Introducing our mega list of all the exciting things to do in Singapore this August 2019
It’s Singapore’s birthday month and it’s extra special this year with the commemoration of the Bicentennial marking the 200th anniversary of Modern Singapore. Apart from National Day everything, there’s a variety of fun things to do with your crew. We’re talking food (especially National Day menus & buffets), films, festivities, fashion and more. Mark your calendars, people!
Festival: Singapore Night Festival (SNF)
23 –31 August
We can’t wait to see how this edition of Singapore Night Festival transforms the Bras Basah/Bugis heritage precinct. We’re expecting a gorgeous ethereal wonderland with a stocked lineup that includes arts, heritage and cultural experiences. Can’t wait…
Singapore Night Festival (SNF) 2019, Bras Basah, Bugis
Watch: Aladdin the Musical
All August
A whole new world will unfold before your eyes, magic carpet and all. Trust us, we witnessed it (read our review of Aladdin The Musical). Brought to us from the producer of The Lion King, we’re expecting nothing but an awe-inspiring rendition of Jasmine and Aladdin’s story. Don’t miss singing along to your favourite classics like “Friend like Me” and “Arabian Nights”!
Aladdin the Musical, 21 July – 1 September, Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, 4 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018973
Art: Ripple Root – Raffles, Pineapples & The Swamp
8 – 31 August
Chances are you’ve already Instagrammed one of their happy and colourful murals. We recently hung out with artists Estella Ng & Liquan Liew of Ripple Root and we’re psyched about their newest art exhibit titled Raffles, Pineapples & The Swamp. We hear the show will feature art pieces inspired by the Singapore Bicentennial and Batik patterns of Club 21 Issey Miyake and Dries Van Noten AW19 collections.
Ripple Root – Raffles, Pineapples & The Swamp, Yang Gallery, #01-11, The Shopping Gallery Hilton, 581 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238883
Art: Takashi Murakami: From Superflat to Bubblewrap
All month
Oh, you simply can’t miss Japanese artist Takashi Murakami’s major exhibit at STPI. Running till 14 September, this milestone show explores the dynamic practice of one of the most acclaimed contemporary artists of our times. Explore his signature aesthetic style up close and see why Takashi believes this chaotic yet ambitious exhibit will be considered as a major career turning point after he passes.
Takashi Murakami: From Superflat to Bubblewrap, Till 14 September STPI, 41 Robertson Quay, Singapore 23823
Chinatown Point’s Festivities under the Moonlight
16 August – 15 September
As a part of the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration, Chinatown Point is going all out with fam-friendly activities, workshops and promos. Think lantern painting competition (25 Aug), festive crafts workshops (24, 25 & 31 Aug & 1, 7 & 8 Sept) and a whole lot of contests. Oh, and there will also be a fantastic fair with mooncakes and treats from The Capitol Kempinski Hotel, Mandarin Orchard Hotel, Intercontinental Singapore, Hua Ting Restaurant and more from 30 August – 13 September.
Vroom over to catch the F1 Power Up roving truck (23 & 24 Aug) for an insane VR experience that includes simulated racing of real racing circuits, 360 degrees circuit park experience, and a behind-the-scenes tour.
Chinatown Point, 133 New Bridge Rd, #B1-50A, Singapore 059413
Eat: The Perfect Marques Match Season Two
All month
What happens when 12 Singapore chefs specially curated menus that pair perfectly with Chile’s best wines? Safe to say you’re in for a rather scrumptious meal. Award-winning wine label Marques de Casa Concha is back for the second edition of ‘Perfect Marques Match’ with some of the island’s best restaurants including Praelum, Smoke & Mirrors (till 31 December), Chef’s Table, The Cliff, White Grass, Salt Grill & Sky Bar, The Botanic, Ristorante Luka and others.
