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Singapore's nightscape is filled with an endless array of bars, cafés and restaurants ready with headbangin' tunes and heart-rending sets. Whether it's soulful jazz or powerful rock hits, here are our favourite live venues to keep tabs on. Get ready to clear your evenings.  RECOMMENDED Upcoming DJ sets and club parties in Singapore and upcoming concerts in Singapore

It's that time of year when we hang up our national flags and brush up on classic National Day songs like Home and Where I Belong. On August 9, the nation will congregate at the historic National Stadium to celebrate how far we've come together and pledge to unite on the path ahead.This year’s parade is slightly different from the past. It will not include segments like the mobile column, Red Lions and aerial displays. Instead, you can expect an indoor drone show, aerial performances, and special effects. The presidential gun salute will also take place at Kallang Basin for the first time as well. And no National Day is complete without the iconic fireworks. Keen to catch the spectacular display? Here are the best places to catch the NDP 2026 fireworks in Singapore. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Singapore newsletter for the best of the city straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: NDP Rehearsal Fireworks 2025: Dates and schedules and The best National Day songs of all time

While catching a live music performance is great, indulging in a home listening party with specially curated playlists makes an ethereal experience – well, coming from us, anyway. If you prefer kicking it old school, trailing the detailed sounds of vinyl scratching against the needle of your turntable and those eargasmic sounds emitting from the speakers, it's about time you expand your record collection. Read on for these amazing record stores and get browsing, dear crate-diggers. RECOMMENDED: Local Vocal: fresh new music from Singapore this week and we explore the vinyl scene in Singapore

Break out the pink shirts and rainbow flags because it's Pride Month in Singapore. LGBTQ+ communities all over the world are celebrating – and we've got a whole buffet of parties, pop-ups, film events, and comedy nights to look forward to, culminating in the annual Pink Dot. Here's what Pride Month is all about, how we celebrate in Singapore, and the absolute best events to head out for.  RECOMMENDED: 10 ways to support the local LGBTQ+ community    

Granted, our island may be small, but there's certainly no shortage of art to discover. This year's cultural calendar is packed with world-class exhibitions, featuring works by celebrated international artists ranging from the late David Hockney to maestro Fernando Botero. Step into the pages of history through an exciting collaboration between the world's most prestigious museum, the Louvre, and our city's Asian Civilisations Museum. For something entirely different, get up close with real human specimens in a thought-provoking exhibition that explores the wonders of the human body. And if you're looking to escape the everyday – lose yourself in the contemplative works of acclaimed Japanese contemporary artist Hiroshi Sugimoto at the ArtScience Museum, where photography, philosophy and time converge to leave you in deep reflection. Here are the best exhibitions in Singapore to check out.  RECOMMENDED: The best contemporary art galleries and spaces in Singapore and the best museums in Singapore

We’re mid-2026 and the concert calendar is still packed through the year-end. Big names such as Post Malone will take over the Singapore National Stadium this September with his country-pop-rap hits, while The Weeknd is bringing his After Hours Til Dawn tour for two nights in October, leaning into cinematic synth-pop and moody R&B. The Kid Laroi is also up in July, leaning into his emotional pop tracks. On the legacy front, K-pop giants BTS and Bigbang are set to reunite in Singapore, each bringing different eras of K-pop back into focus. And then we’ve got the long-running heavyweights: rock legends Guns N' Roses still anchored in big-riff stadium rock, alongside 2000s emo staples My Chemical Romance, whose theatrical, high-drama anthems were the defining earworms of the 2000s and yet still land with stadium crowds like they never left. Here are all the best concerts in Singapore to shell out for in 2026.  RECOMMENDED: The best live music venues in Singapore and the best listening bars in Singapore

