It is February already?! So, it seems like we’ve dived into the second month of the year. If you’re getting post Chinese New Year holiday blues, don’t fret! There’s still a ton of things to do in Singapore this month, and we’ve covered some of the most unmissable ones for you.
Whether you’re a cultural guru looking for your next immersive experience, an art fanatic hunting down new (and free) exhibitions, a cafe hopper, or self-confessed compulsive shopper–there’s definitely something for you.
February is also the month of love, so why not grab that special someone and try something new together! There’ll surely be lots of great memories to make.
Here’s a calendar of 10 fantastic and cannot miss activities to keep you occupied this February 1st to 15th!
Play & Discover
1. Chingay Parade
To continue ringing in the Lunar New Year, Singapore’s favourite annual Chingay Parade is back.
Themed ‘Singapore’s Soundwaves Chingay, We Care Singapore’, this year’s parade promises two nights of vibrant floats, dancing dragons, prancing lions, stilt walkers, wushu masters and performers of varying ages, races, religions, and groups.
This year’s edition, the 45th, includes especial highlights: from fresh pyrotechnics and fireworks displays, to classic sing-alongs to Singaporean “Xinyao” music. The brilliant noise and gaiety even stretches from the main parade site all the way to the heartlands.
This national event is also the largest street performance and float parade in Asia–certainly something not to be missed!
Catch a glimpse of this treasured event where age, race, language and creed hold no barriers.
Chingay Parade
Where: F1 Pit Building, next to Singapore Flyer
Date: 10-11 February 2017
Time: 8pm, pre-parade @ 7pm
Tickets: $50-60 (Cat 1), $40-50 (Cat 2), $28.50 (Cat 3)
Tel: 6348 5555
Email: [email protected]
Website
2. Thaipusam Festival
On the full moon day of the Tamil month, Hindus will celebrate the Thaipusam thanksgiving festival.
In Singapore, thousands of devotees fulfil their vows through a 4km walk between two temples.
Come immerse yourself in this exciting and culturally-rich atmosphere–that sees devotees have their flesh pinched, pulled and pierced, all whilst carrying the weight of 30kg kavadi structures–and learn more about the Hindu culture.
The large, colourful annual procession that anchors this religious festival is sure to tantalise. But it’s the devotees’ faithful strength, perseverance and dedication to perform the exceptional that will wow you.
Thaipusam Festival
Venue: Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple
Address: 397 Serangoon Road Singapore 218123
Date: 9 February 2017
Time: 6.30am-noon, 6-9pm
Tel: 6728 5711
Website
3. Studio Ghibli Production Cel
This one’s for the Studio Ghibli fans! A collection of original production celluloids from director Hayao Miyazaki has been released and is now on display at Polar Bear Gallery.
My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke and Laputa: Castle in the Sky… Come and see how the most breathtaking scenes from your favourite Studio Ghibli films are painstakingly drawn by hand, and melded together frame by frame.
Today, Studio Ghibli remains the most successful ex-hollywood animation production studio in the world. Why not come discover the magic behind it all? The Polar Bear Gallery also contributes 10% of their annual income to protect the environment through related groups.
Studio Ghibli Production Cel
Venue: Polar Bear Gallery
Address: 69A Haji Lane Singapore 189262
When: Friday-Saturday 12pm to 8pm; Sunday 12pm to 6pm
Price: Free
Website
4. Huayi Chinese Festival of The Arts
The Chinese New Year festivities never quite end do they?
Huayi Chinese Festival of Arts is an annual cultural festival at the Esplanade Theatres. It is introduced for the new year, with a vibrant mix of both local and international artists.
Traditional, contemporary, mainstream and cutting edge Chinese artists congregate in this festival to showcase their works.
Performances to look out for include the Chinese version of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer’s Night Dream, the cool street dancers of Cloud Gate 2, and Singapore’s very own Offending the Audience play.
A bright array of theatre, dance, music, workshops, and talks will give you a taste of the most dynamic forms of Chinese artistic expression. Be prepared to be inspired and touched through this diverse showcase of programmes (some are free!).
Huayi Festival of the Arts
Venue: The Esplanade
Address: 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
Tel: 6828 8377
Eat
5. The Summerhouse
Want a taste of the idyllic English countryside without having to travel?
The Summerhouse is a newly opened restaurant, cafe, garden, and bar tucked away amongst the conserved colonial bungalows at Seletar Aerospace.
The chill vibe of this food sanctuary will give you quiet time with your loved ones.
This unique farm to table destination sees the freshest food sourced from a farming collective of Singaporean and Malaysian growers, as well as a Singapore kelong, and garnish harvested from the inhouse edible garden.
While you’re there, you must try the buckwheat porridge with bacon bits, Parmesan crisp, Chinese spinach and pumpkin and sunflower seeds ($16), and the raspberry pickled beetroot with ricotta cheese ($18).
Specially for this Valentine’s day, there’s even a ‘Wildseed Tea Party’ happening from 10 to 12 & 14 February.
