Xiao Qing Wan

With the announcement of Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to Singapore, this year continues to be filled with significant events for our sunny island. Pope Francis’ visit will mark the second time a Catholic pope has visited Singapore, with the first papal visit occurring almost 40 years ago, when the late Pope John Paul II made a brief stopover in Singapore in 1986. His five-hour visit consisted of a papal mass held at the National Stadium, with around 70,000 attendees. Pope Francis’ upcoming visit is expected to draw a huge crowd. To help you prepare, we’ve put together this guide that will cover everything you need to know, including ticket costs and where to get them. RECOMMENDED: Singapore’s MRT train chimes: The Teng Company shares their creation process, motivation, and more and Tatsu Maker: American linocut printmaker creates intricate prints of local hawkers and food vendors When will Pope Francis be visiting Singapore in 2024? Pope Francis will be visiting Singapore from September 11 to 13, 2024. He will arrive at Changi International Airport on September 11, 2024, at 2.15pm. He will leave Singapore from Changi International Airport on September 13, 2024, at 11.20am. When will Pope Francis' mass be held in Singapore? Pope Francis’ mass will most likely be held on September 12, 2024. How much do tickets cost, and where can I get them? Tickets are free of charge, and will be made available through a balloting system. You can register your interest with your myCatholicSG a

The leafy Thomson neighhourhood is blessed with beautiful nature trails that skirt some of Singapore's most scenic reservoirs. It's no wonder that the place attracts runners, hikers, kayakers, and nature lovers from all corners of Singapore. All that exercising and time in the sun is bound to make anyone hungry. So, the next time you're exploring nature gems like MacRitchie Reservoir, Upper Peirce Reservoir, or Lower Peirce Reservoir – don't forget that Thomson is also full of food gems. We know the favourites like Casuarina Curry, The Roti Prata House, and One Man Coffee. But when those get crowded, here are the hidden food gems to head for.  RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants and stalls for nasi lemak in Singapore and The best rock climbing and bouldering gyms in Singapore

It’s about time that we put together a 50 Best list for cafés in Singapore. After all, new cafés pop up on our island almost as frequently (if not more so) as bars and restaurants, warranting a curated list of must-visit places. Curating the 50 best cafés to get your caffeine fix is no easy feat, but we’ve narrowed it down to the best of the best, based on its ambience, food, and most importantly, brews. The resulting list has everything from long-time favourites to newly-opened establishments that wowed us from the get-go. If you’re looking for something more specific, we also have separate lists for brunch spots, desserts, and lifestyle cafés. Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants.

Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) network is regarded as the second best public transport system in Asia, and for good reason – our country is extremely easy to get around by public transport. We’ve come a long way since the MRT network first launched in 1987.  Now, with over 140 stations and six train lines, you can conveniently travel almost anywhere in Singapore.  The latest addition to the network, the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL), used to span from Woodlands North up to Gardens by the Bay but recently opened up seven more stations so you can access popular spots in the east like Katong, Joo Chiat, and of course, East Coast Park. Now that the seven new stations are fully operational, we asked you to share your favourite spots in the east, and you did not disappoint. Read on to find out the best things to do at the newly opened stations, according to your fellow Singaporeans. RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Katong and Joo Chiat and The ultimate guide to Marine Parade and East Coast Park

Work from home is great and all, but sometimes the four walls of your room or personal study are too much of the same thing for you to be at your most productive. Once in a while, it helps to venture outside to quiet cafés or public spaces to some serious headway in exam revisions, an important presentation, or simply in your reading goals. There are many public libraries in Singapore that can do the trick – though, for some extra inspiration, we suggest you head to these beautifully designed libraries. RECOMMENDED: The best quiet cafés with free Wifi to do work or study and 8 cool and hidden streets in Singapore to explore  

In addition to the fantastic art exhibitions in Singapore, theatre and dance performances offer an excellent alternative to unwind from the grind and broaden your horizons. In the months ahead, look forward to a packed calendar of award-winning Broadway musicals, timeless ballets, and laugh-out-loud physical comedy shows. These delve into diverse topics – thought-provoking commentary on political landscapes, tragic romances, and our obsession with screens. Just sink into a plush seat and prepare to be captivated by these spectacular performances. RECOMMENDED: 10 brilliant music festivals in Asia you don’t want to miss and The best music concerts and festivals in Singapore

