10 Fantastic And Cannot Miss Activities To Kick Off Your February [1-15 Feb]
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.
[caption id="attachment_22045" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]
Image credit: Rediscover Singapore[/caption]
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.
[caption id="attachment_22054" align="aligncenter" width="2592"]
Image credit: Gate 20[/caption]
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
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.
[caption id="attachment_22046" align="aligncenter" width="990"]
Image credit: Studio Ghibli[/caption]
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
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.
[caption id="attachment_22055" align="aligncenter" width="1140"]
Image credit: Esplanade[/caption]
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.
[caption id="attachment_22053" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Image credit: Singapore Brides[/caption]
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
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.
[caption id="attachment_22044" align="aligncenter" width="930"]
Image credit: The Honeycombers[/caption]
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]
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.
[caption id="attachment_22051" align="aligncenter" width="900"]
Image credit: Daniel Food Diary[/caption]
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.
[caption id="attachment_22048" align="aligncenter" width="625"]
Image credit: Lonely Planet[/caption]
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
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.
[caption id="attachment_22056" align="aligncenter" width="1670"]
Image credit: Your Singapore[/caption]
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
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.
[caption id="attachment_22049" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]
Image credit: Makers’ Market[/caption]
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]
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
Hello, December: 13 Fun Activities To End Your Year With A Bang [1-15 Dec]
December is finally here! If 2016 was an average year for you, here are 13 fun activities to help you wrap up the year with a bang!
Play & Discover
1. ZoukOut
Party people, it’s time for ZoukOut again!! Woohoo.
And the lineup for this year’s beach blowout is mega exciting, with more activities to keep you happy from dusk to dawn.
From headliners like Zedd and Hardwell to a food village fuelled by Park Bench Deli, Decker Barbecue and more, ZoukOut is going to be a weekend of non-stop partying.
We are heading to ZoukOut with our ambassadors, follow us on instagram for updates!
ZoukOut
Date: 9 & 10 December 2016
Time: 8pm- 4am (Day 1), 8pm – 7am (Day 2)
Venue: Siloso Beach, Sentosa
Website:ZoukOut Official
Instagram:@zoukoutofficial
Also, read ZoukOut 2016 Returns With Amazing Headliners Like Zedd, Hardwell And More!
2. Distant Worlds: Music From Final Fantasy
Remember the days where we thought Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy was super hot?
[caption id="attachment_19248" align="alignnone" width="719"]
Image source: Omaha[/caption]
We might have outgrown that phase but it’s never too old to relive those memories through a different format.
Watch newly produced Final Fantasy video footages as an orchestra perform pieces composed by Nobuo Uematsu for the much loved game.
Distant Worlds: Music From Final Fantasy
Date: 3 December 2016
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: The Star Performing Arts Centre #04-01, 1 Vista Exchange Green, 138617
Ticket Price: $75-$215
Event/ Ticketing Website: 
Image source: Paloma Rincon[/caption]
For two weekends over the month, IKEA will be hosting a series of events to celebrate Christmas!
There will be a gift wrapping demonstration, tea light decoration workshop, origami workshop and even a Santa walkabout!
It’s definitely going to be about the Christmas spirit and festival cheers, not just the furniture!
IKEA Xmas Our favourite poet Lang Leav is coming to town! Mark your dates! Come and get your 2016 bittersweet sentiments together and join Lang on a 3-day bookstore hop around Singapore. Lang Leav SG Book Tour Mums… they nag you for wearing flip flops all the time. But this time round, she won’t nag you because it’s flip flop for a good cause.
Date: 3-4 and 10-11 December 2016
Time: 1:30pm- 6:45pm
Venue:
IKEA Alexandra, 317 Alexandra Rd, 159965
IKEA Tampines, 60 Tampines North Drive 2, 528764
Website & Event Schedule: 4. Lang Leav Book Tour
Date: 9 December
Time and Venue: 10:30am (Popular Bookfest, Suntec Convention Hall), 4:00pm (Kinokuniya Bugis Junction)
Date: 10 December
Time and Venue: 10:30am (Times Bookstore, Tampines 1), 4:00pm (Kinokuniya Singapore Main Store, Level 4 Ngee Ann City)
Date: 11 December
Time and Venue: 3:00pm (Kinokuniya Jurong Store)
Event Page: Lang Leav Book Tour5. Project Happy Feet Slipper Race 2016
Image source: Project Happy Feet[/caption]
A good pair of shoes will get you to places. But what’s it like to walk in the shoes of underprivileged children?
