10 Fresh Events And Food Spots That Have Just Popped Up In The Second Half Of July [16-31 July]
We’ve been having a whale of a time the first half of July.
The rest of the month doesn’t disappoint too! There’s a whole host of amazing activities and yummy new eats we can’t wait to try out.
This month’s line-up includes a Disney concert, international football stars on our shores, a dainty tea festival, and new food spots your tastebuds will thank you for. Whether you’re a music fan, party animal, or self-confessed foodie, here are some ways to keep busy the second half of July!
Here’s a calendar of 10 of the freshest events and eats to head to this month!
1. Disney in Concert: A Dream Is A Wish
“A dream is a wish your heart makes”.
So if you’ve been dreaming of reliving your childhood, let Disney In Concert take you back!
[caption id="attachment_28342" align="aligncenter" width="2780"]
Image Credit: This is one magical concert that’ll transport you to the musical world of new and old Disney Animated Feature films.
Join in to awaken a little mermaid who longs to be human, a lion cub who struggles to find his place in the circle of life, two sisters who wish to warm a frozen relationship, and more!
Their stories are told through the talents of four Broadway-caliber singers, original Disney film footage and sweeping orchestral scores performed by Base Philharmonic Orchestra.
Here, the magic of Disney storytelling comes to life once again and reminds us that anything is possible!
Disney in Concert: A Dream is a Wish
Where: Grand Theatre, Mastercard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, 018956
When: 14 – 15 Jul | Fri: 8pm; Sat: 2pm & 8pm
Contact no.: 6348 5555
Website
2. Baybeats
Grab your gear, roll up your cuffs, and gather your troops.
Baybeats is back, and it’s the biggest music festival of its kind in Singapore and the region!
[caption id="attachment_28334" align="aligncenter" width="2048"]
Image Credit: Baybeats Festival[/caption]
This year, it presents a fist-pumping line-up of both Singapore and international acts.
The line-up covers genres including folk, pop, metal, post-rock, emo, punk, electro and everything in between.
Baybeats aims to gather the best of our homegrown talent in music-making, while creating a festival village that brings together local indie crafters.
Best of all–it’s free!
So reach out, touch faith and rock on at Singapore’s very own alternative music festival.
Baybeats
Where: The Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
When: 14 – 16 July
Contact no.: 6828 8222
Shout out to all the party people!
The first edition of the Rasa Fiesta Singapura Block Party is just around the corner!
[caption id="attachment_28336" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]
Image Credit: After a week of Rasa Fiesta Singapura Bar Adventures, come to Jiak Chuan street for the hottest party this month.
On the street, you will find dancers, limbo games, beer pong, live DJs and workshops.
Then, duck into participating outlets Lime House and Phat Cat Laundry for a drink, or check out the street booths!
Food vendors from Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and the French Carribbean will also be here to satisfy your appetite.
There’s even a special free kids playground area so Mums and Dads can also have a drink!
Rasa Fiesta Singapura Block Party
Where: Jiak Chuan Road / Keong Saik Street
When: 15 Jul, 3pm – 10.30pm
Facebook
4. TED x Pickering Street
If you spend your time on YouTube binge-watching TED Talks, you’ll wanna check this out.
TED x Pickering Street is a self-organized TED event for our own little community in Singapore.
[caption id="attachment_28340" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]
Image Credit: TED believes that great ideas and stories are not found only in the movers and shakers of the world, but in the most ordinary everyman.
Great ideas can and should be shared, regardless of language, and TED hopes to achieve this with this bilingual, language-blind TEDx event.
At TED x Pickering Street, live speakers from all backgrounds will spark deep discussions and connections.
Because sometimes, inspiration lives right next door without us even knowing it!
TED x Pickering Street
Where: ArtScience Musuem, 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974
When: 15 Jul, 1pm – 6pm
The Botanic Gardens is known for its occasional chill, picnic-style concerts.
This month, we have one supported by The Straits Times!