The fashion thrifting movement has really kicked off in Singapore over the past few years, and people are now shopping for clothes differently. While our plethora of malls continue to offer the usual trusty line-up of big chain brands, a growing pool of style seekers favours the thrill of scoring pre-loved gems that you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere. Not only is it easier on the wallet, it’s also a more sustainable way of giving your wardrobe a refresh. We’ve dug through the racks ourselves, and here are some of our favourite thrift stores in Singapore. RECOMMENDED: Six cool indie stores in Singapore and 10 places to shop on a budget in Singapore  

Embrace the great outdoors with these treks and trails that keep you on your feet for hours. Catch some culture on a civic district walk that covers some of the best museums or square up for a gruelling 36km hike that connects Punggol in the northeast to Jurong Lake out in the west. It’s a big world out there, and there’s more to it than tall buildings and ERP gantries. Let’s see it on foot. RECOMMENDED: The best parks for kids in Singapore and the best hidden parks in Singapore

Buzzed and ready to rumble? As a city that never sleeps, Singapore has some of the best late-night spots and nightclubs for all of you party animals to revel in until the early morning. Not a night owl? Don't worry, we've got our fair share of beach clubs and rooftop venues too – perfect for living it up while the sun's still out. From energetic hip-hop and R&B, to thumping house and techno, here are the steamy dancefloors we hope to shake up soon.  RECOMMENDED: The best supper spots in Singapore for late-night dining and 15 reasons why you should stay out late in Singapore    

This list is old. Here are the best things to do in the world in 2026.  2025 is set to be a momentous year when it comes to travel. Citywide celebrations and milestone anniversaries will be taking place in Amsterdam and Rome, sparkling new cultural centres are flinging open their doors in Rotterdam, New York and Abu Dhabi, and there are fresh chances to see some wonderful wildlife in Australia, Singapore and Greenland – but that’s just the beginning. Read on for our roundup of the 25 coolest, weirdest and most adventurous new things to do across the world in 2025, no matter your whereabouts or budget. RECOMMENDED:🇬🇧 The best things to do in the UK in 2025🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world🎪 The world’s best music festivals for 2025🌃 The best cities in the world right now  

The Singapore National Stadium is easily one of the most sought-after concert venues in the city – and for good reason. Despite a variety of other venues available, this iconic stadium stands out with its massive 55,000-seat capacity and the accolade of being the largest dome in the world. Over the years, it has drawn a stellar line-up of international superstars including Harry Styles. Guns N’ Roses, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift,  thanks to its state-of-the-art sound system and well-designed space. With the significant sums of money spent on concert tickets, coupled with the chaos and stress of ticketing queues and limited availability, choosing the right seat becomes all the more important to make the most of the experience. Ticketing platforms typically release general seating plans, but the ideal spot depends largely on personal preferences. Some fans enjoy being on their feet in the standing pens, immersed in the energy of the crowd. Others may prefer a comfortable seat to enjoy the music with a full view of the stage. Some also opt for side-stage seats for a closer glimpse of the performers. To help make the decision easier, we’ve broken down the seating options based on the different types of concert-goers. Seating layouts can vary from show to show depending on stage design, so use this guide as a starting point when planning where to sit for the next big gig at the National Stadium. RECOMMENDED: The best concerts and music festivals in Singapore i

Not to brag, but Singapore has some of the most impressive skylines in the world. And we're home to world-class hotels located in towering, state-of-the-art skyscrapers dreamt up by illustrious architects. Some people may prefer having a staycation at the beach or secluded spots around town; but if you're a city person, you might want to be right in the heart of the action. Book a staycation at one of these hotels right in Singapore's city centre and you'll be a walking distance away from the best art galleries, cocktail bars and restaurants.   RECOMMENDED: The best secluded and quiet hotels in Singapore and the ultimate guide to Singapore's neighbourhoods

After building a cult following online and through its wildly popular pop-ups, Avant Culture Club has finally put down permanent roots at Pearl's Hill Terrace. Inside the cosy space, you'll find everything from chart-topping pop and hip-hop to cult soundtrack pressings, alongside coloured vinyl variants, hard-to-find imports and exclusive signed collectibles. Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply vinyl-curious, this is one rabbit hole you'll happily disappear into.

