Location: Central

7 Is Our Lucky Number Cos That’s How Many Long Weekends We’re Getting Next Year!

With ¾ of 2016 done and dusted, nothing’s better than ushering in the new year with 2017 public holidays in mind.

In 2017, there are 7 long holidays you can look forward to!

Here’s the complete guide to 2017 public holidays:

January – 2 long weekends

For the month of January alone, there are already 2 long weekends!

May – #4 long weekend

Only May yet there’s a fourth long weekend?

2017 does seem like a pretty good year!

Labour Day – 1 May [Monday]

Labour Day falls on a Monday. Guess there’ll no more Monday Blues that week!

The significance of Labour Day (otherwise known as International Workers’ Day) is exactly like what its name suggests, to celebrate the achievements of workers.

You can consider a short getaway to Malaysia and discover Malacca. Malacca is a city with many heritage buildings and landmarks. You can try traditional Malay dishes and discover new cultures.

Read more here Explore Melaka In Just 14 Hours!

Following the week of Labour Day would be another public holiday.

Vesak Day – 10 May [Wednesday]

Vesak Day falls on a Wednesday. Even though it’s not a long weekend, we can still take a mid week breather. Surely, many of us have heard about Vesak Day, but how many of us truly know what it’s about?

Credit: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple located at Chinatown to find out more.

June – #5 long weekend

Hari Raya Puasa falls on a Sunday; another long weekend!

[caption id="attachment_14850" align="alignnone" width="1619"] Credit: Credit: Credit: Because Bangkok Is Overrated, Let These Hidden Gems In Thailand Take Your Breath Away

October

Also known as the “Festival of Lights” Deepavali/Diwali is celebrated by Hindus to symbolise the triumphant of good over evil as well as light over darkness.

Deepavali – 18 Oct [Wednesday]

You can head down to Little India to soak in the festive atmosphere. The streets will be illuminated with bright lights. It’ll be an amazing sight!

December – #7 long weekend

Christmas Day is widely celebrated all over the world by both Christians as well as non-Christians.

Christmas – 25 Dec [Monday]

Christmas, which marks the last public holiday of every year, is actually a festival to celebrate the birth of Christ. Enjoy the holiday spirit by baking some festive goodies, prepare gifts for gift exchange, and also singing along to Christmas carols.

Here’s a summary of 2017 public holidays:

[caption id="attachment_16407" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Credit: Under SGD500 – 5 Nearby Places For A Weekend Getaway

5 Secret Spots In Gardens By The Bay That’ll Make You Wonder WTH They’re Doing There

D0 you know that Gardens by the Bay is the inspiration to the fictional planet Xandar featured in the hit Marvel movie Guardians of the Galaxy?

Touted as the key to transforming Singapore from a ‘Garden City’ into a ‘City in a Garden’, you might be familiar with the Cloud Forest, Flower Dome and the iconic Supertrees.

But there is more to this popular attraction than meets the eye. And you’ll surely go…

Let’s find out.

1. A desert

What are you doing here, cacti-desert thingamajig?!

(Image Credit: Gardens by the Bay)

Get back to the desert, yo!

(Image Credit: Gardens by the Bay)

Not many know about this outdoor garden that features desert plants.

Aptly named Sun Pavilion, it is home to a whopping 1000 desert plants comprising of 100 different species.

Unlike the Flower Dome, admission is free.

Poke around (get it?) here if you have time.

2. A big secret

This aquarium is a fresh breath of water for those who want to look at something other than the usual floral stars in Gardens by the Bay.

Located just a stone’s throw away from Sun Pavilion, the Big Fish Aquarium lives up to its namesake- it houses large fish, duh.

(Image Credit: Trevellers)

Not many know about this hidden aquarium as it is not featured on any of the Gardens by the Bay maps.

Here, you can spot creatures like the pig-nosed turtles, catfish, and the one of the world’s largest fish, the arapaima.

[caption id="attachment_15174" align="aligncenter" width="1922"] Credit:

(Image Credit: Nudge Sustainability Hub)

From a pangolin to a hornbill, you are sure to be impressed by the efforts that have been taken to creating these structures.

