The month of March welcomes the week-long school holiday, the start of Ramadan, Easter, and oh, Taylor Swift. Get ready for plenty of musical madness, exhibitions and multicultural events for kids and kids-at-heart.
New and noteworthy:
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour Trail, Light & Water Show, and Retail Pop-up
Feb 28 to Mar 7 (Light & Water Show), Mar 9 (Retail Pop-up), Mar 13 (Trail); Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands transforms into an enchanting wonderland for all things Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour from Feb 28 to Mar 13. The two-week extravaganza features a 14-minute Light & Water Show that’s synced to the tunes of four chart-topping songs; seven walkthrough installations inspired by the artiste’s 10 eras; and an exclusive retail pop-up offering official concert merchandise.
The New York Secret
Mar 1 to 30; Secret location in Chinatown
UK’s award-winning Secret Theatre returns this March with an immersive world-class theatre experience at an exclusive members-only secret location in Chinatown. It invites thrill seekers and introspective theatre fans to relive the 1980s in an evening filled with disco music and Manhattan-inspired food and drinks, all squeezed into two hours.
Sneaker Con SEA 2024
Mar 2 and 3; Resorts World Sentosa Singapore
Sneaker Con SEA 2024 promises to take the region’s sneaker and streetwear culture to new heights, showcasing an unforgettable experience that will resonate with sneaker enthusiasts, streetwear aficionados, music lovers, and urban culture enthusiasts.
The Library and The Carnival activity zones
Mar 2 to 10; Singapore Sports Hub
Singapore Sports Hub transforms its blank spaces into vibrant activity zones for visitors and concertgoers. It’s all happening from Mar 2, the day American pop superstar Taylor Swift kicks off the Singapore leg of The Eras Tour. There will be roving entertainment, installations and F&B at two main zones called The Library and The Carnival, as well as numerous fringe activity booths at Stadium Riverside Walk.
Gemilang Kampong Gelam
Mar 2 to Apr 5; Kampong Gelam
Get ready to celebrate the rich heritage of the iconic cultural district with a host of events, special collaborations, food, shopping and artiste performances. The Ramadan bazaar will be the largest and longest-running edition yet. beginning a week before Muslim fasting month commences and featuring over 107 local F&B and retail partners with their curated array of food and shopping selections for Hari Raya.
Into the Invisible
Mar 4; Visual Arts Centre
The interdisciplinary art exhibition, a visual journey blurring the lines between sight and sound, is the launchpad for acclaimed artist Lindsey Nobel’s Liquid Line series. Her artworks are presented alongside American composer and self-taught guitarist Daniel Grace’s original musical composition in a fusion of art, technology and music.
Splashtopia
Mar 8 to 31; Palawan Green, Sentosa
Kiztopia is making waves with Splashtopia, dubbed the “ultimate aquatic adventure” from Mar 8 to 31. The 4,600-square-foot outdoor venue at Palawan Green in Sentosa will be transformed into the biggest and first-of-its-kind water-themed inflatable park.
Grounded
Mar 7 to 23; KC Arts Centre
Grounded by George Brant tells the story of a female fighter pilot (Oon Shu An) who is grounded by an unexpected pregnancy and reassigned to operate military drones from a windowless trailer outside Las Vegas. The play examines the psychological and ethical implications of remote warfare, as well as the challenges of balancing a military career and a family life.
Matilda The Musical
Mar 7 to Apr 9; Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands
This award-winning musical is based on the beloved children’s book by Roald Dahl. Produced by GWB Entertainment in association with The Royal Shakespeare Company and presented by Base Entertainment Asia, it is a “timeless tale of resilience, intellect, and the boundless power of imagination”. Ticket prices start from $68, and are available at Marina Bay Sands, Sistic and Klook.
