The best things to do in Singapore this week (March 23-29)

Bangkok-based illustrator Nene, otherwise known as Nanthawan Jamsai, marks her first-ever solo Singapore exhibition at Heartware Store & Gallery with 555 MART. Aimed at capturing the humour and quirks of everyday items, the showcase features a series of playful illustrations inspired by staples at the convenience store. Think ramen cup noodles, bananas, probiotic drinks and other random objects Nene encountered during her trips to the shops. They’re all drawn in her distinctive art style, a striking combination of the ballpoint pen, neon risograph printing and meticulous observation. 555 MART also features exclusive, never-before-seen artworks specially created for the exhibition, all of which are available for purchase.

The 2025 Singapore Biennale is officially wrapping things up with a final blowout at the Singapore Art Museum at Tanjong Pagar Distripark. The daytime party brings beans&beats’ signature coffee clubbing experience to the gallery. The music lineup features DJs Ackerlady (BKK), BJZJ and WONNI as they each take turns turning the heat up on the dancefloor. Expect a curated mix of high-energy sets that move between experimental genres, groovy tunes and old-school selections. Each ticket also comes with a complimentary cup of coffee, so you can sip on Joe while basking in the beats and afternoon glow.

Ever thought a pillow could change your life? Dunlopillo thinks it can. From March 4 to 25, Dunlopillo's limited-time pop-up at Takashimaya Orchard is the place to test-drive its Takashimaya-exclusive latex pillow range, thoughtfully designed to support your spine, enhance sleep quality, and make mornings feel less “ugh” and more “ahhh.” Sink into the eco-chic Organic Specialty, customise your support with Kapok Ergonomic, or go full plush with LanaWool Latex. Step into smarter sleep with Talasilver, Dunlopillo’s nano-silver latex innovation crafted for a cleaner, healthier rest. And for those chasing indulgence? The European Talalay Opulence Collection stands out with exceptional softness, breathability and temperature regulation. Pop in, flop down, and let Dunlopillo’s sleep experts guide you to your perfect match. It’s hands-on comfort you’ve got to try before taking home. Find out more here.

Temasek Polytechnic’s Music Vox is bringing its annual concert off campus and to SCAPE for the first time. Titled Echo, the showcase puts the spotlight on up-and-coming homegrown bands and artists from across the musical spectrum. Get ready to genre hop from indie to funk to post-hardcore. The two-hour concert also features a lineup of special guests. Expect live performances from local favourites and TPMV alumni Marian Carmel and Bakers in Space as they take to the stage with their best hits. Then, dive into booths from Singaporean creatives and support their businesses for exclusive swag. Or, if you’re an aspiring musician or artist yourself, it’s an opportunity to sync up and connect with others.

Experience the dark theatrics of Shakespeare's Macbeth reimagined as a sweeping opera by Giuseppe Verdi. Presented by Lirica Arts, this production follows a couple's descent into murder and madness after a supernatural prophecy.

Featuring a stellar cast including Singapore’s Martin Ng and Chinese baritone Zhang Feng, the show is accompanied by The Philharmonic Orchestra. Expect eerie witches' choruses and a dramatic score that brings this tale of ambition and guilt to life.

Another weekend, another market to look forward to. This time, Aa Furniture returns with its Collectors Weekend Market, offering a curated selection of homeware, jewellery, clothing and more from your favourite indie brands and collectors. Grow your wardrobe with vintage tees and a collection of rare 1920s–1930s Lee denim overalls from MoodNavigator, or spice up your accessories game with Tommy’s Vices. If you’re looking to refresh your space, Nordic Wares Store brings along antique pieces and Scandinavian porcelain from Arabia, Gustavsberg and Royal Copenhagen. For mid-century designs and pop artefacts, nospacenospace has you sorted with its multitude of dreamy trinkets and knick-knacks.