(Image Credit: Gardens by the Bay)

Not only that, this quiet park gives you a beautiful view of Marina Bay Sands. A concrete jungle next to a ‘real’ jungle!

4. Going back in time

Step back to 500 million years ago in this part of the World of Plants.

(Image Credit: Gardens by the Bay)

Like its name suggests, you can discover many ancient species of plants like the Multipinnate Cycas and Chinese Desmos here.

Because Gardens by the Bay is so cool, you can even learn about the rare dinosaur-era plants here and also, how they have evolved.

The ‘Discover’ aspect of the park allows you to not only rest your weary feet but also transport you back in time. Much wow!

5. A timely gift

This beautiful Floral Clock was created by Audemars Piguet (a luxury watch maker) for Gardens by the Bay in celebration of Singapore’s 50th birthday in 2015.

Made from flowers such as the the Spider Flower and Madagascar Periwinkle, this clock is truly a sight to behold.

(Image Credit: Watch Collecting Lifestyle)

Luxury watch, what are you doing there? Get back on my wrist!

(Image Credit: Watch Collecting Lifestyle)

Located nearby are also sculptures worth visiting like the Guardian Lions and the Resting Budai. Further down leads you to the mysteries planet- or more commonly known as the ‘floating baby’.

Yea, Gardens by the Bay is pretty weird. We’re so proud of our SuperTrees, but WTH are these secret spots doing in our favourite garden?

We kid. Thank you Gardens by the Bay, for the desert, clock, and everything else.

(Header image credit: Nudge Sustainability Hub, words by editor)

Also, read Who Says You Need Money To Have Fun? Here Are 7 Things You Can Do For FREE At The Singapore River Festival 2016!

Study Spots In Town That Will Make Every Mugging Session A Conducive One!

Going to be around the central region and need study spots?

The central region is where life in Singapore intersects the most frequently. With blistering paces and overwhelming noises, it may seem impossible to settle down on a spot to study or work.

Here, we uncover study spots in the central region that are perfect for students who need to focus on their work at hand.

#1. Starbucks

Here’s everyone’s default and favourite study spot – Starbucks! The quintessential coffee house that serves delicious coffee, offers new and exciting seasonal drinks and is conveniently located all around the country.

Starbucks – Plaza Singapura

This is one of the most convenient Starbucks outlets in Singapore, located near Dhoby Ghaut MRT station.

The cafe serves all day breakfast along with mains which will fuel your studying marathon all through the day.

Pacamara
Address: 185 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574333
Opening Hours: 9:00AM to 11:00PM

#4. Drury Lane

It’s hard to miss the bright red doors of Drury Lane Cafe at Tanjong Pagar road.

With seats on ground and upper levels, this hip cafe is extremely apt for those in the neighbourhood looking for a good spot to finish up on some readings.

Drury Lane Cafe
Address: 94 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088515
Opening Hours: 8:00AM to 06:00PM (Mon-Tues), 8:00AM to 09:00PM (Wed-Fri), 9:00AM to 06:00PM (Sat-Sun)

#5. The Daily Press

The Daily Press is an unpretentious cafe located within the mature estate of Toa Payoh that serves a variety of sandwiches and good coffee.

[caption id="attachment_15167" align="alignnone" width="839"] credit: draken4130 on Flickr[/caption]

Just be sure not to occupy the tables reserved for those referencing the library’s materials.

National Library
Address: 100 Victoria St, Singapore 188064
Opening Hours: 10:00AM to 9:00PM

Library @ Esplanade

This one comes as a surprise to many. Yes, there is a library inside the Esplanade. Yes, it is super quiet and conducive.

[caption id="attachment_15168" align="alignnone" width="960"] credit: credit: Attention Coffee Lovers: Here’s Your Chance To Savour 30 Cups Of Coffee At Only $30!

Enjoy 1-for-1 Coffee At These Cafes Because It’s National Coffee Day!

Coffee-lovers out there, listen up! National Coffee Day is back for its third consecutive year!

You can look forward to some really delicious deals and events in town. Here’s what you can expect this week:

1-for-1 coffee deals

In celebration of National Coffee Day, 14 cafés will be participating in a 1-for-1 coffee deal from 3PM to 5PM on 29 September, so don’t forget to grab a friend!

