The best things to do in Singapore this week (Sep 9-15)

Where will both gamers and melomaniacs be on September 13? The answer: an orchestra performance of music from Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the Japanese fantasy media franchise. The world tour lands in Singapore for one night only, so strap in for an electrifying medley of arrangements from Square Enix’s hit video game series. Over 100 musicians from the Singapore Metropolitan Festival Orchestra and chorus, led by renowned conductors Arnie Roth and Eric Roth, will be playing beloved scores and exciting new pieces. Accompanying the thrilling compositions are stunning, high-definition video scenes created exclusively for the event. Immerse yourself in this sensational multimedia concert experience, featuring one of the world’s most visionary games of all time. Tickets are selling quickly so get them here.

The countdown to Formula 1’s iconic night race is on. To kickstart the adrenaline-fuelled festivities, Grand Prix Season Singapore 2024 (GPSS) is revving up the city with a 10-day celebration of speed, style, and spectacular displays. Rub shoulders with A-listers at the most glamorous after-party Amber Lounge. Party like it’s the 90s at Groovedriver Festival 2024 with Vengaboys, Snap!, and N-Trance. Refuel with Licence to Feast at 1-Group’s restaurants including 1-Atico and Zorba. Engines on, whisky downed at The Grande Whisky Speedfest. Enjoy live performances, sim racing and food pit stops at the race-themed Glam Circuit Festival at Kampong Gelam. Head to Clarke Quay for a combination of speed, street style, and spectacular drone and light shows at Street Style Speedway. Whether you’re a passionate foodie, motorhead, or life of the party, there’s something for everyone. Find out more here.

Get ready to feast, frolic, and fall in love with Savour Park – Singapore's largest food truck festival. Bring your appetite to Sentosa’s Palawan Green this weekend and munch your way through a plethora of tasty offerings from Clumzy Plumzy Vodka’s tangy cocktails to Ashes Burnnit’s charcoal bun burgers and Paknini’s Italian-inspired grub. Fuel the Grand Prix spirit with a vintage car fleet display, joy rides on classic whips, and a photobooth with a Volkswagen kombi van. If you’re not in a food coma by the end, engage in workshops, tarot readings, and jagua ink services for temporary tattoos before unwinding with a movie under the stars at Sundown Cinema, and dancing the night away with DJ Esprimo and DJ Faz.

The Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) and Singapore Film Society team up again to spotlight the individuality and resilience of persons with special needs. And what better way to showcase these moving stories than through the power of films? This year, the MINDS Film Festival 2024 is hitting the play button on seven inspiring films from Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and the USA. Heartstrings-tugging highlights include Poppy, a celebrated story of a young woman with Down syndrome who defies expectations to pursue her dream of becoming a motor mechanic, and Ezra, a drama that follows a father and his autistic son on the road. 

Penang is hailed as the food capital of Malaysia, boasting a rich and diverse culinary landscape that reflects its multicultural heritage. But skip the trip to George Town this time and bring your appetite to York Hotel's Penang Hawkers' Fare right here in Singapore as it returns for its much-anticipated second edition for 2024. Expect classics like Penang laksa, Penang prawn mee, and Pasembur whipped up by seasoned hawkers flown straight in from the city. While you wait in line, watch them fry up the oyster omelette, char kway teow, and roti canai right before your eyes. Satisfy your sweet tooth with irresistible treats like ban chang kueh, See Guo Thng, ice kachang, and chendol. And to top it all off, indulge in unlimited refills of teh tarik, calamansi, and rose bandung – because one is never enough.

Make your reservation here.

Cheery sunflowers are blooming at Changi Airport as part of A Sunflower Sojourn – a massive floral showcase boasting over 5,000 sunflowers of various species. Spread across all four terminals of the airport, these sunflower set-ups include towering floral sculptures standing up to eight metres tall, along with rare varieties of the flower including the red and yellow Florenza and pastel pink Strawberry Blonde. The joy extends outdoors to Hub and Spoke Cafe, which is serving sunflower-infused yogurt soft serve and butter toast for a limited period of time.

Check out the full list of sunflower display locations at Changi Airport.

