10 Awesome Events And Addictive Eats To Start Off August Right [1-15 Aug]

Nothing gets us more excited than the start of a new month, and this August gets us especially excited!

With National Day just round the corner, there’s a whole slew of fresh activities and yummy new eats that remind us of why we love living in Singapore.

This month’s line-up includes outdoor movie screenings, the hottest Kpop stars on our shores, a coffee festival, and fresh food spots to pamper your tastebuds at. Whether you’re a movie buff, avid concert-goer or full-time foodie, here are some ways to keep having fun the first half of August!

Here’s a calendar of 10 of the newest events and eats to head to this month!

Play & Discover

1. Films At The Fort

If the combination of good films, food and wine sounds like heaven to you, read on.

Films At The Fort by Casillero del Diablo is this years fanciest open-air cinema event!

[caption id="attachment_28733" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Image Credit: Films At The Fort[/caption]

Catch award-winning new releases, cult classics and documentaries on the big screen, under the stars.

A team from The Providore will be onsite to serve up a freshly prepared menu. There’s dinner, dessert and snacks to keep your tummy happy.

There’s also a bar selling wine, sparkling wine, beer and cider at prices that won’t break the bank.

So spread out your picnic mat, clink glasses, and lay back for a chill evening as the sun sets.

Films At The Fort
Address: Fort Canning Green (Fort Canning Park)
When: 3 – 20 Aug, 5pm till late
Website

2. KBS Music Bank World Tour

[caption id="attachment_28738" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Image Credit: Kpop Map[/caption]

Calling all diehard K-Pop fans!

Get ready to sing and dance your heart out at the highly anticipated KBS Music Bank World Tour.

Fans can expect a star-studded lineup, with some of K-pop’s biggest stars taking the stage.

The one-night-only concert’s power lineup includes SHINee, CNBlue, BTS, Red Velvet and Mamamoo.

KBS has been a huge driving force behind the Hallyu wave, from debuting rookies in the K-pop world to charting the leading K-pop hits.

So grab your tickets and be treated to a night of non-stop chart toppers!

KBS Music Bank World Tour
Address: Suntec Convention Centre Hall 601-604, 1 Raffles Boulevard, Suntec City, Singapore 039593
When: 4 Aug, 7pm – 10pm
Admission: $148 – 288/person
Ba dum tss!

This month’s Singapore Drum Fest is a festival unlike any other music festival you’ve ever experienced.

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Drum Fest brings the world’s best drummers and musicians to our shores for an unforgettable experience.

This year’s killer line-up is sure to attract fans from all over the world.

Those in the circle will know international drumming star Meytal Cohen and her bassist Anel Pedrero Orantes. There’s also Juan Carlito Mendoza, Jost Nickel, Federico Paulovich and Stanley Randolph.

Local talents Benjamin Lim, Anson Koh (Drum Off 2016 Open Category Champion) and his band will also be playing!

Drum Off contestants hail from 9 countries including Japan and USA, and are sure to put on an impressive show.

Singapore Drum Fest: Ultimate Drummers Weekend
Address: Max Atria, Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Singapore 486150
When: 5 – 6 Aug, 10am – 7pm

If you closely follow the Voice of China, now’s your chance to watch one of their most loved contestants IRL!

G.E.M. is coming to our shores with her brand new “Queen of Hearts” World Tour.

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Hong Kong’s new reigning Queen of Pop will be rocking it out at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

The talented singer will be belting out original songs in Chinese and Cantonese, in conjunction with her latest album, “Heartbeat”.

The last time she was here was in 2015, with her sold out 73-show tour. This year, she promises a bigger, better and more breathtaking show, so make sure you get your tickets for it!

G.E.M. “Queen Of Hearts” World Tour
Address: Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 397691
When: 13 Aug
Contact no.: 3158 7888
Admission: $128 – S$248
There really isn’t a shortage of international stars on our shores this month.

Our favourite British indie pop act, Bastille, is taking centre stage here too!

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Watch lead singer Dan Smith, keyboard player Kyle Simmons, bassist Will Farquarson and drummer Chris ‘Woody’ Wood in the flesh.

