The best things to do in Singapore this week (February 23-March 1)

Discover the vivid and culturally-rich world of a local master at Batik Brilliance: Seah Kim Joo’s Ingenuity Undyed. This curated showcase, presented by Artcommune Gallery, boasts 10 of Seah’s most striking pieces, illustrating how the celebrated Singaporean artist reimagined the traditional craft of batik as a sophisticated art form. Focusing on Southeast Asian rural landscapes, daily life and activities, Seah’s paintings serve as a portal to a bygone era. Think sun-drenched kampungs, cock-fighting scenes and abstract portraits of water buffaloes and barges.

Harry Potter: Visions of Magic is designed to be enjoyed by fans, young and old. Whether you’re discovering the magic of Harry Potter for the first time or reliving the wonder as a lifelong fan, this experience offers something for everyone. Immerse yourself in an evocative and interactive art experience exploring some of the mysterious corners of the wizarding world. This experience spans 10 environments, including two Singapore exclusives. This version of Visions of Magic is unlike any other: hear whispers of Parseltongue in The Chamber of Secrets™ and venture through a series of chambers protecting a legendary treasure beyond The Trap Door. With an interactive wand in hand, you’ll also bring objects to life and reveal secrets behind Traces of Magic. 

No magical adventure is complete without a stop at the Harry Potter: Visions of Magic retail shop. Indulge in a cup of Butterbeer™, the iconic wizarding beverage with delicious notes of butterscotch and shortbread – the ideal refreshment to round off your magical journey.

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Lot One’s Chinese New Year celebrations gallop into the Year of the Horse by bringing the fantastical legendary steeds of King Mu to life, with a series of family-friendly activities designed to inspire new beginnings and possibilities. Packed into the two-day programme are storytelling sessions, mini-games, and lion and dragon dance performances. For the budding creatives and crafters, there are plenty of free workshops to drop by and take part in, too. You can design your own iron-on patch keychain, create your own revolving lanterns, or learn from experts the sweeping strokes of Chinese ink painting. There’s also a Chinese Shadow Puppet Play station for the kiddos to unleash their imagination – just pick up a puppet and start creating a story with others.

History and heritage take centre stage at this year’s Huayi Chinese Festival of Arts, with a focus on the enduring legacy of dialects and dynasties. The 10-day celebration of Chinese arts and culture features artists from Singapore and beyond, who will tell legendary tales through different art forms. Expect grand theatrical productions and musical performances, to contemporary dance showcases and even interactive craft sessions.

Kicking off the festival is Deling and Cixi, a lush and moving story by acclaimed playwright He Jiping. Set against the majestic backdrop of the Qing Dynasty, it captures the unlikely friendship between a spirited, Western-educated aristocrat and the powerful Empress Dowager. Elsewhere on the stacked festival lineup is Le Père (The Father), a Mandarin adaptation of Florian Zeller’s successful French play, a showcase of Fujian opera, and live performances from international acts like YELLOW and WANGWEN.

If your ideal weekend afternoon involves crafting zines, sipping on coffee, and browsing through handmade gems, then mark your calendar, because Saturdate is for you. Come hang with designer Vanessa Ban in Pirate Readers Vol. 2, a workshop that teaches you how to ‘pirate’ pages, texts and photographs to create your own personal reader. Learn how to mix and match the different materials from the Objectifs library to tell a story.

Let the creative energy keep flowing with a curated zine market featuring a collective of local makers showcasing their latest publications. Look out for Bedroom Press, SPOILT, narrative forms and loads of other independent publishers, who will be sharing their DIY insights. Then, wrap up your afternoon with signature brews and event-exclusive cold brew teas from Jui Coffee. 

After more than a decade into their career, Japanese pop-rock band I Don’t Like Mondays are finally making their long-awaited Singapore debut. Performing at *SCAPE for one-night-only, the quartet – comprising Yu (vocals), Choji (guitar), Kenji (bass) and Shuki (drums) – will greet fans as part of their 2026 Toxic Asia Tour. The month-long trek kicks off in Singapore, which is the band’s only Southeast Asian stop on the roster, before hitting up cities like Taipei, Hong Kong and Seoul.

It’s gonna be a night of bold beats, electric performances and loads of South Asian heat. Groovetop and Twelve Degree present the return of FUDGE, a desi-powered dance party celebrating the rich sounds and vibrant spirit of the South Asian diaspora.

