The best things to do in Singapore this week (Jul 22-28)

On July 27, head down to Singapore Expo to swoon over 200 premium sake labels at Sake Meguri. These labels hail from 18 renowned breweries across Japan, spanning regions like Kansai, Chubu, and Kanto. Pick up brews from brands like Kirishima Shuzo or Hakkaisan Brewery, and hear from sake masters about the art and craftmanship behind sake brewing. Sake Meguri also features exclusive 'Star Buy' promotions (with some sake bottles going at up to 60 percent off) and surprise goodie bags stuffed with $80 worth of Riedal glassware, liquours, and snacks. 

Find out more about Sake Meguri 2024 and purchase your tickets here. 

Nothing beats cracking open a cold one and snarfing down smokey meats fresh off the grill. If that sounds like a great way to spend a weekend, then head down to The Great Wheeler's Grillout at Wheeler’s Tropikana on July 27 and 28 for two days of grilling and chilling. For $5 a pop, savour expertly-smoked meats and barbecue while grooving to live music. There are even free Heinekens at 1pm and 4pm since it’s a rule that grill-outs always come with beer. Jacky & friends bring the comedy with their stand-up set–they’ll have you laughing so hard that you must be careful not to choke on the meat. And if you need to get up and stretch your legs, head to any of the vendors for a peek at their wares. We heard that there’s even artisanal butter for sale. Get your tickets here if your stomach’s already rumbling like ours is.

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. 

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. 

It’s time to get grooving with soulful tunes – Esplanade’s yearly Jazz in July festival is back once again, bringing us a full month of all things jazz with both free and ticketed programmes for all to enjoy. Look forward to performances by talented jazz artistes including triple Grammy Awards nominee Jazzmeia Horn, jazz guitarist Pasquale Grasso and his trio, and many more.

It doesn’t end there – Esplanade will also be hosting other jazz-focused events post-July. As part of Esplanade’s Mosaic Music Series, there will be a captivating jazz showcase on August 30 titled Seeds & Flowers by Andrew Lim, Aaron James Lee & Kenji Nakano, where both local and international musicians will take the stage. Following that on October 2 is a farewell concert by veteran crooner Gilberto Gil – famous for his post-bossa nova music with jazz and rock influences. 

We're always on a road for self-improvement, whether it's by learning a new language or tackling the latest AI program. With the annual SkillsFuture Festival running from July 9 to August 21, you can explore a range of activities and workshops to upskill yourself in meaningful and fulfilling ways. Not only will there be a variety of courses for your professional development, but the festival is also filled with over 50 interactive learning opportunities, including forums, workshops, and webinars. 

There are also several roadshows where you'll get to make the most of free on-site career advice, attend networking sessions, and even take part in walk-in interviews with potential employers. Head down to the SFF Healthcare Jobs and Skills Roadshow (July 18 and 19, 11am to 8pm) at Northpoint City South Atrium, and the SFF Early Childhood Career & Learning Fair (July 20 and 21, 11am to 8pm) at the same venue to deepen your existing knowledge and skills, and learn more about how you can transition into a new career.

If you’re heading down to the event at Northpoint City, quote “TimeOut x SFF” or present this article to the staff at the roadshow to redeem a free goodie bag.

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.

Lifestyle brand A Thing of Sense is currently hosting a month-long pop-up at local café Apartment Coffee. From now until July 27, the minimalist café will be filled with fragrant candles and various merchandise like art prints and mini knot bags. A Thing of Sense has also collaborated with local artist Genevieve Leong, who created 25 sculptures reminiscent of heirloom tomatoes, holding A Thing of Sense’s new tomato scents. Browse Genevieve’s paintings and sketches, or shop for more candles – A Thing of Sense’s discovery kits (from $58) and Big Boy Jars ($62) – with soothing scents like sandalwood, iris, and tonka bean – are all for sale. 

Whitestone Gallery presents Chinese artist duo Li Wei & Liu Zhiyin’s largest and first-ever solo exhibition in Southeast Asia, Whispers of the Wind. Find over 50 sculptures made from a range of materials such as bronze, stainless steel, to whiten marble. 10 of which are creations shown for the first time. This includes a 250-cm-tall monumental piece titled Soar to the Skies. All of the sculptures exhibit a serene hue, almost fairy-tale-like, with their agile forms providing a striking contrast to the sense of peace they initially evoke.

Just as the weather is always humid in Singapore, National Day has always been unchanging. Predictable, yes, but tried-and-tested for success. But if you’ve ever wondered what National Day would look like without its traditions—perhaps without the parade, goodie bags, F16s, and Red Lions—you wouldn’t be the first.

Homegrown theatre company Wild Rice brings a new and hilarious twist to the meaning of National Day this July with National Day Charade. The play is a cheeky satire that will have you laughing out loud. At the same time, it tackles contemporary social issues, like the complicated discussions surrounding what it truly means to be 'Singaporean’. National Day Charade is the brainchild of award-winning playwright Thomas Lim, renowned for his insightful works like Grandmother Tongue and Supervision. 

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Chinese Shen Zi Yao's Chinese ink landscapes, where every painting raises the question: does nature inspire the artist, or does the artist inspire nature?

Shen Zi Yao finds inspiration in the beauty of the natural world, selecting elements that resonate with his current mood to create stunning paintings. Each of the paintings found in the exhibition is also thoughtfully paired with a Chinese nature poem, highlighting the profound bond between nature and artistic expression. 

