-type show inspired by the notorious interview process all Singapore Girl wannabes have to go through—where you too can reach for the overhead cabin stars and become a national icon. Oct 6-Nov 4

MARKET
In a bid to encourage Singaporeans to enjoy healthier diets and go local with their grocery purchases, Farmers Market @ Central Singapore gathers a selection of fresh organic products from farm to stall. Expect locally-produced organic honey, vegetables, granola and dips, among other things. Oct 7

FILM
In partnership with the Singapore Film Society, the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) Film Festival is screening six films from around the world to raise awareness for persons with intellectual disability (PWIDs). An added highlight, two original shorts commissioned by MINDS and produced by Royston Tan’s Chuan Pictures will have their premiere, and be screened before the start of the six films. Through Oct 7

MARKET/PARTY
It’s another Tribe music market by Revision Music and Ice Cream Sundays, thwhere you’ll be able to cop preloved vinyl, merch, local labels and even eats from brands like Public School KL, Straits Records, Analog Paralog, and Popbar SG. Oct 7

DANCE
The 13th edition of Esplanade’s annual da:ns festival is back, with three all-new commissions by Singapore and Asian dancemakers, and more than 82 free events. Over the 13-day festival, catch Kuik Swee Boon’s Invisible Habitudes, an improvisation-based performance utilizing the dancers’ full spectrum of physical, emotional, and philosophical expressions; or Indonesian choreographer Rianto’s deeply personal Medium, which draws on the traditional cross-gender lengger dance of his native Central Java. It’s also your only chance to watch acclaimed international companies like Nederlands Dans Theater 1 and UK’s Akram Khan Company all in one place, along with an all-star line-up of ballerinas at the International Stars of Ballet gala. Oct 9-21

FESTIVAL
Singapore’s annual festival celebrating architecture and the built environment is back. Archifest 2018 comes complete with the return of the crowd favorite Archifest Pavilion, Architours, film screenings, exhibitions and much more. Through Oct 10

EXHIBITION
Singapore’s first Nobel Peace Prize photographer Sim Chi Yin is exhibiting exclusive photos and videos from her series Fallout, in an exhibition hauntingly entitled Most people were silent. The series documents life and landscapes in the nuclear age. Through Oct 10

FILM
Objectifs’ fourth Women in Film showcase features four Singapore premieres: documentary On Her Shoulders, which follows survivor of the 2014 Yazidi genocide Nadia Murad as she becomes a public face for survivors on a global stage; Waru, eight Maori female perspectives on the complexity of child abuse; coming-of-age film Ava that spotlights personal, emotional growth in the patriarchal society of Tehran; and finally, A Better Man, a fresh, real-life look at abuse, through director Attiya Khan’s true story of domestic violence, years later when she meets up with the man she once fled from. A series of shorts will also be screened on loop for free at the Lower Gallery. Oct 10-13

PARTY 
Get ready because Ginett is about to be transformed into your favorite arcade of yesteryear. For one night only, take a recess break from adulting and head for the neon lights of Arcade G Session. Lose yourself in a Dance Dance Revolution dance-off with professional DDR enthusiasts, battle it out in a game of Bishi Bashi with your pals, or bring your A-game to the claw machine—with prizes from Laneige, Mamonde and Hotel G Singapore to be won. DJ Tang helms the decks for a night of unadulterated hip hop beats reminiscent of bygone club nights of your wasted youth. Oct 11

PARTY
Because we all need a little dose of island escapism, Ce La Vi is launching Tiki-Lah, a new regular evening themed after the vibrant Polynesian culture. Starting from 4pm every Friday, sip on tiki-inspired cocktails and jive to tropical beats as you wait for the sundown moment atop this brief island paradise. Oct 12

PARTY
EATMEPOPTART takes over Canvas Club once again with another night of headbanging, fist pumping and sweaty body movin’. On the agenda is a heady mix of indie rock, alternative rock, electro, punk, indietronic, power pop and guilt-edged gumdrops by Poptart residents weelikeme and KiDG. Oct 13

PARTY
Grammy-nominated producer and DJ Nic Fanciulli is practically synonymous with the underground house and techno scene now; he’s also launched a record label and a dance music festival. He’ll be coming to Zouk Singapore for an epic set in the Main Room supported by Danny Wade and Ferng. Oct 13

FILM
As part of the Singapore Film Commission’s 20th anniversary celebrations, catch a free pop-up screening of Malaysian-Singaporean horror flick 23:59 about spooks in the army. Oct 13

HEALTH
If you’re looking for a liberating (read: topless) run, this is the one for you. Back in its fourth edition at the West Lawn of Gardens by the Bay, YOLO Run Singapore 2018 encourages participants to run shirtless, whether you’re going for the 5km or 10km categories. Besides the run itself, there’ll be post-race activity booths and food vendors to keep you entertained. Oct 13

