The best things to do in Singapore this week (August 4-10)

Get hyped for Majulah Fiesta, Singapore Sports Hub’s National Day weekend bash. This free, three-day celebration is all about local love, featuring a pet fair (cue adorable costume parade), homegrown music acts like Iman Fandi and The Island Voices, and a bustling artisans market packed with indie gems. There’s also a high-energy fitness party if you fancy sweating it out for the nation, and of course, the grand finale: live screenings of the NDP at OCBC Square, Stadium Roar and Water Sports Centre, aerial flypast up in the skies and jaw-dropping fireworks for a full five minutes. Red and white outfit: mandatory. More information can be found here. 

This July, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra is setting the stage for an unforgettable musical experience with not one, but two exciting concerts at the Esplanade Concert Hall. Expect soaring strings, world-class soloists, and the kind of spine-tingling moments you’ll be thinking about for weeks. 

First up on July 18 and 19, experience An Alpine Symphony In Images + Korngold Violin Concerto with violin wunderkind Daniel Lozakovich and a lush rendition of Strauss’ Alpine Symphony, complete with stunning visuals projected on screen. Then, on July 24 and 25, piano powerhouse Alexei Volodin takes the spotlight in Tchaikovsky’s thunderous Piano Concerto No. 1. Following which, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra performs Bruckner's richly layered Symphony No. 9 under Quantedge Music Director Hans Graf. Settle in and let the music carry you away.  

Get your tickets for An Alpine Symphony In Images + Korngold Violin Concerto here and Hans Graf & Alexei Volodin here.

Orchid Extravaganza at Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome offers flower fanatics a chance to admire over 6,000 orchids arranged into iconic Singaporean landmarks and symbols, including a trio of orchid-covered Supertrees. The display also features Singapore’s national flower, Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim, alongside other hybrids named after local neighbourhoods and institutions. While you’re there, spot subtle nods to Peranakan culture in floral recreations of traditional interiors, along with displays of authentic kebayas and beaded slippers. More details can be found here. 

To celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday, local secondary art marketplace Art Again presents Pasar, an exhibition that draws on the everyday sights and culture of Southeast Asia. Held at 51 Tannery Lane from August 8 to 17, the showcase features pieces by Chen Cheng Mei, Chua Mia Tee, Ong Kim Seng and more. The artworks portray nostalgic scenes that include turnips and ducks laid out for sale, bustling hawker centres, and old Singaporean neighbourhoods. All works are available for purchase, with prices ranging from $500 to $26,000. More details can be found here. 

Collect adorable food-themed plushies at Mr. Merlion and Friends’ Hawker Fest, happening at Changi Airport Terminal 3 on August 9 and 10. The pop-up features whimsical food stall displays and plushies inspired by local fare, such as pastel ice cream sandwiches, chicken rice, pepper crab and ice kachang. Upon choosing your preferred plushies, staff will “cook” your dishes on the spot, mimicking the experience of a hawker stall. Entry is $60 and includes five plush toys of your choice, plus a limited-edition Mr. Merlion eco bag to dabao your haul. More details can be found here.

Singapore’s oldest garden is putting on a brand-new kind of show – and it’s lit. For the first time in its 166-year history, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is setting the scene for a nightly light show, from now till 10 August 2025.

From 7.30pm to 10pm, EnlighTEN @ Singapore Botanic Gardens turns the UNESCO World Heritage Site into an after-dark wonderland. Expect dreamy light installations dotted across the park’s most iconic corners, from a glowing Tanglin Gate and a twinkling Bandstand, to a softly lit Swan Lake that looks straight out of a fairytale. Even the Clock Tower at Orchid Plaza and Palm Court near Nassim Visitor Services Centre are getting their time to shine. A treat for the senses, the light show is also set to orchestral pieces by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO), making it the perfect backdrop for post-dinner strolls and photo ops.