Flash this image for 1-1 coffee. Image Credit: The 14 participating cafés:

Read more, and stand a chance to win a KopiPass here: Attention Coffee Lovers: Here’s Your Chance To Savour 30 Cups Of Coffee At Only $30!

Deliveroo Giveaway

Espressyo-self with Deliveroo and stand a chance to win the NESCAFÉ Barista and NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto MINI ME coffee machines when you order from 21-30 September.

Image Credits: Deliveroo Facebook

 There’re only 10 sets to be won, so click

Image Credits: Dutch Colony Coffee Co. Facebook

With all these deals coming your way, it seems like there’s really something to look forward to, doesn’t it?

Of course, we’ll be updating this page should more deals surface, and if you got lobang, please don’t hesitate to contact us ASAP!

Stay tuned for more, and here’s to a delicious National Kopi Day!

Also, read Mai Tu Liao! Up Your Cafe Game And Visit Sin Lee Foods For Some Sinfully Good Food!

Header image credits:

Get Your Beer On With These Top 10 Places To Celebrate Oktoberfest 2016!

Singapore is home to a multitude of religions and races and let’s be honest it seems we’re celebrating a holiday every other month! We’re days from ushering the new month of October and that means only one thing, Oktoberfest! We’ve sourced the top 10 places where you can celebrate Oktoberfest 2016, so get your body ready for the never ending flow of beers, Oomph music and way too much bratwurst!

1. Oktoberfest Asia 2016 (13-15 Oct)

(image credit: Oktoberfest Asia)

If you want to completely immerse yourself in Oktoberfest, you’re in luck because Oktoberfest Asia 2016 is going all out this year! Located at the open field at Tan Queen Lan Street, this large scale booze filled event is a dream come true for every Ocktoberfest fan!

Each ticket purchased gets you free flow of beer from 6pm to 12.30am (!!!) and an Oktoberfest Asia beer stein for free! With beers like Schneider Weisse, Paulaner Brauhaus and Weihenstephan on tap. With Bavarian favourites available for purchase and live performances from Hofbrauhaus band. You’ll feel like you’re actually in Munich!

Oktoberfest Asia 2016
13-15 Oct
Tan Quee Lan Street
Ticket Prices: 13 Oct – $70; 14/15 Oct – $90

For more information: Oktoberfest Asia 2016

2. Swissotel The Stamford

(image source: 6431 6156

Prices: Adult – $66++, Child – $33++

For more information:
(image credit: 6438 7438
Opening Hours: Sun – Thu,  12pm – 12am; Fri – Sat, 12pm – 1am

For more information:
(image credit: Park Royal On Pickering)

Park Royal On Pickering has started their own Oktoberfeast early this year! From 19-30 Sept, the Lime Bar is offering unlimited servings of Erdinger Weissbier, Erdinger Weissbier Dunkel and Tiger Beer for only $68! Best part? If you head over in a group of 4, the Lime Bar will throw in a complimentary German platter full of German sausages and cold cuts!

On 1 and 2 October 2016, Park Royal On Pickering will be holding a Bavarian Feast! Held at the outdoor terrace, you’ll be treated with free flowing Erdinger Beer and an assortment of traditional German cuisine! From German Sausages, Pork Knuckles and Chicken Schnitzel to Potato Rosti, there’s something for everyone at the Bavarian Feast!

Park Royal On Pickering
3 Upper Pickering St, S058289
Contact: 6809 8899

Oktoberfest:  19 – 30 Sept ; 6pm – 9pm; $68/pax

Bavarian Feast : 1-2 Oct; 4.30pm – 9pm; $128/pax (inclusive of free flow beer); $99/pax (inclusive of chilled juices & soft drinks)

For more information: Park Royal On Pickering 

5. Erdinger Ocktoberfest 2016

(image credit:
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(image credit: Oktoberfest RWS)

For one night only and for the the first time ever, Resort World Sentosa is holding its own Oktoberfest! Tuck into a buffet of German favourites like schnitzels, sauerkraut and four bratwursts specially created by RWS’s Michelin-Starred and Celebrity Chef Restaurants!

