Forget the Great Singapore Sale. Sure, you can snap up that item you’ve been eyeing for a good discount, but you’ll probably end up purchasing the same thing as plenty of other shoppers. Too mainstream. Indie artisan markets are what we love — not only do you get to support awesomely talented homegrown designers and entrepreneurs, you also get to peruse a treasure trove of eclectic goods like quirky trinkets and one-of-a-kind pieces.
To point you in the right direction, here are seven free markets for you to browse through this month. Save up your hard-earned cash and check ’em out or just go window shopping — either way, it’ll be an experience.
MAAD Pyjamas
Jul 8, 5pm-midnight at Red Dot Design Museum Singapore, 28 Maxwell Rd
We’ll never tire of strolling through the Market of Artists And Designers, even though it’s a regular monthly affair. Celebrate with MAAD as it turns ten this year, and check out the stalls offering paintings, jewellery, artworks, and lots more. You’ll be serenaded by local musicians as the sun sets, and you can even choose to get your portrait done by the Organisation of Illustrators Council.
The Expat’s Weekender Fair
Jul 8-10, 11am-7pm at PasarBella at The Grandstand, 200 Turf Club Rd
Spend a leisurely afternoon at The Grandstand wandering through booths filled with home decor pieces, apparel, jewellery, artworks, crafts and bites to eat when those hunger pangs come calling.
The Wanderer’s Market
Jul 8-10, 10am-10pm at Wanderlust Hotel, 2 Dickson Rd
The boutique hotel plays host to a selection of online retailers, including brands such as The World At Your Feet, Chainless Brain and Kyn Collections, displaying a range of homeware, furniture, footwear and accessories. Spend over $40 and you’ll get a $20 voucher from beauty and wellness app Vaniday.
Chill AF (Arts Fest): Music and Art Market
Jul 23, 3pm at Red Baron, Blk 45 Malan Rd
Gillman Barracks may be a little out of the way, but this market is one reason to stop by the art enclave. There’ll be everything from leather accessories and terrariums to illustrations, haikus and even fortune telling booths from names like Haiku Fever, Bleak Illustration, InOut and My Grandmama’s Secret. Red Baron will supply the food and drinks and from 6pm, groove to acoustic tunes by local acts such as Disco Hue, Ellipsis and Faux Pas.
Tanjong Goodman Weekend Market
Jul 23-24, 10am-6pm at Goodman Arts Centre, 90 Goodman Rd
Bringing together a bunch of markets, this inaugural carnival-like event will bring you on a journey through Goodman Arts Centre. First stop, the Togetherly Market, where lifestyle goods are displayed with a backdrop of live music performances. Then there’s the farmer’s market filled with all kinds of lovingly prepared dishes and fresh fruits and veggies. Last but not least, The Great Singapore Garage Sale #7, featuring more than 40 stalls hawking brand new and pre-loved items, including toys, books, antiques and home decor. This is where you’re most likely to walk away with a bargain. Little ones will be entertained by activities like face painting and balloon sculpting.
Singapasar
Jul 29-31, 4pm-8pm at National Design Centre, 111 Middle Rd
The atas design-centric pasar malam returns for its second edition at the air-conditioned (yay) National Design Centre, featuring locally-influenced handcrafted goods and food creations from over 35 homegrown labels, including Hai Seng Porcelain, Hinika, Binary Style and Artofchris. They’ll be joined by Kapok, Keepers, Onemaker Group and Tanuki Raw — all tenants of the building.
The Local People X Aliwal Arts Centre Sarong Party Art Market
Jul 30, 5pm-11pm at Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal St
As part of this year’s Aliwal Arts Night Crawl, The Local People’s latest event pops up at Kampong Glam for one night. Wrap yourself in your best sarong to get in theme and sashay through the neighbourhood to enjoy activities like the batik trail, where you’ll learn about the history and culture of batik, as well as a sunset community yoga session by The Yoga Co. The art market resides at the closed-off Aliwal Street carpark, with the usual line-up of cool stuff by local brands.
