What’s on Singapore: Best Things to See, Do, & Eat on Aug. 29-Sept. 4, 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. ‘Singapura Vibes’: A Collective Art Exhibition

Calling all art aficionados in Singapore! In light of the recent anniversary celebration of the city-state, you are invited to embark on an artistic journey at “Singapura Vibes," an exhibition that captures the inventive soul of local artists. Visitors will be transported to the culturally significant landmarks and secret alleyways of the Lion City through creative brushstrokes and sculptures.

Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or simply interested in learning about Singapore’s community, everyone is welcome to witness this collective voyage. The talented artists who will showcase their creations are Aaron Gan, Ang Ah Tee, Alicia Tan, Kevin Tan, Ong Kok Peng, Tracy Oh, and William Lee.

When: 11 AM-7 PM, Until Aug. 29 

Where: Gallery 1819, 315 Outram Road, Tan Boon Liat Building, #02-04/05

How much: Free entry

2. The Fair Festive 2023

After a much-awaited hiatus, Singapore's premier fair for small businesses and entrepreneurs, The Fair, is making its return before the month ends!

Prepare to be delighted as some of your favourite merchants bring you a wide selection of clothing, home furnishings, accessories, jewellery, and more! This exclusive event will last only for a day, so make sure not to miss out.

Be sure to hop over to The Fair’s Instagram page for a sneak peek at some of the products and special offerings that await you. For any enquiries, feel free to reach them at +65 62353608 or +65 96166541 via call or WhatsApp.

When: 10 AM-5 PM, Aug. 30 

Where: Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, Level 2 Ballroom, 392 Havelock Road

How much: Product prices vary

3. Ruan Reimagined: A Seminar-Concert

The Anthology of Singaporean Ruan Composition is a significant milestone of the Singapore Chinese Music Federation’s (SCMF), which marked the celebration of its 10th anniversary.

It is the first-ever compilation of original compositions for a Chinese musical instrument to be released in Singapore. Hence, the Singapore Ruan Ensemble and the Ruanxian Association of Singapore, with support from the SCMF, will present a seminar-concert "Ruan Reimagined," where Zhang Ronghui and the other four composers will share their creative journeys.

Additionally, talented local young musicians, including Clara Tan Su-min, Lo Chai Xia, and Jonathan Ngeow, will perform four compositions from the anthology.

When: 7:30 PM, Aug. 31

Where: Esplanade Recital Studio, 1 Esplanade Drive 

How much: S$22-S$28 via Esplanade

4. COMEX 2023: Singapore’s Largest Consumer Tech Show

Tech junkies, this one’s for you! Dubbed Singapore’s largest consumer tech show, COMEX is back to showcase leading brands in consumer electronics and smart home appliances. Shoppers can grab special deals for as low as S$7, including laptops, PCs, tablets, mobile phones, and more.

Shoppers will receive a voucher worth S$10 when they spend a total of S$500 with no more than three receipts. This is also your chance to trade in your old devices, join the zero-e-waste community in Singapore, and collect S$30 worth of vouchers for your next purchase. Register here for a chance to win attractive prizes.

When: 11 AM-9 PM, Aug. 31-Sept. 3 

Where: Suntec Singapore, Convention & Exhibition Centre, Levels 3 & 4, 1 Raffles Boulevard

How much: Free admission

5. Penang Hawkers’ Fare 

The iconic Penang Hawkers’ Fare returns this September, and it will be held at York Hotel Singapore. Visitors can indulge in a mouthwatering selection of traditional dishes like Penang Laksa, Char Kway Teow, and Penang Prawn Mee. Exciting additions to the menu include Pasembur, Jiu Hu Char, and See Guo Tng. 

If you're a fan of Ban Chang Kueh, you'll be pleased to learn that there are two new fillings available – cream corn and black sugar. Reserve your seats here.

