Things to do in Singapore this week: 31 August to 5 September 

September is here, and with it comes that lovely in-between energy: the tail end of summer excitement winding down, while the year-end festivities are still just far enough away to feel like a fresh start. Whether you’re looking to fill your weekends with something new or just want an excuse to get out of the house after work, there’s plenty happening across the island to keep you entertained.

From food and coffee festivals to wellness pop-ups and art exhibitions, here’s our roundup of what’s happening in Singapore this September.

Things to do in Singapore this September

Another Coffee Festival (3 to 6 September) 

Calling all coffee lovers, this one’s for you. Another Coffee Festival is happening from 3 to 6 September, and it’s shaping up to be the city’s biggest speciality coffee gathering yet. Over the next four days, the festival will bring together over 34 acclaimed roasters from nine countries across Asia and Europe, including 19 local favourites like PPP Coffee, Morning Coffee, Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee and Homeground Coffee Roasters, alongside international names such as Fuglen (Norway), Center Coffee (South Korea) and Yardstick Coffee (Philippines), several of which are making their Singapore debut.

Beyond the brews, guests can also expect a full sensory experience. That includes curated tastings, conversations with founders and roasters, live art installations, exclusive festival merch and limited-edition roasts. To make things easy (and fun), visitors can grab a reusable festival cup and tasting tokens to exchange for coffee as they breeze through the lineup.

Another Coffee Festival is located at Guoco Tower Urban Park

Pool Party Panic at Adventure Cove Waterpark (1 September to 1 November) 

Fancy a pool party with a twist? Adventure Cove Waterpark is turning things up this September with Pool Party Panic, which blends a high-energy pool party with interactive escape game-style gameplay. Think glowing neon vibes, live DJ beats, and food and drinks, all set against the backdrop of the park after hours.

The real hook, though, is the mystery itself. As you soak up the party atmosphere, you’ll also be hunting for clues scattered around the waterpark to crack the case and unmask the “killer” among the crowd.

Pool Party Panic at Adventure Cove Waterpark is located at Adventure Cove Waterpark, 8 Sentosa Gateway

Hood Loops Festival (5 to 6 September) 

With the BYD Singapore International Marathon presented by adidas (SGIM) just 13 weeks away, Clarke Quay will be hosting the Hood Loops Festival – a free, open-to-all community event kicking off the countdown to race weekend. As part of the programme, you can expect to find a packed programme over the weekend, including community runs led by personalities including Benjamin Kheng and Joakim Gomez, plus inclusive runs with visually impaired and PWD athletes.

Of course, it isn’t just about the running. Here, you’ll get to experience other activities including art jamming and HIIT and yoga sessions to talks on inclusivity and distance running, along with live entertainment and festival activities to keep the whole family entertained.

Hood Loops Festival is located at Clarke Quay

Penumbra: A solo exhibition by Kelly Jin Mei (28 August to 6 September)

If you’re after something more contemplative this week, head down to Gillman Barracks for Penumbra, Singaporean artist Kelly Jin Mei’s second solo exhibition in Singapore. Named after the Latin term for “almost shadow,” the exhibition sits in that grey area between total eclipse and full light, exploring how truth itself is really just a perception in constant flux.

On show is a triptych of works, Anekanta (2024), Vedurnan (2025), and the brand-new Qiwulun (2026), marking the first time all three pieces are exhibited together. Drawing on the format of Wayang Kulit and the history of rice, sago and cassava as Indonesian food staples, Jin Mei weaves together mythology, colonial history and material culture through textiles, movement, sound, smell and even taste.

If you’re keen to go deeper, don’t miss Waroeng Ndeso on 5 September, a one-day food collaboration with Gravy Baby exploring the politics of rice, sago and cassava through taste, served up in a casual “waroeng” (small eatery) setting with bite-sized appetisers and ethnic tea from Yogyakarta.

Penumbra is located at Art Outreach, 5 Lock Road, #01-06 Gillman Barracks

New Balance Shoe Trial 

Ever felt the itch to go for a run around Marina Bay after work but didn’t bring your shoes? Or maybe you’ve been eyeing New Balance’s running lineup and just haven’t taken the plunge. Either way, New Balance has you covered with complimentary shoe trials at its Suntec City store. Here, the brand is letting runners take a pair out for a spin around the area to test how it really fits, feels and performs.

Open to runners of all levels, trial options range from everyday trainers like the Ellipse and 1080v15 to performance models such as the new SuperComp Rebel and SuperComp Elite v6, depending on your running goals and preferences (subject to availability). And the best part? It’s completely free.

New Balance Shoe Trial is located at Suntec City, 3 Temasek Blvd, #01 - 325/326, Singapore 038983