You’re probably most familiar with the infectious track ‘Pompeii’ off their 2013 debut album ‘Bad Blood’.

In 2016, Bastille returned with catchy singles ‘Good Grief’ and ‘Send Them Off!’

These are songs that have become the alternative anthems of the last few years.

If you didn’t catch Bastille’s dazzling sold-out show at The Coliseum in 2015 and at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix in 2016, make sure you don’t miss this one!

Bastille – Live in Singapore
Address: The Star Theatre, 1 Vista Exchange Green, #04-01, 138617
When: 14 Aug, 8pm
Contact no.: 6348 5555
Website

Eat

6. Epicurean Market

This isn’t your ordinary food and wine fair.

The Epicurean Market gives you three days of direct access to world-class food, wines and spirits, all for a fraction of the usual price!

[caption id="attachment_28739" align="aligncenter" width="4256"] Image Credit: Sample famous signature dishes by celebrity chefs, taste one-of-a-kind cocktails, and take home imported specialties.

There will also be an exciting lineup of masterclasses for you to upgrade your culinary and bartending skills with.

Participating restaurants include the award-winning Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay, CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Waku Ghin by Tetsuya Wakuda, and more!

Epicurean Market
Address: Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
When: 11 – 13 Aug
Contact no.: 6688 8826
Imagine having a single voucher you can use at over 50 restaurant brands. ​

Well, Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS) lets you do just that at the best value festival ever!

[caption id="attachment_28742" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Image Credit: You can get $100 worth of vouchers for only $70, to be used across 50 restaurant brands island-wide.

This year’s focus is on the trendy salted egg yolk, homely pandan, and the all-time favourite, chilli crab sauce.

As a tie-in with the Singapore Food Festival, each eatery will also be highlighting a locally inspired dish.

Expect dishes such as chicken rice risotto (Joo Bar), chilli crab (Palm Beach Seafood) and chicken tikka pizza (Cali Café and Bar).

Singapore Restaurant Festival
Address: Various participating restaurants
When: 1 Jul – 30 Sep
Website

8. Singapore Coffee Festival

Calling all cafe hoppers and caffeine addicts!

The Singapore Coffee Festival 2017 is Singapore’s first ever coffee-centric festival.

[caption id="attachment_28734" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Image Credit: This is showcase of Singapore’s speciality coffee, local kopi and cafe lifestyle.

Be spoiled for choice with over 100 exhibitors from the coffee and café industry.

The festival showcases local craftsmanship in specialty coffee, as well as Singapore’s unique and rich kopi heritage.

Besides being a one-stop shop for those interested in all things coffee, there will also be a wide range of brewed drinks, beans, gadgets and machines available for purchase.

Singapore Coffee Festival
Address: Marina Bay Cruise Centre, 61 Marina Coastal Drive, 018947
When: 3 – 6 Aug
Imagine going shopping and not having to pay for anything.

Well, that’s exactly what the Singapore Really Really Free Market lets you do!

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Singapore Really Really Free Market[/caption]

The market will showcase all sorts of goods–and services!

Things you can expect to see include second-hand stuff, basic yoga lessons, and even tarot card reading.

There are also sing-alongs and mutual shoulder massages to really foster that community spirit.

So come join in and feel a different, more caring and sharing side to the economy we’re used to!

Singapore Really Really Free Market
Address: Lorong Ah Soo, Blk 138
When: 13 Aug, 2pm
Facebook

10. Singapasar

Happy birthday, Singapore!

With National Day just round the corner, enter Singapasar, just one of the many nation-centric events that’ll pop up this month.

[caption id="attachment_28740" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Image Credit: Returning for its third year, Singapasar is a wildly popular design-centric pasar malam.

It brings together the best and the newest collections of Singapore, under one roof.

Expect to find locally designed and made products including furniture, food, apparel, bags, beverages, accessories and many more.

All of these items have their own story to tell about our Singaporean identity, history and culture.

This is where you want to shop and soak in some festive cheer this National Day!

Singapasar
Address: National Design Centre, 111 Middle Road, Singapore 188969
When: 4 – 6 Aug
Facebook

Sounds like an amazing month, doesn’t it?