Armenian Street Party
Mar 8 to 31; Armenian Street
Eat, play and learn at Armenian Street Party: Peranakan Pasar, organised by the Peranakan Museum.This eighth edition of the festival will be a celebration of Peranakan food. Festivalgoers can look forward to four weeks of recipes, stories, and craftsmanship alongside a series of food-inspired activities and interactive programmes. Experience Peranakan culture in creative ways, thanks to new partnerships between the Peranakan Museum and Peranakan communities.
DiscovHER 2024
Mar 8 to 17; Science Centre Singapore
With this year’s theme “STEM for Societal Change”, get ready for a dynamic and empowering series of talks, on-site activities and shows dedicated to promoting gender diversity and inclusion in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in various experiences, including snapping selfies alongside (and with the help of) robots, encountering microorganisms up close, exploring the intricacies of different food waste types, and even crafting decorative pottery from these materials.
Easter Eggs-travaganza
Mar 9 to Apr 7; Bird Paradise and Mandai Wildlife West
There are plenty of Easter-themed activities at Bird Paradise and Mandai Wildlife West to keep the young ones occupied this March school holiday season until the end of the month.
Go on both physical and digital egg hunts and exchange your finds for treats and surprise; capture Insta-worthy moments in Bird Paradise’s walk-through aviaries and their colourful egg installations; and experience the Wings of the World Presentation with a special segment on eggs.
Five Footway Festival
Mar 9 to 17; Chinatown
Organised by the Chinatown Business Association and programme partners, the festival will take place in various locations across Chinatown where the streets will come alive with the hustle and bustle of the 1900s. Experience age-old childhood games, street snacks, opera performances, movies, and theatrical tours along Smith, Pagoda, and Sago Streets.
Timezone’s Month of Happiness
Mar 9 to 31; all Timezone locations
During its Month of Happiness celebrations throughout March, Timezone will offer a series of promotions and activities to spread happiness and create memorable moments for visitors. Expect an exciting experience with fun games, food (think popcorn, ice cream and cotton candy), and mini competitions.
Hinghwa Food and Cultural Festival
Mar 12 to 17; Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza
The six-day festival aims to promote and share Hinghwa heritage, culture and cuisine to the public. Organised by the Singapore Puxian (Hinghwa) Network and supported by the Putian Municipal People’s Government, it will feature over 20 types of authentic dishes and cultural performances to celebrate the heritage and cuisine of the Hinghwa people.
PetExpo 2024
Mar 15 to 17; Expo Hall 5B and 6
The 10th anniversary edition will be filled with more exciting programmes, activities and workshops for all paw-rents, furry friends and aquatic pets. The new Aqua Zone is the highlight this year, an area specially dedicated to aquatic animal enthusiasts. It offers a array of booths specialising in aquatic technology, accessories, and marine species.
The Disney+ Home: A Story for Everyone
Mar 18 to 24; VivoCity Atrium
This interactive pop-up event offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the vast library of stories from Disney+ in the comfort of a home setting. Wander through the four themed rooms of the Disney+ home where hidden easter eggs and interesting facts await discovery. From heart-warming family tales to thrilling Asian stories, there’s a story for everyone. Eagle-eyed fans can stand a chance to win exciting prizes by simply answering questions in the activity booklet provided upon entry.
SmartyPants and the Swordfish
Mar 20 to 24; Gateway Theatre, Black Box
This inclusive play empowers children to embrace difference and navigate the complexities of bullying. The story by playwright Jean Tay is a reimagining of the legend of Redhill, and features a group of students as they investigate how a young kampung boy met his demise at the hands of a jealous sultan. As they peel back the layers of this age-old tale, they meet evil advisors, fend off an attack by swordfishes and learn what it means to have empathy for others.
Ballet by the Bay
Mar 22 to 24; Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay presents the first edition of Ballet by the Bay, a weekend of classical and neo-classical ballet. It will take place annually as part of da:ns focus, the Esplanade’s year-round dance season comprising five themed weekends. The main production, Melissa Hamilton’s International Ballet Stars Gala, is not to be missed. Taking place at Esplanade Theatre on March 23 and 24, it brings together eight ballet stars from the world’s top-tier ballet companies.
