Think August and a red and white flag with a crescent and 5 stars might come to mind. Yes, National Day is on its way but there’s more to do than just tuning into the parade on TV and belting out the lyrics to your favourite NDP song. Get off your butts and jio your friends – here are some of the best things to do in August 2023.
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Here’s something new for you to check off your things to do in Sentosa checklist: Palawan Beach. Just because “beach” is in its name doesn’t mean you’ll just be hanging out at a strip of sand. This area has undergone a makeover and will house beach clubs, a go-karting rink, and a mini golf course.
Attractions that are already open include UltraGolf. Suitable for pros and newbies alike, this 18-hole outdoor mini golf course that’s located right by the beach.
But just because it’s mini doesn’t mean it’s any less challenging than a regular golf course. You’ll still have to contend with obstacles like sand bunkers – just on a smaller scale. Putters and golf balls will also be provided so not to worry if you don’t own one.
2 beach clubs are also up and running – Splash Tribe and +Twelve. The first is family-friendly and has water slides for the young and young at heart to whoosh down. If you just want to chill, head to the latter, where there’s an infinity pool and swim-up bar. Get your drinks then relax on the daybeds and lounges. For ultimate privacy, book the cabanas that come with their own private pools.
If you’re one to fidget in small seats while watching a movie as long as Oppenheimer then you’ll surely be more comfortable at Films At The Fort. Here’s where you’ll be able to sprawl out on picnic mats for movie screenings at Fort Canning. Titles during this run include Top Gun: Maverick, My Girl, and Creed III.
The screenings will start at 7.45pm but feel free to arrive from 5.30pm onwards as there’ll be live music to keep you company. You can even get an early dinner and snacks for the show with food from The Providore. On the menu are Gourmet Hot Dogs ($15.50), Gourmet Popcorn ($8), and Tortilla Corn Chips ($15.50) that’s perfect for munching on throughout the movie.
Make it a date with bae by grabbing a drink or two from the fully-stocked bar. Expect a variety of cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks as well.
Admission: $42.80 with 1 cocktail and 2 non-alcoholic drinks
Date: 3rd-20th August 2023
Time: 7.45pm. Gates open at 5.30pm.
Venue: Fort Canning Green, River Valley Road, Singapore 179037
Pre-game your National Day Parade 2023 with a free NDP concert at Gardens by the Bay. Held under the glowing lights of the Supertrees, the concert is headlined by Kit Chan, singer for arguably the best NDP song ever – Home.
You’ll even get to enjoy nostalgic snacks as you’re groovin’ to the tunes. There’ll be kacang putih and Singapore-inspired ice cream flavours available to visitors for free.
Admission: Free
Date: 5th August 2023
Time: 4.30pm-9pm
Venue: 31 Marina Park, The Meadow, Singapore 019191
Contact: 6420 6848 | National Day Concert 2023 website
Calling all beer lovers: Brewnanza Fest by Brewlander will be taking place at the Bayfront Event Space. Enjoy more than 100 beers including brews from international breweries from the likes of Thailand, Australia, and Vietnam.
Good beer has to be accompanied by good food. So, feast on delicious bites such as burgers from Shake Shack, kebabs and burritos from Kebabs Faktory, and even vegan ice cream from Kind Kones. It’s not a festival without music as well, so look forward to live performances by local bands such as Forest and Ice Cream Sundays to add to the whole experience.
P.S. The first 200 attendees on 4th-5th August will receive a free admission pass to PRISM nightclub (worth $40) for that night only.
Admission: From $25/pax
Date: 3rd-6th August 2023
Time: 3rd August 6pm-10.30pm | 4th-5th August 3pm-10.30pm | 6th August 2pm-10.30pm
Venue: 12A Bayfront Avenue, Bayfront Event Space, Singapore 018970
Contact: 6816 2966 | Brewnanza Fest website
In the spirit of National Day, let’s try seeing our Little Red Dot from the perspective of the ones who help build our nation. Taking place at Bayfront MRT station, Singapore: Through The Lens Of Our Migrant Workers is an exhibition featuring photos taken by migrant workers.
The series of 22 photos is themed around familiar sights around Singapore. Think iconic landmarks such as Gardens by the Bay, Sultan Mosque, and Clarke Quay. You’ll even spot shots of animals in Singapore in this series. Some of these photos will also be appearing in MRT trains as well as stations along the North-South, East-West, and Circle lines.
Admission: Free
Date: Now till 23rd August 2023
Time: 5.30am to around midnight
Venue: 11 Bayfront Avenue, Bayfront MRT Station, Singapore 018957
If you think magic shows are pulling bunnies out of top hats, you haven’t met Cosentino yet. The Australian magician will be in town to perform Cosentino: Decennium – The Greatest Live Magic Show.
Expect death-defying stunts, stage illusions, and street magic in this 90-minute show. If you’re lucky, you might be called on stage to help him in an act or two. No worries if you missed your chance at audience participation – there are VIP tickets (from $148) for a meet-and-greet sesh with the man of the hour.