Small in size, mighty in selection. Cherry Lane Records is a cosy Joo Chiat record store specialising in music from the '70s to the '90s, with shelves lined with pre-loved vinyl spanning classic rock, jazz, Asian gems and forgotten local releases. Open daily from 1pm to 9pm, it's also well-stocked with hot favourites, from 2000s emo staples like All Time Low to modern pop icons like Charli XCX, as well as rock legends such as Iron Maiden.

London’s globally renowned inclusive rave brand He.She.They makes its Singapore debut at MDLR this June, with local collectives Fomohomo and Mismatch joining the lineup. Headlining the night is London-based DJ, musician and writer Bimini, known for their high-energy sets featuring house, electro, breaks and drum’n’bass with a distinctly punk edge. Alongside sets from Loyboy and Nydthakid, performances by Fivey, Izzy Ershii, Phlegm and Sapphire Blast round out the line-up. Running from 10pm to 3am, the Pink Fest 2026 partner event stays true to He.She.They’s founding ethos: creating a dance floor where all sexualities, genders and identities are welcome.

Created from interviews with queer women across generations in Singapore, Girls Girls Girls is an R18 theatre production that brings often-overlooked stories to centre stage. Presented by Wild Rice at Funan as part of Pink Fest 2026, the production explores identity, visibility, chosen family, and community through the voices of everyone from queer elders and mothers to performers, athletes and travellers. Written by theatre and film actor Deonn Yang and Singaporean playwright and poet Alfian Sa’at, and directed by Deonn Yang, the show runs Tuesdays to Sundays, with selected post-show talkbacks and accessible performances including audio description and captioning. Tickets start from $40, with 10% off Cat 1 and 2 tickets when booked through Pink Fest 2026.

Pride is hitting the shores of Singapore at Unicorn Pink Beach – a high-energy, seaside party that transforms the shoreline into a playful, fantasy-inspired escape of unicorns and immersive celebration. Now in its second edition and set at Siloso Beach, the beach party brings together DJ sets, live performances, and larger-than-life installations designed to keep you dancing, meeting new friends, and fully immersed in the celebration from day to night. Tickets start from $48 and can be booked here.    

Since its debut in 2009, Pink Dot SG has become Singapore’s largest LGBTQ+ gathering, drawing thousands of community members, allies, families and supporters to Hong Lim Park each year in support of the freedom to love. What began as a rally best known for its iconic pink light-up has since grown into a wider platform for advocacy, visibility and connecting with one another. For its 18th edition, Pink Dot is taking a more intimate approach with the theme ‘Come Get Personal’, turning the park into a community-led experience filled with conversations, interactive installations, and storytelling spaces that spotlight the many lived realities of queer Singapore.

For one night only, Temper – the wine room, restaurant and late-night lounge tucked inside Mondrian Singapore Duxton – transforms into ‘House of Temper: A Pride Night’, an immersive celebration of queer expression, connection and unapologetic self-expression. Held in partnership with Man About Town as part of Pink Fest 2026, the evening brings together drag cabaret, live vocals, acrobatics and theatrical performances by House of Rose, led by ringmaster and host Dahlia Rose alongside Jenni Rose, Ella Sugar Rose and Anitta Dolla Rose. Taking place on June 20 from 10pm till late, tickets are priced at $30 per guest, inclusive of one drink. 

