No room for boredom in November
While you’re nursing that sore throat from frightened shrieking or ingesting ridiculous amounts of candy post-Halloween, November has catapulted right in our faces. The kiasu ones are busy planning Christmas gifts, the rest of us are leaving it till Mid-December, and some are still hung up over Halloween’s passing.
If you’re not in any of those plights, lucky you – we’ve got a bunch of things to keep you entertained. From artsy-fartsy events to parties and barbeques, November’s more than just the awkward gap between spooks and Santa.
We’re already trying to prioritise which events to hit up and which to sacrifice.
EVENTS
1. 27th Singapore International Film Festival
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I absolutely adore this festival – to the point I’m almost reluctant to share. The Singapore International Film Festival is where I hit up my month’s worth of films and movies, so get the corn poppin’ if you’re addicted to the big screen like me.
This year, feast on stories of Asia and attend masterclasses for a better insight of the films. Learn how everything from colours to outfits can change the way a film looks, and before long, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for the little details in a film.
When: 23rd November – 4th December 2016
Where: Various locations
Admission: Films from $x, Masterclasses and Talks at $5
Website
2. Singapore River Festival
As always, there’s a bunch of cool things to do at the Singapore River Festival – but let’s just start with a tightrope performance across the Singapore River. Brought to you by French performance group Underclouds Cie, Crossings will have your palms sweating as they awe you with tightrope acrobatics and choreography.
Since I’ll probably drag the performers off the tightrope in fear of their safety, you’ll spot me over at the Silent Disco where the only harm I’ll do is busting out tragic dance moves. End the night watching a movie under the stars at the Quayside Cinema with bae; if he still loves you after you’ve embarrassed yourself, that is.
When: 4- 5 Nov
Where: Clarke, Boat and Robertson Quay
Admission: Free
Website
3. Singapore Writers Festival
Singapore Writers Festival is reminiscent of a library to me – a collection of writers from all walks from fiction to screenplay, poets to songwriters. Exploring the highs and lows of life, the myriad of writers under their belt will sneak you a peek of the literary world.
The theme this year, Sayang, is a Malay word that holds many meanings. From a term of endearment and expressing one’s love, to the bittersweet of lost opportunities, sayang is a word all too familiar on Singaporeans tongues.
Go on a bookshop tour, join a typesetting workshop and listen to the stories of journalists. You don’t have to be a bookworm to enjoy this event – there’s bound to be an activity for you.
When: 4 – 13 Nov
Where: Various locations
Admission: $20
Website
4. Fiesta del ¡Loco!: No Way, ?José!
Do we really need to taco ‘bout how much we love our Mex. After all, I can’t be the only one who flipped out when the taco and burrito emoji came out – my favourite one true pairing in the world.
So of course I’d say hell yeah to Fiesta del ¡Loco!: No Way, ?José!, especially when flying to Mexico isn’t even an option after a peek at my bank account. Filled with all things Mex – think nachos and burritos, tequila, and piñatas – I guess you could say it’s nacho usual weekend. There’ll also be live music provided by a variety of local bands and a flea market, just to keep you entertained.
When: 19 Nov, 2pm till late
Where: Red Baron, Gillman Barracks, Blk 45 Malan Road, Singapore 109455
Admission: Free
Website
5. Open Deck
An art space built entirely out of containers? Now this I’ve gotta see.
Head over to Open Deck over the weekend and get your fill of hipster shots and trinkets, and bid the Singapore International Photography Festival bye till next year. Of course, there’ll be slurps and noms to keep us going, and you’ll be getting a visual treat from the photography exhibition. The next stunning shot up there could be yours in the future – you’ll never know.
When: 12 and 13 Nov
Where: DECK, 120A Prinsep Street, Singapore 187937
Admission: Free
Website
6. SUPER SOCIAL BBQ – CARNIVAL EDITION
timbré brings back memories of being the hangout spot for the It crowd back in poly days, and the perfect place for a less awkward date – live bands were total lifesavers with their music to fill in any uncomfortable silence. Besides, no one can forget their all-time-must-eat roasted duck pizza.
At Gillman Barracks, timbré takes it up a notch with Super Social BBQ, and this month’s theme is Carnival. An event for the whole family, there’ll be games stations and arts and crafts booths for the little ones, while adults can indulge in the special BBQ menu, chug a couple of glasses, and relive their childhood with carnival games and atmosphere.