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

There’s nothing like a splash of colour to brighten your mood (and Instagram feed). You may be familiar with iconic landmarks like the Peranakan Houses at Koon Seng, but there are many other vibrant spots dotted around Singapore that have equally rich and interesting backstories. Besides upping your social media game, it’s a great opportunity to get reacquainted with the surrounding neighbourhoods too. RECOMMENDED: The most Instagram-worthy places in Singapore and Singaporean photographers to check out on Instagram

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

Singapore is undeniably one of the most expensive cities to live in, especially with the recent inflation. And while it doesn’t hurt to indulge in the high-flying life of a bourgeoisie once in a while, living like a Crazy Rich Asian can be tiring, especially for your bank account. Pay close attention to your surroundings, however, and you’ll realise that having fun in the city doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. From going on nature trails to eating and drinking for cheap, here are some ways to explore the city without breaking the bank. RECOMMENDED: The best free things to do in Singapore and The best cheap eats in Singapore

It’s time to get high – on sugar, that is. We pick out the best dessert cafés that’ll satisfy your sweet tooth with irresistible cakes, stacks of fluffy waffles, and velvety smooth scoops of ice cream. From trendy spots in the city centre to hidden gems tucked away in the heartlands, these cafés offer a variety of desserts that are sure to delight. But it’s not just the treats that make these spots stand out. These cosy escapes make for a great place to catch up with friends or some solo indulgence because there’s always room for dessert. RECOMMENDED: The best ice cream shops in Singapore and The best brunch spots in Singapore

Whether you’re catching a flight or simply looking for a place to lepak over the weekend, Singapore Changi Airport has a wide variety of activities to keep you entertained. After all, there’s a reason why it’s the best airport in Asia. There might be all the good stuff like great architecture and hawker fare waiting for you on the outside but you can find some pretty neat architectural marvels and thrilling activities within the airport as well. Go on restaurant-hopping and try a wide variety of cuisines, or catch a film at a cinema. Heck, you can even whizz out a 12 metre-long slide at Terminal 3. Whatever it is, there’s plenty of ways to relax and make yourself comfortable at Changi Airport. RECOMMENDED: The best airport hotels in Singapore and Singapore's OG travel influencers share their favourite offbeat destinations and top travel tips

If it seems like more home-based bakeries are opening physical outlets now, that’s because it’s true. Home-based bakers Banelé and Madu The Bakery have opened physical stores upon receiving overwhelming success on their online stores, and even Baker X at Somerset allows for home-based bakers to test out what it’s like to run a physical bakery for a temporary period of time. Heck, just a couple weeks back we went to Butter Tgt, which was yet another home-based bakery turned café. Adding to that ever-growing list is Kobashi, a home-based bakery that specialises in sourdough bakes. The popular bakery has finally opened a physical store named Coffeehouse by Kobashi, where it offers Kobashi’s signature sourdo’nuts and – when it officially opens – a hot food menu. Even if the full menu isn’t out yet, you should drop by Coffeehouse by Kobashi and get your hands on the ever-popular Mao Shan Wang charcoal sourdo’nut – a fluffy doughnut filled with rich durian mousse, avocado cream, and gula melaka. These are seasonal doughnuts, so if you ever see them on display, you have to get one before they’re all sold out. The new hot food menu sees the inclusion of a pasta with a creamy truffle mushroom sauce ($20), sourdough grilled cheese paired with a housemade tomato dip ($14), and cinnamon sugar churros ($9). On the drink menu, expect to find unique concoctions like purple yuzu peach soda ($7.50) and jasmine tea milk foam ($7.50) alongside the regular long blacks and flat whites. Coffeeho

Surround yourself with lush greenery at Small Batch, a newly opened restaurant at Botanic Gardens. Brought to you by The Black Hole Group, the same minds behind Tipo Pasta Bar and The Great Mischief, Small Batch offers brunch fare, with standouts like homemade mafalde pasta with mushrooms and pesto sauce ($18), and a crispy fish burger ($18) consisting of crumbed barramundi and jalapeño salsa. Small Batch also offers a Build Your Own Board option (from $15.90), where you can tailor a brunch main to your own preferences. Choose from a wide array of categories when building your own board, ranging from eggs and various proteins to sweet treats. This includes burrata cheese with fresh tomato and olive oil, poached eggs with shallots and furikake, and even French toast with whipped vanilla cream and maple syrup. You can pick three items for $15.90, or build a bigger board with five items for $24.90. Any other add ons after that will set you back $4.90 each. The Build Your Own Board also makes for a good sharing platter, especially if you order five items, so gather your friends and sample everything the café has to offer. Pair your meal with one of Small Batch’s refreshing drinks, such as the lychee lemon cooler ($7), or a berry banana smoothie ($9). If you’re a fan of bean-free coffee, you’ll be happy to know that Small Batch also serves Prefer coffee (from $4.50) – ‘coffee’ made from bread, soy, and barley. Find out more about Small Batch here.

