Top 10 things to do at Singapore HeritageFest 2016

Our Little Red Dot is kinda cool, and the Singapore HeritageFest wants you to know that. Back for its 13th edition, the festival celebrates forgotten stories of people and places with more than 130 programmes spread out over three weekends.

This year brings together 120 community partners, the highest ever, with shop owners, musicians, restaurants, hotels, cultural institutions, clans and malls getting in on the action. That includes guided tours, talks, performances, workshops, film screenings, exhibitions and more.

If you find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer number of events at the fest, fear not. We’ve distilled it all down to the top ten highlights. Have a look below.

1. A Taste of Heritage
   

   

   Step into a time machine, back to the 1960s, when street food stalls dotted the grounds of the National Museum. Relive the past with local dishes like rojak, wanton mee and satay served to a backdrop of live performances, and get to know the multi-generational stories behind each stall. While you’re at it, you might as well throw on some ’60s vintage threads.
   Apr 29 & 30, 6pm-10pm at Front Lawn, National Museum of Singapore. Free.

2. Radio Night at the Museum
   No, there won’t be any dinosaur bones or historical creatures coming to life here, but you’ll get the next best thing: ghost stories. Spend a night at the museum with local radio DJs and get cosy as they recount thrilling tales from Chinese and Malay folklore. There’ll also be a childhood games challenge and a CD exchange session.
   Apr 30, various times at National Museum of Singapore. Free and ticketed.
3. ​Bedok Guided Bus Tour
   Hands up if Bedok is one of your favourite neighbourhoods. You’ll wanna hop on this bus tour and take in a glimpse of its history, from kampong life to food markets to military lookouts.
   May 7 & 8, various times at Bedok Heritage Corner. Free, registration required.
4. Urban Ventures @ Keong Saik Road
   

   

   The street transforms into an arts carnival for the night, complete with interactive installations, performances and creative workshops. Then, when the sun sets, the party kicks into high gear with music, drinks and dance performances.
   Apr 30, 4pm onwards at Keong Saik Road. Free.

5. ​Memories & Confessions: An Ode to Community in Films
   Explore the idea of community, the power of collective human experiences, and personal memories of spaces at this film series. Titles include 7 Letters by seven local directors, In Jackson Heights by Frederick Wiseman, Helsinki, Forever by Peter Von Bagh and Dahdi by Kirsten Tan.
   Apr 29-May 14, various times at various locations. Ticketed.
6. A-Go-Go Night @ Kampong Gelam!
   Take a trip back to the ’60s, otherwise known as the most exciting period in Singapore’s music history. At this mini-concert, homegrown indie bands like The Pinholes, The Voodoo Sound and Lion City Ska Jazz Ensemble will get you in the party mood and celebrate the legacies of ’60s local music icons like The Swallows and The Quests.
   May 7 & 8, 5pm-6.30pm at Bussorah St. Free.
7. Adventure Heritage Trail with Outward Bound Singapore
   

   

   Trek through the rustic charms of Pulau Ubin and breathe in the rarely-seen sights at the island’s western tip, where the home of Outward Bound Singapore resides.
   May 15, 2pm & 3.30pm at Pulau Ubin. Ticketed.

8. Food Trails
   Sample Halal cuisine at the Kampong Gelam Food Trail, or be a tourist for a day at the Balestier Food and Heritage Trail, where you’ll be introduced to famous eating spots in the area. River Valley High School is also organising three food trails — Changi Road, Joo Chiat and Jurong West — sign up, and you’ll get to know the history and heritage behind the local food stalls.
   Various dates, times and locations. Ticketed.
9. Before Dawn @ Tanglin Halt Tour
   Even if you’re not a morning person, don’t brush this one off just yet. Stroll down the streets of Tanglin Halt in the early hours with heritage enthusiasts as your guide. They’ll share stories about the community and bring you to historical sites like the black and white bungalows at Wessex estate.
   May 7 & 8, 4am at Tanglin Halt. Ticketed.
10. Music Performances + Movies Under the Ubin Stars
    

    

    Enjoy an evening of performances by local musicians like Inch Chua, who spent time creating her new album at Pulau Ubin last year. They’ll tell you stories of kampong life and tales from the island. In the evening, whip out your picnic mat or foldable chair and watch two Singaporean films by Kirsten Tan and Royston Tan.
    May 14, 5.30pm at Pulau Ubin Assembly Area (for Music Performances), 7.30pm at Pulau Ubin Wayang Stage (for Movies). Free, registration required.

Singapore HeritageFest 2016 is from Apr 29-May 15 at various locations. Events are free and ticketed. Online registration for the festival programmes starts on Apr 22.