The best things to do in Singapore this May

Join a specially curated bar hop experience organised by Time Out Singapore and Pernod Ricard in partnership with Perrier. On May 29 and 30, you’ll get to explore three of the hottest bars in Singapore each night and taste three cocktails – while staying hydrated and drinking responsibly. The featured cocktails are crafted with Pernod Ricard spirits and Perrier, and are only available during this Hydration Hop. The selected bars range from trendy joints like White Shades, Neon Pigeon and Spectre, as well as timeless classics in the bar scene like Atlas, Smoke & Mirrors, and the Lobby Lounge at Intercontinental Singapore. There will also be bar bites, a free $20 Ryde transport voucher for your journey home, and limited-edition Time Out goodie bags. Find out more here and sign up here.

Frida Kahlo, the world-renowned Mexican painter, needs no introduction. Regarded as one of the most influential female artists of the 20th century, she is celebrated for her self-portraits that delve into themes of identity and the human body.

There will be three different segments with nine spaces filled with 360-degree projections, interactive installations, photographs, and films. You’ll be able to trace her artistic journey, starting from her early years as a young girl. The show will also touch on her medical journey – one that isn’t widely discussed about. There’ll also be virtual reality experiences for you to truly step into her shoes and see the world from her point of view. Join the waitlist for ticket sales here.

Learn more about Chinese culture in Singapore’s local context with the two-month-long cultural festival, Cultural Extravaganza 2024. Presented by the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, this festival is happening from May 8 to June 30 2024 and follows the theme of (Re)presenting Our SINGAPO人 Treasures. Highlights include the free art exhibitions showcasing works by local cartoonists and students, along with musical performances featuring childhood rhymes and folk songs that will take you down memory lane. Theatre buffs shouldn't miss Essentially Macbeth, a play following the lives of ex-drama club members as they put together a production of the Shakespearean classic in Mandarin, presented with English surtitles. Find out more and book your tickets here.

Get your dose of nightlife this month at Zouk Singapore, with its exciting line-up of international guest DJs renowned in the electronic music scene. The party begins with Argy in the house on May 3, known for his unconventional techno dance beats. In collaboration with Collective Minds, Zouk Singapore continues the fun on May 16 with a set by Eats Everything, aka Daniel Pearce. Anticipate his high-energy presence and versatile style that’s influenced by house, jungle, garage, disco, and techno. Finally, get on the Afro house and Latin hype train on May 21 with Afro Bros, the Grammy-nominated DJ and producer duo, best known for their works with noteworthy artistes like J Balvin and Daddy Yankee. Find out more and get your tickets here.

Blockbuster event i Light Singapore is back this May. This year, the event will light up more than Marina Bay and its neighbouring precincts – it will also be activated in Tanjong Pagar for the very first time. The theme this year is Cyclical Nature, spotlighting all things sustainability through 17 interactive artworks by 25 local and international artists. Besides tramping around the city in search of these dazzling artworks, you can also take part in wellness workshops, talks, and bootcamps, or shop at an outdoor marketplace (presented in collaboration with The Conscious Festival). i Light Singapore is also running alongside GastroBeats at the Bayfront Event Space, so you can look forward to trucks of good sustainably-produced grub and musical performances.