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. If that holds true, then Foo Tee Jun, the acclaimed Singaporean photography pioneer, must surely be considered an expert storyteller. Discover the reasons why at his latest exhibition, Time & Tide, which runs until July 28 only. Foo Tee Jun is dubbed a chronicler of the past for how his works perfectly encapsulate changes in everyday Singapore as the country hurtles towards modernity. Regardless of age, his photographs impart a feeling of nostalgia and longing to observers. 

Time & Tide features poignant photographs from the 1960s and 70s that capture a new independent Singapore in transition – depicting a time before the prosperity many enjoy today. One moment, you’ll find yourself examining a rural kampong scene; the next, skyscrapers and shipyards become the picture’s focus. As we count down to this year’s National Day, immerse yourself in the Singaporean story by checking out these historical images firsthand here.

If you’re bored of going to Golden Village for your movie fix, head down to Enabling Village instead for a unique cinema experience. On every last Saturday of the month, spend some quality time with your family and friends at Movies Under the Stars, a monthly film screening held at the open-air community amphitheatre space. We heard that the next screening on July 27 is Disney’s Big Hero 6, an action-packed adventure movie suitable for all ages. Remember to bring along your own phone and earphones for audio as it's a silent cinema, with subtitles provided in English. And don’t worry about bringing snacks because Professor Brawn Bistro will have you covered with their hearty meals. Tickets go for $6, but children under twelve enter for free. Check out the full movie schedule here.

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.

Singapore’s party scene is maturing admirably, with creative collectives bringing alternative sounds and genres to the dancefloor. Get acquainted with these left-field artists at The Party Exposure, which features DJ showcases, workshops, and talks in a unique and educational deep-dive into what the Singapore party landscape is about – and what more it has to offer. From July 6 to August 31, drop into DJ booth sessions with collectives and labels like Last Saturdays, Eatmepoptart, Midnight Shift, North East Social Club, and BlackLight Tribe. Aspiring DJs, level up your skills with Nez Sanja (chief of Revision Music) while vinyl lovers, bring your favourite records to a chill listening sesh with other collectors. And if you’re raring to make a difference, join the panel session on July 19 to ponder the future of the local party scene.

Get a dose of sunshine at Sui’s first-ever pop-up. The conscious clothing brand is setting up shop at The Social Space in Duo Galleria to showcase its latest Sunshine collection. True to its name, the collection features pieces block and screen printed with motifs inspired by joyful times under the sun – think palm trees, flowers, surfer girls – and embroidered quotes. Sunshine also marks the debut of Sui denim pieces and a small kids’ collection (made from excess materials from the main collection). Visit the pop-up from now till August 14 to get custom embroidery on your purchase and to attend a series of events – from inspiring panel discussions with Sarah Bagharib to ‘Know Your Nature’ walks around the neighbourhood.

Jewel Blooms is back with six captivating floral displays at Jewel Changi Airport's Canopy Park. The highlight of Jewel Blooms is Petal Garden: Super Blooms by Megumi Shinozaki. This installation features 10,000 bundles of pink hybrid starchis – a double-flowering variety of cherry blossom – and hydrangeas. Arranged on 2.8-metre-tall mountain structures, the result is a dreamy, blush-pink display to make all your Sakura dreams come true. The other five installations are just as gorgeous. Designed by award-winning local designer Andy Eng, they feature vibrant sunflower mazes, tranquil ponds filled with water plants, waterfalls of wisteria, misty trails, and a romantic walk lit by illuminated paper and flowers. 

Topping it off is Changi Experience Studio's 'An Enchanted Night in the Airport' camp. Stay overnight in a garden-like 'campsite' and participate in flora-inspired workshops and quests with your family. 

Great artists transport minds and challenge perceptions, and Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson is undoubtedly a master at work. Known for playing with elemental materials such as light, wind, fog, and water, he's lauded for creating unreal sensory experiences for viewers. The Southeast Asian debut of his survey exhibition brings together 17 of his works, a collection of his most renowned pieces, Singapore exclusives, and climate-centred art.

Titled Olafur Eliasson: Your curious journey, the exhibition will take you through yellow-hued halls, across enchanting rainbows dancing in the mist, and marvelous spectacles of swirling fog. You'll also witness the gradual depletion of ice, represented by a bronze cast of a segment of ice sourced from an Icelandic glacier, and be one of the first to view The seismographic testimony of distance (Berlin–Singapore, no. 1 to no. 6) (2024), an ongoing seismographic sketch series tracing the voyage of his exhibition by sea. 

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.

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.

Many know the tale of The Little Prince, but perhaps not much about the writer behind it. This is where Alliance Française de Singapour steps in to shine the light on the author-pilot Antoine de Saint Exupéry, and pay tribute to the 80th anniversary of his disappearance.

Divided into three sections, ‘Adventurer’, ‘Writer’, and ‘WWII Hero’, the show will take guests on a journey through his life’s milestones to uncover hidden facts about The Little Prince, and discover how significant elements in the story reflected his personal life. 

This exhibition will showcase a rare collection of exclusive artefacts, including manuscripts, handwritten letters, original sketches and personal belongings, on loan from the Saint Exupéry Foundation. One of the notable prized artefacts is Exupéry’s engraved name bracelet, discovered at sea in 1998 on the site of his tragic plane crash towards the end of the Second World War.

Apart from the showcase, there will be 17 screenings for audiences of all ages to indulge in – from a documentary to a movie introducing children to the extraordinary world of The Little Prince. There will also be six workshops featuring activities such as coloured sand drawing and wooden plane building, talks exploring various aspects of travel by journalist Lise De Rocquigny, and a sharing by renowned writer and illustrator of children’s books, Satomi Ichikawa. And to top it off, Singaporean comedian Hossan Leong will also be delivering a storytelling session.

Find out more about the exhibition 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. Uncovered 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 influenced 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.