Things to do in Singapore today

What if we told you that you could marvel at the paintings of iconic artists like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Édouard Manet without even setting foot in France? The National Gallery Singapore’s latest blockbuster exhibition, Into the Modern: Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, marks the largest showcase of French Impressionism ever seen in Southeast Asia. Featuring over 100 artworks by 25 pioneering artists, the exhibition spans three galleries and unfolds across seven thematic sections, each offering a perspective into the movement’s evolution from its early beginnings to the present day.

There’s plenty to experience at this year’s Affordable Art Fair beyond browsing and buying art. Centred on connection and creativity, the event features immersive installations, live art experiences, artist takeovers and more. Debuting this year is the Ubah Rumah Art Residency, spotlighting Southeast Asian artists from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore, whose works draw on shared maritime histories.

Visitors can join daily workshops for all ages, from silkscreen and collage to scrape painting, cloisonné crafting and colour-mixing. Caregivers and seniors can enjoy therapeutic sessions like bear figurine painting and clay work. When you need a breather, hit the Gastropark for artisanal sliders from Cult Sliders and wholesome dishes from The Living Café.

Cake, music, performances, a daytime rave, sketching sessions and an artisan market – the National Gallery Singapore is going big for its 10th anniversary. Sip matcha, dance to Southeast Asian beats or join art chats with getai veterans, comedians and artists. Snack on tutu kueh and ice cream sandwiches, or shop limited-edition goods from 13 brands at the Birthday Bash Market, including Mr. Bucket, Curious Creatures, Bynd Artisan and Supermama. Kids can craft still-life birthday cakes or go animal-spotting with face- and hand-painting along the way. All exhibitions stay open till 10pm with free entry all weekend, including its blockbuster French Impressionist showcase.

If you’re still chasing your fitness goals, the Singapore Urban Sports + Fitness Festival is the perfect push. Now bigger and bolder, the event sprawls across Singapore Sports Hub, Singapore Expo and *SCAPE, turning each venue into a high-energy playground for fitness newbies and seasoned gym-goers. Try everything from basketball and floorball to arm wrestling, or join the DanceXhibit workshops led by renowned regional choreographers. The AIA HYROX Singapore also returns, with over 11,000 participants taking on the ultimate endurance challenge. Prefer to watch? Catch the World Rowing Super60 Singapore finale or cheer on competitors at The Butterfly Effect, a women-focused celebration of strength and community.

Whether you’re a peacock enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Peacock Power: Beauty and Symbolism Across Cultures uncovers the majestic bird’s impact across Asia. Featuring over 100 artefacts, from ceramics and clothing to intricate jewellery,  the exhibition traces the peacock’s symbolism, especially in Peranakan art and wedding traditions. It also debuts Thousand Eyes, a new ecological reinterpretation of the motif by Singaporean artist Ernest Goh.

Beyond the displays, visitors can explore peacock species and behaviours through holographic tech and interactive stations. Round out your visit with curated public programmes or join a guided tour for deeper insight into the stories behind the pieces.

Classic R&B? Check. Spontaneous sing-alongs and free-flow drinks? Double check. Richer Rhythms by Chocolate Standard is all about good vibes at Baia’s alfresco rooftop lounge – a boozy, music-filled afternoon that’s “not your average brunch.” Hosted by Aarika Lee and soundtracked by Mr Boo and DJ Shais, it’s the perfect setting to unwind, mingle and make new friends over creamy pasta, canapés and cocktails. Non-drinkers are covered with refreshing soft drinks, too.

Expect soulful surprises, secret giveaways and limited-edition Chocolate Standard merch. Whether you’re dancing, singing or just soaking it all in, come as you are — it’s a Sunday made for letting loose.

Catch world-renowned writers like fantasy author R.F. Kuang (Yellowface, and most recently, Katabasis), food historian Fuschia Dunlop, and sci-fi author Ken Liu at 28th edition of the Singapore Writers’ Festival this weekend. This year’s edition, titled 'Shape of Things to Come', celebrates Singapore’s 60th birthday. It seeks to connect the past, present, and future of writing with optimistic, forward-looking themes and a focus on history, tech, sci-fi, and food.

With a lineup of over 200 programmes and more than 300 writers in attendance, you’ll certainly have your pick of events to choose from. Highlights include keynote speeches by the abovementioned authors, as well as the SG60 Homage, which consists of panels and exhibits that trace Singapore’s literary evolution since independence, and the Sci-Fi Spotlight, which focuses on speculative fiction, future worlds, and technology. Activities for children are also available. such as a Live Drawing Battle and storytelling sessions at the SWF Playground.

The Tony-winning musical takes the stage at Sands Theatre from now till November 16, and it’s far more heart-wrenching on stage than the film ever dared. At its heart, Dear Evan Hansen tells the story of Evan, a lonely high schooler who writes letters to himself as part of a therapy exercise. When one of his letters is found on the body of schoolmate Connor Murphy, who has just taken his own life, everyone assumes the two were besties. Evan doesn’t correct them. What starts as a well-meaning lie snowballs into a viral movement about hope and connection, and explodes into an identity crisis for our socially awkward protagonist. Will Evan ever reveal the truth? There's only one way to find out. Read our review here.

India's Pink City, Jaipur, comes alive amidst a field of sunflowers at Sunflower Surprise, a dazzling new showcase at Gardens by the Bay's Flower Dome. Walk through rows and rows of these cheery flowers, featuring common yellow varieties and unique red and brown blooms, some reaching up to 1.8 metres tall. Spot the marigolds filling out the display – that is, if you can tear your eyes away from three installations: a recreation of the red-and-pink Hawa Mahal palace, the ancient Amer Stepwell, and the colourful Patrika Gate. Presented in collaboration with the High Commission of India in Singapore, this showcase will make you want to book a ticket to the UNESCO World Heritage City asap. 

