The first week of August starts proper with gigs galore—from superstar concerts to stand-up numbers. Funnily enough, there’s a lot of comedy shows happening around the island. (Could it be because the National Day week is a joke? Just kidding, we love you Singapore.) If you haven’t booked a weekend getaway and aren’t up for having your funny bone tickled, catch a film or go nuts partying instead; it’s your civic duty.
Monday, Aug 6
CONCERT
Bob Dylan, one of the most influential musicians of our generation, will be hitting our shores as part of his Asia Tour. He was last here seven years ago when he played at Timbre’s Rock & Roots, and has since been busy raking up numerous accolades for himself, like he always has throughout his career. Aug 6
BOOK
It’s time once to again for the SingLit Prize to recognize and honor our talented local authors. This year, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Singapore Book Council, the awards ceremony is being opened up to the public for the very first time; so drop by and check out the winners for yourself. Aug 6
COMEDY
Try your hand at stand-up at The Merry Lion’s National Day open mic. Else, just sit back and watch other local and expat comedians have a go. Aug 6
FILM
The annual open air cinema Films At The Fort (FATF) is back with even more award-winning films, new releases, Singapore premieres and nostalgic classics at the natural amphitheater, Fort Canning Park. You’ll get to enjoy these great films under the stars while munching on some gourmet bites and sipping on some fantastic vino. Through Aug 19
MUSICAL
We’re just as excited as you are about the return of The Lion King to our shore for its 20th anniversary It’s been more than two decades since the epic musical film about lions in Africa first came into our lives, and again in 2011 when the musical made its Southeast Asian debut. Immerse yourself in the magnificent world of Simba, Nala, Rafiki, Mufasa, Timon, Pumba and company when it returns for a two-month run. Through Sep 23
EXHIBITION
Dutch artist Theo Jansen is sending his prized Strandbeests to our shores. In fact entirely non-living, his world-renowned creatures made of PVC and wood are powered by wind, and spend their days moving gracefully across beaches (hence their name, which translates to “beach animal” in Dutch). Head to the ArtScience Museum for an exclusive look at this new species, where you can look at “fossils” of past beests, and even walk alongside 13 original Strandbeests. Through Sep 30
Tuesday, Aug 7
Photo credit: Comedy Masala Facebook
COMEDY
Come get R21 advice from The Agony Uncles, better known as comedians Umar Rana and Keren Bala Devan, as they dish on sex, relationships, millennials and more sex in a headline stand-up event presented by Comedy Masala. Aug 7
EXHIBITION
The World’s Loneliest Bookstore explores what the last bookstore on earth would look like in a post-apocalyptic reality; somehow we aren’t surprised that it’ll be at Gillman Barracks. The exhibition presented by Books Actually and DISINI will showcase a selection of titles from local and international authors, plus set the backdrop for book launches, readings and installations throughout the duration of the event. Through Aug 19
Find out where else you can get your fill of durians here.
EXHIBITION
2018 has shaped up to be a fantastic year for Marvel. Besides the two epic movies releasing to staggering global success, they’re also presenting Marvel Studios: Ten Years of Heroes at ArtScience Museum, which delves into the science and tech behind the whole Marvel Cinematic Universe. Through Sep 30
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
Wednesday, Aug 8
PARTY
Rock out at one last ’80s banger with Eatmepoptart’s Electric Feel, before the retro party series says goodbye for the next few months. On the setlist is enough Hall & Oates, Kylie, Prince, Talking Heads and other ’80s legends (and one-hit wonders) to last you well into the National Day holiday. Aug 8
COMEDY
Hirzi wants to talk race, sex and the LGBTQ community, in a socially acceptable form—comedy. Join him for a night of laughs at Canvas Club. Aug 8
CONCERT
Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, otherwise better known as Halsey, started out releasing music on her own social media platforms before being signed to US-based record label and unit of Universal Music Group, Astralwerks, in 2014. Music aside, she’s also heavily involved in social activism like suicide prevention awareness and sexual assault advocacy. Catch her perform live at The Star Theatre. Aug 8
PERFORMANCE
Sydney’s electronic music twins Cosmo’s Midnight are bringing their distinctive sound that’s known internationally to Singapore. Jive, groove and move your booty to their music at Kilo Lounge and expect tracks from their first studio album What Comes Next, released in June this year. Aug 8
PARTY
Music collective Gimme Shelter is throwing a National Day Eve bash at Intermission Bar, with DJs Carl Hinds and Disko Kosmik from the UK and Siglap (yup) respectively spinning till late. Aug 8
Camp out at these lesser known heartland spots for the NDP fireworks.
CONVENTION
You probably need to top up your personal office pantry (a.k.a. your side drawer) with all your favorite munchies since they’re probably already running out since the last World Snack Fair. The convention is back for its fifth edition at Suntec Convention Centre, and will feature more than 3,000 international brands of snacks from 30 countries. Aug 8-12
Thursday, Aug 9
FILM
No better way to spend National Day than catching a film by one of our local filmmakers. Aptly, Tan Pin Pin’s ethereal documentary In Time To Come features scenes of everyday Singapore, and is screening for free at Gardens By The Bay. Find out more from the veteran filmmaker herself here before you go. Aug 9
EXHIBITION
Public holidays typically mean museum open houses,and the National Museum is stepping things up a notch with a variety of programmes and exhibitions inspired by Singapore’s icons, live performances from local duo Jack & Rai, and a screening of Daniel Yun’s 15 Shorts. Aug 9
COMEDY
Take two hours off your PH to spend with the best comedians from the Middle East. The Middle Eastern Comedy Jam features comedians who’ve had gigs in TV shows like 2 Broke Girls and Jane the Virgin, led by Egyptian-American actor and producer Ahmed Ahmed. Aug 9
FOOD
RWS Street Eats, Resorts World Sentosa’s own heartland-centric gastronomic affair, returns to the Malaysian Food Street. That’s 11 whole days of gorging on some of the best hawkers and eaters from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore. Aug 9-19
EXHIBITION
The eighth edition of Singapore Art Museum’s annual family-friendly contemporary art exhibition explores the concept of time. Ten artists and art collectives from around the world have taken over SAM at 8Q for Imaginarium: Into the Space of Time, presenting immersive and interactive installations exploring the tales and theories that shape our memories and future. Through Aug 26
Friday, Aug 10
Photo credit: Phum Viphurit Facebook
PARTY
New Zealand-born, Thai-based rising artist Phum Viphurit is only 21, but is already making waves in Bangkok’s indie scene with indie folk hits like “Lover Boy” and “Long Gone”. He’s making a one-day pit stop at Kilo Lounge for a live performance, supported by locally based trio Sobs (Middle Class Cigars). Aug 10.
POETRY
Come together for a night of spoken word and music performances by the transgender and non-binary community, in IndigNation’s third edition of Transit. Aug 10
MARKET
A new month calls for a new Katong Square Lifestyle Market. Head down to the eastside shopping mall for a true blue vintage flea market experience, and pick up anything from vinyl records to retro haute couture. Aug 10-12
DRINK
Whether you know exactly how to describe its taste (without using the word smooth), or fancy something that’s just easy to drink, Wine Lust 2018 promises to have a little something for everyone. Returning for the second time, Wine Lust presents an outstanding selection of 15 award-winning restaurants, 40 specialist wine events and 500 wine varietals. Aug 10-Sep 10
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