Watch: Alaska – Live in Singapore
27 August
We love a good drag show around here and now that the iconic and hilarious Alaska is stopping by, we’re counting down the days. Watch Rupaul’s Drag Race All-Stars season 2 winner live as she brings her wittiness, comedy and chart-topping hits to the scene. Can’t wait till then? Check out these other great drag shows in Singapore.
Alaska – Live in Singapore, 8pm-9.15pm, Shine Auditorium Shaw Tower, 100 Beach Road, Singapore 189702
Watch: Walking with Dinosaurs – The Live Experience
29 August – 5 September
Look who’s walking! Dinosaurs roamed the Earth 65 million years ago and now they are making an appearance in Singapore… using state-of-the-art technology, of course. Based on the award-winning BBC Television series, 18 life-sized dinosaurs will keep you on the edge of your seat. Catch the prehistoric creatures in one of the biggest and best dinosaur live shows in the world from 29 August to 5 September.
Walking with Dinosaurs – The Live Experience, Singapore Indoor Stadium 2 Stadium Walk, Singapore 397691
Art: Drift away at Floating Utopias
All August
Stroll into a whole new world at ArtScience Museum’s newest exhibit. This poetic exhibition explores the history of inflatable objects, depicting how they have been used in art, architecture and social activism over the many decades. It’s a playful and stunning visual experience with over 40 artworks created by over 15 international and local artists. Keep your eyes peeled for eight large air-filled floating sculptures that are bound to impress.
Floating Utopias, 25 May – 29 Sept, ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974
Brass Lion Distillery introduces its first and only Gin School in Singapore
All month
Local gin distillery, Brass Lion Distillery has recently launched its first Gin School (also the only school in Singapore) and we were invited to concoct our own gin. A perfect date idea or cool weekend activity, the three-hour gin workshop gets you a welcome drink and your very own bottle of gin to take home. Identify your gin profile (such as spice, heat, floral, citrus, herbal or juniper), select your favourite herbs, spices and dried fruits from the massive apothecary cabinet and the herb garden; prep the ingredients and distil your mixture with a mini copper pot still. After 20 to 30 minutes, your gin is ready to be labelled. Need help? The friendly ginstructors will be there to assist. Who’s ready to get schooled?
Brass Lion Distillery’s Gin School, $198, available on Sundays at 2pm, 40 Alexandra Terrace, Singapore 119933
Art: Charles’ Proclamation Garden
All August
The Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden at the National Gallery Singapore is his new canvas. Renowned artist Charles Lim Yi Yong has morphed the rooftop garden into a living, breathing and ever-changing site-specific installation. Sea State 9: Proclamation Garden attempts to understand the complexities of the reclamation landscape by introducing 30 lesser-known plant species.
Sea State 9: Proclamation Garden, till 27 Oct 2019, Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden at National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Rd, Singapore 178957
Eat: National Day Special Dining Menus
All August
Raise your hands if you’d like to celebrate the nation’s birthday like a true-blue Singaporean! Paying homage to the local culinary scene, these restaurants have put together special National Day dining menus (and deals!) that are too good to miss. We’ve done the homework and highly recommend indulging in these special National Day menus and buffets.
What you missed!
Concert: Toro y Moi Live in Singapore presented by Collective Minds
1 August
So American artist Toro y Moi who’s probably the face of the chillwave genre will be dropping by the city as part of his Asia and Hawaii Tour. Fresh off his recent 2019 release ‘Outer Peace’, you can expect a night of trademark synth-pop to R&B beats (no album is the same with this guy!). Trust us, you can’t help but bop your head or dance along to his groove-worthy tunes.
Toro y Moi, 7.30 – 9.30pm, The Pavilion at Far East Square, 28 China Street, #01-01, Far East Square, Singapore 049570
Shop: Singapasar
2 – 4 August
Back for its fourth edition, Singapasar is the perfect way to indulge in some design-centric retail therapy. This weekend, bring home some cool clothes, home decor and accessories designed by over 30 local labels.