We can’t wait to head out and get busy at all these exciting activities this August!

Also read Forget The Nasi Lemak Burger – Deliveroo Is Sending You REAL Nasi Lemak For Just $0.52

Best Picnic Spots: Eat, Laugh, Talk, And Chill The Day Away With Your Friends!

Clear skies, bright, sunny weather – Singapore is essentially the perfect place for a good picnic. Imagine tucking into a homemade and scrumptious spread of good food, with hearty conversations and peals of laughter filling the air. With numerous picnic spots to choose from, what are you waiting for?

It’s time to roll out those picnic mats and enjoy the abundance of lush greeneries in the great outdoors. To help you make planning for the picnic easier, here are the best picnic spots in Singapore!

Fort Canning Park

If you walk towards the picnic field, you will pass by the spice garden where you get to explore interesting archeological remains before furling out that picnic mat.

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The picnic field is a great space for a game of frisbee or a long awaited catch-up session.

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Position the picnic under a large shady tree, and you’ll be set for a great time!

Fort Canning Park 
River Valley Rd, Singapore 179037
Opening Hours: 24 Hours

Hort Park

This one-stop gardening hub consists of huge, green lawns that are splendid for picnics.

[caption id="attachment_19971" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Credit: Singapore N Beyond[/caption]

There are 20 different themed gardens in the park, so you’ll get to do some exploring before you settle down at a spot!

[caption id="attachment_19970" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Credit: Lina Yippy[/caption]

Besides the themed garden, there’s also a butterfly garden. You’ll learn all about all the distinctive qualities of the different plant and butterfly species on this picnic trip!

Hort Park
33 Hyderabad Road, Singapore 119578
Opening Hours: 6am – 10pm

Gardens by the Bay

Spacious open lawns, swaying palm trees and a modern, contemporary view of the Marina Bay skyline – a picnic at Gardens by the Bay is going to be such an experience.

[caption id="attachment_19974" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Credit: Singapore N Beyond[/caption]

Take your pick from a variety of open spaces that are great picnic spots. You can choose to settle at the boardwalk (dragonfly & kingfisher lakes), bay east garden, or even at the super tree grove, just to name a few picnic spots.

[caption id="attachment_19973" align="alignnone" width="1670"] Credit: Gardens By The Bay[/caption]

If you’d like to combine picnic and activity, just head down to the conservatories to enjoy the air-conditioning and ever-changing display of flowers and plants.

Gardens by the Bay
18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
Opening Hours: 5am – 2am

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

Upper Seletar Reservoir

Arrive at Upper Seletar Reservoir in the evening to savour a striking view of the gorgeous setting sun.

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For nature lovers, you can take a leisurely stroll and appreciate this quiet, simple park.

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This is one of the most tranquil picnic spots if you are looking for a calm and peaceful hideout away from the concrete jungle.

Upper Seletar Reservoir
Along Old Upper Thomson Road
Opening Hours: 7am – 7pm

Labrador Nature Reserve

The panoramic sea-view at Labrador Nature Reserve is sure to take your breath away!

[caption id="attachment_19976" align="alignnone" width="1500"] Credit: Singapore Kids 365[/caption]

This very zen park is a hidden paradise nestled in our bustling city – a great excuse for a short relaxing escapade from your usual busy lifestyle.

[caption id="attachment_19975" align="alignnone" width="1830"] Credit: Have Fun With Kids[/caption]

There are also barbecue pits available if you are thinking of organising an evening barbecue picnic.

Labrador Nature Reserve
Labrador Villa Road, Singapore 119187
Opening Hours: 24 Hours

Kranji Reservoir Park

Kranji Reservoir Park is a quaint little space perfect for a picnic spot.

[caption id="attachment_19944" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Credit: Expat Living Singapore[/caption]

If you’d like to try your hand at fishing, don’t forget the fishing rods! There are two designated fishing spots at the park if you are up for a therapeutic fishing experience.

[caption id="attachment_19945" align="alignnone" width="681"] Credit: Wide Eyed Vagabond[/caption]

If you are just looking to spend some time with your loved ones, nab one of the pavilions and get a kick out of the spectacular view of the Straits of Johor.

