A quick digest of the coolest weekend happenings in Singapore.
Friday, Aug 30
Anime: The Ultimate Genre-Bender
Featuring works by more than 40 artists from across the globe, who’ve turned their personal experiences with anime into art, this time capsule exhibition displays everything from art prints and paintings to toys and comics to digital animations and gifs.
Until Oct 5 at kult gallery.
Presented by the Singapore Lyric Opera, this popular piece tells the story of free-spirited Carmen and her world of smugglers, cigarette factory works, and soldiers.
Until Sept 1; Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 5pm at Esplanade Theatre. $35-$135.
This play revolves around 12 extended family members as they gather at the void deck for grandma’s funeral and navigate the waters of grief together.
Until Sept 8; various timings at School of the Arts Studio Theatre. $45.
Centre 42’s annual event returns as part of the Singapore Night Festival, with free admission to more than 25 “bite-sized” theater performances. Works include Kitchen Masala by Singapore’s first Indian theater collective Brown Voices, The Women Before Me by Zee Wong, Attempts’ Dating Sim (Beta), and lots more. Also look out for BooksActually’s pop-up store and Coffee Bandits’ food truck making a comeback.
Until Aug 31; 7pm-late at Centre 42.
Gardens by the Bay hosts its Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations once again, this time with the theme of “Legacies” to tell Chinese stories and traditions that’ve been passed down from generations. Highlights include illuminating lantern displays, cultural performances, lanterns hand painted by the elderly, a mass lantern walk, a food street, and more.
Until Sept 15; 7pm-11pm at Gardens by the Bay. Free and ticketed.
Local director Glen Goei’s newest film is an interpretation of the classic pontianak folklore legend (i.e. the vengeful spirit of a pregnant woman who dies in childbirth), but with a romantic twist. Co-directed by Malaysian actor and director Gavin Yap, the movie features Nur Fazura, Remy Ishak, Shenty Feliziana, and Hisyam Hamid.
In cinemas now.
Set to the theme of “This is Science,” the annual fest offers more than 50 shows, exhibitions, workshops, and activities for visitors to learn about the role that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics plays in our lives.
Until Sept 14; various timings at Science Centre Singapore. Free entry.
The annual film fest features titles like Paskal, Crossroads: One, Two, Jaga, Rise: Ini Kalilah, Shun Pong O, and Guang on this year’s line-up.
Until Sept 1; various timings at The Arts House. $10-$12.
Based on the BBC Television series, this updated prehistoric production comes to our shores with nine species represented from the Jurassic period to the Cretaceous period. Expect to see dinosaurs like the Tyrannosaurus Rex, Stegosaurus, and Brachiosaurus as the show takes you back into the past.
Until Sept 8; various timings at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. $78-$148.
Saturday, Aug 31
Trance DJ David Gravell takes the decks at Zouk for the night with his signature high-energy set.
10pm-late at Zouk. Men $45, women $35.
Drum-Off Global + Ultimate Drummers Weekend
On Saturday, check out the grand finals of the Drum-Off Global competition at Bugis+, where competitors from around the world will congregate for the title of grand champion. The next day, the ticketed Ultimate Drummers Weekend offers masterclasses and Q&A sessions for those interested.
Until Sept 1; various timings at Bugis+ atrium and PSB Academy in Marina Square.
For some good old family-friendly fun, head to Bedok Reservoir for a storytelling session of Singapore tales, retro games, and old school snacks.
4pm onwards at Passion Wave @ Bedok Reservoir. Free entry.
Sentosa Sandsation: Star Wars Edition
Getting inspiration from a galaxy far, far away, this year’s Sentosa Sandsation brings Star Wars characters to the beach with 20 sand sculptures featuring the likes of Yoda, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Rey, Darth Vader, Kylo Ren, and more. There will also be free sand sculpting workshops each day, along with live demonstrations, movie screenings, and Star Wars merch for sale. Oh, and since it’s the school holidays, all Singapore residents will get complimentary admission to Sentosa between now and Sept 15.
Until Sept 15; daily 10am-8:30pm at Siloso Beach, Sentosa. Free entry.
Silent Disco Asia @ Marina Bay Sands
Taking the soundless party up to the top of Marina Bay Sands, this edition allows for 500 merrymakers to be packed onto the dance floor, along with the trademark trio of three DJs to spin varying genres.
10pm-late at Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck. $50, includes one drink.
Wave House Sentosa’s 10th Anniversary
To celebrate a decade in Singapore, Wave House is throwing a party with live music by acoustic act Jack & Rai, plus beats by DJ Candice into the night. All rides this weekend will be one-for-one, and you can get similar deals from now till Oct 15 at the beach hangout.
5pm-late at Wave House Sentosa.
Sunday, Sept 1
The second edition of this pop-up block party by Foodpanda and Sunshine Nation gets things started with a face painting station, R&B beats by DJ Heffny, and music by local indie bands Bakers in Space and Stopgap. There’ll also be free fitness sessions from Athlete-Lab Singapore and BalletBody, along with walking tours of the area and games of Giant Jenga, Connect 4, Ring Toss, and more.
For a bite to eat, hit up booths like 25 Degrees for burgers, Chico Loco for fried chicken, Sarnies for sandwiches, and more. After you grab a drink from bartenders from Ginett, Asia Pacific Brewery, or William Grant & Sons, head to the new chill-out area for some shaded sit-down time. Making an effort to eliminate single-use plastics, the festival will provide water dispensers along the street (so bring your own bottle) and all vendors will use biodegradable packaging.
Noon-10pm at Amoy St. Free entry.
Tippling Club Singapore Drink & Tattoo
Tippling Club’s second tattoo-themed event, themed “Funky Cointreau Medina,” sees Joe Wang from 8 Volts studio going up against Ocean (Bao Zi) from Ocean Studios. Both will come up with their interpretations of ‘90s-style hip hop tattoo designs that chef-owner Ryan Clift created. The event will also have a casual cocktail competition between Tippling Club and Hong Kong’s John Anthony Bar, both offering their spin on three classic hip hop-inspired drinks.
7:30pm onwards at Tippling Club.
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