Head down to Safra for a 3.5km walk on 10 December. You’ll get to flip flop your way down the scenic waterway!
With the aim of inspiring Singaporeans to be part of a community-driven effort, The Slipper Race 2016 intends to raise SGD$100,000 in funds to empower educational programmes in Singapore and Cambodia.
Since it’s the season of giving, why not contribute a little to charity?
Project Happy Feet Slipper Race
Date: 10 December 2016
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Venue: SAFRA Punggol, 9 Sentul Crescent, Punggol, Singapore 828654
Price: $15 (4-12 years old), $30 (Students), $40 (Adults & SAFRA members), $144 (Group of 4 adults)
Ticketing Website: Project Happy Feet Slipper Race 2016
6. Doggie Retreat Xmas Fundraiser
Looking for something fun to do with your fur babies? This event lets you do something good at the same time!
[caption id="attachment_19310" align="alignnone" width="679"]
Image source: Doggie Retreat[/caption]
Join the Doggie Retreat, a Christmas fundraiser, for the less fortunate dogs on the streets and in the shelter.
All you need to do is to enrol your doggie as a participant of the walkathon, walk with them, and raise funds in their name to donate to the cause.
Proceeds of the fundraiser will be channelled to Causes for Animals (Singapore), a no-kill shelter that strives towards a stray free Singapore.
Registration is currently closed due to overwhelming response, but you can still donate to the cause or just head to the event to spend time with furry friends.
Doggie Retreat Christmas Fundraiser
Date: 10 December 2016
Time: 9:00am
Venue: Big Splash, 902 East Coast Parkway, Singapore 449874
Donation Page: giveasia
Event Page: Doggie Retreat
7. SCAPE Naughty or Nice Xmas Special – Art Jamming Experience
If shopping is not your kinda therapy, painting might just be it!
[caption id="attachment_19314" align="alignnone" width="960"]
Image source: Paintertainment Asia[/caption]
Bring your family and friends down to SCAPE for a mass art jamming event this festive season.
It’s a no stress art jam session. All you need to do is to let your creative juices flow. Go wild on your own canvas – no one will judge you.
Art jamming slots are limited, so hurry up and sign up today!
SCAPE Naughty or Nice Art Jamming
Date: 10 December 2016
Time: 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Venue: SCAPE 2 Orchard Link #04-01, Singapore 237978
Price: $30/ pax (free flow of acrylic paint is provided)
Ticketing Website: SCAPE Naughty or Nice Art Jamming
Eat
8. Indie Wine Tasting
There’s indie music, indie films, and of course Indie Wine!
[caption id="attachment_19293" align="alignnone" width="960"]
Image source: Kith Cafe[/caption]
This December, head to Kith Cafe at Millenia Walk for your one of a kind vino tasting.
At just $48 nett per person, you get to taste 5 very hard to pronounce yet exquisite French wine! On top of that, they will also be serving some grub to go with your wine.
Be it Chardonnay or Cabernet, we bet you’ll be extremely happy with your grape fix.
Indie Wine Tasting
Date: 9 December, 2016
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Venue: Kith Cafe Millenia Walk 9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-44/45, 039596
Ticket Price: $48
Ticketing Website: Indie Wine Tasting
9. A Taste Of Ishikawa At Keyaki
You’ve worked hard this year, so how about rewarding yourself with some Japanese Snow Crab and Premium Beef?
[caption id="attachment_19299" align="alignnone" width="750"]
Image source: Pan Pacific[/caption]
For the second time, Keyaki at Pan Pacific is bringing back the Ishikawa taste for us to savour this December.