POP Mart's iconic Mega Space Molly character is getting her time to shine at ION Art Gallery. Mega Space Molly: Hello, Moon exhibition is a whimsical look into the adorable toy's world of exploration and imagination – and an opportunity for die-hard fans to cop some event-exclusive merch too. Some standouts: a 1000% Hello, Moon figurine complete with a glowing moon orb, and a ball-jointed Molly Hello, Moon 1/8 Action Figure wrapped in a furry spacesuit. There are also lifestyle items like lamps, rugs and multi-functional lanyards, all available for pre-order. Don't forget to check out the Space Molly wall art and archival pieces, featuring beloved series like Smitten Love, Jon Burgerman, and Pantone. Of course, buy a blind box home and keep your fingers crossed for a secret figurine.

Imagine a mural made up of a whopping 265,743 Lego bricks – that's exactly what you'll find at the Stamford Gallery in the National Museum of Singapore. In celebration of the nation's 60th birthday, Lego has created an enormous mural featuring a vibrant row of nostalgic shophouses that reflect the charm of 1960s Singapore. Spot the national flower, a retro SBS bus and all the other nostalgic touches that bring old-school Singapore to life in plastic brick form. You'll also get to meet the Hawkerman in large-scale 3D model, and see beloved Singaporean landmarks and intricate recreations of local dishes. While you’re there, check out the Lego Make & Take station where you can build your very own mini Lego orchid to take home as a fun keepsake.

The SG60 Lego exhibition runs from July 18 to August 9, 2025. Admission is free. More information can be found here.

Hold onto your flippers – Singapore Oceanarium is officially open on July 24. Sentosa's newest attraction is three times bigger than the former S.E.A. Aquarium, with 22 themed, immersive zones spotlighting different aspects of marine life – there are over 100,000 marine animals here, mind you. Explore everything from shallow waters to deep-sea habitats, as well as travel through time from prehistoric oceans to present-day waters. Read more here to discover our top picks and tips.

Step back in time at One Fullerton’s Seaview Channel, the walkway between Shake Shack and OverEasy. In time for SG60, The Fullerton Heritage has teamed up with local muralist Yip Yew Chong for Postcard Stories, a nostalgic pop-up installation that transforms the walkway into a walkable, larger-than-life throwback. Spanning 32 metres of hand-painted nostalgia, complete with 3D props, the mural reimagines iconic scenes from the 1960s and 70s – think Change Alley’s bustling trades and Merlion Park before its makeover. It’s charming, evocative, and  packed with little Easter eggs for sharp-eyed visitors. Whether you're a heritage buff or just love a great photo backdrop, this one’s made for leisurely strolls, story-sharing, and a dose of Singaporean pride.

Calling all footbal fans – Arsenal are up against Italian giants AC Milan and fellow Premier League side Newcastle United for what’s shaping up to be one of the biggest sporting events in Singapore this year: the Singapore Festival of Football. It all goes down at the iconic National Stadium, with two match days set for July 23 and 27.

Bonus for Gooners: Arsenal fans can get even closer to the action with an open training session on 25 July at the National Stadium – a rare behind-the-scenes peek at Mikel Arteta’s squad in full prep mode. Think drills, warm-ups, and maybe even a cheeky wave from your favourite player.

The eighth edition of Sentosa GrillFest is firing things up once again from July 17 to August 10 (Fridays to Sundays only), bringing together over 35 sizzling F&B concepts, including 2024's People's Choice Award winners. Explore five themed zones: Local Grills, International Grills, Beachside Grills, GrillHouse, and Marketplace. Sink your teeth into flame-grilled Boston lobsters doused in garlic butter, juicy beef burgers, smoky steaks, tacos with a local twist, and even charred desserts. And while your taste buds are having a party, your eyes get a treat too – think golden seaside sunsets, groovy live tunes, and all-around good vibes served on the side. Entry is free – just bring your appetite and your beach best.

