ICYMI: February wrap-up

Film buff or nah, Sergei Parajanov’s filmography is worth checking out. The late Armenian director is known to be an inspiration to modern pop culture icons like Lady Gaga and Madonna, and even has fans in Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola and Yves Saint Laurent. His films are described as surreal, striking and fantastical, often weaving South Caucasus folklore and myths into his stories. They’re vivid portrayals of the cultures and traditions of Ukrainian, Armenian and Azerbaijani, among others. And in honour of the auteur’s centennial anniversary, Asian Film Archive brings together an extensive showcase of his work in Southeast Asia. The lineup features classics like Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (1965) and Ashik Kerib (1988), and rare experimental short films. There’s also a double bill screening of Andriesh (1954) and Golden Hands (1957).

The programme is accompanied by exclusive sessions with guest curator Daniel Bird, who helped work on the restoration of Parajanov’s 1969 sensation, The Colour of Pomegranates. These sessions include live audio-visual performances of rare outtakes from the film.

In this larger-than-life artwork taking over the National Gallery’s Padang Atrium, contemporary Thai artist Navin Rawanchaikul captures the dynamic and passionate cultures and lives that make up the diverse Singaporean community. Following a year-long engagement with migrant workers, indigenous groups and faith organisations, the artist’s revelations and discoveries are translated into spectacular billboard paintings, video interviews and a travelogue that celebrates their vibrant stories and voices.

The showcase is supported by an enriching two-part programme that highlights the people who have inspired the installation. Join in on fireside chats with the artist to explore behind the scenes and the empowering migrant stories. Singaporama Unfolded Part I centres on Kaugnay, an organisation for Filipina domestic workers, and its fabulous Trashion Show, while Part II traces the history of migration in Singapore. The latter presents a performance of a traditional Indian folk dance by Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) Ambassadors, alongside a discussion on identity, community and collaboration.

VERSE 2026 spotlights local literature, inviting audiences to experience it in new ways by blending text, sound, movement and visual art. The festival features over 15 programmes and two commissioned works, bringing together more than 18 partners to reimagine how literature can be enjoyed. 

A luminous outdoor installation invites audiences to interact with letters “bumping” into each other, allowing visitors to rearrange alphabet blocks to form words and phrases. The festival also features captivating theatre performances, and a conversation series where six pairs of emerging writers and musicians engage in creative dialogues, including Jean Seizure, Wen-yi Lee and more. While there, explore video screenings, paintings on display, and a curated selection of art and lifestyle titles at the bookshop pop-up on Fridays and Saturdays.

It’s the 10th edition of Light to Night Singapore, and there’s much to look forward to at this mega art festival. This year, the Civic District transforms into a living canvas over four weekends, with art installations centering around the theme The Power in Us. There’ll be light projection mappings on the surrounding buildings, roving performances, live choir singing performances, art tours, and food-theme experiences. 

This year also features the debut of the new series Santai, inspired by the Malay word “to relax”. There will be five gathering points at the Padang, Empress Lawn, Front Lawn at The Arts House, ACM Green and Esplanade Park. One highlight to look forward to is the Gathering on the Lawn installation by Taiwanese artist Michael Lin, where participants can light their path with beautiful batik-inspired designed paper lantern bags.

Here’s a fact: Rasa Space is going all out for its one-year anniversary. As part of its ongoing birthday festivities, everyone’s invited to this cosmic party in collaboration with Sivilian Affairs. The latest edition of Celestial Seasonings marks the Singapore debut of Chilean DJ and producer Shanti Celeste. The London-based artist and founder of indie record label Peach Disc will be shaking up the dancefloor with her effortless mix of house, techno and ambient soundscapes. Expect dreamy textures and immersive melodies that’ll transport you to outer space. Meanwhile, keeping things busy and in control at the Hall are returning local favourites Sivanesh, Maurice Simon and Daytime Dancing. It’s a night of otherworldly music, guaranteed.

Five women, over 50 artworks and one shared mission. This exhibition brings Southeast Asian artists Amanda Heng (Singapore), Dolorosa Sinaga (Indonesia), Imelda Cajipe-Endaya (Philippines), Nirmala Dutt (Malaysia) and Phaptawan Suwannakudt (Thailand) to display their work together in Singapore for the very first time. But more than just an art showcase, Fear No Power is a space to have a conversation about meaningful change and the artists’ decades-long commitment to it. Featuring photography, paintings, sculptures and performances that date all the way back to the 1960s, this multidisciplinary exhibition examines the concept of communal world-building across the region and what it means to forge a community. Every piece of work is an intimate and powerful reflection deeply rooted in care, collaboration and resistance.

You’re in for a good time and a good time only as RIOT! returns for another night of rambunctious fun at the Hard Rock Café. Singapore’s only regular drag revue is hosted by none other than drag royalty Becca D’Bus, who will be accompanied by a crew of fabulous divas. On the roster is a mix of new talent and familiar faces. Be introduced to Anitta Dolla Rose, Chio Bussy, Folly Edge, Leigh Lomo and The Other Kind as they each take to the stage to show off and impress. Backing the up-and-coming queens are longtime legends Kak Nina Boo and Tiara Sorrel, two icons and seasoned entertainers who will command the night with their endless confidence and humour. Things are about to get messy, loud, campy and wonderfully unhinged – but in the best way possible.