On June 21, Love Frequency: Pink is packing a full-day collaboration between Universe of Sound and Proud Spaces celebrating queer love, identity, expression, and belonging through connection, creativity, and community. Expect a vibrant mix of workshops, talks, and community booths featuring queer-owned businesses, artists, and organisations, alongside spaces to meet new people, explore self-growth and support local makers. Some highlights include ‘Crystal Singing Bowl Meditation: Becoming Love’, led by Amelia Kang, ‘Relationship Archetypes: Why We Attract Certain Types’ with Eileen Chong, and ‘Poetry Session by Spoke & Bird Poetry’ hosted by Stephanie Dogfoot, each offering reflective, expressive, and communal experiences rooted in queer joy and identity.  Throughout the day, you’ll also be able to browse a marketplace of queer-owned businesses and creatives, from flash tattoos and artisanal leather goods to specialty coffee, baked treats, and original artworks, while connecting with community organisations such as Project X, RainbowAsia, and Longkangbrain.

Mismatch Fam presents The Love All Serve All Party by Baby Boy, a Pink Dot Saturday after-party running from 10pm to 3am at Hard Rock Cafe, Cuscaden. Extending Pink Dot's energy into the night, the event invites queer folks, allies, and partygoers to move from daytime solidarity to a full-on celebration on the dance floor.  Expect drag performances from Dr Fagnificent, Eriana Conda, Fukkitah, Kak Nina Boo, and House Of Haute Mess, alongside DJ sets by Anna Stacia, Estr, and Lokies, delivering a high-energy mix of hip hop, R&B, pop, and club tracks.  Tickets are priced at $20 (early bird), $25 (advance), and $30 (at the door), with table packages and bottle service available; the night follows an earlier Riot show for those opting into a full Pink Dot Day experience. Do note that entry 18+, and tickets are non-refundable.

Rainforest Wild Asia is the first of its kind – accessible from Mandai Wildlife West, the park lets you trek through a recreated Southeast Asian rainforest, complete with winding paths that reveal wildlife from both above and below ground. Although tailored for adventure lovers, the park is welcoming to all, with raised walkways and covered rest areas for families with strollers and wheelchair users, allowing everyone to explore its varied landscapes and wildlife at a relaxed pace. Spanning 13 hectares, Rainforest Wild Asia brings the jungle to life with nearly 7,000 native trees and shrubs and is home to 36 species of animals. You’ll even be able to walk alongside Malayan tigers, with safe distancing of course.  Visitors can also catch a series of Ranger Talks held across key zones like ‘The Karsts’, ‘Forest Floor’, and ‘Watering Hole’. These daily sessions dive into the fascinating wildlife that thrives in different layers of the rainforest, offering a deeper appreciation of its inhabitants.  Here's an all-in guide to give you a first look at its eight zones, along with what to expect, tips on getting around, ticketing info, dining options, and more.

Jacob Collier is making his way back to our city, set to perform at The Star Theatre on May 28. Jacob Collier’s shows are something special – not just because of his mind-blowing harmonies, but because the audience becomes part of the music too. A master of live crowd harmonisation, he turns concert halls into spontaneous choirs, making every show a unique experience. The seven time Grammy winner is a musical wizard who shot to fame on YouTube with his mind-blowing harmonies and genre-blending sound. He fuses jazz, pop, and classical in ways that feel almost otherworldly. Tickets are now on sale here.  

Homegrown brand Beyond The Vines (BTV) just dropped their Para series collection and if there’s one thing they never miss, it’s throwing a launch party that’s as exciting as the products themselves. So what’s in store this time round? BTV has collaborated with local indie music community Wild Pearl Studio for a 45-minute bike tour where participants will be taken on a ride through the city with good vibes and a live DJ set. And there's more – you'll also be contributing to a good cause because all proceeds will go to Daughters of Tomorrow, a Singapore-based charity that empowers women from lower-income families towards social mobility. Photograph: Beyond The Vines The CargoBikeTour itinerary goes like this: On March 15, everyone’s to meet at BTV’s New Bahru store at 8.30am. Shortly after, the 45-minute bike ride will kick off, cruising around the city. The journey wraps up back at the starting point, where you'll get a chance to explore the Para Series exhibition to cap off the adventure. Photograph: Beyond The Vines To participate, simply purchase a CargoBike Pack (priced at $80), which will equip you with a bike and helmet rental, along with a limited edition CargoBikeTour t-shirt and logo cap. Spots are limited, so hurry and sign up here.