Over at Esplanade, all eyes and ears are on Singapore’s longest-running jazz affair, happening from July 1 to 31. This year’s edition pulls out all the stops for everyone to indulge in one of the smoothest, sexiest genres around. We’re talking over 120 performances by jazz legends and new-school cool cats alike, with everything from big band and swing to sultry fusion and contemporary grooves. New York maestro Johnny O’Neal brings classic swing and blues, while the award-winning Immanuel Wilkins Quartet keeps things fresh and fiery. And don't sleep on the dreamy duo Vuyo Sotashe and Chris Pattishall – these two are blurring lines with velvety vocals in the best way. These jazz geniuses are also running workshops, so you can pick up a few tricks of the trade. Whether you're a diehard jazzhead or just curious, there’s something for every mood, tempo, and taste.

Buy tickets here

Enjoyed the cute fruit-themed exhibition at Heartware Store & Gallery a couple of months back? The art space at Joo Chiat is now hosting Japanese artist maitoparta’s first solo Singapore showcase titled Itadakimasu! – featuring her signature kooky-looking wooden sculptures all handpainted in bright colours. There will also be exhibition-exclusive posters, plushies, bag charms and more, and pretty much everything you see displayed will be for sale. Be quick, because some of them are one-of-a-kind, with no remakes. Entry is free. Find out more here.

Thanks to Emerald Hill – a spin-off of popular Mediacorp series The Little Nyonya – Peranakan fever is sweeping over Singapore, and Sentosa is also getting in on the fanfare. From now till the end of August, hop on over to the scenic island and experience a cultural immersion like no other with kebaya rental, Nyonya-inspired afternoon tea, and heritage craft workshops where you’ll learn the art of tile painting and floral embroidery. But the grand highlight? Larger-than-life installations of giant beaded slippers, tingkats and teapots, and a kaleidoscopic replica of a Peranakan shophouse with nightly light shows. Find out more here.

Ready to explore what’s next for you? Whether you’re planning a career switch, picking up new skills, or just curious about the options out there, SkillsFuture Festival is the perfect launchpad. From July 7 to August 18, the six-week festival brings over 100 events to locations across Singapore, from CBD roadshows to heartland pop-ups. Expect buzzing career fairs, hands-on workshops, immersive learning journeys, and one-on-one consults with the pros.  

The festival kicks off with the SkillsFuture Roadshow at VivoCity, followed by Skills Ignited: The AI & Digital Security Roadshow at Suntec, and Unlocking Opportunities in Cybersecurity at SMU. Interested in healthcare or early childhood? Swing by the Care Economy Jobs and Skills Fair at Toa Payoh Hub. You can also catch SFF@CDC events popping up across the heartlands. Explore the full list of programmes here.

Enjoy the beauty of nature at the Sentosa Sunset Watch Party. Held at Palawan Beach, this free event invites sunset enthusiasts to admire the golden hues as the sun sets over the horizon. Visitors can also take part in wellness activities, and there will also be a sunset-themed photo exhibition and free photo printouts for guests.

The event runs every Friday and Saturday from 6pm to 8pm. 

What if we told you that you could walk among dinosaurs – all without a time machine? After touring the world in cities like Berlin and Toronto, the immersive dinosaur-themed exhibition Jurassic World: The Experience is roaring its way into Singapore and taking over Gardens by the Bay’s Cloud Forest with life-like dinosaur animatronics and interactive snippets throughout. We’re talking towering 8.5-metre-tall Brachiosaurus, a thrashing Tyrannosaurus Rex, and a petting zoo where you can interact with adorable baby dinosaurs.

Alliance Française de Singapour presents Ocean: Diving into the Unknown from now to August 30, 2025, showcasing the transformative journey beneath the sea’s surface. The exhibition explores France’s historical and scientific connections to the marine world, aiming to deepen awareness of the oceans’ fragile ecosystems and humanity’s collective responsibility for their protection. More details can be found here.

If you missed the previous Wiggle Wiggle pop-up at Plaza Singapura, here’s your second chance to dive back into its colourful world. The South Korean lifestyle brand has teamed up with the Singapore Flyer from now till September 28, 2025, transforming five capsules with vibrant retro colours and Wiggle Wiggle’s signature motifs – think whimsical flowers and cute bears. Don’t forget to stop by the pop-up store at Level 1 to snag merchandise like stationery, accessories and apparel. More details can be found here.