From September 8 to 22, celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with a slew of dazzling lights, music, and cultural performances at the scenic Jurong Lake Gardens. This year’s Lights by the Lake not only looks good, but will also make you feel good since it’s held in conjunction with the President’s Challenge. Enjoy music under the moonlight on September 14 with the 21st edition of NParks Concert Series in the Park: Rockestra, where you’ll get to sing along to a selection of Mandarin and English songs sung by local artistes. Floating lanterns, new designs inspired by origami, and mesmerising light and projection mapping shows are just some of the sights to look forward to. Plus, take part in cultural showcases and music performances, and enjoy some family-friendly fun with carnival games. There’s even a free movie screening and plenty of delicious carnival food to keep you fueled. Find out more here.

Kick off the September party season with a groovy day-to-night rooftop party. No, we’re not talking about Lap 62, a mega Formula 1 watch party at HighHouse. If you’re looking to party in the heart of Orchard, head to Trifecta for a night of epic beats by GrooveTop – featuring some of Singapore's most exciting DJs from Sunny Side, Last Saturdays, and Secret Pals. They’ll be bumping everything from funk, house, hip hop, UKG, disco, and plenty more. The sundown party starts at 4pm and when it’s over, head to the after-party from 10pm to 1am. If you’re feeling peckish, make a beeline to Yeastside for fresh sourdough bakes.

Many other events are lined up at Trifecta this season, so find out more here. And be sure to get your tickets quickly here.

Following its success in Yogyakarta, Noughties by Nature: Contemporary Indonesian Art from Generation 2000 Plus will feature new works by Eddie Hara, Wedhar Riyadi, and Riono Tanggul, accompanied by an essay from art critic Farah Wardani. The show highlights the innovative ways Indonesian artists mix popular culture with local traditions, challenging traditional art world perspectives and reflecting a dynamic evolution beyond Western influences. With contributions from artists like Priyanto Sunarto, Eddie Hara, Bambang "Toko" Witjaksono, and Uji "Hahan" Handoko Eko Saputro, the exhibition explores how contemporary Indonesian art navigates modernity and cultural heritage, offering a deeper understanding of its global and regional significance.

Throw it back to the late 90s and early 2000s this weekend with Soul Therapy – a night that promises the best R&B and hip hop hits straight out of the golden age. Hosted at Here Kitty Kitty in Clarke Quay, Soul Therapy invites you to gather the gang and dance the night away from 10pm until late.We’re talking about nostalgic and timeless anthems from the likes of TLC, Aaliyah, Usher, Mario, Missy Elliott, and Jay-Z. On this special night, the founding DJs of Therapy Room, in collaboration with  Soul Ties, will return to their roots of spinning hip hop and R&B. Shaun, the co-founder of Therapy Room, will even be bringing back his hip hop persona as DJ Flirt for the night. With such expertise behind the booth, you can be sure that you’ll be grooving to the freshest beats only. Get your early bird tickets here.

The last time Miss Saigon graced Singapore’s stage was 23 years ago at the Kallang Theatre. The beloved tragedy will be making its return this August for a limited period of time. Miss Saigon first premiered in 1989, and tells the story of a Vietnamese bargirl, Kim, and her romance with an American Marine sergeant named Chris. The two eventually get married, with Chris promising to take Kim back to America with him, only for the two to be separated after the fall of Saigon. Don’t miss this spectacular musical – after this run, it might not be back for another 23 years.

Ditch the movies and head out for something more unique – a night of immersive magic theatre. Hotel Incanto is led by talented homegrown magicians Jerryl Tan and Ryan Goh, who play your charming bellboys on an intriguing tour of a quirky hotel. Expect astonishing sleights of hand and jaw-dropping illusions alongside a sparkly cast of characters on your journey, from curious chefs to quirky art curators. Dress smart casual, and leave a couple of buttons loose for belly laughs too.

Known as the father of Impressionism, Claude Monet’s loose and fleeting style of painting continues to resonate today. Gardens by the Bay is bringing is life and work to vivid life at a new Impressions of Monet two-part exhibition, consisting of a floral display and multi-sensory experience. 

First, visit Impressions of Monet: The Garden. This enchanting display features a replica of the artist’s iconic pink house in Giverny, France, as well as a garden filled with the water lilies that inspired one of his most famous works, Water Lilies. Then, unfold the history of French Impressionism in Impressions of Monet: The Experience. View the works of masters like Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, and Cézanne here, which have been brought to life in a vivid display of light, colour, sound, and scent. 