HEALTH
Southeast Asia’s largest all-women’s run is back this year at new location Singapore Sports Hub. This year, in addition to the 5km, 10km and 21.1km categories, Great Eastern is adding new short-distance runs and a 110m sprint (for those aged 13 and above). Oct 14

PARTY
After dark comes dawn—and Camp Kilo Charcoal Club’s After Dawn BBQ block party, with a newfound focus on ethical living, sustainability and eco-consciousness. Shop the homegrown creators market, chow down on drinks and roasts, and partake in a tarot card reading session as the music plays till late. Oct 14

FESTIVAL
The Singapore River Festival returns to the quays with the largest outdoor bazaar in Singapore River across Clarke Quay, outdoor circus performances, movie screenings, gameshows, and lots of prime eats. Oct 16-Nov 11

FOOD
Why eat at one restaurant when you can have a great time at three of Amoy Street’s best in one awesome food escapade appropriately called A Food Jaunt with the Backstreet Bengs. For two nights only, get a taste of Le Binchotan, Birds of A Feather and Ding Dong in one evening as you embark on a tour of Amoy’s streets and alleyways while feasting on both unique and signature creations at each establishment. Oct 17, 31

DRINK
The island’s biggest Oktoberfest event is back, at a fully air-conditioned marquee tent in the open field next to Tan Quee Lan Street. Come for the beer and German nosh, and stay for the raucous authentic Oktoberfest band from Munich. Oct 18-21

PARTY
Straight Outta Golden Mile takes over The Projector for a hip hop funk soul boogie afrobeat and drum n’ bass night, with MC SWTLKR and the Golden Mile all-stars Ramesh, Ashidiq and Shellsuit on the decks. Oct 19

FILM/FESTIVAL
Get your fill of thrills, zombies, cannibals and serial killers at Singapore’s first horror film festival, Scream Asia Film Festival, curated by Eric Khoo and featuring 12 top horror flicks from around the globe. Oct 19-28

Shirkers

FILM
The Singapore Film Society celebrates its 10th anniversary with a premiere screening of local filmmaker Sandi Tan’s award-winning Shirkers, on the rediscovery of her lost feature film, 20 years after her film teacher disappeared with the footage. Oct 20

CONCERT
The age of boy bands may be over, but it won’t stop the legendary ones from the ‘90s to the early noughties from coming back. Next up is British-Norwegian pop group A1, who are reuniting for their 20th anniversary with the full original lineup, including Paul Marazzi who left in 2002. Oct 20

HEALTH
After traveling to four different countries in Asia, the ASICS Relay is finally in Singapore for its final stop. To participate, sign up in groups of four for either the 42km or 21km categories in male, female or mixed teams. The relay will take place at Sentosa’s Palawan Green, and the prize is free flights to the 2019 race held overseas; so all the more reason to train up. Oct 20

THEATER
The tale of Peter Pan gets an 1880s Singapore remix, in Pangdemonium’s adaptation of Peter and the Starcatcher. Come watch the all-star cast bring to life the prequel in song and dance, and decide for yourself if Southeast Asia makes a worthy Neverland. Through Oct 20

EXHIBITION
Capturing Moments is 77-year-old watercolor artist Chin Chun Wah’s official return to the arts scene, with 22 stunning watercolor paintings on show depicting the nostalgic sights of 1970s Singapore and the region. Through Oct 20

MARKET/FESTIVAL
Festival for Good is the Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise (raiSE)’s two-day pop-up market that lets you shop while contributing to a greater good. This market will see various products and services from social enterprises being featured, ranging from fashion to technology. As part of the socially conscious retail experience, have a chat with entrepreneurs to see how they’ve centered their businesses around being socially impactful. Oct 20-21

FOOD
Meat lovers, your time has come. The Carvery’s notorious Great Meat Feast is back and it’s positively drool-worthy. Unlike last year (where spread included other meats like pork), this year’s feast will mainly feature premium beef. Through Oct 21

MARKET
Affordable art: an oxymoron or nah? The Actually Art Affordable Market returns for its second edition at Camp Kilo Charcoal Club. An alternative platform to give some well-deserved exposure to local and regional artists, the paintings and handmade crafts featured are guaranteed to be priced at $300 and below. So whether you’re a budding collector making your first purchase or a connoisseur who knows what he’s looking for, there’s something for everyone. Apart from the collectibles, there will also be hearty roasts and chill tunes to accompany your shopping experience. Oct 21

DRINK
For the benefit of all sweaty drinkers, Wine Fiesta will be held indoors for the first time ever, at Clifford Pier in Fullerton Bay Hotel. Sample over 250 types of wines from international top wineries; this year, they’re arranged from light to medium to full-bodied wines for your easy perusal. Oct 21-22