The weekend affair is completed with plenty of delectable food and drinks to keep your tummy happy. Savour freshly prepared rösti from PÖONSTI and let Old Hen Coffee fuel your afternoon with their signature caffeinated brews, alongside cups of matcha and coffee. Psst, we also hear that pets are welcome, too, so don’t forget to bring along your furkids.

Home decor pieces, funky ceramics and fashion accessories – there’s surely something that’s bound to catch your eye at Object.re’s two-day market. The Gathering of Many: Objects Market Day brings together five local brands and businesses for the weekend to curate an eclectic mix of gems that are worth the trip down to Tannery Lane. Browse for sleek lifestyle pieces from Madspatial, or discover sophisticated scrunchies and bags from Aōmorie. If you appreciate more avant-garde items, then look toward World of Ode and Everyday Objects, who will also be there to set up shop. The former curates design-focused curios, while the latter’s collection of statement-making ceramic pieces will definitely add something special to your own dinnerware selections.

Aside from all the shopping, Dying Trades SG will also be conducting a hands-on lesson in material exploration, processing and cording to give you a deeper insight into the objects they create. Then, on duty to keep you caffeinated throughout the day are the folks from Flip Coffee Roasters. Either quench your thirst with a cold brew or try one of their speciality coffees.

If you’ve been scrolling on #FoodTok long enough, then you probably recognise Anna Archibald and Kevin Serai. Born and raised on Oʻahu, Hawaii, they’re the Brooklyn-based power couple behind Cabagges World, an online platform where they share their comfort meal recipes, lifestyle and travel guides on their favourite cities. Their brand of content mostly revolves around vlogs that inspire others to create home-cooked dishes with ingredients you can easily find at home.

For one day only, the pair are going from URL to IRL to hit up Tanchen Studios at Bukit Timah to bring you first dibs on Cabbages merch and exclusive collab pieces. While there won’t be any of Anna and Kevin’s popular cookbooks in stock, we hear there are baseball caps, reusable bags and other funky accessories that you can cop at the event. Rounding out the wholesome afternoon are Ugli Sabi and Dilly Deli, who will both serve up delish bites and beverages. Whether you’re coming down to rub shoulders with your favourite internet duo or just coming to hang out for some coffee, know that everyone’s invited.

Explore the human body through Flesh and Bones: The Art of Anatomy at the ArtScience Museum. This landmark exhibition, in partnership with the Getty Research Institute, traces how the body has been imagined from the 16th century to today. This Singapore edition highlights Asian perspectives, featuring over 40 objects from the Singapore College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and insights into Ayurveda. With 160+ artefacts, including life-sized illustrations, medical manuscripts, and scientific specimens, it’s a deep dive into medical history and art.

Iconic Filipino bakery Mary Grace opens its first-ever international outlet at Tanjong Pagar’s Tras Street. Known for fluffy ensaymadas and cheese rolls, the 28-seat café replicates the homely, cottage-inspired feel of its original outposts. Enjoy Singapore-exclusive flavours like salted egg ensaymada and kaya pandan cheese rolls, or try hearty Filipino brunch staples like Angus beef tapa. Founded in 1994, this household name brings decades of comfort-food heritage to our shores.

For one night only on March 21, Science Centre Singapore is turning DINOSAURS | EXTINCTIONS | US into an after-hours silent disco with Dino Disco: The Last Dance. Think glowing headphones, three music channels, and a dance floor surrounded by prehistoric giants, including the 40-metre-long Patagotitan, in one of the most surreal party settings in town. The event also marks the launch of Sundown Science, a new after-dark series by Science Centre Singapore that blends science, culture and nightlife through fresh experiences and unexpected collaborations. Find out more here.

Heritage meets play at the first-ever LEGO Shophouse Experience at Design Orchard. Wander through a reimagined Peranakan home built entirely of bricks, featuring a living room, dining area, and bedrooms. Collect stamps to complete a heritage-inspired postcard and create your own LEGO Peranakan mosaic tile at the craft station. Don't forget to guess the number of bricks in the vibrant LEGO tile wall for a chance to win a brand-new set!