Taking over the decks are headliners BAALTI, making their first-ever appearance in Singapore. Dubbed Mixmag’s Breakthrough DJs of 2023, the San Francisco-based duo – Mihir Chauhan and Jaiveer Singh – have gained international acclaim for a sound that bridges continents. Their sets are a high-energy collision of UK bass culture with Bollywood-influenced disco rhythms. Rounding out the night is a powerhouse lineup of local heavyweights, each bringing their own signature flavour to the decks. Don’t miss as SWTLKR and NashD command the Hall, while TASHA, HBN, RAAJ, and Raja Rani keep the energy high over at Floor. Come in your traditional fits, bring on your best moves, and stay for the culture and music.

Mandai Wildlife Reserve is galloping into the New Year with a little bit of horsepower. To mark the Year of the Horse, its animal ambassadors take centre stage at the many festive-themed activities and programmes happening across its five wildlife parks and the newly opened playground, Curiosity Cove. From Singapore Zoo to Rainforest Wild, meet star animals like the falabella, the smallest horse breed in the world, or a dazzle of endangered Grevy’s zebras and their three-month-old striped foal. Aside from horses and zebras, Malaysian and Brazilian tapirs, white and Indian rhinos, Sri Lankan leopards, and pygmy hippos will also make an appearance.

The horse-picious activities continue with vibrant lion dance performances, festive photo points and exclusive festive merchandise. Also, be among the first 188 guests to visit the parks each day, and you’ll be able to take home a limited-edition stallion-embossed gold coin.

Ready to time travel? The National Heritage Board’s Battle for Singapore is back for its 84th anniversary, serving up more than 30 programmes that dive into our wartime history. This year’s highlight is the first maritime-themed tour – a sobering ferry ride from Marina South Pier retracing the 1942 evacuation routes. Prefer to stay on land? Hit the new Pasir Panjang heritage trail to explore hidden bunkers and batteries. There’s even a Lego station at Changi Chapel Museum for the kiddos to rebuild iconic WWII sites.

From the Indian Heritage Centre to Eurasian-themed gallery tours, check the full lineup here.

The world's table tennis elite have officially descended on the Lion City for the fifth edition of the Singapore Smash. From February 19 to March 1, 2026, the Infinity Arena at the Kallang Sports Hub transforms into a high-octane battleground for singles, doubles, and mixed categories. Support Team SG stars like Izaac Quek, Koen Pang, and Olympian Zeng Jian as they hunt for glory. Beyond the court, catch live performances, exclusive autograph sessions, and high-energy fan zones.

Head to WEAVE at Resorts World Sentosa for "Challenge-A-Pro" sessions on selected dates (Feb 22, 25, 27, 28) for a rare chance to take on the world's best. And don’t miss the Draw Ceremony this Friday, February 20, at 5:30pm at the RWS Grand Steps, where the tournament brackets will be unveiled live.

Grab the family and head down to Gardens by the Bay for the annual River Hongbao celebrations this Chinese New Year. Marking its 40th anniversary this year, the festival is pulling out all the stops – including a fireworks display at The Meadow, lighting up the night sky in a riot of colour. 

Come hungry, as there’s a bustling food market packed with street food favourites to explore. Snap photos with larger-than-life lantern installations scattered across the grounds, from a towering God of Fortune to playful Year of the Horse designs. There are also interactive displays tracing River Hongbao’s journey over the decades, alongside nightly live performances by local singers such as Tosh Rock and Charlie Lim. Little ones won’t be left out either, with amusement rides like the Flying Dumbo, London Train and a charming two-storey horse carousel.

Discover the art and culture of tea at Garden of Senses: A Tea Reverie, a brand-new exhibition by the Asian Civilisation Museum, in collaboration with CHAGEE. This multi-sensory showcase goes beyond the taste and smell to trace the history of tea, from how it has shaped different rituals, practices and cultures for centuries to its role in our daily lives. The exhibition features collections from the past, such as historic tea wares and 3D-printed replicas, as well as newly commissioned contemporary art from local creatives. Step into an atmospheric display of tea leaves in floating paper forms, or tease your ears with a series of ASMR-inspired videos produced that explore the symphonic experience of tea.