Singapasar, National Design Centre, Main Atrium & Gallery 1, 111 Middle Rd, Singapore 188969
Celebration: National Day 2019
9 August
The biggest event of August and it has everything to do with Singapore’s birthday. Apart from catching the parade, performance and the splendid fireworks on 9 August (and on rehearsal day, 3 August), consider munching on locally-inspired food and heritage-themed cocktails at your favourite restaurants and bars. It’s a long weekend giving us an excuse to book out a staycation or hitting up these rooftop bars with the million-dollar view of the flypasts and fireworks.
Party: Ice Cream Sundays x Darker Than Wax: Open Door
9 August
Psst… The good guys at Ice Cream Sundays and Darker Than Wax are throwing a party at Golden Mile Tower to celebrate the nation’s 54th birthday and you’re invited. Apart from catching the fireworks and chilling at the carpark of an iconic building, expect soulful tunes, affordable drinks, local eats, art by independent creatives and Ice Cream Sundays’ signature chill vibes. Oh and enter for free before 5pm and pay-what-you-want after.
Ice Cream Sundays x Darker Than Wax: Open Door, Golden Mile Tower, 5th Carpark, Singapore
Party: National Day at Bar Rouge
8 & 9 August
It’s the long weekend i.e perfect excuse to hit two mid-week parties at Bar Rouge. On 8 Aug, DJ Farah Farz (a finalist at Global Female DJ Championship) will be spinning her mix of R&B and bass for Girls’ Night Out. And on National Day, party like you have the day off (‘cos you do) at Disco Lah! Bar Rouge will be screening the NDP parade live. Besides, you’ve got an insane 71 storey high view of the flypast and the firework spectacle too. Psst: The Shiok Lah! Package at a cool $54 nett lets you claim two Singapore inspired cocktails, a DIY rojak, an ice cream sandwich and a tote bag to remember the day.
Bar Rouge, 2 Stamford Rd, #71-01, Singapore 178882
Play: Singapore Sports Hub’s National Day Fiesta 2019
9 August
Spending the day with the fam on National Day? Make the most of this day by a celebration at the Singapore Sports Hub. Wear red and make your way to fitness workouts, sports challenges and family-friendly fun. We got a sneak peek at the fun too – watch our Singapore Sports Hub’s National Day Fiesta video.
Singapore Sports Hub’s National Day Fiesta 2019, OCBC Square, Stadium Walk, Singapore
Concert: Westlife: The Twenty Tour
10 August
Remember Westlife? Of course, you do! You probably spent the better half of the early 2000s/your teens (whichever came first) shuffling between boy bands including this Irish one. They disbanded in 2012 but came back together last year. At the concert this August, you’re bound to get nostalgic as they belt out their biggest hits like ‘My Love’, ‘Queen of my Heart’, ‘Swear It Again’ and ‘Flying Without Wings’.
Westlife, National Stadium, 1 Stadium Dr, Singapore 397629
Eat: Sentosa GrillFest
Every weekend till 12 August
Sentosa GrillFest is back for its longest edition ever with over 130 food and beverage options. Imagine feasting on premium cuts, fresh seafood, bamboo rice, plant-based “Impossible” burgers, and local delights like satay and grilled durian (yes, they went there!) over an open fire by the beach. Spells, “beach vacay” to us. Stay for entertaining performances by roaming acts, and kick back with some of the biggest blockbusters screened at the Sapphire Pavilion. Take note that it’s a cashless event so you can make purchases with credit cards and EZ Link cards.
Sentosa GrillFest, every Friday, also open from 9-12 August, 4pm-11pm, Siloso Beach
Party: Urban Night with Auchentoshan presented by Honeycombers
14 August
A whisky cocktail pop-up party at a soy sauce chicken stall? Count us in! Yes, we’re joining forces with, a unique single malt whisky label, to host a kickass exclusive party for Honeycombers readers at Chinatown’s Original Chew Kee Eating House (get the full scoop here). For $25, you get three cocktails (additional cocktails at $12), unlimited local bar bites, fun games, live music and endless entertainment! Limited seats available so assemble your crew and book your tix right away.
