What’s on Singapore: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, Drink on June 1-7, 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. Vesak Day Special 2023 - Obeisance & Ritual Offerings to Buddha Shakyamuni & 16 Arhats

If you would like to take part in Saka Dawa, here is a tradition associated with Vesak that you should check out. This gathering is a kind of puja (worship) conducted for merit-making and offers prayers for long life, virtues, and an abundant future.

Apart from monetary and floral offerings, families can also offer a “Vesak Special Butter Lamp - Peace Fire Puja in a candle,” which costs S$68 per lamp. This may include sesame and mustard seeds, husked and unhusked barley, peas, and wheat, all of which have special symbolic meaning. To register, click here.

When: 2 PM-4 PM, June 2 

Where: Gaden Shartse Dro-Phen Lingg, No. 39 Geylang Lorong 20

How much: Any amount you wish for offering

2. Crossing Cultures: Made by Hand

This three-day event will let you fall in love with Asian craftsmanship by showcasing handmade and cross-cultural creations of modern-day artisans and creatives. 

This year’s event will feature celebrity favourite Singaporean designer Andrew Gn’s exhibition, titled “Andrew Gn: Fashioning Singapore and the World special exhibition.” To know more about the exhibition, read here.

When: 4 PM-9 PM, June 2-4 

Where: Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place

How much: Free admission to most activities

3. Cold Storage X Giant Kids Run 2023

Running is one of the best ways to help your child develop their motor skills. This weekend, why not let them join in on the fun as they run with other kids aged seven to 12 years old?

Cold Storage and Giant Kids Run collaborated to make this kid-centred event happen and introduce them to the world of healthy and active living at a young age. Kids may also win prizes up to S$400 plus a hamper and a trophy. What’s more, families with babies as young as six months old are also welcome to join the fun run.

To learn more about the race guide, visit this link.

When: 8 AM, June 4 

Where: Palawan Green, Sentosa, 2 Bukit Manis Road, Sentosa Island

How much: S$100

4. SustainableFest SG 2023

Calling all eco lovers! Organised by Singapore’s National Parks Board, SustainableFest is back with the goal of combatting climate change and fostering a brighter and greener future for the city-state.

Sustainable lifestyle talks, workshops, a food fiesta, and a green marketplace are all on tap for the festival. There will also be a film screening and a concert with local musicians that you shouldn't miss. Moreover, remember to bring your own bags, cutlery, and food containers. To learn more about its programme, go here.

When: 8 AM-10 PM, June 3-4 

Where: Jurong Lake Gardens, Lakeside Garden, Yuan Ching Road

How much: Free

5. Playdate's Thrift Market

Now on its sixth edition, Playdate’s Thrift Market is a second-hand thrift store that houses more than 5,000 preloved pieces. Each customer can score items with up to 90% off in a bid to promote sustainable fashion.

Prices of tickets vary depending on the number of items you want to purchase, and a single ticket can be shared with a maximum of three people. Walk-ins are also welcome at the thrift market. For enquiries, please contact them via email [email protected] or Instagram.

When: 11 AM-6 PM, June 3-4 

Where: Downtown Gallery, 6A Shenton Way #01-12 (Tanjong Pagar exit B or Telok Ayer exit A) 

How much: S$18-S$48 via Peatix

6. Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) 2023

Filled with art, music, and theatre pieces, the Singapore International Festival of Arts presents “The Anatomy of Performance,” which has been its recurring theme since last year. The theme focuses on human experiences and narratives that shape one’s life.

As part of its complimentary programmes, SIFA is hosting inspirational talks led by empowered teen girls that started last May 28 and will continue until this weekend. These talks will feature Joyce Ho (“A Day, 2023”) and Joanna Dudley (“We Will Slam You With Our Wings”) at The Arts House at the Old Parliament and Atrium, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, respectively. 

For those interested in workshops and other shows, you may purchase your tickets here.

When: Until June 4 

Where: Multiple

How much: Free admission; S$27.29-S$48 (workshops and other shows)

7. 2023 Vesak Day - Celebrate the Buddha with KYCL

In honour of Vesak Day, zen meditation centre Kwan Yin Chan Lin will be hosting Buddhist-style banquet food and performances spearheaded by their multi-talented community of practitioners. The highlights of this event include mass meditation for peace, a creativity workshop, a grand offering ceremony, Buddha teachings, and more.

Vesak Day is one of the most important holidays in Buddhism, commemorating Buddha Shakyamuni's birth, enlightenment, and passing into Nirvana. This year, the date for Vesak Day in Singapore was revised to June 2, as per the Ministry of Manpower.

When: Until June 4

Where: Blk. 372 Hard Court, Bukit Batok St. 31, (opposite of Bukit Gombak MRT)

How much: N/A

8. The Art of Tutting: A Fusion of Geometry and Dance

Interested in learning the art of tutting? Tutting dance crew The Tutelage will conduct a free dance session this weekend. Slots are available on a first come, first served basis, and no tickets will be issued.

Tutting is part of the hip-hop dance style, which uses one’s body (arms, fingers, and hands) and movements to create geometric shapes and angles. For more information about the activity, go here.

When: 7:30 PM, June 4 

Where: Esplanade Concourse, Mall Level 2, Esplanade (Theatres On The Bay)

How much: Free

9. GastroBeats X Food League Singapore Eating Contest

Do you have the guts to be the very first GastroBeats Chomp Champ? Channel your inner foodie and sign up now for this beef slider eating contest happening this weekend. 

Competitive eater and video creator Zermatt Neo will also be gracing the event to join other foodies vying for the title. Register here.

When: 6:30 PM, June 4

Where: Bayfront Event Space, Marina Bay (beside MBS), 12A Bayfront Avenue

How much: Free

10. Pink Pasar X Sunday Social

Pink Pasar X Sunday Social will serve as a kick-off party in honour of Pride Month this June. Gather your friends and have a Sundate filled with shopping, eating, drinking, and hanging out.

This event is pet-friendly and will feature more than 40 brands in its inclusive market. You can also enjoy photo booths, tarot reading, temporary tattoos and face painting, balloon sculpting, exciting DJ performances, and discounted access to the Museum of Ice Cream, to name a few. For further details, visit its Facebook page.

When: 11 AM-6 PM, June 4 

Where: Museum of Ice Cream, 100 Loewen Road, Holland

How much: Free

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