1 Esplanade Dr, tel: 6828-8377
The Magic Lantern puppet show, 9-11 Sep, various timings, $22 per pax
Lantern making workshop, 10 and 11 Sep, 10.30am and 3pm, $8 per pax
Lantern walkabout, 10 Sep, 7.45pm
Roving stilt walkers, 9-11 Sep, various timings
Moonfest Chinese Opera Stage, 9-11 Sep, various timings
Tea appreciation, 10 and 11 Sep, 11am-9pm (Sat) and 11am-8pm (Sun), Esplanade Festival Corner
There are a variety of Chinese traditional and folk programmes and shows happening at Esplanade for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Most of the indoor shows and activities such as the lantern making workshop and the puppet show are ticketed though. Complimentary events include the Chinese opera happening at The Edge, along the Esplanade Waterfront and a tea appreciation sharing session (10 and 11 Sep). The mass lantern walkabout is taking place this Saturday (10 Sep) along the waterfront. Enjoy the views of the Singapore River while taking your stroll. A sprightly dragon dance by Hong Jie Association will create the perfect Mid-Autumn Festival mood!
BONUS!: There are stilt walkers dressed in Chinese opera costumes roving about along the waterfront this weekend. Catch them for an unforgettable photo opportunity!
Giant lantern display, till 18 Sep, 7-11pm daily
Food Street, till 18 Sep, 6-10.30pm daily
Cultural performance, till 18 Sep, various timings daily
The highlight here are the giant lanterns display – the largest has a width of 27 metres – showcased at the Golden Garden, near Conservatories, the Supertree Grove and the Dragonfly Bridge. If you’re bringing your own lanterns to the Gardens, take note to get inflatable or plastic, battery-operated ones as lanterns lit by candles are not allowed here. Foodies, there’s also a food street happening at the Colonnade (Supertree Grove). Expect local-infused fare like salted egg fries and chilli crab mantou.
BONUS!: Pay a visit to the two conservatories (Flower Dome and Cloud Forest) while you are here. There’s a Mid-Autumn promotion going on (from now till 18 Sep). All you have to do is present your child’s lantern at the ticketing hub to get a free child ticket that permits entry to both conservatories.
12 Tai Gin Road, tel: 6256-7377
Giant lantern light up, from now till 18 Sep, 7-10pm, Tue to Sun
Shadow Puppetry shows, 10 and 11 Sep, 3-5pm
Building tours, 10 and 11 Sep, 5.30pm/6.15pm/7pm
Lantern making workshop, 10 Sep, 11am-12noon
Tote bag painting, 11 Sep, 11am-12noon
Caricature drawings, 10 and 11 Sep, 4-6pm
Magic show, 10 and 11 Sep, 4-5pm and 8-9pm
Cultural performances, 10 and 11 Sep, various timings
While most of the Mid-Autumn festivities happening at the museum is taking place this weekend, the giant lantern displays in its outdoor lawn will be up until 18 Sep. These lantern sculptures will resemble playgrounds from yesteryear such as the iconic dragon playground at Tao Payoh and the elephant playground at Pasir Ris Park. Visit the museum this weekend (Sep 10-11) if you’re keen to participate in fringe activities leading up to Mid-Autumn Festival. There are lantern making workshops, guided tours, tote bag painting, magic shows and cultural performances. The best part? All of them are free!
BONUS!: There’s a special exhibition happening concurrently at the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, which showcases over 100 images and artefacts associated with early Chinese newspapers.
1 Harbourfront Walk, tel: 6377-6860
If you have yet to get your mooncakes, this mall is where you should be! The mall’s mooncake bonanza (from now till 14 Sep) is one of the biggest in the island and there are over 40 local and international brands at this year’s fair, all located at the central court atrium. The whole space is a feast for the eyes and taste buds. Once you’re done with mooncake shopping, head up to the mall’s Sky Park or stroll along the waterfront boardwalk with your lanterns (you can also purchase your lanterns at Haru Lanterns, one of the stalls within the mooncake bonanza).
Photography: The Straits Times
Festive bazaar, from now till 15 Sep, 10.30am-10.30pm daily
Mass lantern walk, 11 Sep, 7-10pm
Stage shows, from now till 15 Sep, 8-10.30pm daily
There is no better place to soak up the Mid-Autumn Festival mood than at Chinatown, with its annual light-up. This year’s light-up is centred around the legend of Chang Er, the mythological goddess of the moon. The mass lantern walk is taking place on this Saturday, 11 Sep from 7-10pm and the starting point is at Kreta Ayer Square. There is also a festive bazaar happening along Pagoda Street, Trengganu Street, Sago Street, Smith Street and the open space in front of People’s Park Complex as well as fringe activities such as nightly stage shows at Kreta Ayer Square.