Urban Night with Auchentoshan presented by Honeycombers, 7 – 9pm, Original Chew Kee Eating House, 8 Upper Cross St, Singapore 058327
Watch: Films at the Fort
1 – 18 August
Picnic at Fort Canning Park, a bottle of Casillero del Diablo, gourmet food and an amazing set of friends to share it with… we can’t think of a better way to enjoy an open-air movie this August. Book those tickets and catch 12 amazing movies at Films at the Fort.
Films at the Fort, Fort Canning Park, River Valley Rd, Singapore 179037
Festival: Singapore River Festival (SRF 2019)
16 –17 August
Take us to the River! Here are some extra excuses to make it down to the Quay this August. Live music, great street food & drinks, rehearsal day fireworks, boat cruises and more are on the cards. On 2 and 3 August, head to Boat Quay’s Circular Raw to catch the fireworks with local bands like HubbaBubbas and The Steve McQueens playing their best tunes. Don’t forget to block your dates for an epic two-day music festival. [email protected] Quay 2019 on 16 & 17 August will see homegrown musicians like Yung Raja and Fariz Jabba taking the stage. Of course, there will be locally inspired food and drinks like rendang pizza, chilli crab with mantou, milo dinosaur shooters, laksa popcorn chicken and ondeh ondeh float.
Singapore River Festival (SRF 2019), various locations along the Singapore River.
Outdoors: Pet and plant lovers unite at Gardeners’ Day Out & Pets’ Day Out
17 August, Saturday
NParks is combining its annual Gardeners’ Day Out with the first-ever Pets’ Day Out and we’re squealing with joy. Plant and pet lovers, buckle up for a fun-filled day of talks, demos, garden tours, along with storytelling and handicraft workshops for the kiddos. We’re looking forward to shopping from over 90 vendors at the Gardener’s Market and Food Bazaar, and many nature guides. Bring your furbabies for free pet health checks and micro-chipping services and watch them have the time of their life at the open pet playground. You can even adopt a furry friend from one of the animal welfare groups.
Gardeners’ Day Out & Pets’ Day Out, 9am-3pm, Hortpark, 33 Hyderabad Road, Singapore 119578
Watch: Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities
6 July – 18 August
You’ve not seen anything until you’ve witnessed Cirque du Soleil’s spellbinding shows. Not only does it set the bar really high, but you’re also immersed into a world of acrobatic acts. Cirque du Soleil drops by Singapore for its most acclaimed touring show, Kurios and you can be one of the firsts to catch it. Celebrating the greatest inventions of the 19th century, step into the works of an ambitious inventor and forget everything you know about the laws of time, space and dimensions. Rest assured, you will be #mindblown.
Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities, various timings, 6 July –18 August, Under The Big Top, Bayfront Avenue, Beside Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Sports: FINA Swimming World Cup Singapore 2019
16 – 17 August
There’s something about watching Singapore’s best that has us beaming with #SGpride. Not sure what we mean? Experience it at FINA Swimming World Singapore 2019. Watch Singapore’s top swimmers, including Joseph Schooling, battle it out in the water with Olympians and World Champions from around the world. It’s the perfect preview for some live swimming action before next year’s Tokyo Olympics.
FINA Swimming World Cup Singapore 2019 Presented By Yakult, 15-17 August, 6.30pm, OCBC Aquatic Centre, 7 Stadium Drive, Kallang, Singapore 397632
Music and outdoors: Jazz for Dogs 2019
18 August
Enjoy a picnic and a jazz concert at the Singapore Botanic Gardens and do good for the stray and abandoned dogs in Singapore. It’s simple – the concert is free but order one, two or more picnic baskets to support these beautiful angels. A picnic basket includes wine, drinks, savoury snacks, dessert from Shake Shack and a limited edition Jazz for Dogs picnic mat. Bring your furbabies along so you can dress them up with an adorable Shake Shack Singapore bandana and pre-order a delish Furry’s Kitchen meal for them.