The Summerhouse
Where: The Oval @ Seletar Aerospace Park
Address: 3 Park Lane, Singapore 798387
Open:
The Summerhouse Dining Room
Wednesday-Saturday 6pm to 10pm
Sunday 6pm to 9pm
Wildseed Cafe & Poppy Flora Studio
Tuesday-Friday 10am to 7pm
Saturday-Sunday 9am to 7pm
Wildseed Bar
Tuesday-Thursday & Sunday 4pm to 10pm
Friday-Saturday 4pm to 11pm
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Tel: 6262 1063
Website
Facebook
6. The Garage
Just a stone’s throw away from Botanic Gardens MRT Station is The Garage, a two-storey colonial house now home to two dining concepts: Bee’s Knees and Botanico.
By day, Bee’s Knees serves hearty pizza, pasta, sandwiches, desserts, and coffee on the first floor.
Once night falls, Botanico, on the second floor, dishes out delicious, beautifully plated dishes in a gorgeous setting.
For tea break, you should try the Banoffee Tart ($7) made from banana, cream and toffee. And for dinner, the juicy and crisp Chargrilled Iberico Pork Belly ($26) steals the show for many customers.
Whether you’re stopping by for a bite from your stroll along Botanic Gardens’ walking trail, or paying a special visit, The Garage is surely the place to dine. After all, it is surrounded by lush greenery, and flora and fauna.
The Garage
Where: 50 Cluny Park Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 257488
Open:
Bee’s Knees
Tuesday-Sunday 10am to 6pm
Botanico
Wednesday-Sunday 6pm to 10pm
Tel: 6264 7978 / 9831 1106
Email: [email protected]
Website
7. One Night Only
For some good old comfort food, slip into One Night Only, the newest cheekily named joint that serves timeless and classic American diner food.
Its blue brick walls, diner booths, warm mood lighting, and cosy and personable service is sure to teleport you to an out-of-this-country experience.
While you’re there, the Buttermilk Fried Chicken ($19.50) is a sure bet, though the Maple Bacon Pancakes ($16.50), Brioche French Toast, Nashville Hot Chicken ($21), and Grilled Maine Lobster are signatures too.
Choose from a selection of sides including fries, baked beans, and creamed corn to complete a hearty American meal right here in Singapore.
One Night Only
Address: 397 River Valley Road, Singapore 248292
Tel: +65 6235 1248
Open: 12pm to 10pm (Tues – Fri), 9am – 10pm (Sat, Sun, PH), Closed Mon
8. Platform 1094
Potterheads rejoice! A new Harry Potter-themed cafe named Platform 1094 has magically sprouted up just 10 minutes away from Boon Keng MRT.
With wizard themed starters, main dishes, desserts and cocktails, it’ll certainly be a spell-binding dining experience like no other.
Signature dishes include the tender Pesto Mayo Pork Ribs ($22), Suhnitzel Sous-vide Duck Breast ($19), the mystical Bloodberry ($18) for desert. And of course, you have the try the Goblet of Fire ($15), an enchanting mixture that actually comes aflame.
Platform 1904, together with its homey food, wood panelled and brick interior, warm lighting, and themed decorations, is sure to grant you a truly immersive, magical, and Instagram-friendly experience.
Platform 1094
Address: 1094 Serangoon Road, Singapore 328192
Open: Tuesday-Friday 11am to 10pm; Saturday-Sunday 10am-11pm; closed on Monday
Tel: 6204 6003
Website
Facebook
Shop
9. Market Of Artists And Designers (MAAD)
One Friday night of each month, the Red Dot Design Museum Singapore hosts a creative platform, the Market of Artists And Designers (MAAD).
MAAD is the largest recurring creative marketplace (a step up from your usual flea market) in Singapore.
Promoting design and originality, MAAD serves as a space for budding and veteran artists alike to showcase their works. Expect a vibrant mish mash of creatives and live music from home grown bands. You can also get your portrait drawn at #PortraitsAfterDark.
Join in for a night of pop-ups, inspiring design, originality, creativity, and late night shopping!
Market Of Artists And Designers (MAAD)
Venue: Red Dot Design Museum Singapore
Address: 28 Maxwell Road, Ground Floor, Red Dot Traffic Building, 069120
Date: 10 February 2017
Time: 5pm to 12am
Website
10. SOTA Maker’s Parade
Makers’ Parade is returning to SOTA again this February!
Indulge your inner shopaholic here as there are plenty of artisanal goodness you can’t find in mainstream shops.
Expect hand woven bags and pouches, special Valentine’s Day terrariums, hand crafted jewellery, personalised gifts, and even active gear! The one thing in common? They’re all super artsy–sure to impress even the most aesthetically-inclined.
SOTA Maker’s Parade
Venue: SOTA, School of the Arts, Level 1
Address: 1 Zubir Said Drive, 227968
Date & Time: 10 February 3pm to 9pm; 11 February 2017 12pm to 9pm
Email: [email protected]
Website
Facebook
Just looking at this line-up of exciting events, newest food havens, and shopping districts is enough to have us all raring to start the new month! After all, it’s the new spring season even here in Singapore’s perpetual summer, and that means going out and trying new things.
Whether you have someone special to spend this Valentine’s Day with, or just want to hang out with your loved ones, checking out these activities and food places together will surely make it a month to remember.
Keep the good vibes from January going by cruising through these easy breezy activities. Have fun!
Also, read Seletar Aerospace Is Where The Hipsters Are Now Hanging Out At
