The best things to do in Singapore this May

Hiroshi Sugimoto’s first major Southeast Asian solo exhibition lands at the Singapore Art Museum. Titled Form is Emptiness, the showcase features over 60 works and fossils tracing five decades of his career. Inspired by the Five Elements of Buddhist philosophy, the gallery is arranged like a mandala, encouraging a continuous, looping exploration of time and metaphysics. Beyond his iconic black–and–white photography of theatres and seascapes, the exhibition highlights Sugimoto’s expansion into sculpture, large–scale installations, and architectural design. Do not miss the magnificent Brush Impression, Heart Sutra (2023), a curved wall featuring 288 silver calligraphy prints. It is a profound dive into the Tokyo–born artist’s fascination with the deep past and the void.

Experience the deepest depths of the sea at Science Centre Singapore’s One Ocean: Every Action Ripples. Created in collaboration with the Tara Ocean Foundation, this multisensory exhibition uses technology and research to reveal the hidden worlds of the deep blue. Across 10 immersive zones, you can explore 360–degree projections, free–roaming VR, and spatial soundscapes. The highlight is the 7 Wonders of the Ocean installation, where you can witness whale migrations and bioluminescent marine life. Other features include a replica of the Tara Polar Station and a VR exploration of how ecosystems like mangroves manage the carbon cycle. It is a captivating look at how the vast ocean acts as the Earth’s heartbeat and connects us all.

The godfathers of synth, Kraftwerk, bring their acclaimed Multimedia Tour to The Star Theatre on May 8, 2026. Formed in 1970, the Düsseldorf pioneers rewired modern music with robotic vocals and computerised rhythms, influencing everyone from Daft Punk to The Weeknd. Following a triumphant global tour, Ralf Hütter and the ensemble will perform hits from iconic albums like Autobahn and Computer World. The show is a sensory experience, pairing their electronic sounds with the stunning 3D visuals that first debuted at New York’s MoMA. Tickets go on sale via Ticketmaster starting December 11, with various presales for Mastercard and Live Nation members. It is a rare chance to catch these electronic legends in a fittingly immersive venue.

Breakout rapper Hanumankind, the voice behind the viral global hit "Big Dawgs," is heading to Singapore on May 13 at the Foochow Building. The Houston–raised artist has become a meteoric force in global hip hop, blending Southern rap influences with Indian sonic textures. Following heavyweight collaborations and a track for Netflix’s Squid Game, he is touring in support of his debut mixtape, Monsoon Season. The Foochow Building provides the perfect club–energy setting for his notoriously high–octane live performances. Fans can sign up for the presale now to secure early–bird prices. Catch him in this intimate venue before he moves on to even bigger global stages – it is a mosh–pit–ready show you won't want to miss.

The Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre presents its annual Cultural Extravaganza, a month–long showcase of the local Chinese arts scene. This year’s edition features several debut productions, including Master White Dragon, a theatrical comedy directed by Goh Boon Teck about a DJ mistaken for a reincarnation. Another highlight is Moonlit Lovers of the Durian Grove, an original musical that gives a forbidden romance a magical, local twist. The programme also includes collaborations between The Teng Ensemble and Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre, alongside concerts by the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. Most events are Culture Pass SG eligible, offering a dynamic look at how traditional art forms are evolving through music, dance, and theatre in Singapore today.

Did you know that the blue is actually a shade that’s uncommonly found in flowers? Witness as the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay transforms into a gorgeous and sprawling landscape of rare sapphires with Blue Beauties. And what better way to celebrate these unique floral specimens than a journey through Türkiye, where the bright turquoise hue is woven into its history. The showcase features a sea of dianthus, zebra hollyhocks and blue hydrangeas that frame intricate Iznik tiles and pottery. Standing tall at the centre of the horticulture presentation are replicas of Istanbul’s architectural icons, from the Topkapi Palace to the Maiden’s Tower, an ancient structure that lies on the coast of Üsküdar.

Beatlemania is hitting the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands this May, bringing the peak era of the Fab Four back to life. Beatlemania on Tour is a theatrical concert experience featuring flashy costumes and replicas of the band's original instruments. Fans of all ages can sing along to timeless classics like "Hey Jude," "Yellow Submarine," and "Here Comes the Sun." With shows on May 15 and 16, the two–hour performance celebrates the enduring impact of the British quartet. It is a nostalgic, unifying experience that ensures the spirit of the Fab Four continues to twist and shout.