Partygoers, whether you’re into the regular party scene, an emo revelry or an ice factory rave, there’s bound to be a gathering fit for you this weekend. Just make sure to eat up first at the 50 Cents Fest, or at the ongoing Sentosa GrillFest.
PARTY
Be one of the first to check out newly-opened The Riverhouse, a day-to-night dining and entertainment spot making its grand launch this Friday. Comprising four different concepts spread across two sprawling floors, get to eat and drink, be entertained by performances and then dance the night away, all under one roof. Jul 26
PARTY
Just got dumped? Cry your heart out at Cherry Discotheque at the next edition of This is Heartbreak, where a mixed bag of songs about your ex will be playing all night while scenes from heartbreaking films screen in the background. Just let it all out—everyone there will be. Jul 26
PARTY
The doors of members club 1880 are swinging open to the public for one night, as music collective The DJ Dispensary bring down heavyweights CC:DISCO! and Gerry Rooney together for an underground disco party unlike any other. Jul 26
DRINK
Free whiskey tastings and $15 cocktails all night long? Sign us up. New-to-market Westward Whiskey is taking over Copper at Penang Road for one night, with guest bartender Haran Loges of Propeller bar and Nicole Roche from Dyspatchr serving up some mean drinks from 7-11pm. Jul 26
COMEDY
Laughter is guaranteed at The Merry Lion, as Australian comedy-magician Adrian Saw presents his side-splitting act that blends the worlds of comedy and magic together. Come ready for an intimate session where you’ll be spellbound and aching with laughter in equal measure. Jul 26-27
THEATRE
Patient X is escaping the hospital, and you’re welcome to join her as she goes on a rollercoaster ride of emotions in La Mariposa Borracha, The Drunken Butterfly. From encounter to encounter, cry, laugh and dance with her at this playful performance. Jul 26-28
FESTIVAL
As our nation’s birthday fast approaches, a sparkling new exhibition is sprouting into full bloom. Commemorating the National Day this bicentennial is Gardens by the Bay with Orchid Extravaganza—a spectacular floral showcase of all things Singaporean. Jul 26-Sep 15
PARTY
There’s no party quite like a Bingo party, and at W Singapore, we’re getting just that. At Bingo Extravaganza, play a couple rounds of Bingo while fabulous host Mona Kee Kee keeps the inappropriate jokes coming, and as you fuel up on free-flowing bubbly, cocktails and canapes. Don’t forget to shout Bingo! Jul 27
PARTY
The temperature’s freezing, but warm bodies are colliding in a euphoric, beautiful mess—yes, it’s time once again for a much-anticipated The Council Ice Factory Rave. So gear up in winter wear, get ready for a surprise line-up, and buy your tickets fast; it’s gonna be literally the coolest party in town. Jul 27
MARKET
The best way to declutter and refresh your wardrobe at the same time when you’re on a budget is to attend a swap flea, and at Swapaholic’s Reimagine Swap Party, organisers ensure that products are up to standard through a series of quality checks before it lands in the hands of its new owner. Jul 27
FOOD
For your annual dose of affordable Hokkien cuisine, 50 Cents Fest returns for its fourth consecutive year with more than 40 stalls and mobile vendors in tow. Select authentic Hokkien dishes such as the Cha Gay Ah, Hei Zho and local favourite Ang Ku Kueh. Jul 27-28
FESTIVAL
Dissipate your worries of being seen as a crazy cat lady at the second coming of the Singapore Cat Festival, where you can wholly embrace your love for felines without fear of judgement. It’s all happening at Great World City. Jul 27-28
BOOK/FESTIVAL
Annual literary festival Read! Fest sets sail with the theme of Voyage for this next edition, inspired by this year’s bicentennial celebrations. Over a hundred programmes exploring subjects that revolve around the Singlit past, present and plausible future narratives, as well as a retelling of the Singapore story await. Through Jul 28
EXHIBITION
For a blast of true nostalgia, check out 87-year-old veteran photographer Lim Kwong Ling’s next show, Portrait of Home. His black and white works demand patient, pensive observation, and pays off with a powerful mental image of how life back in Singapore in the ’60s and ’70s was. Through Jul 28
