Presenting our first guide of 2024... Looks like January is going to be an exciting month! Check out what’s on in Singapore.
It’s time to chase away the bad juju of 2023 and manifest all the good vibes for 2024. The year begins on a high with a fab mix of events waiting for you. From the largest art fair in Southeast Asia to the annual Light to Night Festival we adore, we’ve got it all. Here’s a roundup of all the exciting things to do in Singapore this January.
Best things to do in Singapore: January 2024
1. Arts & culture: Singapore Palestine Film Festival
12 – 21 January
Taking place at the new Golden Village x The Projector across two weeks, a curated selection of thought-provoking films will be showcased to shed light on the livelihoods of people living in Palestine. Proceeds from the film sales will go directly to the Singapore Red Cross to support relief efforts for individuals in Gaza. At $30, ticket prices for each screening include one feature and one short film, with five film pairings to choose from.
Singapore Palestine Film Festival, #05-01, Golden Village x The Projector, Cineleisure, 8 Grange Road, Singapore 239695
2. Things to do: Artbox 2024
26 January – 4 February
What happens when you combine food, drinks, shops, and a beam of pain? You get Artbox 2024. This year’s fair theme is “Avenue”, where a melting pot of international culture and attitudes comes together. The all-day festival will take over 105,000 square feet of the Singapore Expo – it’s basically transformed into its very own city.
Every street and avenue features different cultures from countries like the US, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and Thailand. For entertainment, expect a comeback of last year’s Beam of Pain. Except now it’s been dubbed the Beam of Sia Lah Damn Pain. But at the end of all that suffering is a sweet cash prize of $888 for the fastest contestant!
Artbox 2024, Singapore Expo Hall 2, 1 Expo Drive, Singapore 486150
3. Arts & culture: Light to Night Festival
19 January – 8 February
The marquee event of Singapore Art Week is back to bring the Civic District to life. The theme of this year’s festivities is “Reimagine”. It focuses on what it means for us to reimagine art and all its forms. Engage with art and space in new and innovative ways that spark creativity and inspire thoughtful experiences. Expect public art installations, light projections, bustling outdoor activities, and even gamified tours. We’re especially looking forward to the Dungeons & Dragons: The Art Quest activity. You’ll be guided by skilled dungeon masters on a 45-minute journey where mysteries unfold as art comes to life.
Light to Night Festival, multiple locations around the Civic District
4. Festival: Scape presents Comma
12 – 28 January
This creative arts festival spotlights the budding artists of our creative scene. Following the theme of disruption, it reflects Scape’s current state of refresh. It encourages this year’s artists to go against the grain, and audiences to experience Scape’s transformation. Artistic disciplines range from music to dance, visual arts, and more. Festival highlights include Music Day Out featuring a lineup of local and regional artists, and Mov:ment Lab, a screening of dances and films inspired by movement.
Scape presents Comma, 2 Orchard Link, Singapore 237978
5. Arts & entertainment: Aliwal Urban Art Festival 2024
27 January
To the rebels and lovers of urban art, Kampong Glam is about to transform into a buzzing hub of activity for this year’s Aliwal Urban Art Festival. It celebrates the distinctive local urban art scene and its growth. A slew of activities hosted by tenants from Aliwal Arts Centre will have you feasting your eyes on street art showcases like live graffiti painting, music performances, dances, and more. Shop to your heart’s content at the pop-up market with one-of-a-kind wares by local creatives. Or swing by at night for a curated list of music acts by The Linch Agency.
Aliwal Urban Art Festival 2024, Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199918
6. Entertainment: The Blue Man Group’s Bluevolution World Tour
16 – 28 January
A night out with Blue Man Group is sure to leave you smiling by the end of it. If you haven’t heard of this award-winning group of performers, here’s the lowdown. These theatrical icons are known for their electric performances that use music, comedy, and visuals to captivate audiences.
This time, they’re shaking things up with the Bluevolution World Tour, which sees the addition of a fourth member. The Rockstar is a lady-in-blue who’ll be taking over the band as master of ceremonies and rituals. It’s hard to explain what exactly goes on at a Blue Man Group show, so you’ll have to book a ticket and experience it for yourself.
The Blue Man Group’s Bluevolution World Tour, The Theatre at Mediacorp, One-North Avenue, Singapore 138507
7. Arts & culture: Art SG
19 – 21 January
It’s visual arts season, and we’re excited about the second edition of Art SG. This showcase features works from some of the world’s leading galleries. But you can also expect pieces from contemporary artists and emerging talents across the world. This year’s exhibition highlights nine galleries showcasing artists who are at the forefront of new tech. Think datasets transformed into abstract paintings and computer-based art addressing social issues.
Art SG, Sands Expo and Convention Centre, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
8. Exhibition: The Singapore Motorshow 2024
11 – 14 January
Back for its 16th edition, the Singapore Motorshow makes its return. Industry professionals, motoring enthusiasts, and thrill seekers are invited to join in the revving good fun. Be one of the first to get sneak peeks of the newest car models from the likes of Audi, BMW, Kia, Ora, and more. Standout displays include the unveiling of new electric vehicles and concept cars. The show also welcomes three new brands: electric car groups Ora and Seres, and future-forward innovators Omoda.
The Singapore Motorshow, Level 3 & 4, Suntec City Convention Centre, 3 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038983
9. Entertainment: Flame of the Forest’s latest performance: Pupa
12 January
On the lookout for a unique performance? Check out Flame of the Forest’s performance this month at Gateway Theatre. This local ethnic fusion band combines the likes of ethnic drums, Indian flutes, Western fiddle, and electric guitar to create music. In its latest music production titled Pupa, the performance narrates a fictional story about transformation. This collaboration with an electronic artist, visual artist, set designer, and storyteller puts a multi-disciplinary spin on a traditional music concert. It aims to inspire empathy and kindness, showing how we can contribute to a positive metamorphosis in everyone.
Flame of the Forest’s latest performance: Pupa, Gateway Theatre, 3615 Jalan Bukit Merah, Singapore 159461
10. Flavours of Tomorrow Festival
20 – 21 January
This unique food festival focuses on redefining food and pushing the boundaries of gastronomic journeys. The Flavours of Tomorrow Festival will introduce dishes that are delicious but also drive a positive impact on the environment. You’ll witness groundbreaking food tech in action showcased through an extensive list of activities. This includes a sustainable food and retail market, talks, workshops, and more.
Flavours of Tomorrow Festival, Teletech Park, Singapore Science Park 2, 20 Science Park Road, Singapore 117674
Pack your calendars with all these exciting things to do in Singapore this January!