Lifestyle brand A Thing of Sense is currently hosting a month-long pop-up at local café Apartment Coffee. From now until July 27, the minimalist café will be filled with fragrant candles and various merchandise like art prints and mini knot bags. A Thing of Sense has also collaborated with local artist Genevieve Leong, who created 25 vessels exclusively for this pop-up. These ceramics and sculptures are reminiscent of heirloom tomatoes and hold A Thing of Sense’s new tomato scents. Besides the sculptures, you can also find Genevieve’s paintings and sketches on display. Patrons can purchase A Thing of Sense’s wide array of candles, including the discovery kits (from $58), which consist of three candles, and the Big Boy Jars ($62) with soothing scents like sandalwood, iris, and tonka bean. This is also your chance to get your hands on the new Grande Tomato Candle and the ‘Oftentimes’ poetry print that has yet to be released on A Thing of Sense’s store. Find out more about A Thing of Sense’s pop-up at Apartment Coffee here.

Having seen Butter Tgt all over social media recently, we decided to pay the quaint little café a visit for breakfast. Butter Tgt was opened by Ng Yu Feng, more known as Youkneadcakes on Instagram, a popular home-based baker who started her business in 2020. While you can find her delicious bakes like sea salt chocolate chunk cookies ($5.80), financiers (from $3.20), and banana bread ($6), Butter Tgt also offers coffee and various toasts on its menu. The beans used in Butter Tgt’s coffee are from Prodigal Roasters, which also supply to other cafés like Lowercase and Ought. Hidden behind a plain white door along Duxton Road, Butter Tgt greets its customers with a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. The front of the store is lit by warm yellow lighting, while the main seating area is located right by huge art deco windows that allow plenty of sunlight to stream in. Settle into one of the comfy chairs right by the window, or take a seat at the long table if you’re with a group. Solo seats are also available for lone diners. But you’re not here to just read about the atmosphere, you’re here to know if the food is worth trying, and to that we say: yes, it’s definitely worth it. The grilled peanut butter and banana toast ($10) is very indulgent, with the creamy housemade peanut butter pairing well with the fresh banana slices. The addition of sea salt flakes and maple syrup make nice touches to the meal, bringing out the rich flavour of the peanut butter without being overly cloying. T

Although its flagship outlet at Chijmes has officially closed, Hvala has opened a new outlet at Odeon Towers, a mere seven minutes away from City Hall MRT station. It’s sad to see the tea specialty café leave the tranquil and serene location of Chijmes, but its new outlet is incredibly spacious. Choose between regular tables or tatami-style floor seats to savour your drink, then head to the retail space to purchase merchandise, tea leaves, and even matcha powder and accessories if you’d like to try making your own cup of matcha. A new outlet comes with a new menu, and Hvala’s Odeon Towers’ menu features a wide array of savoury dishes alongside the typical matcha desserts. One exciting addition is ochazuke, a Japanese dish where you pour green tea or dashi over cooked rice. Of Hvala’s modest ochazuke options, one standout was the Hvala “Surf & Turf” ($24.90), which comes overloaded with wagyu oyster blade, teriyaki chicken, salmon and scallops. Drench it with the dashi provided, and you’ll find yourself with a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for a rainy day. The scallops and the wagyu are melt-in-your-mouth tender, providing a burst of flavour with every bite. If you’re not a fan of ochazuke, you can get the same toppings either with soba or in a sandwich. We tried the soba with teriyaki chicken ($17.90), which is topped with a gooey onsen egg and genmai furikake. We recommend mixing everything in to get the most flavour out of this dish – even so, you might find yo