If you're the kind of person who slows down every time a vintage Ferrari drives past, here's one for you: a new Singapore car show is bringing together some of the world's rarest classics, and you'll even get to watch them compete for top honours. Running from August 13 to 16 at IMBA Theatre, Concours d'Elegance Singapore 2026 is putting the spotlight on some of the world's rarest classic, vintage and exotic cars, but with a more immersive twist. Instead of simply displaying them in a hall, the cars will be surrounded by massive cinematic projections inspired by famous Grand Touring routes like the Alps, Tuscany and the Stelvio Pass, so you can picture them in the landscapes they were built for. Photograph: Concours d'Elegance SingaporeConcours d'Elegance Singapore If the name sounds fancy, that's because it is. A Concours d'Elegance is one of the automotive world's most prestigious competitions, where exceptionally rare and well-preserved cars are judged not by speed, but by their history, authenticity, craftsmanship and overall presentation.  VIP Preview and Preview ticket holders can watch the judging live at the Singapore edition on August 13, before the winning cars go on display for everyone else from August 14 to 16. Photograph: Concours d'Elegance SingaporeConcours d'Elegance Singapore The four-day event also goes beyond admiring beautiful cars. Alongside the exhibition, there'll be talks, workshops and panel discussions with collectors and automotive experts, pl

Singapore's favourite furniture playground may be inching towards the end of an era. Tan Boon Liat Building has reportedly been sold en bloc for $950 million to a unit of Kingsford Group – though the deal is still subject to owners' approval.  Built in 1976, the 15-storey blue industrial building has long been known as the go-to destination for furniture shopping. Behind its unassuming façade sits a maze of independent furniture showrooms, vintage finds, lighting specialists, homeware boutiques, cafés and niche retailers. With this news, many assumed it was game over for the beloved Outram landmark. However, tenants have been informed that nothing has been officially confirmed, as tenants still need to approve the deal before anything moves forward. And even if the sale is approved, any redevelopment is expected to take time, meaning the building isn't disappearing overnight. So for now, everyone’s still very much business as usual.  But don’t procrastinate – if you've been planning a trip through the building, consider this your nudge. Here are five stores to put on your list. Photograph: Razor SharpRazor Sharp 1. Razor Sharp A favourite among home cooks and professional chefs, Razor Sharp specialises in premium Japanese knives, whetstones, and sharpening services. Whether you’re shopping for your first serious blade or just curious about knife craftsmanship, it’s well worth making a pit stop. View this post on Instagram A post shared by journey east (@journe

In this economy, a free gin and tonic is practically a public service. And this August, Brass Lion Distillery is serving us that exact service, pouring 1,000 free Pearl Jasmine gin and tonics across the island. The only catch? You'll have to work for it. Thankfully, that doesn’t entail queuing or any brain-wrecking labour. Instead, you'll be playing Brass Lion's new browser game, Spirit of the City: Play to Pour, where players catch falling gin bottles and botanicals while swerving the rogue ones. Hit 2,300 points, flash your winning screen at one of 30 participating bars, and you'll score a free Pearl Jasmine gin and tonic, while stocks last. And the drinks are legit. The gin and tonic is made with Brass Lion's Pearl Jasmine Gin, which picked up the title of World's Best Flavoured Gin at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2025, scoring an impressive 99 out of 100. There’s more too – if you rack up 3,000 points or more by the end of the campaign on August 31, you'll unlock 25 percent off tickets to Brass Lion Gin School, a hands-on gin-making workshop at Brass Lion Distillery in Alexandra, where you become a distiller for the day rather than just tasting gin. One lucky high scorer will also walk away with a pair of Gin School passes worth $500. The free pours are available at more than 30 bars across Singapore, including Middle Child, Slippery Slope and Moonstone. Several venues are also shaking up limited-edition cocktails with the Pearl Jasmine Gin, including the L

