Ready yourself for Singapore’s most eventful month yet. Mark your calendars for the craziest of parties, the scariest of frights, the best of overflowing beers, and don’t be afraid to try something new.
Here is your holy grail of 19 exciting happenings that will keep you entertained throughout the month.
What a sandsational September! South-east Asia’s sand-sculpting festival is back, and this time we can expect to see a few familiar faces — Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Iron Man, and more from the Marvel universe. There’s more for festival-goers, such as sand sculpting workshops for kids, a 180-degree video booth where you can pose like a superhero, and a test of strength at “Hulk Smash”.
Stay on after sunset to kick back on beach chairs under the night sky with Movies by the Beach.
Entry to the event is free but you’ll have to register on-site for workshops.
Venue: Siloso Beach, Sentosa
Photo: Sentosa
ALSO READ: AL FRESCO DINING SPOTS IN SINGAPORE FOR IDYLLIC SUMMER EVENINGS
The 23rd edition of the ever-popular Ballet Under The Stars will run over two weekends. The first instalment will feature neo-classical international choreography from the likes of George Balanchine, credited as the “father of American ballet”; and François Klaus from France.
The second weekend will see Singaporean dance prodigy and choreographer Goh Choo San’s Unknown Territory, Schubert Symphony, and Fives being showcased.
Tickets are at $35.
Venue: Fort Canning Green
Photo: Singapore Dance Theatre
ALSO READ: 15 TRAVEL TIPS FOR MORE COMFORTABLE (MAYBE EVEN ENJOYABLE!) FLIGHTS
This is a photographer’s dream as lauded names, from Russel Wong to Paolo Solari-Bossi and Stephen Schaub will be showcasing their works and will appear for talks as well. Wong in particular, who’s shot a breathtaking list of celebrities — from Jackie Chan to the late Lee Kuan Yew — is one not to be missed.
This art fair aims to bring together experienced and amateur international photographers and practitioners to showcase the vibrancy of global art.
Best of all, it’s free! But do visit the website to register.
Venue: Level 6, Regent Hotel Singapore
Photo: X Edition/ Russel Wong Photography
ALSO READ: AL FRESCO DINING SPOTS IN SINGAPORE FOR IDYLLIC SUMMER EVENINGS
You’ll see more than the usual flower domes and super trees as Gardens by the Bay lights up, coming alive with mythical creatures and larger-than-life flora and fauna for this festival. Be amazed at the complexities and intricacies of the lanterns on show, and bring on your own lantern to fully revel in the joyous atmosphere.
Walk through the festive marketplace near the Supertree Grove, where traditional arts performances will liven your spirits. There will, of course, be food on offer, as well as a showcase of Chinese crafts (such as stone engravings).
Venue: Gardens by the Bay
Photo: Gardens by the Bay
ALSO READ: 15 TRAVEL TIPS FOR MORE COMFORTABLE (MAYBE EVEN ENJOYABLE!) FLIGHTS
Over 100 of South Korea’s most popular idols will take to the stage at South-east Asia’s biggest K-Pop festival, and you can anticipate performances by Apink, TAEYEON (who will be making her first solo appearance in Singapore), Wanna One, and literally many more.
Ticket-holders will be entitled to free daily afternoon showcases or even get a chance to meet their idols. If you’re a singer seeking a breakthrough, go for the an audition with the top Korean entertainment companies who’ll be there.
Tickets are from $148.
Venue: Singapore Indoor Stadium
Photo: Hallyu Pop Fest
ALSO READ: AL FRESCO DINING SPOTS IN SINGAPORE FOR IDYLLIC SUMMER EVENINGS
In association with Apple Music, Music Matters Asia is a music festival that’s also a gateway for emerging artists.
Running over 5 nights, you’ll be able to check out showcases from 30 rising stars who hail from 14 countries in South-east Asia, America, and Australasia. Venues span from Timbre outlets to venues in Clarke Quay.
Entry is free.
Venue: Various locations, check the line-up for where to go.
