So you’ve just barely recovered from Chinese New Year, and completely forgotten about Valentine’s plans with bae. What now? If you aren’t into wining and dining your loved one, but still want to spend the Thursday doing something different, check out these one-night-only events that will make for a hell of a V Day memory.
Engrave your love on matching cucumbers
For the couple who want a truly novel experience, you can now permanently engrave your declarations of love to one another on actual cucumbers—just for the thrill of it. Simply head down to Arbora at Faber Point on Feb 14, where artists from The Workroom will carve your sturdy plant at a pop-up engraving stand, free-of-charge. The only catch? It has to be a cucumber from the Sweet or Sour Valentine’s Gift Box, available as a gift with purchase of one Hendrick’s Gin cocktail, which we all know pairs great with cucumbers. As part of this sassy Valentine’s Day promotion, get the coveted cucumbers at more than 20 restaurants and bars around the island from now through Feb 14, where you can also purchase a unique cucumber bouquet with a bottle of Hendrick’s Gin at a special price (from $70), .
Watch a local ‘90s rom-com about high school first loves
Childhood sweethearts, kick it old-school with one of Singapore’s first and best-loved rom-coms at The Projector. Beautifully restored to 4K courtesy of the Asian Film Archive, filmmaker Phillip Lim’s adaptation of Adrian Tan’s best-selling novel The Teenage Textbook follows Mui Ee (Melody Chen) and her best friend Sissy Song (Lim Hwee Sze) as they enter junior college where, clad in IJ-esque pinafores, they encounter boys and the thrill of romance for the first time.
Watch an international rom-com about high school first loves
If you want multiplying chills with your boo this V Day, kick back with the 1978 classic Grease, screening for free at The Lawn @ Marina Bay. Bring your own food and blankets for a picnic-style movie screening of the OG movie musical. It’s no drive-in cinema, but all you wannabe Danny Zukos out there can still put on the sneaky arm-over-shoulder moves—so long as you practice gracious consent with your Sandy, of course.
Attempt to catch a glimpse of Captain Marvel in the flesh
This one’s for Marvel fan couples. You’d think Captain Marvel would have better plans for Valentine’s Day, but no; she’s chosen to fly down to Marina Bay Sands for a meet-and-greet this Feb 14. Lead actress Brie Larson will also be joined by Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), Gemma Chan (MinnErva) and the film’s directors, in this publicity event ahead of the release of Captain Marvel this March. If you missed out on registering for the fan meet, you can try camping out at MBS for a glimpse of the movie stars—the event starts at 7pm, but they might be around early to take the requisite dip in the infinity pool.
Fall in love with Craig David all over again
Has it really been 19 years since the velvety smooth “7 Days” first dominated global music charts? English R&B crooner Craig David has only gotten finer with time, and he’s making a special Valentine’s appearance at Zouk Singapore with a mix of his ‘00s hits and new tracks from his 2018 album The Time Is Now. It’s a little late for a work night, but you can recuperate on Friday and Saturday and Sunday.
Toast to the death of love atop Swissotel
Can’t stand the idea of celebrating love? Then Bar Rouge’s anti-Valentine’s Day party In Memory of Love is just the thing for you. The snarky memorial kicks off with cheeky alcohol packages split into ‘It’s Complicated’ ($98) and ‘It’s Bubbly’ ($198)—further divided into specially concocted cocktails that include My Ex’s Tears, Sweet & Refreshing, and Sour & Bitter. Singles and happy couples all welcome; any excuse for a good party right?
Curse at love in Ann Siang’s funkiest vinyl shop
If you’d rather be bitter on ground level, and sans the bougie booze packages, White Label Records is throwing their own pity party for all the lonely cool kids out there. Expect drinks, great music and miserable company (hey, miserable couples welcome too). KiDG of Eatmepoptart will be spinning the decks and taking requests for your favourite sad songs—so come dejected.
Cultivate a bromance with local beer bros
Equatorial IPA. Photo credit: Daryl’s Urban Ales
A month back, three local lads (Daryl’s Urban Ales, That Singapore Beer Project and solo homebrewer Kai Han) got together and made a cheeky brew: the Equatorial IPA—a refreshing, fruity beer that sadly is no longer available. But fret not; the three are collaborating again for a sophomore release, the “Social Lubrication” inspired by Pina Coladas, to be launched at Druggists on Valentine’s Day. Swing by from 7pm for good beer and a chance to chat with the brewers on their inspiration and newfound bromance.