If you've been wishing for another bookstore in Singapore dedicated to art, photography and other niche publications, your wish has been answered. A new independent bookshop has quietly opened its doors, and it's every bit as cosy as you'd hope. Meet Twotwobookshop, tucked away along Serangoon Road. Photograph: Time Out SingaporeTwotwobookshop Take off your shoes before entering. Housed within half of an office unit, Twotwobookshop is snug in the best way possible. It feels less like a bookstore and more like being invited into someone's personal walk-in bookshelf, where every title has been thoughtfully chosen. Its intimate size and soft lighting create a calm, unhurried atmosphere, where you’ll be able to slow down and leaf through the books at your own pace. Photograph: Time Out SingaporeTwotwobookshop When asked about the curation process, co-founder Guo Jie explains that every title is chosen based on the founders' personal favourites and interests. The result is a thoughtfully curated selection of photography, art and research-based books from publishers such as A Further Reading (Jakarta), Temporary Press (Singapore), Apartamento (Barcelona) and Mack (London), with more titles from publishers like Torch Press set to arrive in the coming months. You'll also find staple photobooks such as ones by renowned photographers Masahisa Fukase and Mark Steinmetz. Photograph: Time Out SingaporeTwotwobookshop As for its name? Yes, we asked the same question – it comes from th

Over the past few weeks, Maju Forest has become one of Singapore's most talked-about green spaces. After the Housing & Development Board (HDB) announced plans to develop part of the forest for a future public housing estate, conversations sparked across social media, petitions, community groups and neighbourhood meetings. And it's easy to see why. Granted, Singapore needs more homes, especially in well-connected neighbourhoods like Clementi. But at the same time, every remaining patch of mature forest is becoming increasingly precious, especially in a tiny city like Singapore.  If you’ve been out of the news, here's what you need to know. Photograph: Brice Li/FacebookMaju Forest What is Maju Forest? Maju Forest is a 23-hectare mature secondary forest located around Sunset Way, between Clementi Road and Brookvale Drive. While it isn't a gazetted nature reserve, decades of natural regeneration have transformed the site into a thriving habitat for wildlife and native plants. The forest also sits next to the Rail Corridor and Clementi Forest, forming part of a larger green network that allows animals to move between habitats instead of becoming isolated in small patches of greenery. Photograph: Brice Li/FacebookMaju Forest Why are people trying to save Maju Forest? For many conservationists, Maju Forest is much more than just another patch of trees.  The forest acts as a wildlife corridor, allowing animals to live and forage safely across connected landscapes.  286 plant spec

If Hans Zimmer's scores have ever given you goosebumps, here's your chance to hear them live. The legendary film composer is heading back to Singapore this October with Hans Zimmer Live – The Next Level World Tour 2026.  Even if you don't recognise his name, you've almost certainly heard his music. Hans Zimmer is one of Hollywood's most influential film composers, with a career spanning more than four decades and over 150 film scores. He's the creative force behind the soundtracks of The Lion King, Gladiator, The Dark Knight, Inception, Interstellar, Dune and Pirates of the Caribbean, earning multiple Oscar and Grammy Awards. Making his first Singapore appearance since 2019, the award-winning composer will take over the Singapore Indoor Stadium on October 7, 2026. But don't expect a conventional orchestra concert. Zimmer's latest production pairs soaring orchestral arrangements with electronic soundscapes, dazzling lighting and a completely reimagined stage designed to feel more like a rave than a recital. In fact, Zimmer says he wants audiences to feel like they're "at a rave party or riding a roller coaster." The setlist reimagines some of his most iconic scores, including Pirates of the Caribbean, The Lion King, The Dark Knight, Interstellar and Dune. Fans can also expect music from Dune: Part Two and F1: The Movie, all given fresh live arrangements designed exclusively for this tour. Singapore is one stop on Zimmer's Asia run, which also includes Yokohama, Kaohsiung, Taip