Pop Air – Art is Inflatable by The Balloon Museum is set to blow us away, transforming Marina Bay Sands into a playground of giant inflatables, trippy lights, and interactive installations from June 7 to August 31, 2025. Hailing all the way from Rome, this immersive exhibition is packed with jaw-dropping installations, from towering inflatables that fill the space to delicate sculptures that redefine what air can do. Expect interactive and digital pieces that blur the lines between reality and imagination, proving that inflatable art is anything but full of hot air. Tickets are now available for purchase here.

The Gallery Children's Biennale returns to National Gallery Singapore from May 31, 2025 to March 29, 2026 for its fifth edition, themed Tomorrow We'll Be.... Coinciding with the Gallery’s 10th anniversary and Singapore’s 60th birthday, this year’s event invites visitors to explore the possibilities of their future through the values of joy, kindness, dream and love. Families can look forward to eight immersive and multi-sensory installations by local and international artists, alongside a series of engaging programmes designed to inspire creativity and reflection.

Local creative community GOFY presents Melting Thresholds, a group exhibition spotlighting four emerging Southeast Asian artists – Shu and Money Wang from Malaysia, Nina Sach from Thailand, and Jaeyyelle from Singapore. Running from May 17 to September 14, 2025 at Sweet Cheeks, the show explores dreamlike spaces through a series of quirky artworks that reflect on identity, memory, and transformation. The exhibition also features limited-edition gelato flavours by Sweet Cheeks, and all artworks are available for purchase on-site. 

National Gallery Singapore’s latest show highlights the journeys of influential Asian artists like Foujita Tsuguharu, Georgette Chen, and Liu Kang, who brought their unique cultural backgrounds to Paris at the height of its modern art movement. The exhibition uncovers how their personal stories and heritage shaped their work, leaving a lasting mark on Paris’s art scene and influencing the course of modern art. 

Step through a vine-covered entrance and into the realm of Wonders of Nature, the New Art Museum Singapore's newest kid-friendly exhibition that highlights the significance of the natural world. Featuring works by eight international artists including Yayoi Kusama and Go Yayanagi, the exhibition unfolds across five sections, each offering interactive artworks and immersive projections that bring the beauty of nature to life through art.

The stunning Gardens by the Bay is set to get even more magical this festive season. For the first time in Singapore, all your Disney and Pixar favourites are coming to life at the floral wonderland’s new Garden of Wonder showcase. As you stroll through Gardens by the Bay’s Floral Fantasy, you’ll be greeted by eight stunning themed topiaries featuring lovable characters like Winnie the Pooh, Ariel and Flounder from The Little Mermaid, and Mike and Sulley from Monsters, Inc. Get in on the magic here.

Held at Resorts World Sentosa, the Singapore edition of Harry Potter: Visions of Magic promises to be even bigger and better, with an additional 10,000 square feet of space for even more magical moments to unfold. Step into familiar scenes from the Potterverse including the Room of Requirement, Newt’s Menagerie, Ministry of Magic, and more, as special interactive technology and multimedia elements are weaved with captivating soundscapes to bring enchantment to us muggles. With realistic replicas of what you see in the movies, along with eye-catching illuminations, there are sure to be a ton of photo-worthy opportunities. Find out more here.

Batik, a timeless art form and symbol of Southeast Asian heritage, takes centre stage at the Peranakan Museum. This captivating exhibition shines a spotlight on the creative and entrepreneurial journeys of three remarkable Peranakan women from the bustling port city of Pekalongan, Indonesia. Meet Nyonya Oeij Soen King, her daughter-in-law Nyonya Oeij Kok Sing, and granddaughter Jane Hendromartono, each a batik master in her own right. Discover their inspiring stories through about 200 objects, including cherished family heirlooms and 60 stunning batik pieces from the 1890s to the 1980s. You can also explore batik’s evolution through time at the interactive stations. Then take a fun mobile quiz to uncover your personal batik style and score an exclusive bookmark to take home. Keep an eye out for exciting pop-up performances, hands-on craft activities, and engaging curator tours during your visit.