Served alongside limited edition Erdingers and featuring a live performance by Ois Easy! Oktoberfest by Resort World Sentosa is definitely going to be ton of fun! Best part? They have Beer Pong!

Tickets are priced at $78++ for the German fare buffet, the tasting platter of sausages and one glass of beer! Parties of 8 can get tickets at $750++ inclusive for two beer towers!

Resort World Sentosa
Festive Walk
1 Oct
7pm – 2am

For more information: Oktoberfest at RWS

9. Clarke Quay Oktoberfest 2016

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(image credit: SilverKris)

Good news for those living in the north, you don’t have to go far to celebrate Oktoberfest this year! Orchid Country Club is throwing its own Oktoberfest party! If you’re all about having fun and competing in the spirit of fun, Orchid Country Club’s Oktoberfest is perfect for you!

With sausage eating, arm wrestling competitions, log sawing and one minute challenges alongside live band performances OCC’s Oktoberfest is all about having fun! But don’t brush them off just yet, traditional German grub like pork knuckles, oven-based BBQ ribs and roasted lamb legs are all part of the menu!

Orchid Country Club
1 Orchid Club Rd, S769162
30 Sept – 1 Oct
7pm – Late

For more information: )

Also Read: ZoukOut 2016: Life’s Not Complete Without It! Get Ready For A Smashing Good Time

Here Are 7 Things You Can Do At BOUNCE – Singapore’s Largest Indoor Trampoline Arena!

Most of us have heard of

One of the most attractive features at BOUNCE Singapore, The Wall uses all that energy from jumping on trampolines to run up a wall! While it might take a few tries for you to successfully climb the wall, you’re going to have a lot of fun just trying it out!

2. Slam Dunk

If you’re a basketball fan, Slam Dunk is going to be the first feature you should head to when you arrive at BOUNCE. Involving a basketball ring high above some runway trampolines, you can now finally slam dunk just like the pros! Drag some friends and get a little creative!

3. Big Bag

Seen those twist, turns and flips that adrenaline junkies seem to pull of flawlessly?  The Big Bag sits at the end of 2 trampolines, so you get the chance to pull off those advance moves you’ve been dying to try out! Best part? Even if you completely wipe out, the Big Bag is there to make sure you don’t break a bone!

4. Trampoline Dodgeball

(image source:

Put trampolines and Ninja Warrior together and you get X-Park! Combining elements of climbing, jumping and free-running, X-Park was designed to allow something challenging to expert trampoliners! Developed in collaboration with parkour enthusiasts, the X-Park requires agility and coordination, the X-Park is no walk in the park (pardon the pun)!

6. Parties & Events

(image credit:Ivan Joshua Loh)

Can’t find a unique and exciting place to hold your birthday party? Don’t fret because BOUNCE has got you covered! With 3 different Birthday Party Packages for birthday parties inclusive of food, you know you’re gonna have a ball of a time at BOUNCE!

(image credit:

If you think BOUNCE is just about jumping around on trampolines you could not be more wrong! BOUNCE has its own fitness class, BOUNCE FIT! A supercharged 45 minute exercise class that uses trampolines, this cardio workout is going to get you fit while having fun at the same time (Yes please)!

We decided to send our ambassadors to test out BOUNCE Fit and see if it’s worth the hype and if it’s as fun as promised! No surprise, THEY HAD A BLAST! Having a go at The Wall and the Free Jumping Arena, our ambassadors (Clare Chang, Noreen Fong) came out of BOUNCE Fit with huge smiles! And let’s be honest, where else would you be able to have a cardio workout without the ordeal?!

BOUNCE Fit classes are

$24/ Single Session, $108/5 Sessions, $192/10 Sessions $336/20 Sessions

Classes run on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10am – 11am and 7pm – 8pm.

Entry to BOUNCE Singapore is pretty cheap at $24 for the 1st hour and $19 for each additional hour! Best part? They have student discounts as well! So what are you waiting for?!  Head on down to Cathay Cineleisure Orchard( yes it’s right in the heart of Orchard Road!) and test out BOUNCE Singapore yourselves!