Bigbang is back – and heading straight for National Stadium at The Kallang on October 17, 2026. To celebrate 20 years since their debut, Bigbang members G-Dragon, Taeyang and Daesung have announced XX: Cosmos, a massive 31-show world tour spanning Asian cities like Taipei, Hanoi, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Kaohsiung, as well as North America, Europe, and Australia. This show marks the trio's first tour together since 2017 and one of the biggest live music events on the 2026 calendar. The first show will kick off at Goyang Stadium in South Korea for three nights from August 21 to 23 before making its way across the globe.  If you grew up in the 2000s, chances are Bigbang soundtracked at least part of your youth. Since debuting in 2006, the group has become one of K-pop's most influential acts, helping shape the genre into what it is today. From Lie and Haru Haru to Fantastic Baby and Bang Bang Bang, their hits have become cornerstones of K-pop history. And their reach extends far beyond music – shaping trends in fashion, entertainment and pop culture. The tour announcement follows 2022's single Still Life, the group's first release in four years. It was named one of the year's best K-pop songs by Billboard. Tickets go on sale from August 11 onwards and will be available via Ticketmaster. To access the Bigbang VIP membership presale, you must register for the Bigbang VIP membership survey between July 29, 10am and August 2, 11.59pm via https://bigbang.bstage

Every year, the release of the Asia's 50 Best Bars list is one of the most highly anticipated moments on the drinks industry's calendar, recognising the region's top cocktail destinations. This year’s list is out – and Singapore has plenty to celebrate, with four local bars earning spots on the prestigious list.  Photograph: Asia's 50 Best Bars 2026Asia's 50 Best Bars 2026 Unveiled at a ceremony in Macau on July 28, the annual list is compiled from the votes of more than 300 bartenders, bar owners, drinks writers and cocktail experts from across Asia. This year's edition recognised 50 bars spanning 22 cities, with 14 new entries and two returning favourites. Photograph: Jigger & PonyJigger & Pony Flying the Singapore flag highest is Jigger & Pony, which came in at No.9 and once again earned the title of Singapore's Best Bar. Photograph: Nutmeg & CloveAlamak by Nutmeg & Clove It's joined by Nutmeg & Clove at No.12, whose menu continues to draw inspiration from Singapore's history, landmarks and hawker culture, while music-led listening bar Offtrack secured No.16. Making a return to the rankings is Origin Bar at No.43 after dropping off last year's list. Photograph: OfftrackOfftrack Singapore also walked away with one of the evening's biggest individual honours. Indra Kantono, co-founder of Jigger & Pony, received the Roku Industry Icon Award 2026, which recognises individuals who have made a significant and lasting contribution to Asia's bar industry.  This year's top

If grills by the sea sounds like your kind of thing, then don’t miss out on Sentosa’s GrillFest 2026. Returning to Siloso Beach from now to August 16, this year's edition is the biggest yet, pulling together 42 food vendors across five zones, including 18 newcomers, returning heavy-grillers, and a brand-new omakase-style dining experience right on the sand – air-conditioned. There'll also be golden hour drinks, live music, and a marketplace where you’ll be able to pick out premium ingredients yourself before they're thrown over the flames.  We've had our fill of the 42 stores on the line-up. Here are the five we'd happily queue for again. 1. Jett BBQ's dinosaur ribs Photograph: @jettbarbecue/InstagramJett Barbecue One of GrillFest's returning favourites, Jett BBQ has built a loyal following for its hearty Texas-style smoked meats. If you're only ordering one thing, make it the dinosaur ribs. These hulking ribs are the stars of the menu – think impossibly meaty, fall-apart tender, and pulling away from the bone with barely any effort. While you're there, don't skip the loaded tater tots and tacos as well. 2. Monger's seafood creations   Photograph: Singapore Grillfest 2026Monger   Making its GrillFest debut this year, Monger is bringing a more refined take on beachside barbecue. The concept spotlights premium seafood sourced from around the world, cooked over open flames and fragrant lychee wood to coax out deep, smoky flavours while letting the quality of the ingredient