The exhibition also extends outside of the gallery walls with a CHAGEE pop-up along the Singapore River. It offers a menu of its standard beverages alongside exclusive merchandise, including a horse plushie charm available in two special variations: blue and light brown.

Celebrate the craft and heritage of French winemaking through a heady mix of performances, tastings, concerts, and cultural experiences.

French Excellence Programme – À TABLE! is an immersive theatre journey that guides you from room to room, unfolding scenes of poetry, song, and monologue. Elsewhere, wander through an immersive gallery tracing the rich tapestry of French winemaking, complete with sensorial zones where you can explore aromas, learn the art of pairing, and unpack the processes behind red and white wines. Music lovers can opt for a music-and-wine programme, where three wine pairings mirror the musical arcs of early 20th-century music. There’ll be live performances too, blending piano and drums with contemporary dance, poetry, and cinematic visual art.

Your Chinese New Year celebrations are about to get a magical Disney twist. Join Mickey, Minnie and their pals on a journey across Sentosa Island with Gallop Into Spring, which transforms Sensoryscape into an immersive adventure that’s inspired by King Mu’s Eight Steeds, a classic motif in Chinese art that features the magnificent superpowered horses that were believed to have pulled the emperor’s chariot during his travels. Each celestial horse symbolises a different blessing, such as vitality, harmony and renewal, and is complemented by floral arrangements that reflect its meaning and zodiac readings. However, the highlight is an 8-metre-tall horse display positioned at the centre of the installation, flanked by larger-than-life statues of Mickey and Minnie dressed in traditional outfits. 

Capitol Singapore is dialling up the Chinese New Year festivities by turning its space into a festive playground that’s fit for the spring season. For over a month, Capitol’s Spring In Bloom, in partnership with the Gatherry, will host a series of free programmes, which include a two-week-long crafty fair and various live performances. At the Festive Market, do your last-minute shopping as you’ll find a bunch of handcrafted goods and gems made locally and regionally. Then, don’t miss the jazzy melodies of Shanghai Swingers as they take over the stage at the Outdoor Plaza and the Arcade, while the junior members of The Wushu Lab mesmerise with their dynamic and synchronised movements.

But the main event is at its Zodiac Zone, where you can learn more about your 2026 fortune forecast. Also, we heard that if you post a photo of any of the decor, you could redeem a gift from the mall for yourself.

Take a breather from the festive hustle with a leisurely stroll through Jurong Lake Gardens, where Chinese New Year celebrations unfold against a tranquil, nature-filled backdrop. The park is dressed in festive finery, from zodiac prediction boards to lantern displays at the Twin Pagoda, Teahouse, and Stoneboat.

Make a stop at the City SingaPOP visual showcase by the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, which offers a modern reimagining of Chinese architectural landmarks. On February 7, catch the Singapore Chinese Orchestra performing live under the night sky from 6pm to 7pm. Stick around after dark, when the Grand Arch lights up with a dazzling projection show every half hour from 7.30pm to 10pm.

Chinatown is galloping full speed into the Year of the Horse, and you’re invited along for the ride. For a whole two months from January, the precinct will be decorated in festive cheer as the Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations return with a dazzling street light-up, cultural performances, hands-on workshops and the much-loved International Lion Dance Competition.

The streets officially light up on January 30, with the ceremony broadcast live from Kreta Ayer Square. Stroll along South Bridge Road, Upper Cross Street, New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street as they come to life once the sun sets. The ceremony, officiated by Minister Mrs Josephine Teo, will also feature a performance showcasing Singapore's multicultural identity, melding Chinese dance with Malay kuda kepang, Indian Rajasthani horse dance, and Western styles. 

Calling all Demon Slayer fans, your favourite anime comes to life at this exclusive exhibition taking over the former Singapore Sports Hub Library. The showcase marks its Singapore debut and the only Southeast Asian stop in its tour. Spanning two floors, the first-of-its-kind, sweeping exhibition promises to be an immersive, multi-sensory experience, featuring original illustrations and life-sized sets inspired by the visuals and landscapes of the animated series. Step into the action-packed universe and relive scenes from the show, including the Demon Slayer Headquarters, Mugen Train and Battle of Mount Natagumo. A key highlight is Infiltrating the Entertainment District, where you can join Tanjiro and the gang on a mission to uncover the demons hidden within the space. The exhibition also features a section on the show’s comedic spin-off, Kimetsu Academy, which portrays the Demon Slayer Corps in a modern school setting. And for all you avid collectors, be sure to hit up the merch store for a range of Singapore exclusives, including chibi versions of the characters alongside iconic local landmarks.

