Things you can do in Singapore for an exciting July

July is a tough month. It can seem rather relentless, what with no public holidays and the fact that we’re still trying to get over our June vacations while waiting for National Day in August to give us another breather.

Fortunately, there are many cool stuff going on — from food deals in ION Orchard to Wild Rice theatre productions — to fill our social calendars.

These are more than enough to keep us entertained and to tide us through such difficult times. Before you know it, the month will be over and we’ll be hurtling towards Christmas.

Below, we’ve rounded up 13 events you have to go to that will put a smile on your face.

Photo: Funan Shopping Centre 

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ION Orchard’s annual Culinary Creations is back for its fifth edition. Like its past iterations, you can expect a whole host of food deals and delights created specially for the event.

This year, however, is especially special as it coincides with ION Orchard’s 10th year anniversary. One example is the limited edition chocolate bar ($10), titled ‘A Decade of Wonders’, created in collaboration with local chocolatier Awfully Chocolate.

If you’re expecting a simple, plain chocolate bar, you’d be sorely mistaken — it comes with 10 added ingredients including pistachios, raisins and hazelnuts. You’d have to download the ION Orchard mobile app to find out the various deals available — which include, apart from unique creations, 1-for-1 purchases and discounts — and to redeem them. 

Before you leave the mall, make sure to head to level 3 as there will be a kaleidoscopic playground, from now till Sept 30, made with a dizzying mix of lights and mirrors that will definitely upgrade your ‘gram game. Head to ION Orchard’s website for more information.

Photo: ION Orchard

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Need a date idea? Ballet Under the Stars is back for its 24th edition at Fort Canning Green. Spanning over two weekends (July 5 to 7, and 12 to 14), you can look forward to a series of performances by the Singapore Dance Theatre.

The first weekend will see the staging of three contemporary fan-favourites — Evening Voices by Timothy Rushton, Linea Adora by Timothy Harbour and SYNC by Nils Christe.

The second weekend will see the highlights of some of the world’s most famous classical productions, including Giselle, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. So get your picnic baskets and mats and enjoy the show.

Tickets cost $40 each via Sistic and it is a free-seating, rain or shine event.

Photo: Singapore Dance Theatre

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If you grew up watching Taiwanese boyband 5566 in idol dramas My MVP Valentine (2002) and Westside Story (2003) or bopped along to its hit songs including I’m Sad, Legend and Feng Yun Bian Se, then this comeback concert is one you can’t miss.

Take a trip down memory lane as members Tony Sun, Jason Hsu and Zax Wang return from their decade-long hiatus to perform the band’s biggest hits.

Tickets cost upwards of $128 each via Apactix.

Photos: Instagram / @oneproductionsg

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Are you really as fit as you think you are? Well, here’s a way to find out at the Under Armour Test of Will challenge. Back for its fourth edition, the challenge will test the number of reps you can do in four exercises, with a time limit of 60 seconds each.

It will be split into two categories — an Open category with three age categories (18 to 34, 35 to 44 and 45 and above) and the Elite category. The former consists of double rope slams, rope Russian twist,  reverse lunges and rope pulls, while the latter ups the ante with the accompaniment of slam balls with reverse lunges.

Participants will receive a goodie bag while the top performers will win both cash and non-cash prizes.

Registration for the Open category costs $25 while the elite costs $35 per person via Test of Will’s website, where you’ll also find more information on the challenge and, if you need them, training tips.

Photo: Instagram / @underarmoursg

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Fans of Cirque Du Soleil’s gravity-defying stunts are in for a treat as the circus is back in town to stage Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities.

Follow inventor Kurios as he leads you into the Curio Cabinet to discover strange and unique inventions created in the 19th century.

As with all Cirque’s performances, you are guaranteed a night of jaw-dropping action and entertainment. Tickets cost upwards of $89 each via Sistic.

Photo: Sliding Doors Entertainment 

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One of South Korea’s biggest girl group Twice is back in Singapore for its third concert.

Here to perform songs from their latest hit album Fancy You, the nine-member group will definitely be performing their comeback single Fancy, but we’re hoping that past favourites such as Cheer Up, TT and Yes or Yes will be performed as well.

The concert is unfortunately sold out, but concertgoers can expect a night of aegyo (displays of cuteness) and fan service as the girls enthral and mesmerise.

Photo: Instagram / @oneproductionsg

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Will theatre be able to rehabilitate criminals? That’s what this production is hoping to explore. Jointly presented by Nine Years Theatre and Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, First Fleet is a Mandarin play set in 1787 where a group of convicts are being sent to the penal colony Australia. Along the way, the governor instructs a lieutenant to get the criminals to stage a play in hopes of rehabilitating them.

Will they be able to successfully produce the play? Find out at First Fleet. Tickets cost $42 each via Sistic and it is a free-seating event.

Photo: Instagram / @nineyearstheatre 

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NCTzens listen up. South Korean boyband NCT 127 is set to perform at the Singapore Indoor Stadium as part of their Neo City – The Origin tour. Get ready as the group of 10 will sing and dance to its album Regular-Irregular, which was released last year.

We’re also hoping that the doe-eyed members will perform tunes from their first full Japanese album, Awaken, that was released earlier this year.

Tickets cost upwards of $168 each via Apactix.

Photo: Instagram / @oneproductionsg

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What could make a stroll by the beach with the sand in your toes better? The answer, according to the Pet Street Gang, is to have your beloved furry animal in tow. The pet friendly festival is happening at Palawan Green, Sentosa, where you’ll not only be able to enjoy the sunny, balmy weather and sea breeze with your pet, you can also meet other like-minded pet owners. Plus, there will be pet merchandise and feeds sold while you fill your tummy at the food stalls.

There will also be expert talks and interactive games at the event. Admission to Pet Street Gang is free and you can buy the coupon booklet from $20 each via Apactix.

Photo: APACTix

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If the live action movie couldn’t satisfy your craving for all things Aladdin, here’s another way for you to immerse yourself in the Disney masterpiece.

You can expect a lavish production with over 300 costumes, amazing special effects and a breathtaking set. Plus, the show is a musical so you’ll find yourself singing along to soundtracks such as A Whole New World, Friend Like Me and Arabian Nights. Get set to be transported into the magical wonderland.

Tickets cost upwards of $68 each via Sistic.

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If indie rock is your auditory poison of choice, then American band Death Cab for Cutie is a must-see for you when it comes to Singapore.

While the Grammy-nominated group will be playing its latest album released in 2017 titled Thank You for Today, we’re hoping that the band will perform old favourites such as The New Year and The Sound of Setting.

For one night-only at Esplanade Theatre, the gig promises to be an intimate affair. Tickets cost upwards of $68 each via Sistic.

Photo: SISTIC 

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We Singaporeans live to eat and we’re always looking for a good deal. Well, look no further than the Fifty Cents Fest held at the Chinatown Food Street.

Priced at an affordable $0.50 a portion, this year’s festival, which is now in its fourth year, celebrates Hokkien cuisine where you can expect beloved classics such as kong ba pau (braised pork belly bun) and Hokkien mee.

You can also expect a whole slew of other local delights ranging from savouries to sweets so you better go hungry.

Admission is free and you can get more information via Chinatown Food Street’s website.

Photo: Instagram / @chinatownfoodstreet

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