After three days of coffee competitions spanning barista routines, manual brewing, latte art and cup tasting, the Singapore National Coffee Championship (SNCC) 2026 has wrapped up by crowning four champions who'll go on to represent Singapore at the 2027 World Coffee Championships. If you’re wondering – this annual competition serves as Singapore's biggest specialty coffee contest, helping local coffee professionals benchmark themselves against international standards before heading onto the global stage. This year's championship brought together 63 competitors across four categories: the Singapore National Barista Championship, Timemore Singapore National Brewers Cup, Singapore National Latte Art Championship and Singapore Cup Tasters Championship. Judges from Singapore and around the region (like Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan) were brought in to assess the competitors. Photograph: Singapore National Barista ChampionshipGabriel Lim Yeok Sien Leading this year's winners is Gabriel Lim Yeok Sien, a barista from Glyph Supply Co., who clinched the Singapore National Barista Championship in his very first SNCC appearance. Competitors in the category had to prepare espresso, milk-based drinks and an original signature beverage while showcasing technical precision and creativity. Gabriel will represent Singapore at the 2027 World Barista Championship in Tokyo. Meanwhile, Elysia Tan, Brand Manager at MAME Sp

Singapore's cocktail scene has another reason to raise a glass. Homegrown bar Fura has just been crowned World's Best Bar at the 2026 Spirited Awards, held during the annual Tales of the Cocktail festival in New Orleans. As if that wasn't enough of a mic drop, it also snagged Best International Restaurant Bar, making it one of the biggest winners of the night. Taking home the top title at the Spirited Award is about as big as it gets. If you haven't heard of the Spirited Awards before, they are one of the industry's highest honours. Often regarded as the bar world's equivalent of the Oscars, the annual awards recognise the very best in cocktails and hospitality – from bars and bartenders to cocktail journalism. Photograph: FuraFura Fura isn't your typical cocktail bar, and we can say that with confidence because we've been there. Located in Amoy Street, Fura has made a name for itself with cocktails that challenge expectations and ingredients that push well beyond the usual citrus-and-gin ritual. We’re talking about overlooked ingredients such as invasive species, food waste and climate-resilient produce – all in the name of rethinking how we eat and drink. The result is a menu that's as thought-provoking as it is delicious. Fura's double win this year is made even more impressive by the strength of the competition. This year's awards recognised standout bars across New York, Hong Kong, London, Paris, Mexico City, Bangkok and Cartagena, with winners spanning some of the wor

Bugis Street is a shopping hotspot that has been around for ages. Now, it is getting a fresh lease of life with a completely reimagined Level 2, transforming rows of retail shops into a lifestyle playground filled with local brands, workshops and creator spaces. Anchoring the refreshed Level 2 is Somewhere @ Bugis Street, a new concept from Invade, the team behind Artbox and Fleawhere. The new space combines curated thrift shopping, indie brands and creative hangouts, with everything from podcast rooms and creator studios to interactive spaces, turntables and a lounge.  Photograph: Bugis StreetRuby Merlot Apart from this section, the rest of Level 2 has also welcomed a fresh crop of homegrown names. Ruby Merlot opens its first-ever physical store, where you can browse its signature journals and bags before staying on for junk journaling sessions and community workshops. Creamie Sippies, best known as Singapore's first matcha mill café, is debuting a customisable banana pudding bar that lets you pile on toppings, sauces and mini drinks to your heart's content. If your idea of retail therapy involves getting crafty, White Pixies claims Singapore's first dedicated Candle Bar, offering workshops where you can pour your own candles, craft perfume balm charms and experiment with fragrances. Meanwhile, Standard Photo Studio gives the humble photo booth a glow-up with four themed self-shoot rooms – including one inspired by a local hawker centre – and a station where you can turn y