Psst … Maybank or Starhub account holders are eligible for a 15% discount on tickets.
Admission: From $58/pax
Dates: 24th August – 3rd September 2023
Showtimes: Thu 8pm | Fri 8pm | Sat 2pm, 8pm | Sun 12pm, 6pm
Venue: 10 Bayfront Ave, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018956
Contact: 6688 8868 | Marina Bay Sands website
Singapore Night Festival returns yet again, this time round with a focus on Singapore as a Port City. Yes, a port and not a garden, but that’s as much as we’re going to give away. You’ll have to find out more about the theme and its connection to the Little Red Dot’s 700-year maritime history yourself.
This year’s festival is scattered all around the Bras Basah-Bugis district and will require all 5 of your senses for you to be fully engaged with the exhibits.
Give your taste buds a treat with Port Cities Food: A Culinary Pairing Journey Down Middle Road (from $47/pax), where you’ll taste iconic local dishes in the area. You can even sign up for the NightFest Photowalk ($22/pax) to really seal your been-there-done-that moments for the ‘Gram.
Dates: 18th-26th August 2023
Time: 7.30pm-12am, Daily
Venue: Bras Basah-Bugis District
Contact: Singapore Night Festival website
Image credit: Bay Area Children’s Theatre
No need to wait till bubs is 18 years of age to take them clubbing. 18 months old is good enough to bring your lil’ ones to Baby Rave at Tuff Club. If you were expecting tequila shots and loud thumping music, you might want to readjust your expectations. You and your mini-mes will get juice boxes and kids-friendly songs instead.
Doors open at 11am instead of 11pm since most kiddos would be asleep by then.
Admission: $15/adult | $20/kids
Date: 26th August 2023
Time: 11am-12pm
Venue: 138 Robinson Road, #19-01 Oxley Tower, Singapore 068906
Contact: Freddo Children’s Theatre Facebook
ORTO Yishun might be no more, but you can still take your prawning plans to ORTO West Coast‘s 88 Seafood where there are 2 large pods for you to try your luck from. Here’s a pro tip for you: increase your chances of a bite by coming down between 11am-2pm. That’s when prawns are released into the pods every 1.5 hours.
For $22/pax, you’ll get a rod and enough bait to prawn for an hour. But no worries if lady luck isn’t on your side and you don’t catch anything – you’ll still be served a portion of prawns for grilling at the end of your session.
Prawning isn’t all that you can do at ORTO West Coast. The chill hangout spot also boasts a number of new eateries, including The Mermaid Bar. This one’s worth a visit, as you’ll be able to catch a live mermaid performance every night from 7.30pm onwards.
Don’t just sit and gawk though – we recommend trying out their Fish & Chips ($16) and Red Prawn Linguine ($36) so you can enjoy dinner and a show.
Address: 27 West Coast Highway, #01-14, Singapore 117867
Opening hours: 5pm-1am, Daily
Contact: 9038 9038 | The Mermaid Bar Instagram
Image credit: @ellewijetunge via Instagram
If you know Rihanna then you probably already know Fenty Beauty, the makeup brand owned by the Umbrella singer. Get to know more about her foundations, lip glosses, and primers at the Fenty Beauty Experience.
You’ll get to enjoy a 30-minute ride on the Singapore Flyer with a glass of champagne and an assortment of small bites. During this time, you’ll also get to try out Fenty’s bestsellers and their latest drop. Adult-ticket holders will also receive a Fenty Beauty swag bag worth $60 and complimentary admission into the Time Capsule by the Singapore Flyer after the experience.
Price: $79/adult | $31/child
Dates: Now till 6th August 2023
Time: 3pm-8pm, Daily
Venue: 30 Raffles Avenue, Singapore Flyer, Singapore 039803
Contact: Fenty Beauty Experience website
If your default answer to the question “what do you want to eat?” is “anything”, then it’s high time you checked out Gourmet Park at Resorts World Sentosa.
There’s something for everyone here, such as elevated hawker classics such as Dickson Nasi Lemak and Chun Noodle Bar. You can even get a sampling of international food from food trucks such as Kotuwa, which serves Sri Lankan Cuisine, and Spanish tapas from Queic & Olivia Market.
Save space for dessert – there are food trucks for bomboloni donuts ($5.50 each) and vegan-friendly ice cream ($8/scoop) too.
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, The Bull Ring, Level 1, Singapore 098269
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-8pm | Sat-Sun 11am-9pm
Contact: Gourmet Park website
If your 2023 has been pretty mid so far, it’s about time you start doing things differently. There are still 4 more months to turn this year around. Whether you’re a foodie, beauty guru, or beer fan, at least let this August be nothing short of a fun and amazing time for you.
For more things to do in Singapore:
Cover image adapted from: Sistic Singapore, The Palawan Sentosa
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