After multiple pop-ups in Singapore, Bakery 1946, also known as Suhyeongdang, has finally opened a permanent outlet on our sunny island. Located in Suntec City Tower 3, the bakery not only sells bread, but also innovative drinks like the blue sky cream latte ($7.90) and black sesame latte (from $7.30). There is also a seating area further inside the bakery for you to enjoy your buns and drinks, making it an ideal spot to chill after strolling around Suntec City (and we all know how big that mall is). If anyone’s going to Bakery 1946, they’re going for its unique buns shaped like fruits and vegetables. One viral sensation is the K-apple bun, which resembles the actual fruit and is stuffed with cream cheese, apple puree, and apple chunks. We’ve tried it before at Bakery 1946’s previous pop-ups but had to give it another go, and were pleasantly surprised by how well the apple puree and cream cheese blend together to create a sweet but tangy filling. It will have you longing for seconds. Other standouts include the carrot bread ($3.90) and the whole chestnut bread ($3.90). These look impressively like their namesakes, and have carrot and chestnut fillings that blend savoury and sweet flavours without leaving an overwhelming aftertaste. We went in fully expecting to love the garlic manju ($3.90). A bun shaped like a clove of garlic, it’s one of the more popular picks next to the K-apple bread. Regrettably, we were not fans. The bread was dense and tough to chew, not helped by th

Long-standing pretzel shop Auntie Anne’s has opened a café at Jurong Point, making it its first-ever café in Singapore. Auntie Anne’s first arrived on our shores in 1996, selling delicious soft pretzels with cinnamon sugar ($3.80) and parmesan cheese ($3.80). Decked out in its signature blue and white colour scheme, Auntie Anne’s Café has ample seating, including counter seats and small booths, so you can dig into a warm pretzel immediately after it's made instead of having to find a spot around the mall to enjoy it. The café expands the original menu with inclusions like pretzel dogs (from $4.40), pretzel pizzas ($5.90), and pretzel sandwiches ($5.90). Expect the same chewy pretzels you know and love but jazzed up with newfangled ingredients like smoky BBQ ham ($5.90) toppings or turkey salsa, chicken and sausage ($5.90) stuffings. Besides savouries, dig into the new pretzel pops (from $4.40), which are bite-sized pretzels dusted with either cinnamon sugar or doused in cream and Oreo bits. The café also offers ice cream ($4.40/scoop), a first at Auntie Anne’s, with flavours like cookies and cream, salted speculoos, and dark chocolate. We’d recommend adding a scoop of ice cream to the pretzel pops for a more indulgent dessert experience. Find out more about Auntie Anne’s Café here.

The hilarious Atsuko Okatsuka will be making her return to Singapore this month with a brand new 90-minute standup set. This is part of her Full Grown tour, which she will be taking worldwide, including the Philippines, Canada, and Australia. Look forward to hilarious anecdotes drawn from Atsuko’s life experiences in Taiwan, Japan, and now, Los Angeles. The comedienne released her debut standup special, The Intruder, in 2022, which was awarded the Best Debut Special of 2022 by the New York Times, Vulture, and Variety. Atsuko was awarded a spot on Variety’s 10 Comics to Watch for 2022, and was also featured on shows like History Of The World PT. 11 and The Show Next Door With Randall Park. Purchase your tickets from Sistic quick as her July 23 show is already sold out.

The annual Goodman Open House is back again this year, this time bigger and better than ever. With over 100 different arts programmes, open studios, a pop-up market and an outdoor screening of the Barbie movie, expect an array of day and night activities at Goodman Arts Centre, Singapore’s largest arts enclave. Unleash your inner artist and partake in a variety of workshops, such as transforming your old t-shirts into a vibrant piece of wearable art by using indigo dye at Felix Nai’s Fermented Clothing workshop. Try your hand at painting various Turkish floral motifs using gouache paints with Swayam Folkart Painting’s artist Swati Palekar, or check out in Artefakts’ linocut printmaking workshop, where you can carve a design of your choice onto a lino block surface and print it onto Japanese washi paper. Don’t miss out on the wide array of free performances, as well as the ART-venture trail where you can stand a chance to take home exclusive Goodman Open House merchandise when you visit at least 5 out of 8 stops in the trail. As an added bonus, Time Out readers get to enjoy 20 percent off all paid programmes and workshops – simply enter the promo code “TIMEOUT20” before checking out. Goodman Open House 2024 will be happening on June 22, from 10am to 10pm. Find out more here.

Beloved Korean bagel shop B For Bagel set foot in Singapore in 2022, opening its first outlet at Tanglin Mall. Since then, the brand has opened up two new outlets, one at Great World, and most recently, Parkway Parade. B For Bagel is known for its unique bagel sandwiches that range from sweet to savoury, including flavours such as the milk cream cloud bagel ($8.30), and the Korean-inspired bulgogi ($16.90). You can also purchase the bagels on their own, including the classic sesame ($3.90), or perhaps even the cinnamon orange bagel ($5.20) if you’re looking to try new flavours. Besides bagels, the eatery has also become known for its various pop-ups selling viral foods, such as the Korean 10 won pancake (which is back again at the Parkway Parade and Great World outlets). Currently, the bagel shop is serving up Korean “cracking lattes” ($7.90), where the plastic cup is lined with a thin layer of chocolate before the drink is added. You then squeeze your cup lightly, causing the chocolate layer to crack and mix with your drink – hence the name. B For Bagel offers four flavours: matcha, chocolate, coffee, and dirty matcha (additional $1). You can get the popular cracking lattes at B For Bagel’s Tanglin Mall outlet now, and at Great World and Parkway Parade from June 8, 2024 onwards.