[caption id="attachment_28335" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
Image Credit: The Ladies Room[/caption]
Join the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and Associate Conductor Jason Lai at the park for an evening of well-loved classics.
The more musically inclined may recognize some pieces from the line-up, which includes “Morning Mood” from Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46, Third movement (Poco allegretto) from Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90.
There are also selections from West Side Story, Cinema Paradiso: Theme, First Youth, Love Theme, and “Ritual Fire Dance” from El amor brujo.
What’s best? Admission is free!
So make it a day to remember, and don’t forget your picnic mat!
The Straits Times Concert at Gardens
Where: Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
When: 22 Jul, 6pm
Contact no.: 6602 4200
Website
6. The xx: I See You Tour
If indie music is your groove, this indie phenomenon must be a central part of your playlist.
London-based band The xx is landing on our shores this month with their I See You Tour!
[caption id="attachment_28341" align="aligncenter" width="1500"]
Image Credit: Following two spectacular headline shows here in 2013, The xx are set to bring the house down in their biggest Singapore show yet.
Formed in 2005, The xx are Romy Madley Croft (vocals, lead guitar), Oliver Sim (vocals, bass guitar), and Jamie Smith (beats, MPC sampler).
The xx reveal that they are exploring a more playful, eclectic and expansive musical direction, winning new and old fans with singles such as ‘On Hold’ and ‘Say Something Loving’.
They’re also travelling with electronic/R&B musician Sampha, one of the UK’s most soulful rising artists!
This one-night-only concert promises to be an unforgettable experience – don’t miss it!
The xx: I See You Tour
Where: Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 397691
When: 25 Jul, 7pm
Contact no.: 3158 7888
Heads up, football fans!
The 2017 International Champions Cup is set to be held in Singapore this month.
[caption id="attachment_28337" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Image Credit: The International Champions Cup (ICC) is the world’s premier summer football tournament, bringing the best in football to iconic venues around the globe.
ICC Singapore will feature Chelsea FC, FC Bayern and FC Internazionale in a round-robin three-match tournament.
The fixtures in July will mark the first time these top European teams have played each other in Singapore.
So grab your jerseys and head to the Singapore National Stadium to catch your teams in action!
2017 International Champions Cup
Where: National Stadium, 1 Stadium Dr, 397629
When: 25, 27, 29 Jul, 7.35pm
Contact no.: 3158 7888
Website
8. The O.P.E.N.
Ready to gain new insight into our world?
The O.P.E.N. is a public engagement initiative from the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) that offers just that.
[caption id="attachment_28339" align="aligncenter" width="2000"]
Image Credit: Singapore International Festival of The Arts[/caption]
A pre-festival of ideas before SIFA, The O.P.E.N. presents 5 weeks of exploration.
It presents a curated selection of events through diverse platforms, including film and creative displays.
You’ll be sure to come across fascinating questions and eye-opening insights about our world and humanity.
The curatorial theme for SIFA 2017 is “Enchantment”, so be prepared to be taken in with the unusual and unexpected of everyday life.
The O.P.E.N.
Where: Various Locations
When: 28 Jun – 9 Sep
Website
Eat
9. Singapore Tea Festival
If your answer to the standard “coffee or tea” question is always the latter, read on.
The inaugural Singapore Tea Festival (STF) will be making its debut at the upcoming Food Festival!
[caption id="attachment_28343" align="aligncenter" width="1984"]
Image Credit: Singapore Tea Festival[/caption]
Organised by The 1872 Clipper Tea Co., STF celebrates one of the world’s most popular beverages with a showcase of 17 homegrown tea brands.
Whether you’re a tea enthusiasts and just tea-curious, there’s something for you.
The weekend festival will feature new tea collections and signature tea blends, tea-inspired wares and modern tea bites, alongside tea-themed workshops and a tea heritage exhibition.
Adding to the mix are tea-related lifestyle offerings such as tea-pairing literature titles curated by BooksActually, lifestyle products from Naiise, and ceramic wares by Mud Rock.