Photo: Music Matters
ALSO READ: 15 TRAVEL TIPS FOR MORE COMFORTABLE (MAYBE EVEN ENJOYABLE!) FLIGHTS
British comedian Jimmy Carr is gonna pop by Singapore to stir sh*t up! Having performed nine sell-out tours to 2 million people across 4 continents, Carr’s dark humour with deadpan delivery had The Guardian proclaiming that he’s “a comedy hero for our time”.
For this show, Carr is gathering a selection of his best stand-up jokes along with brand new material for the ultimate night of classic British banter that should have you in stitches.
Tickets are from $88.
Venue: Kallang Theatre
Photo: Sistic
ALSO READ: AL FRESCO DINING SPOTS IN SINGAPORE FOR IDYLLIC SUMMER EVENINGS
This ever-exciting night race is back for its 11th consecutive year. Revving engines aside, the spectacular off-track East x West line-up featuring Mandopop king Jay Chou and British band The Killers will set the entertainment stage alight.
World No. 1 DJ Martin Garrix is also expected to drop his award-winning beats while Britian’s new pop darling Dua Lipa will close out the three-day show.
Tickets are from $78.
Venue: Marina Bay Street Circuit
Photo: Singapore Grand Prix/Facebook
ALSO READ: 15 TRAVEL TIPS FOR MORE COMFORTABLE (MAYBE EVEN ENJOYABLE!) FLIGHTS
The ultimate A-list F1 after-party! Each year, The Podium Lounge hosts F1 drivers, celebrities, ambassadors, and more. Rub shoulders and party with the gliterrati — Boyzone, Good Charlotte and The Black Eyed Peas have all attended this party in the past.
Don’t miss out on the Lounge’s signature Fashion Circuit where you’ll see models and celebrities clad in new collections of hip-hop inspired and luxury streetwear.
Tickets are from $188.
Venue: The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
Photo: The Podium Lounge
ALSO READ: AL FRESCO DINING SPOTS IN SINGAPORE FOR IDYLLIC SUMMER EVENINGS
Gear up, and get ready to party at full speed with Zouk’s Checkpoint, a three-day F1 after-party inspired by the zenith of 8-bit video games. It is aimed to evoke a strong sense of nostalgia reminiscent of the joystick and button-smashing days, so you can expect a race down memory lane with visuals and photo opportunities drawn from retro games of the past. The weekend-long party kicks off with veteran DJ Hong’s CODE on Friday.
On Saturday, a Total Recall throwback party where Britney Spears and Westlife hits will play on in Capital room, but don’t miss Dutch DJ R3HAB’s turn on the decks in the main rooms. British singer Jay Sean will perform a live set on Sunday.
Tickets are from $20 to $60.
Venue: Zouk
Photo: Zouk
ALSO READ: 15 TRAVEL TIPS FOR MORE COMFORTABLE (MAYBE EVEN ENJOYABLE!) FLIGHTS
American musician and music arranger Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox (PMJ) project features a revolving cast of performers who have racked up crazy views on YouTube. They’re known for putting vintage spins on modern pop hits and at their live show, you can expect choice material from the 1980s until now.
A PMJ show is a theatrical and musical spectacle, as PMJ’s 3.5 million subscribers on Youtube would know. The videos, by the way, have amassed over 925 million views.
Tickets are from $98.
Venue: Kallang Theatre
Photo: Sistic
ALSO READ: AL FRESCO DINING SPOTS IN SINGAPORE FOR IDYLLIC SUMMER EVENINGS
Fancy being given the power to choose the play to be performed? Shakespeare’s Globe returns with three of William Shakespeare’s most popular works — Twelfth Night, The Merchant of Venice and The Taming of the Shrew.
On the last day of the show (Saturday, Sept 22), new artistic director Michelle Terry will feature the 16-century Shakespearean tradition of letting the audience “cast their vote” by shouting or applauding so that their desired play will be performed.
Tickets are from $88.
Venue: School Of The Arts Concert Hall
Photo: Sistic
ALSO READ: 15 TRAVEL TIPS FOR MORE COMFORTABLE (MAYBE EVEN ENJOYABLE!) FLIGHTS
This premier traditional Chinese arts festival celebrates Chinese heritage and tradition through a spectacular showcase of performances inspired by legendary figures from works like The Creation of Gods and Journey to the West.
