You may find yourself spending more time in town these days, whether you’re gift shopping or just admiring the Christmas lights at Orchard. Here’s a PSA so you don’t FOMO: there’s a festival happening at 37 Emerald Hill from 25th Nov-4th Dec 2022.
It’s called PLAYfiesta, and you can expect free admission to its food bazaar, live performances, and movie screenings. Fitspo queens and kings can also sign up for programs such as zumba, HIIT bootcamps, and yoga.
Image adapted from: @pakdavidtour
If you ask someone where Emerald Hill is, they’d probably point you towards an alley opposite Orchard Gateway. However, you’ll notice quickly that this alley isn’t just a dead end. The location is flanked on both sides by heritage shop houses and bars such as Alley Bar and No.5 Emerald Hill.
Image adapted from: @doubleufilms
To get to PLAYfiesta from Somerset MRT, you’ll have to walk further down along Emerald Hill Road and turn left when you reach Emerald Link. You’ll then arrive at your destination, which might induce some nostalgia if you were a former Singapore Chinese Girls School student.
The former school compound itself was at risk of being lost, but URA granted conservation of the building in 2019 – and it has since hosted events such as the Singapore International Photography Festival and PLAYfiesta.
Image credit: @playfiesta.asia
This time, the former school grounds have been transformed into an outdoor chill space with open-air seating with a stage for live performances. At night, the festival grounds come alive with fairy lights which line the outdoor spaces of the festival.
Image adapted from: PLAYfiesta
Make full use of the free admission and eat your heart out at the food bazaar. You’ll find delicious grub such as izakaya-style Japanese cuisine from Beastro and Halal-certified Dutch baby pancakes from Cake Love. With a plethora of food options here, we’re sure you’ll find something that suits your palate.
In addition to the bazaar, there’s also a retail zone featuring local brands such as Herbal Pharm and The Tea Story. As the Christmas festivities are just around the corner, this might be a good opportunity to pick up some gifts for your loved ones.
If you’re looking for something to do during your day out, PLAYfiesta has lined up live musical performances by local artistes the likes of Rex, Marian Carmel, and TINC for you to enjoy as you hang out with your friends at the outdoor food bazaar.
Fitness programs such as zumba, power yoga, and hypertrophy training are also on the cards should you want to workout before chowing down on some grub. These fitness programs are legit too, as they are run by gym chain Anytime Fitness. Be sure to check out the full schedule and take part in these programs as they are completely free of charge.
Experience immersive gaming and transport yourself to a futuristic alternate universe at The Mirror World. The game combines art and technology, bringing you through 8 rooms for you to test your wits and reflexes. Those interested can get their game on from 25 Nov onwards, with tickets priced at $25.”
NFT artist TheHiddenWalls with her work “A fruitful odyssey”
Image credit: @thehiddenwalls
We’re no strangers to NFTs in these times, and PLAYfiesta pays homage to local NFT artists through Wink Gallery. Part of The Mirror World, the gallery is in collaboration with NFTASIA and will present puzzles to visitors as they make their way through the exhibition.
If you’re looking for things to do this December, head down to PLAYfiesta at Emerald Hill for a day out with good food and activities to go along with it. With so many fitness classes available, you might even find yourself a new hobby while you’re at it.
Dates: 25th Nov-4th Dec 2022
Address: 37 Emerald Hill Road, Singapore 229313
Opening hours: 4pm-10pm
Contact: PLAYfiesta website | Purchase tickets to The Mirror World
Cover image adapted from: PLAYfiesta, @erm_122624
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