Kranji Reservoir Park
11 Neo Tiew Lane 2,Singapore 718814
Opening Hours: 7am – 7pm

Mount Faber Park

Planning a romantic picnic for your other half? Mount Faber Park is the way to go!

[caption id="attachment_19964" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Credit: Wikimedia[/caption]

You get to rejoice in some of the best scenic views of the island.

[caption id="attachment_19963" align="alignnone" width="2489"] Credit: Lynch Me Now[/caption]

If you are up to some physical activities, go on a hike at the Southern Ridges. Comprising of 10km of green, open spaces, you can stroll through Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, Kent Ridge Park and Labrador Nature Reserve all in a day.

Mount Faber Park
Telok Blangah Road, Singapore 099448
Opening Hours: 24 Hours

Hindhede Nature Park

Hindhede Nature Park is a hidden, quieter spot at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.

[caption id="attachment_19949" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Credit: The Heartlander Tourist[/caption]

Roll out your picnic mat and revel in the view of the photogenic Hindhede Quarry over the delectable picnic grubs that you’ve prepared.

Hindhede Nature Park
Hindhede Dr
Opening Hours: 24 Hours

The Lawn @ Marina Bay

This picnic space is the ultimate urban oasis that is facing the ever-evolving Marina Bay Waterfront.

Credit: URA

Inspired by Byrant Park in New York, this 13,000 square feet park features lush green lawns lined by park benches and shady trees.

Lawn @ Marina Bay
8A Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018984
Opening Hours: 24 Hours

Organising a picnic is not tough at all. Simply pick a location from the various picnic spots featured, pack some food, call up your friends and you are good to go! An awesome picnic session is awaiting you.

Header Image: Norsu Marketing

Also, read Ultimate Guide To Dog-Friendly Places: Hang Out With Your Doggy All Day, Every Day!

Groove Your Way To The Coolest Festival Coming To You This March!

Eat, drink, play, and dance at Singapore’s coolest laid-back festival, the Garden Beats Festival. Look forward to hours of dancing to adrenaline-pumping beats delivered by a sick DJ line-up. Relax on the grass when you want, or participate in exciting fringe activities on the side. This much-anticipated outdoor affair is back for its second year running, and here’s a rundown of the juicy highlights.

There are 4 fields – Play Fields, Social Fields, Culinary Fields, Electronic Picnic Fields, and the Garden Beats & Strongbow stage. Each field and area represents an opportunity to mingle and have fun with strangers and friends alike.

https://vimeo.com/153095494

A dose of child-like fun

[caption id="attachment_2186" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Garden Beats Festival 2015 Highlights (Facebook)[/caption]

The latest hits are great, but so is some old-school fun. You’ve probably envied the free-spiritedness of a child at some point in your adult life. Play Fields lets you uncover your inner child with nostalgic garden games from your childhood.

So relish in the chance to play fight with your friends on the grass and reminisce those memories with your best pals.

Artistic inspiration with new-found friends

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Social Fields will feature social art installations that are said to enable you to “chat, flirt, and relax with fellow Gardeners”. Go ahead and test out this claim- you might gain a new best friend while admiring artworks on the fields of Fort Canning Park!

An eclectic DJ lineup & a breezy dance floor

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Anticipate a varied lineup and exciting music that will get you grooving on the dance floor, from the deep bass beats by Berlin’s Alle Farben, to the house jams of France’s DJ and producer duo FAUL&WAD, not forgetting groovy tunes by homegrown DJs like Brendon P and Zig Zach, and many more.

The best part? You’ll get to feel the night breeze while dancing all night long at this outdoor affair.

A feast on the grass

[caption id="attachment_2188" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Garden Beats Festival 2015 Highlights (Facebook)[/caption]

Of course, being able to enjoy a delicious meal while playing and partying is one of the perks of this al-fresco music and picnic event. Bring your own food or enjoy the gastronomic delights from Marco Marco, Meat Liquor, Lime House and Selva Foods at the Culinary Fields.

Grab a bite and some ice-cold beer, and you’ll be all set for the party!

