The best things to do in Singapore this weekend (May 10-12)

The Singapore Cocktail Festival might be on a hiatus this year, but another mega cocktail fest is here in town. Celebrate the vibrant cocktail culture in Singapore at this year’s Singapore Cocktail Takeover, where some of the city’s most well-loved bars such as Mo Bar, White Shades, and Elephant Room will be offering signature cocktails at a special price of $18. There will also be a lineup of guest bar shifts and events held by experts in the bar industry, such as a special ‘Punch Brunch’ at Republic Bar, and Jigger & Pony hosting the Tokyo-based Bellwood Bar for one day.

Check out the full programme line-up here.

Volkswagen is gearing up to introduce its first-ever fleet of electric vehicles, with a fun-filled Volkswagen Electric City festival happening this May 11 and 12. It’s not just for car enthusiasts – this free-entry, pet-friendly pop-up also has a range of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Get in on the thrill with car racing simulators, foosball, and air hockey, or pick up some plants for your home at the on-site plant nursery. There will also be Mother’s Day craft workshops, a variety of food and drink options, and live entertainment by local musicians Dominic Chin and Shazza. Find out more here.

The same folks behind Gourmet Park RWS have now launched a new food truck park at a much more accessible location in town. Gourmet Park Kampong Bugis is the newest project by Food Truck Nation, set to run from now till the end of December. The park has taken over the site that used to house the grill house Camp Kilo and will bring a mix of familiar Gourmet Park participating brands to the lush, pet-friendly compound. There will be new participating concepts too, like British breakfast house Breakfast by Carnaby, popular smokehouse Meatsmith, and famous brownie bakery Backyard Bakers (this time with signature cocktails exclusive to Gourmet Park Kampong Bugis). For more of what to expect, hit the Read More link below. 

Frida Kahlo, the world-renowned Mexican painter, needs no introduction. Regarded as one of the most influential female artists of the 20th century, she is celebrated for her self-portraits that delve into themes of identity and the human body.

There will be three different segments with nine spaces filled with 360-degree projections, interactive installations, photographs, and films. You’ll be able to trace her artistic journey, starting from her early years as a young girl. The show will also touch on her medical journey – one that isn’t widely discussed about. There’ll also be virtual reality experiences for you to truly step into her shoes and see the world from her point of view.

Stay tuned for the exact dates, and join the waitlist for ticket sales here.

From ArtBeyond & CIEL comes their biggest beach party yet. This May 11, put on your best beach fit for Electric Playa!, which will see headliners Patrice Bäumel and Guy Mantzur stirring up the sand at Rumours Beach Club with thumping progressive house and techno beats. They're supported by a cast of 11 regional acts across two stages: dive into immersive progressive sounds at the Playa Mainstage with Chirag K, Kunda, and more; or explore alternative dark and indie grooves at the Naughty Corner stage.

Bringing wellness into the mix is Arctic Fitness, who will be turning the beach club's VIP pool into a massive cold plunge. Instructors will be on hand to guide your experience, so don't fret and dive in for a dopamine boost. Complimentary coronas and a curated menu of cocktails are on hand to juice up your night, alongside face painting, beer pong and more activities. Hit the link to secure your tickets. 

Singapore may be tiny, but we pack lots in terms of culture and history. To get brilliant insight into that, check out the many workshops, tours, trails, and exhibitions lined up for Singapore HeritageFest. This year’s theme focuses on ‘reliving the stories that connect us’, bringing you into the untold stories of our city’s oldest buildings and landmarks. Get your steps in on walking tours of iconic landmarks in Singapore’s downtown district and ‘abandoned’ buildings like 37 Emerald Hill. You can also hop on a bus tour through cultural neighbourhoods, or explore the Peranakan shophouses and traditional businesses in Joo Chiat. There’s more, including access to restricted areas of the former Supreme Court, exploration tours of historical venues, and exhibitions dedicated to our national monuments and conserved buildings. Check out the full list of programmes here.

Zoom in and tickle your mind at Japanese artist Tatsuya Tanaka's first-ever exhibition in Singapore. small Muji exhibition – Enjoying Everyday Items sticks to what Tanaka-san is best known for: playful miniature works depicting elaborate scenes from everyday life. In his work, it's not strange to see common vegetables like broccolis reimagined as trees or oranges fashioned into miniature suns. In the Singapore showing, Muji branded products are similarly reinvented in 19 miniature works that take inspiration from Singapore landmarks. 

Experience the magic of the Northern Lights at Gardens by the Bay’s Supertree Grove. From May 4 onwards, a spellbinding outdoor installation called Borealis will light up the Supertrees in a display reminiscent of the polar lights you’d normally have to travel to Iceland, Sweden, or other far-flung regions to witness. It’s the work of Switzerland-based artist Dan Acher, who has ingeniously layered light beams and cloud particles to create a mesmerising dance of light and colour. Coupled with an atmospheric score by French composer Guillaume Desbois, Borealis promises to be an out-of-this-world experience. Admission is free – find out more here.

Those who love tulips will be pleased to know that Gardens by the Bay’s Tulipmania has returned to the Flower Dome this year. In honour of its 10th edition, the floral display pays homage to its inaugural showcase in 2013. The tulips are once again planted in rows of singular colour, much like the iconic tulip farms in the Netherlands. Adding to the charm, the display features a blend of traditional Dutch landscapes with modern elements, including farmhouses with thatched roofs and a watermill alongside wind turbines and vertical farms. Stop by this weekend to receive complimentary cut tulips from 9am onwards, while stocks last.

