This weekend is filled with an array of activities – including festive markets, new exhibitions, and concerts by international stars. So, open your calendars and bookmark these things to do this weekend in Singapore.
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If you’ve ever been intrigued by the numerous murals and sculptures around Chinatown, you’ll want to sign up for Art Encounters. On this guided tour, you’ll hear stories behind the art pieces and about the artists and discover their heritage. At the end of the walk, grab a cuppa at a quaint cafe in Tanjong Pagar and try your hand at latte art.
Admission: $31.90
Location: Chinatown Visitor Centre
Dates & Times:
Buy a ticket for art encounters.
Image adapted from: @universalstudiossingapore via Instagram
Meet Glinda and Elphaba at the Wicked pop-up at USS. Part of the theme park has been transformed into Emerald City and if you’ve seen the musical or the film, you’ll see familiar sets and props. Say hi to the residents of Emerald City and even the Wizard of Oz. Also, get your hands on exclusive merch, or get a makeover with face painting and nail services at the beautification salon.
It’s time to declutter as we enter 2025, and do a bit of advanced spring cleaning to bring in more huat come CNY. Clean Up @ South West 2025 is your chance to clear out any unwanted clothes, paper, and cardboard materials, while supporting an eco-friendly cause.
Image adapted from: South West CDC
Organised by the South West Community Development Council, the annual recycling drive will see various collection points being set up around the South West District, where residents can exchange their recyclables for groceries.
Head down with your items that are in a good state for recycling – meaning clean clothes as well as paper and cardboard that isn’t wet or shredded – to exchange for grocery coupons. 2kg of clothes can fetch you 1kg of rice, while 5kg of paper, books, magazines, newspapers, and cartons can get you 1 packet of noodles. Coupons issued can be redeemed for groceries at a later date.
Location: Full list of Clean Up @ South West 2025 collection points
Date: 21st-22nd Dec 2024 & 4th-5th Jan 2025
Time: Varies by location
Find out more about Clean Up @ South West 2025.
Image adapted from @minisosingapore via Instagram
The Pop Mart trend isn’t dying down and we’re here for it. Experience the adrenaline at the 2024 Miniso Blind Box Carnival where fans will get to see the debut of Kandyland, celebrity’s Pick Sanrio Characters Latte Baby Series, and Sanrio Kuromi Chess Series. At the same time, there’s also a huge Harry Potter collection to look forward to.
Admission: Free
Location: Funan, Level 1 Atrium
Dates: 7th-29th Dec
Potterheads, take note. The Harry Potter: Visions of Magic has finally arrived, and there are 10 immersive zones to check out. Whether it’s riding the Knight Bus or roaming around the Room of Requirements, this event will feature a slew of interactive and IG-worthy displays. BTW, The Chamber of Secrets and The Trap Door are 2 zones exclusive to Singapore.
Admission: From $39/child, $49/adult
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore 098269
Dates: From 22nd Nov
If you’re all about stunning lights and gorgeous installations, illumi Singapore 2024 will be worth checking out. The event features 9 different sections, including a floral-filled area and a North Pole-inspired zone. Clear your phone’s memory space before heading over as you’ll be snapping a tonne of photos here.
Starting 13th October, the event will also be open to pets. This pet-friendly evening will occur every 2nd Sunday of the month, so your 4-legged buddies can also experience the lights. And with Christmas coming up, illumi Singapore will be hosting Santa meet-and-greets for the little ones.
Admission: From $23
Location: Bayfront Event Space beside Marina Bay Sands
Dates: From 13th Sep
Get your tickets to illumi Singapore 2024.
Image credit: *Scape
Celebrate emerging artists at comma Arts Festival where audiences will get to witness fresh and unconventional interpretations of the theme “Past x Present = Future”. Many of the programmes are free too, including showcases of music, theatre, and dance, workshops, and exhibitions.
Admission: Free (with some ticketed events)
Location: Somerset Belt
Dates: 31st Dec-26th Jan
Find out more about comma Arts Festival 2025.
Over at Sentosa, Yuewen Music Festival 2024 is taking place over 3 days. Apart from Singapore performers, it will feature artists from China, Netherlands, Korea, Japan, and Thailand. There’ll be a mix of genres such as pop, hip-hop, and EDM, so there’s something for everyone. On NYE, prepare for a visual feast with a drone show, fireworks, and installations.
Some of the featured artists are ITZY, TAEYANG, WOOSEOK, Afrojack, Don Diablo, and Olivia Marsh.
Admission: From $208
Location: Sentosa
Dates: 28th, 29th & 31st Dec
Buy tickets for Yuewen Music Festival.
Image credit: Esplanade
There are a slew of free events happening at Esplanade all the time. On 26th December, catch a violin and harp duo at the Concourse. On 27th December, hear an acoustic group perform their set at the Concourse or The Singapeace Band belt out love songs from the 60s and 70s at the Outdoor Theatre. Also, check out the ensemble bringing Brazilian rhythms like samba to the stage on 28th December.
Admission: Free
Location: Esplanade
If you still haven’t been to SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, you must. And now you’ve got a reason because the museum has 2 new exhibitions. Yee I-Lann: Mansau-Ansau follows the artist’s 2 decade-long journey of discovery and creation, featuring artworks made from photo collages, silk and batik, as well as bamboo pus and pandanus.
A Bangkok-based artist presents Pratchaya Phinthong: No Patents on Ideas, an exhibition that examines the cultural and economic systems of modern life. Expect to see video installations, a mesmerising ceiling projection, and even a piece made from film strips.
Our beloved ArtScience Museum has a new limited time exhibition with only $5 entry. Altered States: Experiments in Moving features local and international filmmakers presenting artworks that reimagine what moving images could be using cameraless techniques. These exhibits will challenge our typical interpretation of films and offer new perspectives of seeing and understanding the moving image.
Admission: $5
Location: ArtScience Museum
Dates: Now till 2nd Feb 2025
Inspired by the holiday train shows in the US, the Gardens by the Bay Christmas Train Show will feature model locomotives chugging past American icons. Expect to see miniature versions of the Empire State Building and Grand Central Terminal, as well as a recreation of a charming 1950s Swedish railbus carriage. There’s even a life-size replica of an SMRT cabin and Raffles Place station.
Disney and Pixar fans, you’re in for a treat. The Disney Garden of Wonder at Garden by the Bay’s Floral Fantasy will be decked out in floral sculptures of beloved characters including Mickey Mouse, The Little Mermaid, Winnie the Pooh, and Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story.
See British artist Banksy’s iconic works IRL at the The Art of Banksy exhibition. The gallery will be going all-out with over 200 of his art pieces on display. This includes iconic sculptures, murals, photographs, and lithographs by the artist.
Tickets: From $27
Address: 25 Scotts Road, Singapore 228220
Dates: From 1st Dec
Get up-close and personal with the famous Austrian artist’s works at Gustav Klimt: Falling in Gold. Similar to past exhibitions of Monet, Frida Kahlo, and Van Gogh, this one will also have immersive projections and AI elements. Explore 7 rooms consisting of Klimt’s numerous masterpieces and learn fun facts about each piece of art.
Admission: From $33
Location: Sports Hub Library
Dates: From 6th Dec
We’re sure you have more than enough activities to fill your upcoming weekend. If not, check out our ultimate list of things to do in Singapore or the best attractions and activities in Singapore. If you’re looking for pretty places to snap lots of photos, hit up these Instagrammable places in Singapore while you’re at it.
More events to look out for:
Cover image adapted from: @chinatownsingapore & @universalstudiossingapore via Instagram, *Scape
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