The best things to do in Singapore this weekend (May 17-19)

Great artists transport minds and challenge perceptions, and Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson is undoubtedly a master at work. Known for playing with elemental materials such as light, wind, fog, and water, he's lauded for creating unreal sensory experiences for viewers. The Southeast Asian debut of his survey exhibition brings together 17 of his works, a collection of his most renowned pieces, Singapore exclusives, and climate-centred art. Titled Olafur Eliasson: Your curious journey, the exhibition will take you through yellow-hued halls, across enchanting rainbows dancing in the mist, and marvelous spectacles of swirling fog. You'll also witness the gradual depletion of ice, represented by a bronze cast of a segment of ice sourced from an Icelandic glacier, and be one of the first to view The seismographic testimony of distance (Berlin–Singapore, no. 1 to no. 6) (2024), an ongoing seismographic sketch series tracing the voyage of his exhibition by sea. 

Find out more about Olafur Eliasson: Your curious journey here, and download the exhibition brochure here.

This week, Zouk Singapore is collaborating with Collective Minds to welcome back Eats Everything – aka Daniel Pearce – on May 16, as part of the club’s month-long line-up of international guest DJs from the EDM scene. Hailing from Bristol, the versatile artiste draws inspiration from sub-genres such as disco, techno, jungle, house, and garage, resulting in a dynamic blend of music. Claiming to be a raver first and DJ second, Eats Everything is known for his gregarious personality and high-energy crowd engagement, creating an exhilarating party atmosphere from behind the decks. Get your tickets here.

You might have seen a particular blue-maned unicorn appearing all over your Instagram feed as of late. This magical creature is part of none other than the Jentle Salon pop-up – a whimsical fantasy land created specially to mark the third collection co-created by luxury Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster, and Jennie of popular K-pop girl group Blackpink.

The pink-washed pop-up is located within the Gentle Monster's Marina Bay Sand store at level B2, and will be running until June 30, 2024. Entry is free, and you’re more than welcome to snap photos with the installations; Show up dressed in girly pastels to match the installations for bonus Instagram points.

Find out more about the Jentle Salon pop-up in Singapore.

Frida Kahlo, the world-renowned Mexican painter, needs no introduction. Regarded as one of the most influential female artists of the 20th century, she is celebrated for her self-portraits that delve into themes of identity and the human body.

There will be three different segments with nine spaces filled with 360-degree projections, interactive installations, photographs, and films. You’ll be able to trace her artistic journey, starting from her early years as a young girl. The show will also touch on her medical journey – one that isn’t widely discussed about. There’ll also be virtual reality experiences for you to truly step into her shoes and see the world from her point of view.

Stay tuned for the exact dates, and join the waitlist for ticket sales here.

Zoom in and tickle your mind at Japanese artist Tatsuya Tanaka's first-ever exhibition in Singapore. small Muji exhibition – Enjoying Everyday Items sticks to what Tanaka-san is best known for: playful miniature works depicting elaborate scenes from everyday life. In his work, it's not strange to see common vegetables like broccolis reimagined as trees or oranges fashioned into miniature suns. In the Singapore showing, Muji branded products are similarly reinvented in 19 miniature works that take inspiration from Singapore landmarks. 

Singapore may be tiny, but we pack lots in terms of culture and history. To get brilliant insight into that, check out the many workshops, tours, trails, and exhibitions lined up for Singapore HeritageFest. This year’s theme focuses on ‘reliving the stories that connect us’, bringing you into the untold stories of our city’s oldest buildings and landmarks. Get your steps in on walking tours of iconic landmarks in Singapore’s downtown district and ‘abandoned’ buildings like 37 Emerald Hill. You can also hop on a bus tour through cultural neighbourhoods, or explore the Peranakan shophouses and traditional businesses in Joo Chiat. There’s more, including access to restricted areas of the former Supreme Court, exploration tours of historical venues, and exhibitions dedicated to our national monuments and conserved buildings. Check out the full list of programmes here.

Experience the magic of the Northern Lights at Gardens by the Bay’s Supertree Grove. From May 4 onwards, a spellbinding outdoor installation called Borealis will light up the Supertrees in a display reminiscent of the polar lights you’d normally have to travel to Iceland, Sweden, or other far-flung regions to witness. It’s the work of Switzerland-based artist Dan Acher, who has ingeniously layered light beams and cloud particles to create a mesmerising dance of light and colour. Coupled with an atmospheric score by French composer Guillaume Desbois, Borealis promises to be an out-of-this-world experience. Admission is free – find out more here.

Sound the alarm: British independent record label Hospital Records is landing in Singapore. This world-renowned drum and bass label is teaming up with local party organisers Kings of Bass for a floor-shaking event at MDLR. They’ve looped in heavy-hitters in the scene: South London’s grime legend P Money and drum and bass producer Whiney in a daring collaboration; and Bristol-based Anaïs, who’s leading the new wave of drum and bass talent with bouncy, futuristic sets. This is hospitality you don’t want to miss – tickets are on sale now from $40.

For more information, visit their webpage here.