When: 5 – 27 Nov
Where: timbré 9A Lock Road, #01-05, S108926
Admission: Free
Website
7. Camp Kilo x Common Creatures Artist Market
Source: @ohnicegrand
What’s better than a day of art and music? Why, with a spitfire roast of course. Grab booze, mingle with artists at the Camp Kilo x Common Creatures Artist Market, and snag a couple or two of their works for a little pick-me-up. You’ll also catch Juls – the first Singaporean to design a Swatch watch – painting a mural in action at Camp Kilo.
And it ain’t a party till the food arrives, but Camp Kilo’s got that all sorted out. Indulge in their hearty roasts and embrace your inner caveman when you eat with your hands. Art club just got a lot cooler.
When: 6 Nov, 2 – 7PM
Where: Camp Kilo Charcoal Club, 66 Kampong Bugis #01-01
Admission: Free
Website
8. Farmers Market at Loewen Gardens
Source: @hibeverly
Don your dungarees on Saturday and head over to the Farmers Market at Loewen Gardens for some seriously fresh produce. From fresh produce to gourmet meats, you’re bound to find something to add on to your weekly groceries.
Held at The Pantry, a social enterprise cafe, you won’t be short of a cuppa fix or worry about where to grab a bite. Check out their offerings as you chill out with your mates!
When: 5 Nov, 9AM – 2PM
Where: 75E Loewen Road, Singapore 248844
Admission: Free
Website
9. SAVOUR Christmas
It don’t matter if you’re naughty or nice – you’re invited to SAVOUR’s Christmas Food Market. Over 12 top restaurants will be cooking up a storm with more than 30 dishes priced at $6 and $12 to ensure you’ll have a very yummy Christmas.
And I’m talking about oysters, cheese and of course, turkey, to fill your Christmas feast with! If you get tired of thinking what you can stuff your face with, take a photo with the largest indoor Christmas tree and try your hand at the carnival games.
When: 17 – 20 Nov, 6 – 9PM
Where: Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018971
Admission: Free
Website
10. Amoy Street Bloc Party
Source: @employeesonlysg
No one ever said no to a party, especially when it’s Amoy Street’s first Bloc Party. Start the celebrations with cocktails from Employees Only and Le Binchotan, then chow down on Argentinean dishes at boCHINChe or fuss-free burgers from Burger Joint.
Then hop over to Ding Dong for lotsa retro vibing – the party don’t start till you walk in.
When: 20 Nov, 3 – 10PM
Where: Amoy Street
Admission: Free
Website
THINGS TO DO
1. School of Uncommon Knowledge
Forget math and science – the School of Uncommon Knowledge will teach you subjects you never knew. You can learn how to give a Brazilian toe massage, be part of a collaborative photo book by bringing in a “bad photo”, and see why overseas volunteering might actually bring more harm than good – all useful lessons no school will teach.
Even better, these classes and talks are completely free – just bring in something small in exchange for the lesson! The items are usually things you have easy access to, or materials you need for the class, so you don’t have to rack your brains too much on what to bring.
When: 1 Nov – 31 Nov
Where: The Substation Black Box
Admission: Free
Website
2. Mutants & Mayhem: a Zombie Apocalypse Survival Game
Remember the good ol’ days where we’d indulge in an intensive calorie burning game of void deck catching? This is like version 2.0 of it, where you pick a side – mutant or human survivor – and dress the part while you battle it out with the other participants.
Looks like this came just in time with The Walking Dead’s new season. There’s even different roles to play for the human side like assault troopers and medics, and six types of mutants. Whichever side you pick, just steer clear of being the next Glenn Rhee.
When: Till 20th Nov
Where: Colony 13, 5 Ubi Link, Singapore 408548
Admission: $33.90 – $49.90
Website
3. Be the very best at the Pokemon exhibit
Source: @v.imperatrix
Whoever said the Pokemon trend was dying clearly didn’t exhibit true trainer qualities. We’ll stop at nothing to be the very best, and there’s no better way to achieve that by attending the Pokemon Exhibition.
Source: @chuuyuuu
Held for the first time outside Japan, don your PokeLab coats and find out more about the Pokemon you’re already so familiar with. Play the role of a scientific researcher by choosing from 3 Poke Ball, before taking on challenges to deduce the Pokemon encased within your lucky Poke Ball. But we all know everybody’s really there for Prof Pikachu.