BOUNCE Singapore
Cathay Cineleisure Orchard, 8 Grange Road, #09-01, S239695
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu, 10am – 10pm; Fri, 10am – 11pm; Sat: 9am – 11pm; Sun: 9am – 10pm
Opening Hours: 6816 2879

(feature imageRope Yoga & Kitesurfing? 6 Thrilling Sports For Adrenaline Junkies

Tsuta: Japan’s Super Famous & First Michelin-starred Ramen Stall Opens Next Month!

Foodies and ramen enthusiasts rejoice! The world’s first ever Michelin-starred ramen shop, Tsuta, opens in Singapore next month!

If you are on the hunt for world class cuisine that promises to challenge your palate without breaking the bank, this is it.

Where and When?

Tsuta Singapore will be located at 9 Scotts Road, Pacific Plaza.

The bad news? The restaurant will only open their doors sometime in October.

Unless you are already in Japan, at which we suggest you to head over ASAP, we can only look at pictures…

Meanwhile, here’s something you can salivate at.

As much as we want a steaming hot bowl of Tsuta’s ramen to devour this instant, maybe the phrase ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ can apply to our stomachs as well?

Tsuta in Japan

This is the first overseas venture for Tsuta. The original shop is located in Sugamo, a neighbourhood in Toshima, Tokyo.

In Japan, Tsuta is a 9-seater joint that serves roughly 150 bowls of ramen a day. In addition, it is one of the most affordable Michelin-Starred establishments you can visit.

As a result, it is not surprising for queues to start forming outside the small shop in Japan as early as 6 in the morning.

The catch? The shop only opens at 11am for business.

Tsuta Singapore

Tsuta Singapore will offer 3 different soup bases. They are the renowned shoyu soba, infused with their signature black truffle oil, shio soba, and miso.

[caption id="attachment_15060" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] credit: In keeping with tradition, the Singapore branch will be a small 18-seater joint.

Tsuta Singapore
Address: #01-01 Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road, 228210 Singapore
Opening Hours: To be confirmed
Official Website: Header image source : Also, read Mai Tu Liao! Up Your Cafe Game And Visit Sin Lee Foods For Some Sinfully Good Food!

Zika Has Been Lurking In SG For A Month Now, But There’s Actually Little To Worry About

With new cases of Zika continually popping up on our shores, do we have reason to panic?

Well, like the saying goes, Knowledge is power and Prevention is better than cure. 

Instead of hiding at home and sealing your windows, you can arm yourself with these information and lower the risks of contracting the virus. Besides, our Zika timeline shows that there’s little to worry about.

Zika timeline in Singapore

Although the virus originated from Africa, it has found it’s way to our shores.

The first case of locally transmitted Zika Virus was jointly announced by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Environmental Agency (NEA) on August 27. That’s exactly one month ago.

There are 387 confirmed cases as of September 23. 16 of which are pregnant women.

Zika clusters in Singapore

Currently, there are 9 known Zika clusters in Singapore.

Starting with Aljunied – which also houses the largest cluster (291 cases), onto more recently, Sengkang and Hougang.

If you want to know more, NEA regularly updates their website with detailed information on existing or new clusters.

The number of cases are on the decline

Although Zika sounds pretty scary, there is no reason to panic!

[caption id="attachment_14954" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] credit: Here’s Your Chance To Truly #FlipTable, Swap Books & More At This Year’s Archifest!

Wanna Be A Masterchef? FIJI Water Shows You How It Should Be Done

For the first time in ten years, FIJI Water changes the look of its ionic bottle.

So, what changed?

Old

New

The main features – square shape, blue bottle cap – remain the same, but the labels have changed. The back label now explains the water’s journey from cloud to bottle. Pretty cool, we say.

FIJI Water Presents ‘Cooking with Gourmet Greens’

So, what’s the secret to being a masterchef? Cooking with FIJI Water, apparently!

“[It] is the preferred water of choice for top chefs, restaurants and hotels around the world.”

Together with the launch of its new look, FIJI Water presents ‘Cooking with Gourmet Greens’. It is hosted by Chef Jo Ann, owner of Vanilla Bar & Cafe. Chef Jo Ann is known for her contemporary Japanese creations.

