We’re nearing the end of November, so if you haven’t noticed already, plenty of festive events have already begun their crusade to get us into the right frame of mind—and that means plenty of gift shopping, Yuletide eats and overhanging fairy lights. There’s plenty else to do even if the holiday cheer isn’t yet on your mind, like a ballpit dance party, an illuminated art and sea creatures takeover at the S.E.A. Aquarium, and several one-off dining events worth your time and dime. PSA: Black Friday happens this week.
THEATRE
If your words were the only thing a little girl could hang on to in this maddening world, what would you say to her? Find out in Charlie, a one-on-one interactive performance piece by artist Victoria Chen, where you, the audience, is the only one who will know the outcome of your words. Nov 20-Dec 7
MUSIC
It has taken these Scottish indie rockers 12 excruciating years to return to Singapore, but hey, it was well-worth the wait right? Franz Ferdinand came out of Glasgow, Scotland in 2002, and were always noted as one of the most important bands to have revived post-punk back in the noughties. Nov 21
FILM
Join The Hive co-workers at their Lavender outpost as they screen Marina Abramovic in Brazil: The Space In Between, a film follows the world’s most ubiquitous artist as she journeys through Brazil experiencing sacred rituals and creative processes. Nov 21
FOOD
Whip out your camera phones people, the Marina Square Whimsical Food Fair is back for the second time this year with even more Insta-worthy eats than before. Who cares what others say when there be 3D cake pops, syringe desserts, multi-coloured churros, edible balloons and cups of ramen for the taking? Nov 22-25
PARTY
We know the drill when it comes to silent discos—choose from three different headsets that corresponds to three different DJs belting out their own soundtracks live. Turning the fun factor up to a hundred this Friday though, the guys from Silent Disco Asia are throwing a dance party at Airzone; yes, that massive hanging ballpit housed within City Square Mall. So get ready to dance, bounce, and have a ball of a time. Nov 23
DRINK/FOOD
Calling all mofos out there, online wine delivery service Vinomofo is throwing a wine dinner unlike any other, partnering with local Peranakan favourite Violet Oon Satay Grill and Bar at Clarke Quay for a one-night only event. Enjoy a three-course dinner paired with premium vinos, saber a Champagne bottle, and be treated to a wine tasting while blindfolded. Nov 23
NEW OPENING
The same guys behind Good Luck Beerhouse have opened sister shop Good Luck Provisions across the road, and they’re throwing an all-you-can-eat boil party paired with a pint from their taps. Time to go cray cray. Nov 23
SHOPPING
If you find yourself running out of clothing options, here’s a guiltless way to have your wardrobe updated instead of nipping out for a bit of retail therapy. The Green Friday Swap by Swapaholic will be happening at Mandarin Gallery, where some of Singapore’s fashion influencers (proper ones) will be stocking their pre-loved items for you to swap with theirs. Nov 23-25
PARTY
A Fung Kee Hotdogs and NINETEEN80 collab? Sounds like a recipe for an epic night. Over two Fridays, get to have some of the best grub in town paired with unadulterated Negronis and 8bit arcade games, all while DJ Joshua P dishes out soul and funk. Nov 23, 30
THEATRE
Hard to believe it’s been 15 years since Wild Rice first blessed us with Christmas pantomimes. This year, the theater company is taking a step back from Chinese folk stories, and putting a local spin on a hallmark Christmas tale instead with A $ingapore Carol, a reinvented take on A Christmas Carol, complete with laughs, love, and some obvious cha-ching. Nov 23-Dec 15
EXHIBITION
This Christmas, the S.E.A. Aquarium is getting a glow-up, literally, as it gets transformed into a luminiscent underwater world filled with glowing animals, stunning light art installations, and a first-of-its kind underwater LED dive appearance. Check out five different zones and interact with the displays while going oooh and ahhh as illuminated sea creatures swim by. Nov 23-Jan 6
CIRCUS
The Great Moscow Circus has come to town (their first time in over a decade), and you won’t want to miss catching some of the world’s most dangerous acts and high-energy performances from the stands of the big top erected at the Bayfront. Through Nov 23
ARTS
In line with how arts and culture shouldn’t be just pensive museum visits, this year’s Arts In Your Neighbourhood by the National Arts Council returns for the 11th time with an expansive suite of over 70 curated activities in 18 locations nationwide. Time for the heartlands to shine. Through Nov 25
FOOD
Unique pop-up dining concept HUSH20 is holding dinner party series The Alps, where each night, small groups of diners get to enjoy modern European cuisine, free flow raclette and all-you-can-drink wines, all set in an intimate space at Duxton Plain Park. Through Nov 28
FOOD/DRINK
It’s dining enclave Dine at Stevens‘ first year anniversary and all 11 establishments are coming together for a month-long celebration. Throughout the month of November, get to enjoy signature eats and drinks from each restaurant or bar for just $11. Through Nov 30
THEATRE
After being murdered earlier this year in Shakespeare in the Park’s Julius Caesar, Jo Kukathas will see more blood at the Singapore premiere of Guards At The Taj, staged by the Singapore Repertory Theatre. The award-winning play by American dramatist Rajiv Joseph is a dark comedy revolving around a myth behind the Taj Mahal’s legendary construction—one that may or may not diminish its rep as a Seventh Wonder of the World. Through Dec 1
FESTIVAL
The massive Christmas Village at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza is back for the second time, and this year, they’re running it for longer. Over 42 days, there’ll be plenty to do, eat and drink thanks to a collab with Timbre. The homegrown F&B and music group will be in charge of the Food Village, where food kiosks by the likes of New Ubin Seafood and Two Wings will be set up. There’ll also be a Craft Beer Bar and performances from Timbre’s musicians too, naturally. Take a ride on the beautiful duplex carousel before you head home. Through Dec 26
EXHIBITION
Get some sand beneath your feet while putting some art on your Insta feeds at Island Lights 2018, where massive neon light art installations are taking over sandy Palawan Beach till the end of the year. While you’re there, get snacks from the food kiosks and throw some shapes as live bands bring the tunes. Through Dec 31
THEATRE/FOOD
Remember how the toys all came to life in the story of The Nutcracker? Now you too can play a part in the magical Christmastime tale, as immersive theatre company Andsoforth brings the classic story to life in their latest theatrical feast, Marie and The Nutcracker. Journey through four rooms in a secret location with The Nutcracker himself, defeat the Mouse King, and reap your sweet rewards in the Kingdom of Sweets at the end. Through Jan 6
EXHIBITION
Local artist John Toh is showcasing watercolour pieces of iconic Singapore landmarks old and new, such as Temple Street, Keong Saik and the Supertrees, in a new solo exhibition titeld Cityscapes, Ancient and Present. Held at Pan Pacific Singapore‘s public art space. Through Jan 28, 2019
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
EXHIBITION
Trace the Polaroid camera’s fascinating history at the National Museum of Singapore’s latest exhibition, In an Instant: Polaroid at the Intersection of Art and Technology, featuring over 200 Polaroid artefacts and artworks from the original collection. Through Mar 31, 2019
