The best things to do in Singapore this week (June 22-28)

The Beatback Project is not your average music night. Organised by Dreamsound, the charity concert brings together the local music and dance community to raise food items like cooking oil, rice, and bread spreads for those in need. Returning for its second edition, this year’s event aims to collect at least 6,100 donations to mark Singapore’s 61st birthday and features more than 10 homegrown acts. The lineup includes Amos Judah, Lucky You, and an experimental performance by Mary Sue fusing boom–bap rhythms with jazz. Prepare yourself for an exhilarating clash of genres as SCUMBOYS, Singapore’s first underground electronic boy band, take the stage. Secure admission to the concert by donating via uMart.

The Asia Cat Expo returns to the Suntec Convention Centre for a weekend dedicated to all things feline. Expect a lineup of workshops, talks, product showcases, and proper litter box training tips to uplevel your pet care skills. A massive marketplace features over 200 cat–focused brands offering treats, accessories, and services. Enter your furry friend in the Cat Photo Competition under the theme Cats at Play, or visit the signature adoption drive to meet kitties hoping to find their fur–ever homes. The event also features a special cat cafe experience with rescued cats from Alison Cat Care, where a portion of ticket proceeds supports feline welfare efforts.

Move aside, Labubus. It’s all about Crybaby now. Created by Thai artist Molly Yllom, the popular Pop Mart blind box figurines arrive at the Singapore Oceanarium for the latest Cry Me An Ocean collection, which reimagines them as adorable marine animals. Explore 11 themed photo spots throughout the exhibits, where each marine–inspired Crybaby is displayed next to the sea creature that inspired its design. Spot everything from a jellyfish to a manta ray, alongside two 5–metre–tall outdoor inflatables of the Anglerfish and Pufferfish Crybaby. Complete the experience at the Resorts World Sentosa Weave pop–up store to get your hands on exclusive merchandise, including limited–edition eye masks while stocks last.

Ballet turns into something far more inviting through da:ns focus – Ballet by the Bay at the Esplanade. Under the spell of grace and precision, the festival features the highly anticipated return of The Royal Ballet Gala after 21 years. Curated by director Kevin O’Hare, the star–studded programme brings together classical favourites and contemporary works performed by principal dancers Marianela Nuñez and Matthew Ball. Beyond the headline act, enjoy free open–format programmes like Everybody Barre Now, which transforms the concourse into a lively dance floor. Dive behind the scenes with Ballet 101: The Choreography Game, a playful interactive experience where audience choices help shape the live choreography.

We may not have Disneyland, but Sentosa is giving us something pretty close from now till September 20: a Magical Island Adventure! In collaboration with Disney Cruise Line, the island transforms into a playful day-to-night experience inspired by the seven themed areas aboard the Disney Adventure, now sailing from Singapore. Start your journey in the skies with a themed Singapore Cable Car ride, before wandering through Sensoryscape’s blooming, dreamlike pathways featuring Disney princesses and heroines and down to Palawan Beach for Big Hero 6's Baymax, Toy Story favourites and Marvel heroes. For the first time, the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia opens till 10pm, so can catch the islet glowing after dark with The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, Lilo and Stitch, and Moana. 

The Mint Museum of Toys presents its curated film programme, MINT Lumens, returning for a second season titled Heroes for Tomorrow. The series spotlights heroes, monsters, and the art of tokusatsu – a form of Japanese live–action film using practical special effects and miniatures. This month’s screening features the 1969 Japanese kaiju comedy All Monsters Attack, which follows a schoolboy who strikes an unlikely friendship with Godzilla’s son, Minya. Each session is accompanied by a guided tour of the museum to look at the toys that inspired the movies, alongside interactive games, activities, and free–flow drinks and snacks to enjoy throughout the afternoon.

Following her viral Flower Market, Australian contemporary artist Cj Hendry returns with an exhibition centred on her cult character, Juju. For the first time, the whimsical plush bunny – recognised by its distinct floral eye detail – is presented in a sunshine yellow colourway as part of a playground–style experience. Held at Gardens by the Bay’s IMBA Theatre, Juju World marks the global debut of the character’s physical universe. Visitors can explore oversized inflatables, sculptural installations, and a giant ball pit that both adults and children can enjoy. A range of exclusive merchandise is also available, including special Singapore–only drops and giant–sized Jujus for pre–order.

Swap those soccer boots for a pair of heels as Kumar takes on the World Cup season with Kumar Got Balls. In this camp comedy live show, football fever meets drag extravaganza as Kumar serves up endless sports puns, sass, glitter, and dazzling costumes. Expect an evening filled with outrageous banter and witty observations where no topic is off limits, including a hilarious take on Singapore’s own World Cup aspirations. Joining the pitch is a glamorous lineup of fellow queens – including Iman, Vyla, and Koko – backed by an ensemble of dancers for a night of big personalities and non–stop laughter.