There’s no shortage of bakeries on our sunny island, but it definitely doesn’t hurt to add one more to the list – especially when the bread is so dang good. This bakery isn’t easy to find either, as it’s hidden behind one of the adorable little blue doors along Bukit Pasoh Road. Head up the stairs and you’ll find Anatta Bakery and Specialty Grocer, which is run by the same folks at Anatta Culinary Academy. The bakery serves up freshly-baked bread, such as anpan (red bean, $2.60), custard buns ($2.60), and Japanese shokupan (white bread, $4.20). As Japanese flour is used, you can expect fluffy buns with a hint of sweetness that complements its fillings. Try the curry bun ($3.20), a perfect midday snack with a spicy and rich curry filling enveloped in a soft bun. The pain au chocolat ($3.80) also has more of a bun-like texture as opposed to the typical flaky croissant, which we were pleasantly surprised by. The result: a sweet and delicious treat that does not feel greasy or overly indulgent. Dining in is possible at the bakery’s one table and two chairs, but we recommend ordering your bread to-go – don’t worry, it’s just as delicious! Besides bread, you can also find a wide variety of snacks, condiments, and dry produce. Look out for pasta, popcorn, and even baby food, with most imported from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. So if you ever find yourself in the area, definitely drop by this quaint bakery and grocer for yummy bread and snacks.

One taste of the delicious beverages and bakes at Goldies will help you understand why Winnie The Pooh was obsessed with honey. Located at Queenstown, this takeaway-only café uses The Rare Honey Company’s 100 percent Pure Raw Australian Honey in its drinks instead of sugar and other artificial sweeteners. Expect to find drinks like honey oat lattes ($9), honeycomb lattes with a chunk of raw honeycomb ($9), and the non-caffeinated wildflower honey lemon ($6.50). Honey is also incorporated into Goldies’ bakes as well, offering treats like a lemon honey cheesecake ($9) with a lemon mascarpone whip and thyme crust, as well as warm corn bread with a creamed karri honey ($8) that is light and fluffy.  Goldies also sells jars of honey by The Rare Honey Company, so you can purchase different types of honey ranging from Jarrah honey to wildflower honey with honeycomb. Find out more about Goldies here.

Just say the word and he’ll be there – singer-songwriter Keshi will be making his return to Singapore on March 26, 2025, as part of his upcoming Requiem Tour. The Houston-based musician will be performing at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, a step up from his 2023 Hell/Heaven tour, where he performed at The Star Theatre.  Keshi, born Casey Luong, is best known for his inventive and immersive soundscapes. His EP trilogy, which consists of skeletons, bandaids, and always, earned him a small following back in 2019, with songs like “Drunk” and “2 soon” garnering over 100 million streams on Spotify. Keshi rose to prominence with his debut album, GABRIEL, and was awarded Billboard’s Top New Artist Debut of 2022. Keshi’s latest release, “Say”, has gained over five million streams, and his upcoming album, Requiem, is slated to release on September 13, 2024. General sales will be available on August 2, 2024, 10am onwards via Ticketmaster. However, you can sign up for various presales to increase your chances of securing tickets. Here are the upcoming presales, and how you can sign up for them: Official artiste presale Sign up for the presale on Keshi’s official website by July 28, 2024 to receive a special code. The presale will start on July 29, 2024, from 10am until 11.59pm. Mastercard presale Mastercard cardholders can access an exclusive presale from July 30 to August 1, 2024 when booking through Mastercard’s Priceless website. Live Nation presale Sign up for a free Live Nation membe