Jazz for Dogs 2019, 5pm-7.30pm, Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
Party: Electric Feel: ADventures at the 80s Tropical Prom
17 August
What do you get when your combine prom night, the tropics and a #throwback to the 80s? A major P.A.R.T.Y. of course! Join DJs, Weelikeme and Ya5th as they bust out earworms by Kylie Minogue, Cyndi Lauper, Michael Jackson, Prince and Wham. Put on your best tropical-inspired prom outfit and make sure to rehearse those awkward prom pictures. This is one for the (year) books!
Electric Feel: Adventures at the 80s Tropical Prom, 10.30pm-4am, Hard Rock Cafe, 50 Cuscaden Road, Hpl House #02-01, Singapore 249724
Experience: The World’s Loneliest Bookstore
16–18 August
Bibliophiles, have you ever imagined how the last bookstore in a post-apocalyptic world would look like? Come, see it for yourself and explore how the only woman in Singapore sets up this bookstore with scavenged bits and bobs. This other-worldly experience encourages a conversation on how physical books would play a part in the future. Bring your cash to add some second-hand books to your collection.
The World’s Loneliest Bookstore, 16 Aug: 6pm-1am; 17 & 18 Aug: 11am-6pm; The Library at Centre 42, Level 1 42 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187951
Watch: Belon by P7:1SMA at ArtScience Late
15 August
Catch an impressive dance performance by P7:1SMA (pronounced ‘Prisma’) on 15 August at ArtScience Museum. The contemporary dance production titled Belon incorporates inflatable objects and explores the paradoxical nature of art.
ArtScience Museum, Expression Gallery, Level 4, 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974
Beauty: Clarins It’s Playtime pop-up
15 – 25 August
Fancy a quick lip service? Perfect your pout with a complimentary lip makeover at Clarins’ sweet pop-up at Plaza Singapura. Are you into satin, glossy, shimmer or matte? A quick quiz brings you to the pout of your choice. Be one of the firsts to try Clarins’ new Nourishing Oil Scrub (to be released in September) before selecting a lip colour at one of the IG-worthy thematic rooms. We tried one of the bestsellers from the matte collection and suffice to say, the colour stuck on all day! Fun games and exclusive deals including the vegan-friendly My Clarins starter kit is also available at special prices. While you’re at it, drop by its new outlet at basement one. The store even offers 30-minute express facials!
Clarins It’s Playtime pop-up, Plaza Singapura Level 1 Atrium (beside Nam Nam Noodle Bar), 68 Orchard Road, #01-55, Plaza, Singapore 238839
Drink: Carlsberg pop-up booth
15 – 25 August
Hanging around Plaza Singapura? Drop by the Carlsberg pop-up to check out the beer brand’s new look. Aside from admiring the new branding and innovation, discover the brand’s past, present and future and get treated to a cold one!
Carlsberg’s Pursuit for Better experience, Plaza Singapura Atrium, 68 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238839
Eat: The Pintxo Exchange at TXA Pintxo Bar
22 – 25 August
If you haven’t made your way to The Alkaff Mansion’s TXA Pintxo Bar yet, do it now. Treat yourself to a unique dining experience that takes you on a trip to Basque Country. From 22 – 25 August, Eskerne Falcon, San Sebastian’s top txikiteo tour guide, will be hosting a The Pintxo Exchange. Savour incredible pintxos including three special ones inspired by two of San Sebastian’s most renowned bars as Eskerne walks you through the rich and unique culture of her food-obsessed country. Oh, and don’t forget to wash it all down with a couple of glasses of txakoli and Basque cider.
The Pintxo Exchange at TXA Pintxo Bar, The Alkaff Mansion, 10 Telok Blangah Green, Singapore 109178