When: 12 PM-2:30 PM and 6:30 PM-10 PM, Sept. 1-17 

Where: York Hotel Singapore, 21 Mount Elizabeth

How much: S$23-S$42

6. Artsy Weekend @ Crane Joo Chiat

Curious about what makes up Singapore’s artistic landscape or are you looking for new items to add to your art collection and furnish your home with? This weekend event is for you!

Artsy Weekend @ Crane Joo Chiat is a free but ticketed event that gathers local artists, bringing their creations closer to everyone. Visitors have the opportunity to engage with these artists while marveling at their masterpieces. Feel free to inquire about their creative process, sources of inspiration, and artistic odysseys.

The participating vendors at this event include Bound Designs, Staax Light Candle, SUNNYSIDE, spectrum_of_art_ism, ask the florist, and Dolc Patisserie. There will also be loom beading and earring-making workshops by Crafts Maiden Bhavna Gupta. Get free tickets here.

When: 10 AM, Sept. 2-3

Where: Joo Chiat, 285 Joo Chiat Road

How much: Free but registration is required

7. Flower Dome & Cloud Forest Tour

If you and your family are planning to visit the stunning Gardens by the Bay attraction, we recommend checking out the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome at night for a free light show. It is full of mesmerising perfectly trimmed plants, flowers, and trees, and visitors may also learn about rare and endangered plant species. Apart from that, you can view the world-famous manmade "supertrees" that dot the skyline up close.

When: 9 AM-7:30 PM, Sept. 2 

Where: Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive 

How much: S$40.05 via Viator

8. the bike bus + hacking workshop

Singapore artists ila and bani haykal have delved into the complex relationship that exists between cycling, sound, and urban landscapes through their project "pelan-pelan kayoh." Their thought-provoking creation is currently on display at "The Rumbling In-between" exhibition held at Jendela (Visual Arts Space).

In a nutshell, the project is about a modified bicycle that has been outfitted with a variety of audio interventions, including wind chimes, bells, and mechanisms that make noises when the bike is pedaled. 

The artists have included these auditory interventions in their rides all throughout Singapore. The bike bus + hacking workshop is aligned with the concept of "pelan-pelan kayoh" in which participants will add their own sounds from repurposed materials and practice group cycling within the venue. Participants will need to bring their own bicycles to take part in the workshop since bicycles will not be provided.

When: 2 PM, Sept. 2 

Where: Esplanade -Theatres on the Bay, Basement Carpark B2, 1 Esplanade Drive (Meeting point: Esplanade Box Office Mezzanine Level)

How much: S$28.50-S$30 via Esplanade

9. Cosentino: Decennium – The Greatest Live Magic Show

Do you love magic shows? Spend your weekend being wowed with tricks, effects, and illusions by world-famous illusionist and escape artist from Australia, Paul Cosentino, better known by his stage name Cosentino.

In honor of his ten years of worldwide success as Cosentino, the world's finest magician will be putting on his most spectacular show ever, complete with daring escapes, mind-blowing stage illusions, street magic, dancing, and a dash of humorous audience participation.

When: 12 PM and 6 PM, Until Sept. 3

Where: Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, 4 Bayfront Avenue, B1 

How much: S$58-S$168 via Marina Bay Sands

10. Skechers Friendship Walk 2023

Are you looking for a fun way to bond with your family this coming Sunday? Attend the Skechers Friendship Walk 2023! 

Families can walk or run together, and everyone has a chance to win a year's worth of Skechers footwear worth S$1,200. The programme will kick off at 6 AM, followed by the flag-off for the individual 10-kilometre run and a five-kilometre family walk. 

Each participant will be provided with an event pack inclusive of a Skechers tote bag, a Skechers t-shirt, an event bib, and a 40% discount voucher for Skechers Slip-ins.

When: 7:30 AM-8 AM, Sept. 3 

Where: Marina Bay Sands Event Square @ Waterfront Promenade, 12A Bayfront Avenue 

How much: S$30-S$70 via Skechers

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