Are you up for a truly mindblowing orchestral evening? Then, strap in ’cause you’re about to experience some serious solo mastery and dazzling symphonic power in a single sitting. For one night only, the Orchestra of the Music Makers, helmed by Music Director Chan Tze Law, will fill the room at Esplanade Concert Hall with a captivating performance of two monumental works of the 20th century. The two-hour-long concert opens with the main star of the night, Haochen Zhang, who will take on Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3. Famously known to be hard to play, it’s an intricate and fiercely intense piece that builds into big, dramatic, emotional moments, which the award-winning pianist will bring to life. The night will close out with a sweeping and cinematic rendition of Walton’s Symphony No. 1.

If you enjoy Black Mirror, escape rooms and interactive theatre, then this might be right up your alley. In this one-of-a-kind, immersive experience, you’re welcomed to a not-so-distant fictional (or is it?) future where sleep has been optimised and revolutionised through cutting-edge technology. It’s all thanks to SomniTech and its promising Brain-Computer Interface. But here lies the problem: participants who have enrolled in its clinical trial seemed to have never woken up or exited the programme. And to make matters worse, the scientist behind the entire experience has vanished without a trace. So now it’s up to you and your friends to help uncover the truth. With the help of cryptic clues, your team will have to solve puzzles and crack the code to escape from this nightmare, or you might just get trapped in the system.

This 50-minute choose-your-own-adventure experience is an adaptation of Singaporean writer Victor Fernando R Ocampo’s sci-fi odyssey, The Book of Red Shadows, which debuted at the 2020 Singapore Writers Festival.

Little India turns up the heat with vibrant festivities at the Indian Heritage Centre across two lively weekends. Immerse yourself in the energy of live cultural performances, catch pottery demonstrations in action, and watch seniors come together to hand-paint pongal pots – a meaningful expression of community and togetherness.

There is also no shortage of hands-on activities that are suitable for visitors of every age, from creating pulli kolam designs to crafting pongal charm keychains. Round off the experience with interactive games that celebrate the richness of Indian culture.

The popular flea market at Aperia Mall is back for its first event of 2026. This time, it’s bigger and better, featuring booths from local thrift stores, creative brands and loads more. Expect dreamy vintage pieces, Y2K treasures, unique jewellery, crochet accessories and nothing less. You’ll even get the chance to browse a curated selection of your favourite influencer’s wardrobe. Meanwhile, home fragrance brand Apricot & Co. will offer a range of unconventional scents, such as matcha latte perfumes and candles inspired by cereal.

Aside from all that shopping, there are also free all-day jagua tattoo services to get matching ink designs with your bestie and Peanuts-inspired caricature keychains up for grabs. Otherwise, you can even pencil in a tarot card reading session to get a bit more clarity on what this year might have in store for you.

Fine dining meets Indian cuisine at Shikar Singapore, where traditional flavours are paired with innovative techniques. From now until the end of February, the restaurant is offering a special 1-for-1 promotion for its Celebration Menu curated by award-winning Chef Jolly, who was formerly a judge on MasterChef India. Pamper your taste buds with a three-course meal that’s bursting with rich flavour, spice and all things mouth-watering and tasty. Choose from a quartet of starters that range from sweet potato to tiger prawns and duck skewers, before indulging in the main event. For vegetarians, take comfort in the curd cheese kofta, while others can enjoy roasted chicken, seabass, or lamb sukka served with a contemporary Shikar twist. Each dish comes with unlimited servings of basmati rice, housemade butter naan and daal. Of course, the gastronomic experience won’t be complete without a sweet treat. You get to pick between a milk cake or crispy crêpes to round out your meal. We don’t know about you, but it sounds delicious from start to end.

If part of your New Year’s resolutions is to switch up your style and make more eco-conscious decisions, then this indoor thrift market lets you do both at once. Remix By Fleawhere brings together a wide range of fashionable preloved items, from clothing to bags and accessories, that all deserve a second chance at life. Beyond the racks, you’ll also discover upcycled homeware, handmade trinkets and goods, plus other eco-conscious and sustainable creations to bring home. Take your time browsing for a unique and unexpected find, or, you could also rent a booth to pass on your own pieces to others.

How much do you really know about lion dance, apart from the loud drums and colourful costumes? Find out more about the history and heritage behind lion dance at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre’s vibrant exhibition just in time for Chinese New Year. The exhibition showcases over 50 artefacts, including rare lion head designs in Hainan and Fujian styles. You’ll also be able to learn more about different lion dance styles, local lion dance troupes, and lion dance culture in Singapore today. Admission to the exhibition is free.

Dopamine Land is a multisensory experience like no other. The pop-up installation that’s previously toured in cities like London, Madrid, Dubai, and Brisbane has made its way to Resorts World Sentosa’s Weave. The Singapore edition features nine interactive rooms, each with a different play theme to boost your dopamine levels. Discover rooms like The Cushion Clash for pillow-fighting fun, Chromadance to show off your moves, or ScribbleSpace where you unleash your creativity through doodling.