Start the year with a visit to Singapore Art Museum’s latest installation, Nafasan Bumi – An Endless Harvest, featuring works by Indonesian artists Elia Nurvista and Bagus Pandega. The exhibition explores the environmental costs of economic growth in an era of climate crisis, while exploring how the items we use today may leave their mark on the future.

This immersive environment brings together kinetic, multimedia and sculptural installations that trace the impact of extractive economies across regional and global networks. Highlights include batik and palm oil sculptures depicting plantation labourers, mechanical systems powered by biofeedback from live plants and more.

Gallop, trot, saunter, amble – however you’re planning to enter and welcome the Year of the Horse, do it in style at Gardens by the Bay. To honour this year’s zodiac sign, the Flower Dome transforms into an opulent, elegant Chinese-inspired landscape inspired by the traditional gardens of the Jiangnan region. The highlight of the display is eight life-sized horse lanterns, handcrafted using techniques dating back thousands of years to the Tang Dynasty. The showcase of the majestic four-legged creatures is inspired by the classic Chinese art motif Ba Jun Tu and represents strength, vitality and success. Surrounding the spectacle are the “Four Gentlemen", a collective of plants that appear in Chinese art and philosophy. Be mesmerised by the delicate blooms of plum blossoms, orchids, chrysanthemums and bamboo, amongst spring’s vibrant seasonal flora like dahlias and azaleas. As you stroll through the moon gates and pavilions, don’t forget to also beat the Blooming Drum of Spring to bring about some luck and prosperity into your life.

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.

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.

In case you missed the news, Changi Airport has already begun work on its much-anticipated Terminal 5, slated to open in the mid-2030s. While the countdown continues, you can catch a preview of what’s to come at the T5 in the Making exhibition.

The immersive showcase unfolds across five multisensory zones, blending AI and high-tech elements to trace Changi’s journey from bare land to award-winning aviation hub. It also highlights how smart technologies are reshaping labour-intensive operations and strengthening climate resilience, alongside an interactive station that invites visitors to imagine their own vision of Terminal 5.

These days, we’ve maybe taken Singapore’s multicultural society for granted – because have we actually ever thought about what it was like before this vision was established? This exhibition presented by Founder’s Memorial is a step back into a crucial time in Singapore’s history to chronicle the key moments between the ’50s and ’70s that defined and shaped the foundation of this nation into what it is today. Unpack, explore and learn from the honest dialogues shared by real-life citizens and political figures of that time to understand the dilemmas and tension that led to the momentous change. Showcased in the multimedia exhibition are archival photographs, artworks, illustrations and artefacts like the original letters between Ministers Ong Pang Boon and S. Rajaratnam on the National Pledge in 1966. There’s also a three-part audio play inspired by S. Rajaratnam’s “A Nation in the Making”.

Not Mere Spectators culminates in present-day Singapore, where it encourages the audience to reflect and appreciate the nation’s multicultural journey, what it means to us, and how it needs to be upheld for the years to come.

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.

What if we told you that you could marvel at the paintings of iconic artists like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Édouard Manet without even setting foot in France? The National Gallery Singapore’s latest blockbuster exhibition, Into the Modern: Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, marks the largest showcase of French Impressionism ever seen in Southeast Asia. Featuring over 100 artworks by 25 pioneering artists, the exhibition spans three galleries and unfolds across seven thematic sections, each offering a perspective into the movement’s evolution from its early beginnings to the present day.

Whether you’re a peacock enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Peacock Power: Beauty and Symbolism Across Cultures uncovers the majestic bird’s impact across Asia. Featuring over 100 artefacts, from ceramics and clothing to intricate jewellery,  the exhibition traces the peacock’s symbolism, especially in Peranakan art and wedding traditions. It also debuts Thousand Eyes, a new ecological reinterpretation of the motif by Singaporean artist Ernest Goh.

Beyond the displays, visitors can explore peacock species and behaviours through holographic tech and interactive stations. Round out your visit with curated public programmes or join a guided tour for deeper insight into the stories behind the pieces.

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).