The best things to do in Singapore this week (October 27-November 2)

What happens when your late mother and a random woman crash your karaoke birthday bash? You belt out the drama. Congratulations, Get Rich! is a gloriously unhinged new musical-comedy by Singaporean-Australian playwright Merlynn Tong, taking over the mics at Drama Centre Theatre from October 29 – fresh from its Brisbane debut, before heading on to Sydney next.

Set in a karaoke bar on Mandy’s 38th birthday, the night spirals out of control with ghosts, grief and generational secrets that refuse to stay buried. At its heart, it’s a story about three fierce Singaporean women finding healing through laughter, tears and karaoke – proving that singing together can be surprisingly good for the soul. Starring our very own musical darling Seong Hui Xuan, this chaotic yet cathartic production is not to be missed. Tickets start from $28 – get yours here.

Craving a sonic adventure around the region? Baybeats is your ticket. The beloved live music series is back with more free shows that champion alternative sounds from Singapore and the rest of Asia. This year, the spotlight turns to South Korea's indie-rock band Silica Gel, and Japan's jazzy, post-rock trio Mouse on the Keys. They'll also be joined by the Philippines' alt-rock icons Sandwich, and Indonesia's indie fave The Adams, to name a few. And let's not forget homegrown names like A Vacant Affair, Plainsunset, Weish, and more, tearing up stages with everything from dreamy haze to raw riffs. Whether you're into synthy vibes, cinematic crescendos or straight-up indie rock chaos, there’s something to surprise your ears.

Singapore’s longest-running indie animation festival is back and bigger than ever. Cartoons Underground 2025 takes over *SCAPE on November 1, screening over 20 animated shorts from Singapore and across the world. This year’s line-up dives into what it means to remember, belong, and grow through stories about identity, family, and transformation. Look out for Mountain Mountain by Singaporean students Grace Cheu and Ben Tan, a whimsical hunt for “mountains in Singapore”; S The Wolf by Palme d’Or–winning director Sameh Alaa; and Pear Garden, a tender, BAFTA-longlisted short from Iran.

Off-screen, *SCAPE transforms into an animation playground with a Kampong Glam–inspired virtual street-art gallery, creative booths, bites from Kult Yard and Lavi Tacos, and the return of the Golden Durian Awards.

Heartware Store & Gallery is back with another delightful exhibition, Souvenirs by Dutch artist duo We Are Out of Office. Comprised of Winneke de Groot and Felix van Dam, We Are Out of Office is known for turning familiar, everyday objects into colourful collectibles: think vibrant riso prints, sculptures, and objects.

For Souvenirs, they've made things more engaging, crafting interactive machines, such a gachapon machine, ramen vending machine, and even a new piece called "Joo Chiat Road" as an homage to Heartware Store & Gallery's neighbourhood. These sit alongside limited-edition silkscreen prints, charming risograph postcards of packaging designs, and wooden blocks inspired by vintage goods. In the spirit of the exhibition, take home a souvenir to share with loved ones: custom car fresheners, cups, pins, keychains and more.

MOGĀ, the Japanese Prohibition-inspired izakaya-bar at Pullman Singapore Hill Street, turns two this year, and it sure knows how to throw a party – or five. The bar will be hosting 10 guest shifts across five days in November, featuring some of Asia's most popular bars. The month-long revelry kicks off with Kuala Lumpur's Penrose and Reka:Bar on November 1, followed by a spotlight on rising stars in Indonesia on November 5 and 10, with bars like BlowJams and Naaga joining the fray. It's then Hong Kong's time to shine, with The Old Man and Quinary stopping by on November 17. The party concludes with Seoul heavy-hitters Villa Records and Soko on November 24. Adding to the excitement, MOGĀ will be offering one-for-one cocktails off its new menu, Kiyoko's Journey, available all month till November 29. 

Make a reservation here.

$10 cocktails? In this economy? Over at Clarke Quay, 50 Best Discovery bar Neon Pigeon rings in its 10th anniversary with the deal of the year – $10 cocktails and bar snacks – available from now till October 31. 

Titled the Neon Pigeon Snack Attack, the limited-time menu will offer five snacks and five drinks, all at $10 each. These funky creations are meant to be as photoworthy as they are delish. Think a Nutella cocktail presented in a Nutella-inspired jar, spiked with vodka and kinako. Other drinks on the menu include the Singapo(rie) Sling; Chu-Hi with vodka, Aperol and passionfruit soda; Chiba Old Fash; and the Amaretti Sour.