Fans of the popular bakery Dona Bakehouse are in luck – the bakery is currently having a pop-up in Singapore, so you don’t have to travel all the way to Johor Bahru this weekend just to have a bite of its signature croissants. The pop-up is held at Wren Café, and will run from now until July 21, 2024, from 8.30am to 4pm daily. For the uninitiated, Dona Bakehouse is known for its wide variety of artisanal croissants and pastries, and you’ll find its bakes sold out by the early afternoon at its JB outlet. So if you’re thinking about heading down to try the pastries, be sure to get there early. Photograph: Dona Bakehouse/Instagram Get your hands on popular menu items like the pistachio rose croissant ($6.80), raspberry blossom cruffin ($5.80), and the bagel with ham, egg, and cheese ($11). However, if you’re heading to the pop-up, you have to get the decadent Ferrero Rocher danish ($6) and the savoury lemongrass chicken pain suisse ($6.80). These two pastries are pop-up exclusives, so grab them before they run out – it’s unlikely they’ll be sold at the JB outlet in the future. Find out more about the pop-up here. READ MORE Krispy Kreme launches limited-time matcha doughnuts and drinks in collaboration with famous Japanese matcha brandThere's a magical cinematic Hermès pop-up in Singapore that tells the story of PegasusNike Orchard Road presents 'Win On Air' experience, featuring two-storey high hologram on store façade

Get ready for a barrel of laughs as Japanese-Taiwanese comedienne Atsuko Okatsuka will make her return to Singapore’s Esplanade Theatre on July 22 and 23 as part of her Full Grown tour. The 90-minute comedy set will feature hilarious anecdotes from her experiences being born in Taiwan, raised in Japan, and her current life in Los Angeles. You may recognise Atsuko Okatsuka from her eccentric fashion sense and haircut, as she’s often wearing bright-coloured clothing, and always rocking the blunt bangs and bowl cut. Atsuko was also the creator of the #DropChallenge during the pandemic, where she stops whatever she’s doing to drop it low to the floor. Her debut standup special, The Intruder, premiered on HBO in December 2022, and went on to win Best Debut Special of 2022 by the New York Times, Vulture, and Variety. Atsuko was nominated for Best Comedian by the Wowie Awards and also earned a spot in Variety’s 10 Comics to Watch for 2022. Tickets have gone on sale, and her July 23 show is already sold out. Don’t worry, as there are still seats available for her July 22 show, so book your tickets now before it’s too late. Find out more about Atsuko Okatsuka and purchase tickets to the Full Grown tour here.

Last year, the Singapore Tourism Board and Disney Cruise Line announced that the Disney Adventure cruise ship will establish a homeport in Singapore, making it the first in Southeast Asia since its first voyage in 1998. The ship will set sail from the Marina Bay Cruise Centre in 2025, and is expected to host about 6,700 passengers and 2,500 crew members. There will be seven themed areas on the ship, with the standout being the Disney Imagination Garden, an outdoor space inspired by the illustrious history of Disney adventures, featuring a gorgeous garden and an open-air performance space. Other themed areas include a water playland inspired by the iconic Toy Story series and a shopping area modelled after Big Hero 6’s San Fransokyo.   Photograph: Disney Cruise Line/Facebook   Look forward to seeing your favourite Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Rapunzel from Tangled, and even Marvel superheroes around the ship. Don’t forget to take pictures with Captain America (just to be clear, not Chris Evans), or challenge Thor to an arm-wrestling competition if you see them! The Disney Adventure cruise ship will also offer a wide variety of entertainment venues including nightclubs, live music lounges, and karaoke rooms. Take a break from the children by pampering yourself at the spa and salon, or make your way to the gym to stay in shape during the three-night-four-day voyage. The Disney Cruise Line has yet to announce exactly when it will set sail and how much the voyage will co

We’re more than halfway through the year at this point, which means it’s time to get ready for the annual Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Singapore. The popular horror event is back again for its 12th edition, spanning over 18 event nights from September 27 to November 2, 2024. This year’s haunted house will be a collaboration with the popular Netflix series, Sweet Home. Sweet Home is a Korean apocalyptic horror series that premiered in December 2020, when it became the first South Korean series to enter Netflix’s Top 10 in the United States. The series released a second season in 2023 and was picked up for a third season which will be released in July. Sweet Home has been praised for its high-quality visual effects and was nominated for the Best Visual Effects award at the 2021 Asian Academy Creative Awards, and Baeksang Arts Awards. Look forward to seeing the terrifying and grotesque monsters come to life at the Sweet Home haunted house, and step into key locations in the Green Home apartment complex, including Cha Hyun-su’s apartment and of course, the basement. Tickets for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights will go on sale on August 13, 2024 on the official Resorts World Sentosa website. You can also sign up for the Halloween Horror Nights 12 mailing list to be the first to receive updates for the event here. READ MORE  Big Wine Freaks is the newest wine bar in town housing 2000 bottles of wine within a funky redecorated shophouseBynd Artisan and Patisserie