If this sounds like your cup of tea, be sure to head on down!
Singapore Tea Festival
Where: B4 ION Station, ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 238801
When: 22 – 23 Jul, 10am – 10pm
Facebook
Shop
10. Sunset Social Market
It’s no secret that our biggest national pastimes are eating and shopping.
Well, Open Farm Community (OFC) combines the best of both in its popular Social Market.
[caption id="attachment_28338" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Image credit: Expat Living Singapore[/caption]
The market’s tenth edition is extra special.
It’s its first foodie-friendly edition, and also the first time it’s held in the evening instead of during the daytime.
Taking its cue from local foodie culture, the two-day market will bring together some of the island’s best artisanal bakers, gourmet grocers, small-batch producers, and modern-day hawkers.
More than just a day of feasting, the market grounds will also play host to communal activities for all ages.
Think a cocktail masterclass, DIY flower crowns, and leisurely strolls through OFC’s flourishing outdoor farm.
Sunset Social Market
Where: Open Farm Community, 130E Minden Road, Singapore 248819
When: 22 – 23 Jul, 3pm – 8pm
Contact no.: 6471 0306
Website
What’re you waiting for?
With so much happening this month, your weekends are bound to be a rollercoaster of fun-filled activities!
Also read Ambassador Highlights #11 – High Tea, Custom Tendon, DIY Perfume & More!
More Than Bak Kwa – 6 Things To Do At Our Cultural Gem, Chinatown
Some may think that going to Chinatown to experience ‘Chinese-ness’ is ridiculous as you can get Chinese goodies everywhere in Singapore. So why Chinatown?
If you’re not already in the know, Chinatown holds pretty significant historical and cultural significance. So significant that it has been declared as a national heritage site for conservation by the Urban Redevelopment Authority.
Still not convinced? Listed below are six things you can do in this neighbourhood. You never know, this cultural neighbourhood may just surprise you.
1. Shopping At Pagoda Street
https://www.instagram.com/p/_UDk2Ao3At/?taken-at=266794376&hl=en
Stroll along Pagoda Street and you’ll find pavements lined with stalls on either side, peddling anything from knick-knacks to memorabilia. Heck, there’s even a Tin Tin collectibles boutique, themed after the famous comic book character.
https://www.instagram.com/p/_MQEaoLQko/?taken-at=266794376&hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/p/-6qLViQW2-/?taken-at=266794376&hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/p/9YemcIF3dJ/?taken-at=266794376&hl=en
Have a soft spot for kitchenwares? Let yourself loose at Lau Choy Seng or Sia Huat, two of Singapore’s very reliable kitchen supplies shop. The best part is, they are just a few doors away from each other.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BELHK-phGdN/?tagged=lauchoyseng&hl=en
Lau Choy Seng
Address: 23 Temple St, 058568
Operating Hours: Mon-Sat 8:30am-6:00pm (Closed on Sundays & PH)
Sia Huat
Address: 11 Temple St, 058559
Operating hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-6:30pm, Sat 8:30am-5:30pm (Closed on Sundays)
2. Appreciate Religious And Racial Diversity
https://www.instagram.com/p/BFvLqiruhVs/?taken-at=54191&hl=en
Hindu Temples are all about details and you definitely won’t want to miss the magnificent roof sculptures atop Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. You’ll be surprised to find that the temple, despite its significance, is successfully complemented by its surroundings. In fact, it blends so well into Chinatown that it adds vibrance to this precinct, which happens to also house the Al-Abrar Mosque and Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Talk about Singapore being the melting pot of religion and culture.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BDUOxXIMvr4/?tagged=buddhatoothrelictemple
It is considered disrespectful to wear shoes into the temples, so do remove your shoes and place it neatly at the racks provided before entering. Do also note your attire and clothing (ideally no shorts or revealing clothes) and your etiquette (no yelling or fooling around) as a token of respect.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BFeNjlwShz5/?taken-at=54191&hl=en
Sri Mariamman Temple
Address: 244 South Bridge Rd,058793
Operating Hours: Daily 7am-12pm, 6pm-9pm
Al-Abrar Mosque
Address: 192, Telok Ayer Street, 068635
Tel: 6220 6306
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Address: 288 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058840
Operating Hours: Daily 7am-7pm
3. Vintage Shopping At Mohamed Ali Lane
https://www.instagram.com/p/s1pHtDMAiP/?taken-at=2522832&hl=en
For those who enjoy flea markets and vintage shopping, here’s an insider tip for you. Turn into Mohamed Ali Lane just across the road from the temple and you’ll find a market of sorts, selling awesome second-hand trinkets. If you’re lucky, you may even come across a hidden gem. Did we also mention that this lane is super Instagram-worthy? Play around with angles and treat your fellow followers to architectural eye candy.