As for bar snacks, the team gets creative with creamy, springy udon noodles in an instant noodle cup, filled with smoked bacon, egg yolk and black pepper garlic crunch. And it gets wilder, with ramen nachos and wagyu chunks loaded with beef, chilli and molten cheese, sealed in a snack packet inspired by the popular childhood snack Mamee. Keep it simple but luxe with fish sticks and caviar, or munch on hearty squash croquettes or chicken schnitzel sandos.

Just a heads up: each diner can only redeem one $10 item per visit, so make sure to choose well. Find out more about Neon Pigeon's 10th anniversary Snack Attack here.

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Forget Bacha Coffee – there’s a new must-grab treat at Changi. From October 13 to February 28, beloved Katong bakery Dona Manis pops up at Jewel, serving its famous Nanyang-style banana pies to travellers and fans alike. For the uninitiated, Dona Manis has been a Katong Shopping Centre icon since the ’90s, known for its moist, coconutty banana pie made with pisang berangan, flaky pastry and toasted almonds. It’s a true taste of local nostalgia — minus the cream and fuss.

The Jewel pop-up will also feature banana pudding and classic bakes from Sembawang Confectionery, like cream horns and traffic light cakes. Pre-order whole pies ($40) via the Dona Manis website – they sell out fast.

India's Pink City, Jaipur, comes alive amidst a field of sunflowers at Sunflower Surprise, a dazzling new showcase at Gardens by the Bay's Flower Dome. Walk through rows and rows of these cheery flowers, featuring common yellow varieties and unique red and brown blooms, some reaching up to 1.8 metres tall. Spot the marigolds filling out the display – that is, if you can tear your eyes away from three installations: a recreation of the red-and-pink Hawa Mahal palace, the ancient Amer Stepwell, and the colourful Patrika Gate. Presented in collaboration with the High Commission of India in Singapore, this showcase will make you want to book a ticket to the UNESCO World Heritage City asap. 

Fans of The Little Prince and French animation in general will be delighted by the Animation Nation, running from October 10 to 19. Presented by the Singapore Film Society and the Institut Francais, this celebration of animated storytelling features screenings of A Magnificent Life, Songbird’s Secret, Ernest and Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia, Maya, Give Me a Title, and Heart of Darkness. 

While these films are great for the little ones, their imaginative stories and beautiful visuals will charm adults too, making it a great outing for the whole family. After selected screenings, there’ll also be hands-on workshops where you can create your own artwork inspired by the films and bring home a one-of-a-kind keepsake.

Presented by local wellness platform Half, the Museum of Hidden Objects and Feelings invites you to pause and reconnect with the quieter parts of yourself. The exhibition unfolds across eight interactive booths, showcasing personal items like sketchbooks and childhood keepsakes – each carrying the emotions and memories of its owner. Through these everyday objects, the museum highlights how things can anchor meaning and spark connection, whether you relate to someone else’s story or see your own experiences in a new light. Visitors can also contribute: upload a photo and short write-up of your chosen object, anonymously if you wish.

Back for its eighth edition, Women in Film and Photography at Objectifs takes on the theme What We Carry – unpacking self-identity, belonging and the memories we hold (or need to let go of). Artists from across Asia bring intimate works drawn from lived experiences, inviting audiences to reflect on the weight of personal histories. Screenings include A Quiet Load, Camp! Along the Mekong River, and Carnival of Solitude: The World of Qiu Miaojin. Beyond film, dive into workshops on paper-crafting and map-making, or join masterclasses in visual storytelling where you can even develop your own photo book.

Step into the world of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at Healing Heritage, an exhibition tracing its roots from 19th-century medical halls to its role in everyday Singapore life today. Split across five thematic zones, it spotlights milestones in TCM’s history – from community-run clinics to charitable institutions offering affordable care. It looks into the present and future too, exploring how digital diagnostic tools and halal-certified products are modernising this age-old practice. With archival materials, recreated settings and immersive displays, the exhibition celebrates TCM as both a cultural legacy and a living, evolving tradition that continues to heal and connect communities.

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). 

The Gallery Children's Biennale returns to National Gallery Singapore from May 31, 2025 to March 29, 2026 for its fifth edition, themed Tomorrow We'll Be.... Coinciding with the Gallery’s 10th anniversary and Singapore’s 60th birthday, this year’s event invites visitors to explore the possibilities of their future through the values of joy, kindness, dream and love. Families can look forward to eight immersive and multi-sensory installations by local and international artists, alongside a series of engaging programmes designed to inspire creativity and reflection.