DRINK
Singapore Pub Crawl returns for another Halloween-inspired trail of booze; be sure to come in a costume. Oct 26-27

PARTY
All is not at it seems at Bar Rouge. Enter at your own risk as the sky-high nightspot transforms into a shadowy forest for all you Halloween revelers. In The Woods, expect the unexpected as dazzling lights, spell-bounding tunes and intoxicating concoctions haunt you till the wee hours. Oct 26-27

MARKET
As part of Marina Barrage’s 10th Anniversary, The Local People are setting up an expansive carnival-style pop-up market featuring local and international food, quality crafts and live acts. You’ll also have the chance to take a cruise in the Marina Reservoir, on a specially arranged boat tour that will set off from the Barrage. In true Marina Bay fashion, a dazzling fireworks display will cap off the celebrations. Oct 26-28

CONCERT
Four years since his last performance here, smooth crooner Jason Mraz is back to perform singles off his latest album Know; on his only stop in Asia. Aren’t we “Lucky”? Oct 27

PARTY
It’s been 10 years since the opening of The White Rabbit and adjoining gin bar The Rabbit Hole, and what better way to celebrate than at their biggest blowout of the year, the Egyption-themed Halloween event that is the Jewel of d’Nile. Win their best dressed competition and you might find yourself whisked away on a free vacation. In this case, it does pay to have fun. Oct 27

DRINK
The annual iBrew Challenge returns to pit the island’s most innovative homebrewers against each other. For the regular non-homebrewing pleb, you’ll get to enjoy five hours of free-flow, grub from local restaurants, and the pleasure of being surrounded by fellow (good) beer lovers. Oct 27

PARTY 
It’s murder on the dance floor this Halloween as Zouk Singapore takes you back to the ‘70s with dance floor dystopia as the theme. At Zouk’s main room, groove to resident cool cats Zushan, Hong and Jeremy Boon with a treasure trove of era-appropriate soundtracks; or head up to Capital and get down with the trio of LeNERD, Ghetto and Nash D, dishing out an all-night mayhem of open format mixes for those with a preference for EDM and bass bangers. As with each Zouk Halloween celebration, there will be attractive prizes to be won for the best (and deviously) dressed, and this year, the grand prize worth up to $3,200 includes a 3-day 2-night stay on the luxurious Genting Dream cruise, a pair of tickets to Kevin Hart’s The Irresponsible Tour, Skullcandy goodies, Martell NCF bottles and ZoukOut 2018 tickets. Free and priority entry for first 100 before midnight in full costume will be subjected to management’s discretion. Oct 27

CONCERT
Revel in good music from the region as the one-day Starker Music Carnival returns, with Taiwanese superstar A-Lin headlining, and local acts MICapella, Hubba Bubbas, and The Facade bringing up the rear. Oct 27

PARTY
Ce La Vi’s Halloween event Cirque Le Soir is back to take theatrical oddities to a new level. This year, it’s a fantasy S&M dungeon featuring acts from an alternative world—fire breathers, exotic dancers, eccentric contortionists; and the Ce La Vi DJs. Oct 27

COMEDY
Support local and have a good laugh with homegrown comedian (and now bona fide Netflix star) Fakkah Fuzz, in his politically incorrect rants on practically everything, particularly Asian parents. Hashtag #Relatable. Oct 28

EXHIBITION
The dreamy pastel-hued shots of our city come to life in an exclusive exhibition by Nguan of his latest photobook, Singapore (2017), as part of the annual Singapore International Photography Festival. Through Oct 28

TOUR
Dust off your scaredy-pants, because the eighth edition of Halloween Horror Nights is here and ready to terrify. Come face to face with Demogorgons, Pontianaks, and other chilling Asian ghosts, as Universal Studios Singapore is once again transformed into the creepiest place in the region. Through Oct 31

EXHIBITION
Peranakan Museum’s latest exhibition, Amek Gambar: Peranakans and Photography, delves into the Southeast Asian history of photography through the pictured lives of the Peranakan community in the region. Through Feb 3, 2019

EXHIBITION
From Cold Storage to Tiger Balm, come chart the evolution of print advertising in Singapore from the 1830s to 1960s at Selling Dreams: Early Advertising in Singapore. Aside from just print advertisements, the exhibition at the National Library also includes interactive multimedia stations for you to experience life as a consumer in early Singapore. Through Feb 24, 2019

TOUR
The Singapore Zoo will be transformed into a lush and luminous universe to mark the attraction’s 45th anniversary this year. Experience Rainforest Lumina for yourself, where a whole stretch of tropical rainforest will be lit with multimedia visual effects come nighttime. You can even spend your night there by a campfire, if you so wish. Jul 1 onwards