Known as the ‘Food Treasury’ of Japan, the Ishikawa Prefecture is all about the good stuff (read: high quality seafood)!
From the soft textured with high quality fat Noto Beef to the King of the Sea Kanougani (Snow Crab) that is famed for its delicately sweet meat, you are in for a treat!
A Taste Of Ishikawa At Keyaki
Date: 16 November – 16 December 2016
Time: 1.30am-2.30pm, 6.30-10.30pm
Venue: Keyaki 4/L Pan Pacific Singapore 7 Raffles Boulevard, 039595
Price: Sets at $180++, Ala carte at $15++
Reservation: +65 6826 8240 or email [email protected].
Website: Pan Pacific Singapore
10. Fundraising Supper Club for Oogachaga
Fancy the idea of a menu curated by celebrity chef Bill Ho while doing charity at the same time?
[caption id="attachment_19315" align="alignnone" width="960"]
Image source: Oogachaga[/caption]
Head to 8 Cafe & Bar for a 3-course dining experience while contributing to Oogachaga’s fundraiser.
Oogachaga is Singapore’s only community-based support and development organisation working exclusively with LGBTQ individuals and families since 1999.
As their main funders have cut back on their fundings, Oogachaga is organising a series of fundraisers, seeking the community’s support so that they can continue supporting the local LGBTQ’s community in the years to come.
Fundraising Supper Club
Date: 10 December 2016
Time: 7:00pm- 10:00pm
Venue: 8 Cafe & Bar, 8 Bukit Pasoh Rd, 089822
Price: $90, $160 (for 2 pax), $300 (for 4 pax)
Ticketing Website: Fundraising Supper Club
Shopping
11. MAAD Pyjamas Xmas Pop Up
Tis’ the season to be giving. Still struggling with your Xmas shopping?
Head to the Red Dot Design Museum for a different kind of flea market.
[caption id="attachment_19250" align="alignnone" width="794"]
Image source: MAAD Pyjamas Xmas Pop Up[/caption]
Featuring 130 artists, designers, crafters and creators from the community, this will be one of the largest art and design marketplaces.
The best part of all, it only ends after 12AM!! Late night shopping, anyone?
MAAD Pyjamas Xmas Pop Up
Date: 2 December 2016
Time: 5:oopm – 12:00am
Venue: Red Dot Design Museum 28, Maxwell Road
Event Page: MAAD Pyjamas Xmas Pop Up
12. Sunset Pasar
If shopping is your thing and you’re sick of the same old malls, head over to Sunset Pasar for some alternative retail therapy!
[caption id="attachment_19267" align="alignnone" width="960"]
Image source: Sunset Pasar[/caption]
This pasar is not just about shopping. There will also be live open mic sessions, music, cocktails, art & craft workshops and it’s pet friendly!
That sure sounds like a good vibes Saturday!
Sunset Pasar
Date: 3 December 2016
Time: 12:00pm- 7:00pm
Venue: CANVAS 20 Upper Circular Road, B1-01, The Riverwalk, 058416
Event Page: Sunset Pasar
13. Christmas Farmers’ Market
Want to cook up a storm but don’t know where to look for super fresh ingredients?
[caption id="attachment_19297" align="alignnone" width="940"]
Image source: Farmers Markets[/caption]
The Farmers’ Market at Loewen Garden is the perfect place to go to for some organic vegetables and fresh food.
If you’re too lazy to cook, there will also be vendors selling gourmet meals, wines, home-made baked goods, as well as handicraft.
Pretty sure you won’t go home empty handed… or in this case, with an empty stomach.
Christmas Farmers’ Market
Date: 3 December 2016
Time: 9:00am – 2:00pm
Venue: Loewen Gardens 75E Loewen Road 248845
Event Page: Farmers Market
With so many fun activities and charity events going on, December is set to be a feel good month! Keep the good vibes going by dropping us a comment!
Header image source: Not IKEA: 4 Places To Buy Good & Cheap Furniture So You Don’t Have To DIY
