The best things to do in Singapore this May

After touring the world in cities like Berlin, Melbourne, and Toronto, the immersive dinosaur-themed exhibition Jurassic World: The Experience is roaring its way into Singapore and taking over Gardens by the Bay’s Cloud with hyper-realistic dinosaur animatronics, reconstructions of verdant prehistoric landscapes, and interactive snippets throughout. Transport yourself back to ancient times with the Evolution Walk experience, where you can trace the history of how the Earth’s ecosystem has evolved over time through realistic replicas of vegetation that now no longer exists. Amidst the shrubbery are life-sized dinosaur sculptures, from frightening predators like Velociraptors in mid-attack, to gentle giants like the 8.5-metre-tall Brachiosaurus. There’s also going to be a petting zoo where you can coo over cute little baby dinosaurs in a face-to-face interaction session, but hold your horses before you get any ideas – you can't keep them as pets in Singapore. You’ll also be able to spot iconic scenes from the Jurassic Park blockbuster franchise which has been running since 1993. 

Jurassic World: The Experience opens in Singapore on May 29, 2025 and will run for an unspecified limited period of time. Find out more and join the waitlist here.

There’s theatre, and then there’s Shakespeare in the Park. Singapore's largest outdoor theatre experience doesn't just stage the Bard's timeless tales – it brings them to life so epically that it could only be done on the greens and under the open sky. From May 7, Fort Canning Park transforms into a battleground of ambition, power, and betrayal, with Ghafir Akbar leading the charge as Macbeth. It’s set to be an evening of Shakespearean drama with a futuristic plot twist – think social media, capitalism, and the ruthless race to the top, all feeding the flames of tragedy. Tickets start from $68, and if you're bringing your friends, grab an extra ticket for free when you buy five. Or enjoy this Time Out exclusive: save 15 percent when you book the Picnic category for Sunday performances on May 11 and 18 here.

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There are movie nights, and then there’s Hendrick’s Sunset Cinema. Returning to Tanjong Beach, Sentosa from May 8 to 25, this much-loved alfresco film fest is more than just a screening – it’s a full-blown beachside bash. Think balmy sea breeze, sunset-soaked skies, golden-hour cocktails, live DJ sets, and a carefully curated lineup of award-winning films, including The Substance, Conclave, Wicked, and more. As the sun dips, grab a drink, settle into your deckchair, and pop on a pair of state-of-the-art wireless headphones for a Silent Disco-esque movie experience – no mid-movie chatter, just crisp surround sound. Tickets are $44.80 – get yours now before they’re all sold out.

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Get ready for the next big hit: The Phantom of the Opera, arriving at Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands in May 2025. This rendition of The Phantom of the Opera is part of its international tour, which will take the production across Asia throughout 2025. The film is adapted from Gaston Leroux's Le Fantôme de l'Opéra, and tells the eerie story of a reclusive, disfigured musical genius living in the catacombs of the Paris Opera House. Obsessed with Christine, a talented young soprano, the Phantom becomes her secret tutor and falls in love with her. However, Christine's heart belongs to Raoul, leading to a dramatic conflict as the Phantom’s obsession turns to jealousy, triggering chaos and tragedy within the opera house. For more information, visit the musical’s official webpage here.

The Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre’s flagship festival is back from May 9 to June 7, and you’re invited to celebrate the city’s rich Chinese arts and culture with a vibrant mix of theatre, dance, music, and immersive experiences. Highlights include a theatrical culinary showdown between a traditional dad and his modern son, a mesmerising dance and art installation, and orchestral performances that will stir your soul. The little ones won’t miss out either, with a variety of family-friendly programmes. With both ticketed and free events, there’s something for everyone, from culture vultures to music and theatre fans.

'90s kids will be most familiar with The Click Five, an all-boy band that rose to prominence in the early 2000s with their catchy hits and boy-next-door charm. Known for tracks like Just the Girl, Catch Your Wave, and Jenny, the band became a staple on teen playlists and MTV countdowns. This year, the American pop-rock band has reunited, and is headed to Singapore for a two-night-only performance on May 6 and 7, 2025, at the Capitol Theatre. Tickets and details can be found via Ticketmaster.

Renowned Italian artist Giulia Bernadelli, famed for turning coffee spills and food into works of art, is teaming up with the MINT Museum of Toys for a one-day-only workshop. Learn how to spill, swirl and paint using coffee as you create your piece to take home. That’s not all – there’ll be an installation of L’Aperitivo, a series of edible artworks by Giulia, alongside a special curation of Italian wines. Don’t miss the live painting performance where Giulia brings childhood favourites and classic Singapore toys to life through her paintings. Find out more here. 

Girls' Generation's leader returns to the solo stage with a highly-anticipated Asia tour in 2025. Taeyeon, regarded as one of the most skilled vocalists in K-pop, kicked things off with a three-day sold-out show at Korea's KSPO Dome this March. She most recently performed in Taipei and will soon head to the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, China, Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong. Initial reviews have been nothing but good, praising Taeyeon's intricate sets, commanding stage presence, and (of course) her incredible gem of a voice. Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster of a concert, with Taeyeon going through angelic tracks like Heaven, fierce bangers like Cold as Hell, and playful songs like Why. 

The beloved Tulipmania returns to the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay with dozens of beautiful tulips from Türkiye. Last year’s edition featured more than 54,000 tulips across over 20 varieties, including the unique double late tulips and purple circus tulips. Charming farmhouses, a windmill, and a watermill were also part of the set-up, so here’s hoping that this year’s display will be just as beautiful. Find out more about Tulipmania 2025.

Though only 60 years young, Singapore boasts a vibrant tapestry of cultures and stories. Taking place from May 1 to 25, the Singapore HeritageFest 2025 celebrates this rich heritage with over 100 engaging programmes – think craft workshops, immersive walking trails, interactive exhibitions and more. Highlights include a brand-new theatrical production that mixes traditional Chinese opera, modern getai and contemporary music, as well as hands-on craft sessions where you can try your hand at tea brewing, lantern making and the art of calligraphy. More details can be found here. 

This year’s vOilah! France Singapore Festival celebrates 60 years of bilateral relations between France and Singapore. Look out for the various exhibitions happening including The Trees of Paris, City SingaPOP, Utopian Drama, Two Rivers and City of Others highlighting the cultural exchanges between both countries. French and Singaporean artists will also hold live theatrical performances, comedy shows, and musical productions. Find out more here.