Ever stepped into a POP MART store and chanced upon a female toy character with bangs, big eyes, and a squished-looking face? That’s Molly, a character created by artist Kenny Wong back in 2006 that quickly became a favourite of many. If you're a fan of Molly, then here’s your chance to step into Molly’s world because her first-ever Anniversary Statues pop-up is coming to Singapore from August 27 to September 22 at Bugis Junction Level 1 Malay Street.

Graffiti enthusiasts, you won't want to miss this solo exhibition by French-Vietnamese graffiti artist Cyril Kongo. Renowned for his mastery of graffiti, Kongo's work serves as a vibrant bridge between cultures. One of Kongo’s most notable collaborations includes one with Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, a project that was completed at Lagerfeld’s personal studio.

Drawing from his rich French and Vietnamese heritage, his works act as a bridge between cultures, celebrating the beauty of diversity and the strength that comes from embracing different perspectives and experiences. 

If your idea of a good time involves dabbling in artificial intelligence (AI) and mingling with cutting-edge tech, then September is your month – head down to the ArtScience Museum for In the Ether: A Festival of Technology and Innovation, a technology-centred festival that will take over three floors of the museum.

This event will gather the Avengers of technology – over two dozen technologists, scientists, designers, artists and studios – to hold conversations about the convergence of science, technologies and creativity. This pool of industry experts include Google Creative Lab, Ouchhh Studio, speculative architect and director Liam Young, and digital artists Lynette Wallworth and Ian Cheng.

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.

Durian season is officially in full swing, and if you haven’t gotten enough of the thorny fruit, you can indulge in a delightful durian afternoon tea at Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel. From now to September 30, sink your teeth into its Mao Shan Wang Durian Afternoon Tea, featuring eight melt-in-your-mouth pastries and desserts that all incorporate the king of fruits. Expect rich, creamy textures and Mao Shan Wang’s signature bittersweet aftertaste in creations like the pulpy durian Pâte à Choux, durian cheese tart, durian crepe and more. 

These sweet treats are accompanied by savoury delights like the feta and artichoke vol-au-vent and yuzu smoked duck mantou. And on weekends, enjoy an elevated experience with an exclusive cod fish croquette paired with your choice of a complimentary flute of Henriot champagne or sparkling tea.

Singapore’s Bayfront Event Space is set to shine like never before with the arrival of illumi, the world’s largest light, sound and multimedia illumination event, starting September 13, 2024. This marks the event’s international debut, featuring the world’s tallest illuminated tree titled ‘Tree of Lights’ that stands at 47 metres. In Singapore’s edition, visitors are invited to explore nine themed worlds such as The Enchanted Maples – one that will transport guests to Canada with glowing maple leaves and sweet treats from Sugar Shack. Other zones include a winter wonderland with shimmering snowflakes featuring curtains of twinkling lights titled Wall of Lights, and Puppies and Kitties, a space that will be taken over by 200 illuminated animal structure.

Tickets are priced from $33 and are available for purchase on TremTix and Pelago. Currently, there are slots all the way till December 8, 2024. DBS/POSB credit and debit cardholders are entitled to an exclusive early bird discount of 20 percent, until August 31, 2024 only.

Snatch your kids away from their devices and bring them for a playful romp around town. Centred around elements of play, the National Museum of Singapore’s newest exhibition, Play:Date – Unlocking Cabinets of Play, features over 250 locally and globally recognisable toys spanning the eras. Running from now until January 5, 2025, the free showcase aims to recognise toys and play as important to Singapore’s cultural heritage. Look out for large-scale artworks on the museum's facade as well as a kaleidoscopic digital display along the inner arches of the building's entrance. Inside, there's an immersive showcase divided into three sections that will appeal car enthusiasts, gamers, and collectors with its impressive collection of rare character figurines, collectibles, and nostalgic toys from brands like McDonald's, Mattel, Disney, and Tamiya.

Ever so often, you chance upon a source of inspiration that prompts you to reflect on yourself and the world around us – for us, it is both the artworks of Teo Eng Seng and the man himself. If you’re curious to find out how so, then your next art date should be to National Gallery’s upcoming exhibition, Teo Eng Seng: We’re Happy. Are You Happy?, running from September 6, 2024 to February 2, 2025.

The show is divided into two sections that reflect the philosophies that guided artist Teo throughout his career: Don’t Try to Read it, See it, Feel it – showcasing the spirit of innovation and Sweet Talk, Straight Talk: A Global Citizen Engaging in Social Commentary through Art – exhibiting the use of art as both a medium for social engagement and public messaging.

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.