Get the lowdown on the most incredible things to do this weekend in Singapore!
Can you believe we’re moving into August? It’s safe to say the last seven months have been a blur. But things are slowly starting to look up – or so we’d like to think. As we gear up for Singapore’s birthday next weekend, this week we’re indulging in tasty meals from well-known establishments, screening foreign films at home, visiting the Istana virtually and more!
Top things to do this weekend
Flower power to start the month right
1 August, Saturday
Love all things floral? Well, the beautiful atelier, Ask a French, is hosting a flower arrangement workshop this weekend. Do note there are limited slots (‘cos social distancing), so start clicking.
Ask a French, 2pm – 3:30pm, Tiong Bahru (home studio)
Feast on Italian films
All weekend
The Projector is throwing a virtual Italian Film Festival on its online streaming platform, The Projector Plus. Teaming up with the Embassy of Italy in Singapore, it offers a deluge of relatively new Italian films available on a pay-per-view basis till 31 September. Plus, the alternative cinema has joined forces with Institut Français to bring French Cinema to our sunny shores, including movies like Les Invisibles, Baden Baden and more.
Toast to the weekend with an exquisite Italian meal
2 August, Sunday
Happening for only one night, Zafferano is presenting a five-course dinner with lip-smacking dishes like bluefin tuna belly and risotto with roasted pigeon and foie gras, all served with a glass of the finest wine from Tasca D’Almerita.
Zafferano, 7pm, L43, Ocean Financial Centre, 10 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049315
Visit the Istana virtually
2 August, Saturday
Join President Halimah Yacob for an interactive tour of the Istana. Witness lesser-known areas like the well and bunker (which are usually out of bounds to the public), interact with an artefact from the National Museum of Singapore and watch sneak previews of the National Day programme. Just head over to President Halimah’s Facebook and Instagram at 10am.
Explore Singapore’s past offline and online
Fuel your mind with the highs, lows and everything in between of Singapore’s storied history in the digital exhibition, Home, Truly, from 3 August. Also, this is a teaser to the physical exhibition, Home, Truly: Growing up with Singapore, 1950s to the Present, which is slated to open later this year. While waiting, why not head out and explore Singapore’s past? Let our guide to historical sites map your journey!
Slurp on fresh oysters
All weekend
Greenwood Fish Market had us at oysters. The eighth edition of the World Oyster Festival is back for the whole month of August, and shellfish enthusiasts can look forward to 28 types! From the rare Canadian Belons to the classic French Gillardeaus and new additions like the American Moonstones, now we know why people say “the world is your oyster.” These guys do delivery too, in case you’re wondering.
Greenwood Fish Market, multiple outlets including Bukit Timah and Quayside Isle
Tune in to a variety show by familiar faces
All weekend
Tune in to the livestream show, CapitaStar Live SG: Flight 24/7, this weekend. With local names like Benjamin Kheng, Hirzi Zulkiflie, Munah Bagharib, Saffron Sharpe and the well-loved Ah Lian (played by Michelle Chong), expect lots of laughter and fun as they dish out life hacks to cope with the new normal.
A gastronomical collab between two powerhouses
All weekend
Things are definitely looking up in the dining scene! For this weekend, Fat Prince and Meatsmith Little India are whetting our appetite with a boozy brunch. The spread includes chapati with smoked squash and fig chutney, butter chicken biryani and seekh kebab. For a liquid companion, enjoy an endless flow of cocktails and wines from Burnt End’s cellar.
Fat Prince, 11:30am – 3pm, #01-01, 48 Peck Seah Street, Singapore 079317
Welcome to the jungle
Miss the wildlife of Singapore? No, we’re not talking about the uber-cute otters or the intimidating wild boars. The parks of Wildlife Reserves Singapore (River Safari, Jurong Bird Park and Singapore Zoo) are open to the public at 25% capacity. But here’s the catch. All tickets have to be bought online before visiting. For those who prefer to stay at home, you can still join in the fun the Hello from the Wild Side initiative. From getting up close and personal with the elephants to zookeepers answering all your questions to interacting virtually with the critters, there are loads to do behind the screen.
An artsy-fartsy adventure
Get your dose of arts and culture this weekend. Part of the Walking in the City series, Singapore Art Museum is featuring two new artworks and a mix of texts and images by local artist Heman Chong along the perimeter of the institution. Alternatively, you can marvel at dinosaur fossils at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (enjoy 50% off admission tickets). Also, check out our museum guide to help you out on your art expedition.
It’s gonna be a wild water ride!
Singapore’s massive OTT water playground, Wild Wild Wet, has reopened its doors to the public! So grab your swimmers and go on exhilarating water rides, including the Kraken Racers, the island’s first four-lane mat racer slide; Vortex, a high speed 360-degree extreme loop ride; and the Tsunami pool, which will raise your bpm in a hot minute with its controlled conditions of choppy waves and crazy currents. Or you can always check out these fantastic public pools that are decked out in dizzying slides and lazy pools.
A ride to remember
Adrenaline junkies, Universal Studios Singapore is back in action. While street performances are on hold at the moment, you’re more than welcome to ride on the world’s tallest duelling roller coasters, Battlestar Galactica: Human vs. Cylon or the head-spinning indoor Revenge of the Mummy ride through the cursed pyramid.
Enjoy the lush green spaces and hipster neighbourhoods of Singapore
Explore the garden city, one park (or island) at a time. That includes our lovely hidden green spots in every nook and cranny – add ’em to your bucket list for fun under the sun. Oh, and Singapore Botanic Gardens makes for a picturesque day out, too! Another option? Hop on your bike and cycle through the countless bike routes around the city. Or journey through hip ‘hoods like Duxton Hill, Robertson Quay and Haji Lane.
Home alone
For those who are still a little anxious about heading out, that’s totally cool too! While you wait for the crowds to simmer down, there are plenty of things to do at home – at this point, we’re the ultimate pros.