Musical lovers sure are in for a treat this year – with Hamilton making its Singapore debut earlier this month, and Miss Saigon coming to our shores in August. Adding to the list of musical performances, SIX the Musical will be coming to Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands this November. SIX the Musical revolves around the lives of Henry VIII’s six wives as they reclaim their narratives through a series of pop-inspired musical numbers. The musical first debuted at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017,  and went on to perform sold out shows at London’s West End. SIX has also won 35 major international awards, including two Tony Awards and even a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theatre Album. Photograph: Pamela Raith SIX has gone on to become a symbol of female empowerment by highlighting the strengths and resilience of Henry VIII’s wives, who are typically overlooked when discussing Henry VIII’s tumultuous reign as King of England. The musical examines themes of female beauty, sexual and emotional abuse, as well as the disunity amongst women, creating a platform for discussions about women and their positions in society. General ticket sales will start on June 10, 2024, via Marina Bay Sands Ticketing, SISTIC, and Klook. However, if you sign up for the waitlist on Base Entertainment Asia’s website, you can access the presale happening from June 7 to 9, 2024, and receive a 10 percent discount. If you’re a UOB cardmember, even better! Cardmembers will receive priority access to t

We’re barely halfway through 2024, and concert announcements for 2025 have already been released. American dream-pop group Cigarettes After Sex will be performing at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in February 3, 2025, making it the third time the group has performed on our sunny island. The group previously played sold-out shows at the Capitol Theatre in 2017 and 2023, and has a huge, dedicated fanbase – and for good reason. Most known for their mesmerising, slowburn pop songs, Cigarettes After Sex’s music often explores themes of love and yearning with a sense of melancholy. Frontman Greg Gonzalez takes his inspiration from his personal relationships and channels it into his music, and this added personal touch creates a sense of intimacy between the group and the listener. This vulnerability and relatability is what helped Cigarettes After Sex rise in popularity, with over 1.8 billion Spotify streams and music features in TV shows like Killing Eve and The Sinner. Mark your calendars and look forward to a mesmerising night filled with hauntingly beautiful songs like “Apocalypse”, “Cry”, and “Sunsetz”. Good thing you can buy drinks to really get in your feelings, right? There will be a Now/Live presale on May 23, 2024, from 10am to 11.59pm. To receive the presale code, you must sign up for Now/Live’s mailing list before 10pm on May 22, 2024. General sales will start on May 24, 2024, from 11am onwards via Sistic. Find out more about Cigarettes After Sex’s upcoming concert on Sis

Fans of The North Face will be happy to know that the outdoor label has returned to Singapore since its closure in 2017, this time with an innovative concept store. Located at VivoCity, the new store features three zones – Performance, Performance-inspired, and Urban Exploration. Photograph: The North Face The Performance and Performance-inspired collections feature gear and apparel suitable for any type of expedition, be it hiking trails or mountain climbing. On the other hand, Urban Exploration combines style and functionality in one, as seen in the new capsule collection titled ‘Urban Wander’. The new collection includes apparel with features like adjustable waistband drawcords and detachable panels that allow you to change up your look and silhouette to fit most occasions. The ‘Urban Wander’ pieces are also water-repellent and lightweight, so you can embark on your outdoor adventures in style. You can also find The North Face’s Summit series for climbers and snow athletes, which is a high-performance collection that includes features like adjustability, reflectivity, and weather resistance that are sure to keep you warm when you’re high up in the mountains. If climbing sheer rock faces or challenging the snowiest peaks is your groove, head straight for The North Face’s Summit series, the brand’s highest-performance collection. It features technical gear with adjustable, reflective, and weather-resistant features to protect you in the most extreme conditions. Not strayin

Goodbyes are always hard, but it’s especially difficult when a beloved café closes. Homeground Coffee Roasters at Teo Hong Road will be closing its doors at the end of April, six years since the café first opened at Joo Chiat. Owners Elysia Tan and Ho Ming Tay have decided to close the café to take a break to reevaluate the Homeground brand moving forward. Homeground first started in 2017 as an online shop that held occasional pop-ups to bring together coffee enthusiasts. The community eventually grew, leading to the opening of its first café at Joo Chiat in 2018. The café moved to Outram Park in 2022 and introduced delectable treats like the Level Up Kaya Toast, consisting of homemade kaya spread on milk bread, served with sous vide eggs and French butter. Alongside the café, Homeground also introduced the Playground – a brew bar where coffee enthusiasts could try their hand at brewing various coffees with a variety of equipment. While Homeground Coffee Roasters will be closing down, the roastery at Kim Chuan Drive as well as its online store will remain open. The owners also ensured patrons that this is not the end for the café, but rather the start of a new beginning as they work on realigning the Homeground brand to their new vision. To celebrate the closure with a bang, Homeground Coffee Roasters is currently collaborating with Bird Bird by Artichoke, and will be serving up delicious Thai food to pair with Homeground’s signature coffees. Stop by during lunch and dinner t