FESTIVAL
Immerse yourself in all-things Peranakan at The Peranakan Festival, where cultural talks, a literary showcase and, of course, plenty of Nyonya dishes entice you to learn and indulge in the amazing culture of the Straits Chinese community. Through Jul 31
THEATRE
Catch works surrounding the theme of poverty at the annual M1 Peer Pleasure Youth Theatre Festival. Various plays, a masterclass and even an experiential workshop on poverty awaits, so spend your dollars wisely (on tickets) and gain a deeper understanding on this important societal issue. Through Aug 4
FOOD/FESTIVAL
The Sentosa GrillFest is here to set your weekends ablaze. Like past editions, expect plenty of BBQ eats and activities happening by the beach. Be sure to try the specially-made Siloso Saison Pale Ale, a refreshing beer brewed by Brewerkz exclusively for Sentosa, that’s perfect when paired with grilled meats. Through Aug 12
THEATRE
It’s time to head back to the Big Top again, as Cirque du Soleil’s own production, Kurios—Cabinet of Curiosities, premiers in Singapore as part of a phenomenal world tour. Be prepared to be spellbound by a fantasy period spectacle that’s quite possibly the world’s greatest show. Through Aug 18
THEATRE/FESTIVAL
The M1 Patch! A Theatre Festival of Artful Play by the bilingual The Theatre Practice returns for its sophomore edition on Waterloo Street, with an even more diverse line-up as its inaugural show. Over 15 fun and playful programmes await. Through Sep 1
ART/EXHIBITION
DJ, musician, designer, teacher Ginette Chittick is throwing her first solo exhibition, showcasing a tapestry of works using handspun yarn, wood and acrylic. The result? Something that defies easy definition (just like the artist). Titled This, That, it’s the next showcase in Telok Ayer Arts Club’s programming. Through Sep 5
EXHIBITION
The works of one of the biggest names in art today will finally land a spot in Singapore. Be sure to check out Japanese artist and cultural icon Takashi Murakami’s From Superflat to Bubblewrap, which will see a multitude of both new and iconic pieces be on showcase. Through Sep 14
EXHIBITION
See pieces of China’s modern haute couture juxtaposed against art from Asian Civilisations Museum’s own art collection at Guo Pei: Chinese Art and Couture, an exhibit inviting guest to contemplate the reimagining of the Chinese aesthetic. Through Sep 15
EXHIBITION
The National Gallery’s next big exhibition, Awakenings: Art in Society in Asia 1960s-1990s, is a comprehensive, bold and provocative one. Comprising 142 art pieces by more than 100 artists from 12 countries in Asia, the artworks confront social, economical, cultural and political issues that plagued Asia during those three decades. See our guide to the highlights. Through Sep 15
EXHIBITION
Food packaging—beautifully crafted plastic wraps, carton boxes, tin cans and more that inform, entice and make you wanna fork out dough you don’t have. But is that all there is to it? Journey through the history of modern day food packaging in Singapore at the National Museum’s Packaging Matters exhibit, and you just might find a renewed appreciation for all them compelling coverings. Through Sep 15
EXHIBITION
The ArtScience Museum’s next big showcase is a whimsical one sure to be a hit with all audiences. Leading us all through the rabbit hole is Wonderland, which celebrates all the intrigue of Lewis Carroll’s timeless universe, and invites you to step through the looking glass for an immersive museum experience. Our guide to the exhibition here. Through Sep 22
EXHIBITION
Another massive exhibit over at the ArtScience Museum is Floating Utopias, an exploration of the hot-air balloon and how its (literal) ascension has impacted our world. Come discover its storied history through over 40 artworks, including eight large-scale air-filled sculptures. Through Sep 29
EXHIBITION
The glittery Ion Orchard is celebrating its 10th birthday, and everyone’s invited to partake in a celebration of awesome food deals and plenty of Insta-worthy moments at their pop-up Kaleidoscopic Playhouse. Expect a mirror room built using almost 300 reflective surfaces, free for all to enter and snap away. Through Sep 30