For its 11th sakura display, Gardens by the Bay welcomes iconic Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty to the Flower Dome. Transport yourself to Ishikawa Prefecture, wandering through landscapes framed by 30 types of cherry and plum blossoms. Experience a unique rain installation mimicking Ishikawa’s famously wet climate before immersing yourself in traditional tea ceremonies and mochitsuki demonstrations.

Don't miss the Castle in the Sky screening or Anime Garde on March 21 and 22, featuring J-pop acts and international cosplayers. From pink-hued blooms to high-energy festivals, it’s a full immersion into Japanese culture.

South Korea’s giant pink teddy bear, Bellygom, lands at Changi Airport Terminal 3 for a massive Hawker Carnival. Snap a photo with a 7-metre-tall inflatable or play hawker-themed games like "inflatable wok" to win plushies and vouchers. Beyond the carnival, hunt for Bellygom against nostalgic backdrops like kopitiams and HDB void decks. It’s a joyful, pink-hued pop-up spreading cheer across the terminal until May.

Watch polite conversation devolve into absolute chaos in God of Carnage, a dark comedy by Yasmina Reza. Presented by Nine Years Theatre and directed by Nelson Chia, the play follows two couples trying to settle a playground fight between their sons.

Translated into Mandarin with English surtitles, this production stars local favourites like Oon Shu An and Cavin Soh. It’s a messy, hilarious meltdown exploring the complexities of parenthood and human nature.

Keep your kids entertained this March school holidays at the Singapore Oceanarium. Its first-ever Ocean Kids Festival invites marine enthusiasts to discover the deep blue through interactive workshops. A main highlight is the Little Ocean Expert Series, an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour to meet marine life professionals like veterinarians and divers. Kids can even dress up in uniforms for a special photo op! The family fun continues at the Open Ocean zone with performances by the Singapore Youth Philharmonic Orchestra and free ocean-themed craft activities at the Research and Learning Centre.

Books are most definitely not dead. Steidl Book Culture. Magic on Paper celebrates the printed word in a world of digital overconsumption. Presented by DECK and Goethe-Institut Singapore, this exhibition marks legendary publisher Gerhard Steidl’s return to Singapore after nearly a decade. Immerse yourself in sculptural installations by powerhouse artists Dayanita Singh, Theseus Chan, and Jim Dine as they explore the craft of bookmaking. Don’t miss public programmes, artist conversations, and the Steidl Bookshop pop-up, where you can browse and buy limited edition releases and the latest titles.

Mandai Wildlife Reserve comes alive with month-long Easter celebrations! Join a massive egg hunt at Bird Paradise or solve digital riddles at the Singapore Zoo to spin the largest Hot Egg Balloon Gachapon. Highlights include Easter-themed enrichment with Gentoo penguins and 100 larger-than-life egg installations designed by local social enterprise The Animal Project. Plus, get up close with scarlet macaws and Papuan hornbills. The best part? Kids enjoy complimentary admission to Bird Paradise with every full-paying adult – just in time for the school holidays. 

Calling all Pokémon fans, a Pokémon truck might be headed your way. From now until June, this roving gaming station is travelling across Singapore and various shopping malls to let you step inside its new Pokémon Pokopia world. The game, to be released on Nintendo Switch 2 this March, is a cosy life simulation where you play as the character Ditto to rebuild a desolate world with the help of your new Pokémon friends. Try out the game at four demo stations in the truck, head to the colouring zone, or snap a picture at the Pokémon Pokopia-themed photobooth.

You can also cop exclusive Pokémon Pokopia merch to add to your collection and get the chance to meet with Pikachu himself. His appearance is limited to selected sessions, so keep an eye out for his whereabouts.

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.

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.

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.

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).