Whether you’re team HUNTR/X or Saja Boys, this pop-up based on the popular Netflix animated movie Kpop Demon Hunters will definitely unite fans from both sides. The event is more than just your chance to get exclusive merch. Look forward to immersive installations that’ll transport you straight into iconic scenes from the film. Think set recreations and interactive elements that’ll bring the demon-slaying world and its characters to life for the very first time. 

It’s a classic love story, with some (read: a lot) of Disney magic. Join your favourite characters Belle and the Beast, alongside their enchanted castle friends Lumière, Mrs. Potts, Cogsworth and others for this brand-new stage reimagining of the beloved 1991 animated movie. The latest production features upgraded sets and new costume designs, infused with creative, cutting-edge technology. Enjoy and move along to all the nostalgic songs by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, including “Belle”, “Gaston”, and of course, the iconic “Be Our Guest”.

Discover unexpected artworks embedded within familiar, everyday settings at the Singapore Biennale, which makes an ambitious return this year under the evocative title, 'pure intention'. The contemporary arts festival invites audiences to explore the duality of Singapore’s layered urban story, in which both meticulous urban planning coexists with serendipitous surprises.

This year’s edition features over 100 new and existing artworks, which are situated across the Civic District, Orchard Road, the Rail Corridor, and the SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark. The artworks on display are not just visual – some are also immersive, interactive, and multi-sensorial, such as Taiwanese artist Huang Po-Chih's Momocha, featuring a series of kombucha flavours, to Filipino artist Eisa Jocson's The Filipino Superwoman X H.O.M.E. Karaoke Living Room, which transforms a shop unit into a space reminiscent of a Filipino living room.

Step into the surreal world of Skullpanda at the Skullpanda Cage-Uncage Showcase, an immersive, thought-provoking exhibition making its Singapore stop at the National Museum of Singapore. Fans of the cult-favourite Pop Mart figurines will be able to wander through six themed, interactive zones, including several that are exclusive to Singapore – each an introspective exploration of identity, choices, and contradictions. After the showcase, head to the accompanying pop-up store, which is stocked with limited-edition merchandise available only to ticketholders. Tickets for the showcase, which runs until February 22, range from $14 to $36.

Step into a radical vision of the future at the ArtScience Museum, where Another World Is Possible is on display from September 13, 2025 to February 22, 2026. The exhibition presents a distinctly Singaporean perspective on what lies ahead, emphasising environmental pragmatism, careful planning and a sense of responsibility for the world to come. This ethos is reflected throughout the exhibition’s architecture, design and artworks.

Highlights include pieces by filmmaker and speculative architect Liam Young, alongside works from both international and local creatives such as Björk, Torlarp Larpjaroensook, Osbourne Macharia, Ong Kian Peng, Jakob Kudsk Steensen, Ming Wong and others, offering a thought-provoking exploration of how art and design imagine possible futures.

Mahjong, congkak, Go...there innumerable Asian games we're sure are part of your fondest childhood memories. This September, the Asian Civilisations Museum is exhibiting Let's Play! The Art and Design of Asian Games, which takes a look at how these games, whether sporty or strategic, have evolved and shaped communities and traditions over time. Explore more than 150 games, and actually try them out at interactive installations. There'll be fun outdoor set-ups and talks and programmes throughout the exhibitions long run, too (until June 7, 2026). 

Wax sculptor Janie Korn debuts in Singapore with Cirque Korn, a charmingly surreal exhibition at Heartware Store & Gallery. Known for her whimsical carvings – featured in The New York Times, Vogue and Refinery29 – the New York-born, London-based artist transforms circus nostalgia into candle sculptures bursting with personality. Look out for dancing poodles, can-can girls, clown bears and a towering acrobat totem, all rendered in Korn’s playful, slightly off-kilter style. As part of the run, she’ll host an intimate one-night-only artist sharing session, offering insight into her creative process, her love of wax and the stories behind her eccentric characters. Limited seats mean booking early is a must.

Kopitiam culture takes the spotlight at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre’s Brewing Nostalgia, a regional photo showcase by award-winning travel writer-photographer Lester V. Ledesma. The exhibition features 24 evocative black-and-white images captured across Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, tracing the shared rituals of old-school coffee shops.

From Tanglin Halt’s Peking Room and Penang’s iconic Kek Seng to Bangkok’s Suriya Coffee, the photos reveal warm, intimate slices of everyday life. The project marks SCCC’s first collaboration with the Malaysian and Thai embassies, celebrating 60 years of diplomatic ties. 

Step into the world of PAC-MAN at Southeast Asia’s first and largest carnival dedicated to the classic arcade game. The immersive carnival, which celebrates 45 years of the gaming icon, features a record-breaking life-sized PAC-MAN maze where players dodge characters like Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde. And that’s not all – there will also be arcade games, carnival booths, themed rides, free-play zones, exclusive merch, and even a special New Year’s Eve countdown event complete with fireworks. Get your tickets here.