When: Now till 2nd Jan 2017
Where: S.E.A Aquarium
Admission: $35 for adults, $23 for children or seniors. Prices are inclusive of entry to the aquarium.
Website
4. Hang out at cafes that open 24 hours
A Singaporean’s favourite meal has got to be supper. But sometimes we wanna switch things up from the usual prata and BCM, and you can, at these cafes that open late enough for us night owls.
Besides, cafe hopping in the day means that you’ll have to fight with the crazy crowds so you might as well do it at night.
5. Go glamping in Malaysia
We don’t usually count crossing the bridge over to Malaysia as going overseas, but you might just change your mind when you see these glamping sites that give us serious Coachella vibes.
Some are an upgrade of a campsite, while others look fab enough to make you wanna stay there forever. The next time you’re thinking of a sweet retreat with your mates, just hit up one of these sweet glamping spots and trick your Insta followers into thinking you’re far far away!
6. Or treat yourself at a luxury resort
There’s no point in slaving away at our 9 – 6 jobs if we aren’t gonna treat ourselves. Since Singapore’s staycay scene can burn a pretty hole in our wallets, we think heading over to our neighbour will get us both a dreamy experience at totes affordable rates.
From forest to modern, beach to hot springs, you’re bound to find your dream retreat. And you’re going to be getting full on royalty treatment at the resorts so book a room for your own ASAP.
7. Eat at these hawker stalls before they disappear forever
Source: @juliuslim
As much as I love exploring new cafes, Singapore’s food scene just isn’t the same without hawker food. It’s pretty much a staple whenever I’m looking for a tasty and affordable meal, but many hawkers are having a hard time finding someone to take after the stall.
And I’m someone who isn’t complete till she’s had her weekly hokkien mee, so if you’ve always been wanting to get a taste of the hawkers in this list, my advice is to go NOW. You don’t want to regret depriving your tastebuds – especially when they don’t have heirs to learn their trade.
8. Recharge at Westin’s customized staycation
By now, you can tell that we’re clearly captivated by retreats. But instead of the usual, try out a wellness one at Westin Singapore.
From yoga lessons by Jojo Struys to unlimited uses at their Heavenly Spa, you’ll defo be up and ready to face the new week ahead. Take a power walk to Gardens by the Bay the rest up on Westin’s Heavenly Bed and start the day right at the wellness buffet! We tried it out for ourselves and it’s safe to say that you need to spend your weekend there.
9. Budget Jap food in Orchard
I try never to suggest Orchard for dinner because of the supposed lack of nosh that won’t make you broke offered there, but boy was I wrong. Jap food is one of my favourite cuisine and I can eat chirashi don and ramen every single day, so this list of budget Japanes eats in Orchard was a complete lifesaver.
Gyoza, udon, bento, curry rice – you name it, we have it. Now you won’t be shying away when your friends head to Orchard for a meal.
10. Check out SG’s first Halal supermarket
Supermarkets are the best places to go window shopping or for just spending some free time when you’re waiting for your pals. Instead of your usual haunts, check out this spanking new all Halal supermarket at Global Halal Hub!
Besides the usual groceries, you’ll find gems like fried ice-cream and mochi, and maybe pick up a last minute toy or two for your younger cousins. Check out our experience here.
11. Have a wizarding good time at the Harry Potter Exhibition
Harry Potter stamps?! We’re hoping with fingers and toes crossed that we’ll be able to buy them so we can mail Hogwarts a reminder regarding our Sirius-ly overdue acceptance letters.
To get a glimpse of a magical childhood we almost had, you can go to Singapore Philatelic Museum for the Harry Potter Exhibition that runs from 2 Nov till 30 June next year. Look out for prop replicas, movie posters, limited edition books and DVDs, and exclusive exhibits from private collectors!
Non-stop outings in November
Here’s a challenge for you this month – hit up all of the activities we have on this list and we bet you’ll have a very event-full month.
And as you’ve seen from the multiple staycaysuggestions, we really do love our holidays. Make recreation a little easier on the wallet with the deals on the DBS Lifestyle page and enjoy those great deals and rebates all month long.
This post was brought to you by DBS Cards