Musée du Louvre presents its expansive collection of Islamic art in Southeast Asia for the first time ever at the Asian Civilisations Museum. The exclusive exhibition, Crosscurrents: Masterpieces of Mughal, Safavid, and Ottoman Art from the Musée du Louvre, brings together over a hundred ancient treasures from the royal collections of the "Gunpowder Empires." The objects chart their rise and fall, offering a glimpse into the forces that dominated West and Central Asia between the 16th and 18th centuries. This rich history is paired with ACM’s own collection of jewels to reveal the empires’ influence on distant shores like Southeast Asia during a time of expanding global trade networks.

Our Tampines Hub has transformed your favourite local snacks into an immersive playground with larger-than-life installations for The Great Tampines Kueh-scape. Colourful treats are reimagined as fitness equipment, including a gym made of kueh lapis, muruku, and ang ku kueh, alongside inflatable climbing structures. Team up with friends for a "kueh trail" adventure to collect digital rewards and win exclusive prizes, then catch Kueh on the Run, an interactive comedy about a chef searching for her missing snacks. Enjoy family-friendly stage programmes like dikir barat, choir performances, and the Singa Drum Gaia Fiesta, where over 200 youth performers unite for a cross-cultural drumming spectacle.

It’s time to live out your Disney dreams at Gardens by the Bay. Floral Fantasy comes alive once again with the return of Disney Garden of Wonder, which opens from now until March 2027. For its second instalment, the impressive horticultural display features over 20 Disney and Pixar character topiaries spread across six zones. One of the biggest highlights at this year’s showcase is the debut of Anna and Elsa from Frozen. The Arendelle sisters each get their own floral setting, complete with a frosty archway and icy mountains, alongside other Disney princesses like Jasmine from Aladdin, Belle from Beauty and the Beast, and Rapunzel from Tangled.

Other returning favourites include Toy Story heroes Buzz Lightyear and Jessie, plus Winnie the Pooh and pals. You can also expect light-hearted installations that feature Disney icons in a more Singaporean setting, such as a playful display of Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck operating a teh tarik stall.

Football fans, sneakerheads and kit collectors, this one's for you. Nike Football has teamed up with Weston Corp for one of Singapore's largest football assortments, from the latest boots and national team jerseys to lifestyle apparel and accessories. There are also exclusive customisation services, interactive experiences and plenty of content-worthy corners inspired by Nike Football's 'Rip the Script' campaign, which celebrates the creativity and flair that make the beautiful game so exciting.

Even if you don't know your offside rule from your corner kick, there's plenty to appreciate. Football jerseys have long transcended the pitch to become streetwear staples, and the pop-up showcases the sport's influence on fashion and youth culture. Browse iconic kits, discover fresh releases and soak up the tournament buzz – or take things a step further by signing up for the inaugural Weston Cup from June 8 to July 11.

The Marina Bay precinct is coming alive after hours once again as i Light Singapore returns for yet another edition. The theme for this year’s showcase is Movement, and features 14 sustainable light installations designed by 17 artists from Singapore and across the region. Each artwork is built with eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient lighting, and reflects how our actions – no matter how big or small – can affect the things around us.

Among the highlights is Wave by Japanese artist Masamichi Shimada. The interactive installation visualises the ripple effect through light and audio. For something a little more trippy, head to Raffles Place Park, where Arch Flower by Cyril Lancelin lies, a mesmerising tubular sculpture that draws inspiration from the city’s tropical gardens.

Over at the Marina Bay mist walk, step into a garden of wildflowers created with reclaimed metal offcuts and recycled carpet that glow and sway when touched. See the full lineup of featured installations here.

Entering its fifth year, GastroBeats returns to the Bayfront Event Space for another month of food, live music and carnival games against the backdrop of Marina Bay. Part of i Light Singapore, the food and music festival brings together more than 40 F&B brands, emerging local musicians and all sorts of interactive experiences in one sprawling waterfront village.

Be sure to come hungry folks, because the F&B lineup goes beyond your typical festival fare to serve everything from street food favourites and decadent sweet treats to hearty mains. Think mala tater tots, crispy corndogs and local desserts, alongside flavourful pizzas, pastas, tacos and wagyu rice bowls. And between the bites, stick around for the live performances from up-and-coming bands, who will be taking the stage after completing GIG-ers, a GastroBeats mentorship programme in partnership with Sony Music.

While food and music are the highlights, the fun doesn’t end there. This year’s edition also features curated play zones for all ages, including pickleball courts for some friendly after-hours competition, and a carnival complete with bumper cars, horse carousels, a Viking ship and other nostalgic funfair rides.