Garden Beats Festival 2016 will be held at Fortgate, Fort Canning Park on March 19,  from 1pm to 10.30pm. Book your tickets from the Garden Beats Festival website.

6 Amazing Places To Stargaze And Watch The 5 Planets In Alignment From Singapore!

Have you read the news? From January 21 to February 20 this year, five planets will appear together in the skies for the first time in a decade, and they will be to the naked eye in the early hours!

The five planets are Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Venus and Mercury, and you can watch them in the skies right here in Singapore.

[caption id="attachment_1035" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Image Credit: Channel News Asia[/caption]

Here are our suggestions on places to stargaze, and to check out this celestial spectacle.

  1. Science Centre Observatory

https://www.facebook.com/SCOBservatory/photos/a.10150897578541589.414487.183389296588/10150897579826589/?type=3&theater

Located next to the equator, the Science Centre Observatory allows stargazers to view constellations in both the northern and southern celestial hemispheres. In addition to state of the art facilities and elaborate telescopes, the Observatory also has a classroom for astronomy lessons, slide shows, and public talks. Do pick up a star map on your way in!

The Observatory – Singapore Science Centre Omnitheatre

Address: 21 Jurong Town Hall Road

Opening Hours: Every Friday, 7.45PM-10PM

Admission: Free

Closed on Public Holidays

  1. Andromeda Observatory

Did you know that we actually have two observatories in Singapore? Situated in Woodlands Galaxy Community Club, Andromeda is the lesser-known observatory that opened in 2013. It boasts of a 30cm telescope, the second largest accessible to the public in Singapore, after the 40cm one at the Science Centre Observatory. Here, you can catch glimpses of star clusters and the Andromeda Galaxy, depending on viewing conditions.

Andromeda Observatory

Address: Woodlands Galaxy Community Club, 31 Woodlands Avenue 6

Opening Hours: Every Friday and Saturday, 7.30PM-9.30PM

Admission: $1 per visit

  1. West Coast Park

[caption id="attachment_1025" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Image Credit: Flickr – Azlie Ari Allias[/caption]

With ample and family-friendly facilities like outdoor adventure playgrounds, barbecue pits and camping grounds, West Coast Park is the go-to for families living in the southwest of Singapore. Head out to the sprawling Grand Lawn for a clear unblocked view of the night skies. There’s also a McDonalds outlet nearby to grab some light snacks for a picnic under the stars.

West Coast Park – Parallel to West Coast Highway

  1. Fort Canning Green

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https://www.instagram.com/p/BAmH2nIl2ES/

This lush green lawn is of no stranger to us, playing host to a myriad of events such as Shakespeare in the Park, Ballet Under the Stars, and outdoor concerts. If you’re in town and looking for something to do, why not take an after-dinner stroll to Fort Canning Green to watch the starry skies?

Fort Canning Green – Accessible by an escalator behind the National Museum of Singapore

  1. Changi Point Coastal Walk

[caption id="attachment_1027" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Image Credit: DreamTravels4You[/caption]

Also known as Changi Boardwalk, Changi Point Coastal Walk is nestled at the western end of Changi Point. It consists of six distinct sections, and offers a clear stunning view of the coastline. Apart from stars, you may even see planes dotting the night sky.

Changi Point Coastal Walk

Address: 51 Lorong Bekukong, Changi East

  1. Singapore Botanic Gardens

[caption id="attachment_1029" align="aligncenter" width="740"] Image Credit: Your Singapore[/caption]

Fringing our shopping district, the Singapore Botanic Gardens offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of crowds at Orchard Road. Enjoy some serenity in our very first UNESCO World Heritage Site, a status accorded just last year in 2015. Open fields for stargazing are aplenty here. These include the spaces near the Eco Lake, Symphony Lake, Swan Lake, and the Bandstand. Bring along a picnic basket and you’re all set!

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Eco Lake: Enter via Bukit Timah Gate

Symphony Lake: Enter via Nassim Gate

Swan Lake and Bandstand: Enter via Tanglin Gate

Opening Hours: Daily, 5AM-12 midnight

Admission: Free

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Featured Image Credit: Telegraph