https://www.instagram.com/p/v0_kFrBTVj/?taken-at=2522832&hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/p/6qmVqnL3nJ/?taken-at=2522832&hl=en
Also read: Join In One Of SG’s Biggest & Best Bazaars – The Market Hop
4. Feast At Chinatown Food Street
If you’re not starving after all that walking, Chinatown’s Food Street will do much to whet your appetite. With street hawker stalls and shophouse restaurants that are completed with al-fresco dining style along the street, Chinatown Food Street sure feels like a food blast from the past.
https://www.instagram.com/p/1SskvXmhlR/?taken-at=234845887
https://www.instagram.com/p/_OappjRTD3/?taken-at=234845887
Too many choices and can’t decide what to eat? We highly recommend Geylang Lor 9 Fresh Frog Porridge, Newton Circus Ahmad Ibrahim Satay, Boon Tat Street BBQ Seafood and Odeon Beef Noodles. If you prefer a lighter meal (save that stomach for dessert!), do try local delicacies such as the kaya toast, fresh popiah, fried oysters, and traditional Chinese pastries at Tong Heng Confectionary.
5. Play Chess / People Watch At Chinatown Complex
It is not unusual to see residents and senior citizens battling rounds of Chinese Chess as a recreational activity just outside Chinatown Complex. Despite the ‘heated competition’, these uncles are always throwing good-natured banter, filling the place with laughter. We can’t recommend this place more if people watching is your thing. Also, you’re more than welcome to spectate a cerebral game of Chinese Chess and pick up a tactic or two.
[caption id="attachment_4013" align="aligncenter" width="736"]
In the heat of battle[/caption]
6. Architecture Appreciation
https://www.instagram.com/p/BFOU9CMFj9u/?taken-at=1028810577&hl=en
Chinatown is a cache of heritage beset against a backdrop of modern cityscape. Just check out these colourful buildings!
[caption id="attachment_4017" align="aligncenter" width="737"]
Check out Upper Cross Street for some of the most vibrant and coloured heritage buildings.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_6514" align="alignnone" width="800"]
While you’re at it, do drop by Keong Saik Road for a drink or two. This place was once known for seedy activities but has since transformed into a road with top restaurants and pubs in Singapore.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4018" align="aligncenter" width="738"]
To local residents, Singapore’s Chinatown is known as 牛车水 (Niu che shui), which literally translates to “cow car water”[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4020" align="aligncenter" width="738"]
A beautiful contrast between heritage buildings and contemporary architecture[/caption]
From the heritage buildings to meticulously detailed Sri Mariammam Temple, not forgetting the hidden alleys as well as appetising local delights and friendly banters from the locals, every inch and corner of Chinatown tells a story. What is your Chinatown story, drop us a comment and let us know!
Directions
Chinatown is accessible via MRT on the Northeast Line (purple line) and Downtown Line (blue line). The moment you step out of the station, you’ll truly understand what ‘technicolour’ is. Say goodbye to Lo-Fi and Sierra filter – take that Instagram.
(Header image by Hipster Hawkers: 5 Stalls That Are Redefining Hawker Culture