The Asian Civilisations Museum and the Peranakan Museum have joined hands to present Fukusa, Japanese Gift Covers from the Chris Hall Collection, an exhibition that features fukusa, which are beautifully embroidered luxurious Japanese silk gift covers. You can also find kimonos and other related textiles from renowned collector Chris Hall, who holds one of the most valuable collections of Asian textiles in the world. Uncover varied ways of life that completely differ from ours, a variety of auspicious symbolic motifs such as lobsters and cranes, and how the politics of dress influence fukusa design in the late Edo period. Don’t forget to stop by the interactive station where you’ll be able to virtually design your very own fukusa.

Many know the tale of The Little Prince, but perhaps not much about the writer behind it. That's where Alliance Française de Singapour steps in to shine a line on the life of author-pilot Antoine de Saint Exupéry and pay tribute to the 80th anniversary of his disappearance. Divided into three sections – 'Adventurer', 'Writer', and 'WWII Hero' – the show will take you on a journey through his life to uncover hidden facts about The Little Prince and discover how significant elements in the story reflect his personal life. Browse a rare collection of exclusive artefacts on loan from the Saint Exupéry Foundation and catch talks, workshops, and screenings related to the extraordinary world of The Little Prince. 

Find out more about the exhibition here.

Those who love tulips will be pleased to know that Gardens by the Bay’s Tulipmania has returned to the Flower Dome this year. In honour of its 10th edition, the floral display pays homage to its inaugural showcase in 2013. The tulips are once again planted in rows of singular colour, much like the iconic tulip farms in the Netherlands. Adding to the charm, the display features a blend of traditional Dutch landscapes with modern elements, including farmhouses with thatched roofs and a watermill alongside wind turbines and vertical farms. Stop by this weekend to receive complimentary cut tulips from 9am onwards, while stocks last.

Find out more about Tulipmania here.

There's nothing like a good perfume to express your personality and leave a deep impression on those around you. If you're keen on figuring out your signature scent, there's nowhere better to do so than at Chanel Parfumeur: A Fragrance Experience. Happening from April 26 to June 2 at CQ @ Clarke Quay, this event is centred on Les Exclusifs De Chanel, a fragrance collection inspired by the colourful life of the house's founder Gabrielle Chanel. Learn the stories and inspiration behind the range's 19 scents and even snag a preview of its newest fragrance. For a more personalised experience, take Chanel's personality test to discover your unique scent profile or try the 15-minute Le Quart D'Heure Alchimique fragrance experience to pinpoint your signature Chanel scent. 

Chanel VIPs, you could also be invited to an exclusive Chanel Parfumeur Masterclass. This takes you on a deep dive into the stories and ingredients behind iconic Chanel fragrances, led by fragrance experts from the house. They'll also be dishing styling tips on how best to wear its scents. On the second floor of CQ @ Clarke Quay, you may also step into immersive experience spaces inspired by Chanel's iconic fragrance Chanel N°5. Walk-ins are welcome, but it's best to make a prior booking here. 

Celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of Europe at the annual European Film Festival. This year’s edition features 24 films from 24 countries, offering a variety of perspectives and insights into histories that are representative of Europe’s shared cultural heritage. Opening the festival is Here, directed by Belgian filmmaker Bas Devos, a film about the deep human desire for connection in a world of transience and movement. Other highlights include 125 Years Memory from Turkey, which won Best Art Direction at the 39th Japan Academy Film Prize, and Norway’s Dancing Queen, a coming-of-age film delving into themes of romance and girlhood.

Check out the full list of films and purchase tickets here. 

Taste The World is a month-long culinary festival organised by the travel brand Gourmet Trails to celebrate Singapore's culinary scene and all its international food offerings. From May 4 to 26 2024, seven restaurants will be participating in a series of events and offering special lunch and dinner sessions (from $180), where proceeds will go toward the United Nations World Food Programme. They are: Appetite, Hashida, Cure, Canchita, Esquina, Ummi Beirut, and Anju. For the opening day on May 4, epicureans can look forward to an intimate lunch experience and dialogue on world cuisines ($300 per person) presented by Michelin-starred chef Ivan Brehm of Nouri and Appetite.

In celebration of beloved anime series Naruto’s 20th anniversary, Naruto: The Gallery will be making its global debut at Universal Studios Singapore. Expect to see a miniature recreation of Konohagakure, as well as exclusive video works of iconic scenes from Naruto. Official merchandise will be sold alongside the exhibition, and you can try dishes like Naruto’s favourite Ichiraku ramen at the special pop-up Naruto: The Gallery Café located at KT’s Grill.

It's not too late to treat your mom to a luxurious high tea experience with Skai and Swarovski for Mother's Day. The menu features delectable sweet and savoury treats, stunningly designed to look like sparkling diamonds and even Swarovski's signature swan motif. Skai's high-rise space has also been stylishly designed with Swarovski-inspired photo backdrops – all the better to capture an everlasting memory with mom. There's even a pop-up store in the lobby of Swissôtel The Stamford featuring Swarovski’s newly launched Mother’s Day jewellery.

You can find out more about the high tea experience and make reservations here.