Earth Hour Festival
Mar 23; Wisma Atria
This year, Earth Hour celebrations move to Orchard Road with the island’s iconic shopping district slated to switch off from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. Families and the community can participate in meaningful and fun engagements that shed light on the intricacies of protecting nature, and the climate and sustainability of the planet through WWF-Singapore and partners’ activity stations that educate festival goers to become more eco-conscious citizens.
World Down Syndrome Day
Mar 23; One Punggol Celebration Square
Join Guest of Honour Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Social and Family Development, as well as the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth from 8am to 3pm for World Down Syndrome Day. Take part in Buddy Walk, symbolising camaraderie along the developmental journey with individuals with Down Syndrome, alongside their families. The event will also showcase talents of members with Down Syndrome and community partners, with games and stalls selling crafts and delectable food items.
The carnival is an integral part of a global campaign aiming to End the Stereotypes featuring a Rock Your Socks initiative. The public is encouraged to wear mismatched socks and share them on their social media platforms to challenge stereotypes on this special day.
Support the initiative by visiting the carnival, make an outright donation to Down Syndrome Association (via paynow at UEN S96SS0170K and indicate in ref: WDSD); or online through Giving.Sg.
Latinada Street Food & Music Festival
Mar 23 and 24; Canchita
Dance and eat your heart out at one of the best Latin America fiestas this side of Asia. 10 of the best Latin American chefs in Asia who currently reside in Singapore will prepare the feistiest street food from all corners of the continent a la minute for a dining experience like no other in Singapore or the region.
Tour de Care
Mar 30; 100PLUS Promenade @ Singapore Sports Hub
Tour de Care 2024 is a cycling challenge celebrating inclusivity and community support for the underprivileged. Organised by Home Nursing Foundation (HNF) and held at Singapore Sports Hub, Tour de Care 2024 aims to raise funds and awareness for frail, elderly patients who require end-of-life care at home.
Experience the special Mobility Ride segment, designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities and elderly participants, and witness the support of Ageless Bicyclists Ltd, a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to promoting active, healthy lifestyles for diverse communities, as they provide adaptive bicycles for participants with different abilities.
Sip & Savour by 1-Group
Feb 24 to Mar 31; various locations
As a tribute to Singapore’s bar culture, the bartenders and mixologists, this year’s event is themed “Magic of Mixology” and includes a capsule menu of cocktails prepared by both in-house and guest bartenders with Johnnie Walker Gold Label. There are also live performances, parties and more.
Plastic: Remaking Our World
Jan 27 to Jun 23; National Museum of Singapore
Delve into the world of this controversial yet pervasive material, and discover how we can use it more sustainably. The Asian debut of the travelling exhibition by the Vitra Design Museum, V&A Dundee, and Maat, Lisbon, features over 300 artefacts such as Barbie dolls, and an injection machine that repurposes upcycled plastic into household items.
Ongoing events:
KidsFest!
Feb 1 to Mar 3; Victoria Theatre
This year’s festival will feature four fantasy-filled interactive shows based on classic children’s books throughout February – Spot’s Birthday Party, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, I Believe in Unicorns, and We’re Going On A Bear Hunt. Audiences will be swept away by the whimsical storytelling and immersive performances, which promise to be an unforgettable experience for children and their families. Get the full schedule here.
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
From Feb 3; Coastal Trail, Sentosa
This light trail takes place in the awe-inspiring woods of the Coastal Trail on Sentosa island, and will thrill Harry Potter fans of all ages. Visitors will discover some of their favourite moments from the Forbidden Forest, encounter mystical creatures such as Hippogriffs, Unicorns, and Nifflers, and practice casting their very own spells. Tickets are available for purchase starting at $51 for adults and $39 for children.
Battle for Singapore
Feb 17 to Mar 3; islandwide
This year’s annual Battle for Singapore by National Heritage Board (NHB) goes off the beaten track. The line-up features a host of special access programmes in commemoration of the 82nd anniversary of the Fall of Singapore. Cycle to World War II landmarks, makan with seniors and hear their stories, and immerse yourself in a theatrical experience that transports you to one of the most significant moments of Singapore.