Step through the looking-glass and tumble down a rabbit hole into a world of wonder with Alice: Into the New World, an new immersive experience at Groundseesaw in Parkview Square. The Korean-designed exhibition reimagines Lewis Carroll’s timeless tale with cutting-edge 2D and 3D visuals displayed on five large projection screens, set to a dramatised narration and an original soundtrack by a top K-pop producer.

Wander amidst iconic scenes from the novel, such as the Mad Hatter’s whimsical tea party, the Queen of Hearts’ rose garden, and giant chessboard spaces. You don’t even have to be familiar with the story to enjoy the experience – it's a vivid, multi-sensory journey that appeals to all ages.

Heartware Store & Gallery is back with another delightful exhibition, Souvenirs by Dutch artist duo We Are Out of Office. Comprised of Winneke de Groot and Felix van Dam, We Are Out of Office is known for turning familiar, everyday objects into colourful collectibles: think vibrant riso prints, sculptures, and objects.

For Souvenirs, they've made things more engaging, crafting interactive machines, such a gachapon machine, ramen vending machine, and even a new piece called "Joo Chiat Road" as an homage to Heartware Store & Gallery's neighbourhood. These sit alongside limited-edition silkscreen prints, charming risograph postcards of packaging designs, and wooden blocks inspired by vintage goods. In the spirit of the exhibition, take home a souvenir to share with loved ones: custom car fresheners, cups, pins, keychains and more.

MOGĀ, the Japanese Prohibition-inspired izakaya-bar at Pullman Singapore Hill Street, turns two this year, and it sure knows how to throw a party – or five. The bar will be hosting 10 guest shifts across five days in November, featuring some of Asia's most popular bars. The month-long revelry kicks off with Kuala Lumpur's Penrose and Reka:Bar on November 1, followed by a spotlight on rising stars in Indonesia on November 5 and 10, with bars like BlowJams and Naaga joining the fray. It's then Hong Kong's time to shine, with The Old Man and Quinary stopping by on November 17. The party concludes with Seoul heavy-hitters Villa Records and Soko on November 24. Adding to the excitement, MOGĀ will be offering one-for-one cocktails off its new menu, Kiyoko's Journey, available all month till November 29. 

Make a reservation here.

Forget Bacha Coffee – there’s a new must-grab treat at Changi. From October 13 to February 28, beloved Katong bakery Dona Manis pops up at Jewel, serving its famous Nanyang-style banana pies to travellers and fans alike. For the uninitiated, Dona Manis has been a Katong Shopping Centre icon since the ’90s, known for its moist, coconutty banana pie made with pisang berangan, flaky pastry and toasted almonds. It’s a true taste of local nostalgia — minus the cream and fuss.

The Jewel pop-up will also feature banana pudding and classic bakes from Sembawang Confectionery, like cream horns and traffic light cakes. Pre-order whole pies ($40) via the Dona Manis website – they sell out fast.

Fans of The Little Prince and French animation in general will be delighted by the Animation Nation, running from October 10 to 19. Presented by the Singapore Film Society and the Institut Francais, this celebration of animated storytelling features screenings of A Magnificent Life, Songbird’s Secret, Ernest and Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia, Maya, Give Me a Title, and Heart of Darkness. 

While these films are great for the little ones, their imaginative stories and beautiful visuals will charm adults too, making it a great outing for the whole family. After selected screenings, there’ll also be hands-on workshops where you can create your own artwork inspired by the films and bring home a one-of-a-kind keepsake.

Back for its eighth edition, Women in Film and Photography at Objectifs takes on the theme What We Carry – unpacking self-identity, belonging and the memories we hold (or need to let go of). Artists from across Asia bring intimate works drawn from lived experiences, inviting audiences to reflect on the weight of personal histories. Screenings include A Quiet Load, Camp! Along the Mekong River, and Carnival of Solitude: The World of Qiu Miaojin. Beyond film, dive into workshops on paper-crafting and map-making, or join masterclasses in visual storytelling where you can even develop your own photo book.

Step into the world of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at Healing Heritage, an exhibition tracing its roots from 19th-century medical halls to its role in everyday Singapore life today. Split across five thematic zones, it spotlights milestones in TCM’s history – from community-run clinics to charitable institutions offering affordable care. It looks into the present and future too, exploring how digital diagnostic tools and halal-certified products are modernising this age-old practice. With archival materials, recreated settings and immersive displays, the exhibition celebrates TCM as both a cultural legacy and a living, evolving tradition that continues to heal and connect communities.

Step into a radical vision of the future at the ArtScience Museum, where Another World Is Possible is on display from September 13, 2025 to February 22, 2026. The exhibition presents a distinctly Singaporean perspective on what lies ahead, emphasising environmental pragmatism, careful planning and a sense of responsibility for the world to come. This ethos is reflected throughout the exhibition’s architecture, design and artworks.

Highlights include pieces by filmmaker and speculative architect Liam Young, alongside works from both international and local creatives such as Björk, Torlarp Larpjaroensook, Osbourne Macharia, Ong Kian Peng, Jakob Kudsk Steensen, Ming Wong and others, offering a thought-provoking exploration of how art and design imagine possible futures.

Mahjong, congkak, Go...there innumerable Asian games we're sure are part of your fondest childhood memories. This September, the Asian Civilisations Museum is exhibiting Let's Play! The Art and Design of Asian Games, which takes a look at how these games, whether sporty or strategic, have evolved and shaped communities and traditions over time. Explore more than 150 games, and actually try them out at interactive installations. There'll be fun outdoor set-ups and talks and programmes throughout the exhibitions long run, too (until June 7, 2026). 

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.