Most folks would probably know Little Shop of Horrors from the 1986 film, which was a musical-movie adaptation of the off-Broadway musical that was an adaptation of the 1960 film – whew, that was confusing. For those who are not familiar, Little Shop of Horrors follows the story of Seymour, a florist on Skid Row, whose discovery of a mysterious plant he names Audrey II after his crush, Audrey, brings newfound success to his struggling flower shop. However, as Audrey II has an insatiable appetite for human flesh, Seymour grapples with a moral dilemma: continue feeding the plant to maintain his prosperity, or find a way to stop its murderous rampage before it’s too late. It tells the timeless tale of ambition and desire in a comedic and engaging manner, offering catchy rock tunes with darker undertones. Songs like Feed Me capture this essence, with Audrey II justifying murder to Seymour amid an irresistibly snappy beat. Director TJ Taylor’s iteration largely embraces this juxtaposition, preserving the essence of the original Little Shop of Horrors. Photograph: Poh Yu Khing This production features a star-studded cast, featuring award-winning actor Andrew Marko as Seymour, powerhouse vocalist Vanessa Kee as Audrey, and founder of Honey Queen Production, Honey Gluttony, voicing Audrey II. TJ Taylor also takes on the role of Mr Mushnik – the very same role that initially propelled him into the world of musical theatre back in 2006. The cast embodies their characters in the best

There are three more long weekends this year, which is your cue to start planning a refreshing getaway from the city. And if you’re not yet playing the miles game, let us tell you that there’s nothing more satisfying than redeeming a free flight or upgrade. That’s where the UOB Lady’s Card comes in. One of the first lady’s cards in Southeast Asia, it’s now in its 35th year. To celebrate, UOB has relaunched the card with a fresh new design, new benefits, and exclusive regional deals – perfect for the shopaholic travellers among us. Earn up to 10 miles per dollar The new UOB Lady’s card has an attractively high earn rate. At baseline, you can earn up to 10x UNI$ (that’s about four miles per dollar) for every five dollars spent in your chosen rewards category, no minimum spend required. Categories include fashion, dining, travel, beauty, and more, and you’re free to change up your preferred category every quarter. Outside your rewards category, you still get UNI$1 for every five bucks spent. Here’s where things get supercharged. You can earn up to 25X UNI$ for every five dollars spent if you’re a UOB Lady’s Card holder and have a UOB Lady’s Savings Account – that’s equivalent to 10 miles per dollar. Basically, UOB rewards you with bonus UNI$ based on the monthly average balance in your savings account. You just need at least $10,000 saved, with more UNI$ bonus awarded the more you park in the account (see table below).  Photograph: UOB It's not just about the miles There are o

K-pop fans are in for a treat this year, with popular groups and artists like IU, NCT Dream, and Aespa scheduled to perform in Singapore. To add on to the ever-growing list of concerts happening on our sunny island, Hwasa will be performing at The Star Theatre on June 22, 2024, as part of her first fan concert tour, titled Twits – a nod to both her solo debut single and affectionate nickname for her fans.  The powerhouse vocalist first debuted as part of renowned girl group Mamamoo, where she gained popularity due to her unique vocals, spirited personality, and unwavering confidence. Since then, she has gone on to launch her solo career, with her debut single Twit topping South Korean Gaon’s (now known as Circle Chart) music charts in the top three categories – Gaon Digital, Gaon Download, and Gaon Streaming. Hwasa’s successful solo debut has also led her to win the esteemed Best Solo Artist Award at the Golden Disc Awards, and Best Dance Performance Solo at the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA). Jam out to your favourite hits by Hwasa including Maria, Physical, and I Love My Body at Twits. Besides Singapore, the singer will also be performing in Seoul, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Tickets are priced from $138 to $268, and will be available for purchase on April 19, 2024, at noon via Ticketmaster. READ MORE The best music concerts and festivals in SingaporeKorean singer-actress IU will be performing in Singapore as part of her H.E.R. World TourDecommissioned SMRT train carriage is bei