Find out more about Tulipmania here.

One of Singapore’s theatrical powerhouses, Teater Ekamatra, is back with a reimagination of the Nusantara folktale Bawang Putih Bawang Merah. The story follows an unjust stepmother and her two daughters with completely different personalities – one who is good and kind, and the other cruel and vindictive. Directed by Mohd Fared Jainal, this darkly humorous production revamps the well-known folktale into a journey of self-discovery and liberation with unexpected twists of fate. While the play will be performed in Malay, English subtitles will be available.

Treat your mom to a luxurious high tea experience with Skai and Swarovski this Mother's Day. The menu features delectable sweet and savoury treats, stunningly designed to look like sparkling diamonds and even Swarovski's signature swan motif. Skai's high-rise space has also been stylishly designed with Swarovski-inspired photo backdrops – all the better to capture an everlasting memory with mom. There's even a pop-up store in the lobby of Swissôtel The Stamford featuring Swarovski’s newly launched Mother’s Day jewellery.

You can find out more about the high tea experience and make reservations here.

Who doesn't like free flowers? Just in time for Mother's Day, Air Canada is hosting a pop-up flower cart at Plaza Singapura where you can pick up free blooms to share with the most important woman in your life. While you're at it, take part in interactive games and giveaways and stand a chance to win a pair of free tickets to Vancouver. That's right, you might get to take Air Canada's new direct flight from Singapore to Vancouver – in just under 15 hours, you'll be enjoying the city's laidback downtown, gorgeous beaches, and lush temperate forests. 

There's nothing like a good perfume to express your personality and leave a deep impression on those around you. If you're keen on figuring out your signature scent, there's nowhere better to do so than at Chanel Parfumeur: A Fragrance Experience. Happening from April 26 to June 2 at CQ @ Clarke Quay, this event is centred on Les Exclusifs De Chanel, a fragrance collection inspired by the colourful life of the house's founder Gabrielle Chanel. Learn the stories and inspiration behind the range's 19 scents and even snag a preview of its newest fragrance. For a more personalised experience, take Chanel's personality test to discover your unique scent profile or try the 15-minute Le Quart D'Heure Alchimique fragrance experience to pinpoint your signature Chanel scent. 

Chanel VIPs, you could also be invited to an exclusive Chanel Parfumeur Masterclass. This takes you on a deep dive into the stories and ingredients behind iconic Chanel fragrances, led by fragrance experts from the house. They'll also be dishing styling tips on how best to wear its scents. On the second floor of CQ @ Clarke Quay, you may also step into immersive experience spaces inspired by Chanel's iconic fragrance Chanel N°5. Walk-ins are welcome, but it's best to make a prior booking here. 

Taste The World is a month-long culinary festival organised by the travel brand Gourmet Trails to celebrate Singapore's culinary scene and all its international food offerings. From May 4 to 26 2024, seven restaurants will be participating in a series of events and offering special lunch and dinner sessions (from $180), where proceeds will go toward the United Nations World Food Programme. They are: Appetite, Hashida, Cure, Canchita, Esquina, Ummi Beirut, and Anju. For the opening day on May 4, epicureans can look forward to an intimate lunch experience and dialogue on world cuisines ($300 per person) presented by Michelin-starred chef Ivan Brehm of Nouri and Appetite.

Head down to Takashimaya Shopping Centre and check out new online Korean grocer Taste K’s pop-up event. You can expect to see kimchi products ranging from classic kimchi, dried kimchi, kimchi pickles, and the highly acclaimed Silbi kimchi, which is known for being extremely spicy and addictive. You can also find a variety of Korean melons and snacks, as well as innovative products like kombucha featuring fruity flavours from different regions in Korea. Get a cup of Taste K’s homemade, unsweetened Yuja (yuzu) or Maesil (plum) ice teas; or beat the heat with a cup of Jeju Morning Smile yogurt ice cream.

Celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of Europe at the annual European Film Festival. This year’s edition features 24 films from 24 countries, offering a variety of perspectives and insights into histories that are representative of Europe’s shared cultural heritage. Opening the festival is Here, directed by Belgian filmmaker Bas Devos, a film about the deep human desire for connection in a world of transience and movement. Other highlights include 125 Years Memory from Turkey, which won Best Art Direction at the 39th Japan Academy Film Prize, and Norway’s Dancing Queen, a coming-of-age film delving into themes of romance and girlhood.

Check out the full list of films and purchase tickets here. 

The Asian Civilisations Museum and the Peranakan Museum have joined hands to present Fukusa, Japanese Gift Covers from the Chris Hall Collection, an exhibition that features fukusa, which are beautifully embroidered luxurious Japanese silk gift covers. You can also find kimonos and other related textiles from renowned collector Chris Hall, who holds one of the most valuable collections of Asian textiles in the world. Uncover varied ways of life that completely differ from ours, a variety of auspicious symbolic motifs such as lobsters and cranes, and how the politics of dress influence fukusa design in the late Edo period. Don’t forget to stop by the interactive station where you’ll be able to virtually design your very own fukusa.

Every day, we stroll through familiar streets without grasping the profound history they conceal. Join Oh! Open House for a curated art walk through the Kampong Gelam neighbourhood. Get your steps in as you uncover the history of this lively district. 

The guided tour will not only lead you through historical landmarks but also introduce you to local businesses, hidden gems, and 11 distinct art installations exclusive to the area. Beyond delving into the past, you'll gain insights into the present-day communities and individuals shaping the character of this vibrant neighbourhood. Book your slot here.