Calling all sci-fi and fantasy fans: have you ever wondered what it might feel like to step into the world of your favourite novel or game? Now you can experience it for real with The Portals Experience at Fever Exhibition Hall. Billed as the world’s most extensive collection of original fantasy and science-fiction art, the exhibition invites you to step into eight richly imagined realms to explore more than 300 masterpieces, alongside over 10,000 books and miniatures that have inspired beloved universes, such as J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, Dune and Warhammer 40,000.

Displayed are also original book cover art for classic titles, including David Wingrove’s White Moon, Red Dragon, and The Day After Tomorrow by Robert A. Heinlein. The experience is completed with immersive, larger-than-life sets that’ll transport you to these magical worlds. No digital screens or VR technology, just elaborate backdrops and plenty of imagination to create the ultimate photo op.

Held alongside the exhibition is Future Singapore: 2126, a commissioned series by Singapore-based illustrator Kristal Melson featuring three neon-coloured prints that imagine the city-state 100 years into the future through a vibrant, sci-fi fantasy lens. You can also cop the exclusive artworks as merch, available at the Portals gift shop.

The June school holidays have arrived, which means one thing: the annual Children’s Season is back. The kid-friendly festival organised by the Children’s Museum Singapore returns with a sustainability-themed edition that encourages your little ones to become superheroes for planet Earth. Expect a lineup of hands-on activities, performances, parent-child workshops and more designed to spark curiosity about the environment through play, discovery and imagination. The holiday fun stretches out to over 20 museums across the city, including the Indian Heritage Centre, KidsSTOP™ and Singapore Maritime Gallery.

Also coinciding with the International Day of Play on 11 June 2026, this year’s Children's Season presents a week of interactive family-friendly programmes dedicated to creativity and “all play, no rules”. The celebrations culminate in a weekend carnival along Armenian Street featuring bouncy castles, LEGO activities, football challenges, a bimbimbap workshop and craft sessions. Look out for The Funfair of Forgotten Futures, which reimagines traditional carnival games through the lens of sustainability and environmental action.

The ninth edition of the LGBTQIA+ film festival returns with a slew of cult classics, new indie favourites and thought-provoking documentaries. The month-long programme held at Filmhouse kicks off with To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar. Directed by Beeban Kidron, the ’90s drag road-trip comedy starring Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo follows the trio as they struggle to make their way to Los Angeles after their car breaks down in the middle of nowhere.

The film programme’s roster continues with screenings of Cactus Pears, a drama set in rural India; Montreal, My Beautiful, a story about a Chinese Canadian immigrant who falls in love with a free-spirited woman; and Yihwen Chen’s Queer as Punk, which documents Singapore and Malaysia’s queer history. The film festival concludes with a special screening of Brokeback Mountain, where everyone’s invited to dress up in their best rodeo getup. The movie will be followed by a panel conversation that discusses the cultural impact of Ang Lee’s Western flick, and how queer stories have evolved on screen. Ticket sales from the event will go toward supporting Proud Spaces and their ongoing work with the LGBTQ+ community.

There is another viral Japanese dessert in town. Cheese Wonder, the popular no–bake cheesecake brand from Hokkaido, arrives at ION Orchard for a limited time from May 8 to July 3, 2026. Sourced from the brand’s own farm, these rich treats are made with Hokkaido milk, cream, and free–range eggs. The menu features three items: the original 4–piece set, the Wonder Sand cheese sandwich cookies, and the seasonal Cheese Wonder Red – a strawberry–infused cheese mousse with a juicy fruit centre. Since their launch in 2021, these "fantasy desserts" have typically sold out in minutes. The basement pop–up opens daily at 10am, so stop by early to grab a set before they fly off the shelves.

Step into the Minecraft universe as Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue makes its Asian debut at Mandai Wildlife Reserve. From April 24 to September 13, fans of all ages can embark on a thrilling, interactive quest through eight larger-than-life themed rooms. Equipped with an “Orb of Interaction,” you’ll craft, build, and battle to save a village from a zombie attack – all in under an hour. Successful heroes can even claim a limited-edition in-game cape. With theatrical sets and plenty of photo ops, it’s a high-stakes, blocky adventure that brings the digital game to life in the real world.

Play and discovery collide at the National Gallery’s newest children's exhibition, When Art Meets Nature, opening April 30. Co-curated with Taiwan’s Taoyuan Museum of Fine Arts, the showcase transforms the gallery into a multi-sensory forest ecosystem. Explore Peace Forest by Soh Ee Shaun, a soft-sculpture playground that teaches kids about biodiversity, or dive into Where the River Runs, an interactive audio experience by Yenting Hsu centred on indigenous Taiwanese traditions. Through art and play, this immersive journey encourages young explorers to reimagine their relationship with the natural world and the creatures that protect our planet.

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.

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.

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.