There are more than 60 free programmes to choose from for those young and old. Expect street opera performances along the waterfront and storytelling sessions that are sure to captivate.
Venue: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Photo: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
ALSO READ: AL FRESCO DINING SPOTS IN SINGAPORE FOR IDYLLIC SUMMER EVENINGS
The weekend-long event will feature an exciting array of festive offerings and celebrations. Feel young at heart again while trailing through lantern walkabouts, or get artsy in craft workshops.
There will also be evening music performances ranging from the traditional to the contemporary.
Venue: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
Photo: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall/Facebook
ALSO READ: 15 TRAVEL TIPS FOR MORE COMFORTABLE (MAYBE EVEN ENJOYABLE!) FLIGHTS
As the main fixture in the Singapore and South-east Asian triathlon calendar for over 30 years, S.I.T. offers many events to watch or take part in, and even has a Kids Triathlon Individual Race for active children aged 9 to 12.
Though registration has closed, nobody is stopping you from witnessing a display of sweat and tears as participants’ limits are pushed to the maximum.
Photo: Singapore International Triathlon/Facebook
ALSO READ: AL FRESCO DINING SPOTS IN SINGAPORE FOR IDYLLIC SUMMER EVENINGS
The Swiss Club has been proudly hosting this early 19th-century Bavarian tradition for the past 18 years. You’ve gotta love an event where one is encouraged to go dressed in authentic alpine attire and funky lederhosen.
The mission: To booze it up on German beers on tap and partake of the Bavarian buffet spread (think ginormous crispy pork knuckles). Dance to award-winning Musikkapelle Partenkirchen brass band’s catchy tunes with an ice-cold beer in hand while shouting “Prost!” to everyone around you.
Tickets are available from $65.
Venue: Swiss Club Singapore
Photo: The Swiss Club
ALSO READ: 15 TRAVEL TIPS FOR MORE COMFORTABLE (MAYBE EVEN ENJOYABLE!) FLIGHTS
Brace yourself for “infinite fear” at the 8th edition of Universal Studio’s annual scarestorm. Running for 18 nights across weekends, the featured five haunted houses, three live shows, and two scare zones will have you screaming in absolute terror. Universal Studios Singapore is making Asian ghosts its highlight, with pontianaks and vengeful Edo-era Japanese spirits seeking out victims, and blood-thirsty vampires haunting the halls.
This edition also features a collaboration with Netflix’s Stranger Things, and one haunted house will be have thematic rooms that draw on the series’ storyline.
Tickets are from $50.
Venue: Universal Studios Singapore
Photo: mypillowsofterthanyours/Instagram
ALSO READ: AL FRESCO DINING SPOTS IN SINGAPORE FOR IDYLLIC SUMMER EVENINGS
The GREAT Food Festival, now in its second year, is where you’ll get to watch Michelin-starred chefs transform the simplest ingredients to the most mind-blowing dishes at “Star Chef Arena”. But also, put on your best pair of fancy pants and go for samplings of wine, meat, and cheese pairings.
The “Feast of Kings” on the second day of the fest is one where you’ll see celebrity chefs, live musicians, and even skilled jugglers coming together to entertain in one spectacular showing. Various ticket types are all available on the website.
Tickets are from $30.
Venue: Resorts World Sentosa
Photo: The Great Food Festival
ALSO READ: 15 TRAVEL TIPS FOR MORE COMFORTABLE (MAYBE EVEN ENJOYABLE!) FLIGHTS
This year’s Color Run is designed to be different, featuring an all new participant kit and new course elements where organisers say you can double your fun (and colours!).
Aside from the totally Instagram-worthy pictures you’ll be uploading from the “Happiest 5k on the Planet”, there will also be a music festival to head to after you’re done running. Get set for a sweaty, colourful, amped-up time where you can let loose.
Tickets are from $65.
Venue: Palawan Green, Sentosa
Photo: The Color Run
ALSO READ: AL FRESCO DINING SPOTS IN SINGAPORE FOR IDYLLIC SUMMER EVENINGS