What’s on SGP: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, Drink on May 4-10, 2023

Ahh, another week is upon us, and you’re looking for cool things to get up to in Singapore! We’ve saved you the hassle with The Beat Singapore’s rundown of the best places to hit up and things to do right now—from blink-and-you'll-miss-it pop-up sights and new restaurant openings, to the hottest activities that you shouldn’t miss.

To keep your finger on the pulse of the city, follow The Beat Singapore to see what’s best in store for the week ahead. 

1. Introduction to ChatGPT – Beginner Friendly Session

It should come as no surprise that artificial intelligence would become increasingly popular in today's hyper-digital society. The human-like chatbot known as the Chat Generative Pre-training Transformer (popularly called ChatGPT) is one of AI's most recent technological advancements.

If you’re interested in learning how it works, the National Library Board of Singapore will be hosting a beginner-friendly session led by The Artling Chief Technology Officer Martin Brochhaus. He will be talking about the groundwork for OpenAI's ChatGPT-4 and the Large Language Models (LLMs) behind it. For more details, go here.

When: 6:30 PM-8 PM, May 5

Where: library@harbourfront (Programme Zone 2), 1 HarbourFront Walk, VivoCity #03-05

How much: Free admission

2. Singapore Maritime Trail 1 - Our Heritage

Are you interested in Singapore marine ports? Then this tour is for you. Gain a deeper appreciation for the maritime history that permeates the city-state's landmarks.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore will transport you to Fort Canning Park, Singapore River, Fullerton Hotel Singapore & Waterboat House, and Queen Elizabeth Walk. The guided tour will take place every first Saturday of each month. 

As of writing, tickets to the complimentary tour were already sold out. You may join the waitlist via this link. Before registering for the tour, you may read the terms and conditions and safety management measures here.

When: 9 AM-11:30 AM, May 6

Where: Level 1, Singapore Management University School of Accountancy (at the colourful benches looking out to the National Museum) 60 Stamford Road

How much: Free

3. OCBC Cycle 2023

Gear up! One of the leading cycling events in Singapore, OCBC Cycle, returns this weekend. Apart from the regular programmes Sportive Ride in the CBD and Strait Time Rides, the race will be categorised into different teams, including children, women, spin riders, and corporate participants. Plus, riders can choose between indoor and simulated races.

Participants will receive an identification kit that contains a bib to be worn on the back of the shirt or jersey with safety pins provided, helmet stickers, a bike tag, and a wristband. However, registration is no longer accepted at this time. Those who successfully joined the cycle may get the latest information here.

When: 5 AM (time varies depending on category), May 6-7 

Where: Routes and diversion plans here

How much: S$15

4. Doujin Market 2023

Here’s a bespoke pop culture event that anime geeks should not miss this weekend! Doujin Market is a two-day convention devoted to showcasing pop culture art and independent fan creators from 11 different countries.

What’s more, there will be over 400 art booths present at the convention, featuring artisanal crafts and illustrations. Guest VTubers and V.Creators, including Merry of Merryweather Media Studio and V:D0 artists Minimal Art, Himetokki, Arielle Leo, and Caturteer will also be there.

When: 12 PM, May 6; 7 PM, May 7

Where: Halls 403/404, Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Raffles Boulevard 

How much: S$10-S$18 via Eventbrite

5. ‘Just As I Am’ Theatre Show

Unlock your child’s imagination with “Just As I Am,” a theatrical dance performance presented by Esplanade Production. The show will surely capture the hearts and curiosity of children and parents alike, as it is about learning to accept oneself and celebrate one’s individuality through the lens of the show's main characters, Z and B.

“Just As I Am” is recommended for children aged three to six (accompanied by an adult). The Kueh Tutus, a collaborative team of artists, performers, and designers, who are passionate about exploring dance works for young audiences, will be the stars of the show.

When: 11 AM-4:30 PM, Until May 7 

Where: Esplanade Theatre Studio, 1 Esplanade Drive 

How much: S$18-S$20 via Esplanade – Theatres on Bay

6. Eden Hall Open House - Coronation Weekend

The Official Residence of the British High Commissioner to Singapore will open its doors on Sunday to welcome residents and tourists alike. Gather your loved ones to take in the beauty of Eden Hall's gardens for the first time, all while indulging in your favourite snacks and drinks.

Organised by the British High Commission Singapore and the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore, the open house marks the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on May 6 (BST) at Westminster Abbey, London, United Kingdom.

When: 11 AM, May 7

Where: Eden Hall, 28 Nassim Road 

How much: Free tickets here (first come, first served)

7. ‘Ang Palaboy at Ang Tatlong Krus’ (The Vagrant and the Three Crosses) by Jomar Tingson

Hailing from Laguna, Philippines, Filipino photographer Jomar Tingson held the opening reception for an exhibition of his works on March 30, which will run until this Sunday. The exhibit, which he curated as an artist and a virtual storyteller, highlights the spiritual practices, beliefs, and customs of his hometown of Paete, which is well recognized as the "woodcarving capital of the Philippines."

Moreover, Tingson “explores the tension between modernity and tradition, colonialism and native identity” as he immerses himself in personal histories, identity, and family lore.

When: 6 PM-9 PM, Until May 7

Where: Courtyard Space, Objectifs, 155 Middle Road

How much: Free admission

8. Mandai Wildlife West Opening

“A peek into paradise.” 

Have you missed wildlife adventures at Jurong Bird Park? Fret not. Mandai Wildlife West will be opening its doors to the public on Monday.

You can now revel in nature as this also serves as the gateway to Bird Paradise and the upcoming Rainforest Wild. Apart from its Instagram-worthy atmosphere, the zoological gardens are packed with interactive play areas, sustainable dining options, retail outlets, a waterfall cavern, a forest stream rail, and a Pangolin hideout, among others.

When: 6 AM-9:30 PM, May 8

Where: 20 Mandai Lake Road 

How much: S$23-S$38 via Mandai Wildlife Reserve (soft opening rates); S$20-S$34.20 for local residents

9. Shaun The Sheep’s Circus Show

Witness an un-baaa-lievable circus as Shaun the Sheep is coming to Singapore for a night filled with entertainment complete with acrobatic feats and hilarious comedic skits. With the goal of bringing Shaun the Sheep to life, the Circus Show is a joint effort between internationally acclaimed Australian circus ensemble, Circa, and Academy Award-winning studio, Aardman.

Show packages include a Reserve 4-To-Go applicable to Tuesday-Thursday performances and Starhub Members tickets applicable to all show categories. For more ticket information, go here.

When: 7 PM, May 10-21 

Where: Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue

How much: S$45-S$115

10. Mother's Day 1-for-1 Deals

This month is also a celebration of the true queen of every home, so why not treat your mum to special one-for-one deals at Downtown East? 

You may show appreciation to your beloved mother by treating her to a relaxing detox facial from Beunoia, an express gel manicure by Nail Market Studio, or a singing session at Have Fun Karaoke where you can belt out your favourite songs for an hour. For further details, you may check out Downtown East’s website.

When: Until May 14

Where: Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Close

How much: S$35-S$148

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