‘Cooking with Gourmet Greens’ is a continuation of the popular Gourmet Green Week organised by FIJI Water last year. This year, FIJI Water plans to champion the pure, pristine taste of vegetable by taking the initiative into home kitchen.

Ambassador Highlights #2: Ultra 2016, Ellysage Launch & Against The Current!

Here at DiscoverSG, we’re all about everything local! Local events, local food you name it and we’re there! Our ambassadors attended some really exciting events this past month. Here are some of the highlights!

1. Kimberley’s Weekend Stay At Hotel Indigo

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong is one of Singapore’s Peranakan-themed hotels. Filled with old-school fixtures and splashes of bright colours, this hotel would make any Peranakan feel right at home. Infusing Singapore culture and history into its hotel, Hotel Indigo has its walls decked out with drawings of old school Singapore.

What’s a better way to spend the weekend than to catchup on some R&R!? Kimberley Yong, one of our ambassadors, spent her weekend doing just that! She got a chance to laze by Hotel Indigo’s infinity pool which offers breathtaking views!

If you’re looking for a little R&R without breaking the bank or if you’re looking to spend a weekend time-travelling to Singapore’s yesteryear Hotel Indigo is the place to be!

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong
86 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428788
Contact: 6723 7001

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKxJ5X2BqCR/

2. Ellysage Launch

If you’re into shopping online (and shopping local!) you would definitely have heard of Ellysage. Offering modern versatile pieces perfect for work or play, Ellysage has a made a name for itself amongst local apparel brands! Great news for Ellysage fans, they’ve opened their first flagship store at ION Orchard! Ellysage’s flagship store opened its doors on 15 September to much fanfare and our ambassadors (Estella Ho, Shivon Chua, Victoria, Stephanie Ler) were there to witness it firsthand!

Ellysage
ION Orchard, B3-12, 2 Orchard Turn, S238801
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm
Contact: 6509 8816

3. Against the Current Singapore Tour

Vanessa Ho, Anissa Tan and Dacia Kee were all there to catch Against The Current LIVE! Sadly, if you missed out on this spectacular performance, you’re pretty much stuck to listening to them on Spotify. But don’t let that get you down! They’re coming back to SCAPE* pretty soon!

4. Ultra Singapore

[caption id="attachment_15089" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Ultra Singapore[/caption] [caption id="attachment_15091" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Ultra Singapore[/caption] [caption id="attachment_15090" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Ultra Singapore[/caption]

Ultra 2016 needs no introduction! The 2 day electronic dance music festival was chock full of music, dancing and of course memories that will last a lifetime! Our ambassadors Novita Lam, Estella Ho, Raeanne Ang, Noreen Fong, Clare Chang, Shivon Chua and Dacia Kee hung out together at this year’s biggest music festival while enjoying the music from big names like Above & Beyond, deadmau5  and Kygo! And really, what else do you need for a perfect weekend?!

5. Shangri- La Food Launch

[caption id="attachment_15092" align="alignnone" width="640"] Shangri-La The Table[/caption]

Shangri-La has always been at the forefront for elegant meals ideal for special occasions! But with Shangri-La’s  latest food initiative The Table, they’ve just created a new way for the food obsessed to fully immerse themselves at meals!

Nicole Lee had to say about her meal!

6. DSG Ambassador Shoot

[caption id="attachment_15017" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Novita Lam (Photography: @byshaz)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_15016" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Noreen Fong (Photography: @byshaz)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_15019" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Dacia Kee (Photography: @byshaz)[/caption]

We brought our ambassadors for a photoshoot and had way too much fun taking pictures of them! Check out our ambassadors in action!

If you’re looking to increase your brand’s awareness and you want to introduce products both old and new to more Singaporeans! Drop us an email at [email protected], we would love to work with you!

We’re also on the lookout for more ambassadors who are on the mission to discover the fun and exciting things in Singapore! If you love eating, shopping, and discovering new places in Singapore, just drop us an email [email protected].

(Feature Image: Clare Chang)

Also Read: Ambassador Highlights #1: Food Tastings, Secret Life of Pets Preview & Beers!