Lion City Jazz Festival 2024
Feb 26 to Mar 2; Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
The Jazz Association (Singapore) and Jazz Association Singapore Youth Orchestra (JASSYO!) co-presents this high-level training festival that invites renowned and professional jazz musicians to Singapore to mentor local youth jazz musicians. This year’s event celebrates the timeless music of jazz icon, Dizzy Gillespie, and features a stellar lineup of international mentors, including chief mentor and Dizzy Gillespie Band leader John Lee, alongside Jeremy Monteiro, Weixiang Tan, and Chok Kerong.
There will be informative workshops, intensive rehearsals, and the first-ever Jazz Composition Symposium. It culminates in two concerts – one featuring members of the Dizzy Gillespie Big Band and the other showcasing the mentors alongside local youth musicians who will form members of JASSYO!. Tickets are available here.
Ho Tzu Nyen: Time & the Tiger
Nov 24, 2023 to Mar 3, 2024; Singapore Art Museum
Ho Tzu Nyen: Time & the Tiger is possibly one of the most significant exhibitions this year. Presented by Singapore Art Museum (SAM), this is the Singaporean artist’s first mid-career survey exhibition highlighting his prolific artistic practice. Internationally acclaimed as a writer, visual artist and theatre-maker, Ho explores identity, storytelling and time in Asia, particularly after World War II.
New Eden: Science Fiction Mythologies Transformed
Oct 21, 2023 to Mar 3, 2024; ArtScience Museum
ArtScience Museum opens a portal to extraordinary new worlds with its latest exhibition New Eden: Science Fiction Mythologies Transformed. Visitors will be able to uncover new perspectives on the genre of science fiction, encountering multiple futures and alternative realms inspired by Asia’s rich history and culture. The contemporary art exhibition spotlights 24 Asian women artists and collectives, including some of the biggest names in contemporary art globally, such as Mariko Mori, Cao Fei, Patty Chang, Sputniko!, Lee Bul, Shilpa Gupta and Anicka Yi.
Tropical: Stories from Southeast Asia and Latin America
Nov 18, 2023 to Mar 24, 2024; National Gallery Singapore
The exhibition demonstrates how the two regions have many similarities. Billed as the world’s first large-scale exhibition to take a comparative approach between the artistic practices from both regions, it examines what they share in common – especially following colonialism.
Gallery Children’s Biennale
Now till Mar 31, 2024, National Gallery Singapore
The 4th edition of Gallery Children’s Biennale 2023 is themed “Let’s Make a Better Place” and will showcase 11 art installations by international artists that spotlight four core values: Care, Collaborate, Imagine and Respect.
Chaos Lab
Nov 11 to second quarter of 2024 (exact date to be determined); Changi Airport Terminal 2
Chaos Lab, a wacky lab-themed experience, will debut at Changi Airport’s Terminal 2 on Nov 11 – just in time for the upcoming school holidays. Presented by Fever, a leading US-based entertainment discovery platform, families are invited to check out 11 interactive activities based on science themes. With each activity, kids are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild.
Ente Veedu, My Home: Malayalees in Singapore
Nov 25, 2023 to Sep 15, 2024; Indian Heritage Centre
This is the first exhibition of its kind to focus exclusively on the Malayalees’ heritage, culture, and identity. It features both intangible and tangible aspects of Malayalee history through artefacts and stories as well as a variety of community programmes.
Ride the Beat at Skyline Luge
Ongoing; Sentosa
Kick-start your Friday and Saturday nights from 7pm to 9pm with Ride the Beat, a thrilling new sensory experience at Skyline Luge on Sentosa. Neon lights create a visually stunning backdrop while DJs hype up the ride with pulsating tunes. Tickets are now available at Skyline Luge’s Ticketing Counter or from the official site here.
