Just like that, we’re a month into 2021. This February, you can expect to ring in an auspicious Chinese New Year with everything from riveting, new plays to vibrant attractions and more. Here’s to adventure, excitement and everything in between.
EVENT
Women have come a long way in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Championing female figures in STEM is the annual DiscovHER 2021: Inspiring the NeXXt Generation, that has been rebranded to tie in with the United Nations-declared International Day of Women and Girls in Science on Feb 11. Look forward to a host of on-site and online activities, including painting, beverage brewing and encryption work. More information available here. Feb 5-7
ARTS/EXHIBITION
Generally considered a taboo topic, the subject of mental health is one that’s laden with stigma and stereotypes. But from now till February, see social artist duo Hunny & Lummy confront and challenge this narrative at their newest art exhibition, ThisConnect: Threading Worlds. From the documentation of performative art to instructional and participatory art, help spread the message that support systems are available through this important experience located at multiple venues across Singapore. Through Feb 8
TRAVEL
Those looking for an unforgettable way to celebrate the new year with friends and family may wish to check out the Super Seacation voyages by Dream Cruises. Available as two and three-night high seas itineraries, guests of all ages will get to indulge in the multitude of leisure and recreation facilities onboard the ship, including world-class entertainment shows, cutting-edge VR games, outdoor Ropes Course and Waterslide Park, and Dream Cruises’ “Vitamin Sea & Dream”, a mix of fitness, wellness and nutrition activities. Through Feb 12
ARTS/FESTIVAL
The Huayi Chinese Festival of Arts is back, and along with its return, find six newly-commissioned works including the hotly-anticipated All the World is One’s Stage by Toy Factory Productions. There will also be Paper Monkey Theatre’s The Universe According to Niu, dance film Dance en Scene and even new musical collaborations between international and Singaporean artists. Feb 19-Mar 14
SHOW
Gather the family and ring in an auspicious Chinese New Year 2021 with Wild Rice when you catch The Amazing Celestial Race. A new play that reimagines the ancient Chinese folk tale about the fierce competition which ultimately determined the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac calendar, this production promises a good time for everyone from ages five to 95. Feb 19- Mar 21
SHOW
Turn your luck around this Year of the Metal Ox by heading to Your GuLuck Year in 2021 – Empower your wisdom, wealth and wellness. A live discussion at the MBS’ Sands Theatre, metaphysics, bazi and feng guide master Siew Li will readily teach folks of all zodiac signs to enhance their health and career in 2021. Special guests will make appearances too; they include Golden Horse Award Best Actress Yeo Yann Yann as well as MiRXES Chief Investment Officer Isaac Ho. Feb 21
FESTIVAL/PARENTING
An exciting line-up of family-friendly offerings await at Wan Qing Festival of Spring 2021, and they include thematic installations, lion dance workshops and Chinese drumming sessions. Don’t forget to sign your little ones up for the Zodiac Animal Coaster and Clay Painting workshops too. On Feb 20, all will be able to embark on the Balestier Heritage Trail to uncover the rich history and origins of the neighbourhood. Through Feb 21
EXHIBIT
To stroll through an enchanting field of 1,400 dahlias of mixed varieties, you’ll have to head down to Dahlia Dreams at Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome. Conveying prosperity and good fortune, the flowers are all grown in-house by the Gardens’ team of horticulturists, making this display all the more meaningful. Check out the new Lantern Globe, Legend of Nian and Lion Dance as well as the Chinese Pavilion while you’re at it; admission charge to the Flower Dome applies. Through Feb 21
EXHIBIT
Credit: El Masnou
So you’ve been to the much-lauded pop-up, The Bubble Tea Factory, which happened last year at *Scape to eat, drink and play with boba. Now, look forward to yet another exciting, immersive experience offered by the very same team and discover the all-new otter-themed attraction, Otah & Friends. Step into the home of Otah the Otter to find whimsical exhibits and installations, as well as the otter himself. While you’re at it, feel free to take plenty of pictures to update your Instagram feed. Through Feb 26
EXHIBIT
Get into the CNY moo-d (pun intended) with Asia’s first drive-through art exhibition, Moo Moo Park. Organised by the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) in partnership with The MeshMinds Foundation, the SCCC carpark is now an immersive, interactive exhibition space filled with captivating art and installations. Just head down to embark on an audio-guided journey spotlighting the works of eight local artists. Through Mar 28
STAYCATION
Pamper the whole family with some Fun In The Sun at Swissotel Merchant Court. Lounge by the hotel’s iconic pool, soak in the relaxing outdoor jacuzzi or make a splash with waterslides. At $88 for up to four guests, this offer includes three hours of pool time, light refreshments and three soft drinks per person. Through Mar 31
STAYCATION
Specially curated for locals to experience the wonders of our island, City to Hilltop Adventure is an exciting one-night stay and tour hosted by Sofitel Singapore City Centre. The themed staycation includes an array of dining experiences at the grand five-star hotel and Mount Faber Peak, as well as a Singapore Cable Car Sky Pass Round Trip for two. This all culminates in an evening in Sofitel’s Luxury Room. Feel free to use your SingapoRediscovers voucher to redeem and enjoy this affair that perfectly marries staycations with attractions. Through Mar 2021
ARTS
Singapore’s national dance campaign Got to Move is back, and in its first-ever digital presentation, the NAC initiative will continue to raise awareness and appreciation for dance through a range of accessible and participatory programmes. Take part in a series of interactive digital dance programmes while getting to know some of Singapore’s prolific and upcoming dancers. Through Mar 2021
EXHIBITION
As the final destination on this travelling exhibition’s global tour, Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition will be giving local fans of the George Lucas media franchise a reason to geek out this end-January. Discover nearly 200 props, models, costumes and artwork from the original film franchise, then answer the simple yet profound question—what force shapes you? Through Jun 13
POP-UP
Explore the old-world charm and grandeur of the Orient Express as this travelling exhibit arrives in Singapore for the very first time to allow locals the chance to experience what it must have been like to hop on a journey from Europe to the East.
With two original train carriages, a 158-year-old locomotive and 300 heritage items such as uniforms, shields and more, seize the opportunity to check out this exclusive pop-up by pre-booking your tickets in advance. Through Jun 2021
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 five 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 per cent off at Lime Restaurant. Prices start from $1100++ to $1500++ per room per night. Available for booking from now to Jun 30, 2021. Terms and conditions apply. Through Jun 2021
EXHIBITION
This 2021, seize the opportunity to head back into galleries and art spaces, especially the National Gallery, as the Singaporean and Southeast Asian art museum 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
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. Through 2021