The best things to do in Singapore this week (January 12-18)

Everyone knows about Haji Lane and Bali Lane, but Moonstone Lane is less well-known to most. Discover the quaint estate situated just off Serangoon Road with OH! Open House’s latest art trail. Now in its 12th edition, this year’s guided neighbourhood art walk offers a rare peek into the layered history and forgotten stories of this often-ignored strip in the city, where industrial remnants overlap with everyday residential spaces. Learn more about the neighbourhood through five on-site installations by local and international artists that are tucked in unexpected corners, including a 1950s family house and a toy store offering vehicle playsets. Each artwork is a reflection on the pockets of life that remain unchanged in this ever-changing environment. The trek also takes you to uncommon landmarks, including a visit to Lau Clan House, Sin Choon Huat Temple and Poh Leng Building. The best part? The walk is eligible for purchase using SG Culture Pass credits, although you can also make a donation of $40 to help support the franchise.

A piece of the National Gallery is making its way around the city, leaving behind the museum to bring art to everyday spaces. From now till 18 January, 10 sets of benches designed after its iconic red logo will be placed at several iconic locations across Singapore where everyone can use the seats to rest, gather, chat and connect with other individuals. The spots range from popular tourist destinations to neighbourhoods. They include the Singapore Botanic Gardens, CQ @ Clarke Quay, Lau Pa Sat, New Bahru, East Coast Park, outside of Raffles City and along Marina Bay.

Additionally, these benches are also up for adoption. The initiative is in support of the Gallery’s longtime mission and commitment to ensuring that art remains inclusive and accessible to all. In return, each donor will receive a plaque of recognition that will be mounted on the bench, as well as invitations to appreciation events.

Are you a pet owner or a plant enthusiast – or maybe both? The Pets & Plants Extravaganza is for you. Taking place at Suntec Convention Centre, this event is all about recognising your stylish fur friends and spotlighting unique flora and fauna. The three-day affair is designed to be a curated space where you can discover, experience, and explore an array of premium lifestyle brands and learn from experts. For the paw-rents, look forward to a selection of pet accessories, clean and wholesome treats, and top-notch grooming and enrichment services. Meanwhile, for the green thumbs among us, there’s a wide-ranging showcase of exotic succulents and rare plants. Get to hear from professional growers who will share more insights on how to grow your own lush garden.

Oh, and what’s a pet event without the pets? Make sure to bring your furkids along, as there’s a free pet health scan and a paw-printing station where you can take home your own framed art. The event is free entry for all, including humans.

The 22nd edition of the Singapore Fringe Festival, themed Represent, showcases six events by local and international artists, exploring topics from visible and invisible disabilities to the multiplicity of ethnicities. Catch a romantic musical, join thought-provoking panel discussions, and more. Tickets for performances are priced at $38, and admission to the panel discussions is free with registration.

Singapore’s arts scene continues to find its footing, with platforms such as *Scape’s COMMA 2026 creating space for young artists to step into the spotlight. This year’s edition, themed Softer Systems, runs from January 16 to 31 across the *Scape Somerset Belt, featuring live performances, art exhibitions and participatory experiences open to the public.

Music Day Out returns as a one-day festival spotlighting local and regional acts, alongside creative booths selling handmade trinkets, curated crystals and more. Other highlights range from a performance experience that weaves dance and food, to immersive theatre productions and screenings of dance-led films.

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.

It’s been a long time coming for Wolf Alice fans, but the indie-rock band are finally putting on a solo show in Singapore. To celebrate the release of their fourth studio album, 2025’s The Clearing, the British quartet – comprising Ellie Rowsell, Joff Oddie, Theo Ellis and Joel Amey – will be bringing songs from the record to live at Capitol Theatre. The album was recently shortlisted for the 2025 Mercury Prize Award, making it the band’s fourth time to receive the nomination since their debut. For one night only, get the chance to jam out to the album’s highlights “Bloom Baby Bloom” and “Thorn”, alongside fan-favourite cuts from their 10-year discography, such as “Bros”, “Silk” and “Don’t Delete the Kisses”.

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.

Time to start memorising those fan chants, MOAs, because if you like TOMORROW X TOGETHER, then you’re in for a treat. The K-pop boyband, also commonly known as TXT, is performing back-to-back nights at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Expect an explosive performance of their greatest hits, such as “Crown”, “Blue Hour”, “Lo$er=Lo♡er” and “0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You)”, next to songs from their most recent release, The Star Chapter: TOGETHER.

Made up of members Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun and Hueningkai, the band have been hailed as K-pop’s Gen Z heroes, thanks to their genre-bending music that blends pop with pop-punk, EDM, trap and funk elements. Over the years, their experimental sound has earned the group major recognition worldwide, making them the first K-pop act to perform at New York’s Madison Square Garden for two consecutive nights and headline Chicago’s LOLLAPALOOZA Festival. TXT have been on an expansive world tour since August last year, with more cities and dates to be added.

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.

Nearly three years after it shuttered, Park Bench Deli is making a comeback... of sorts. While it will not open a permanent shop, the brand will hold a three-month pop-up at The Pantry in Dempsey, starting on January 10. Here's the brief: Pop by between 9am to 4pm if you want the OG PBD experience. Sausage egg muffins ($15) and the PBD Big Breakfast ($30) are served in the morning, and it's only after 11am when the fan-favourite Park Bench Deli sandwiches are fired up. Yes, the Pastrami Reuben ($34), Southern-style hot fried chicken ($28) and Philly Cheesesteak ($29) will all be available. If you're spoilt for choice, we recommend the Pastrami Reuben, an American classic with thick, juicy beef pastrami, provolone and coleslaw between slices of toasted sourdough.

On weekend evenings from 6pm to 10pm, PBD's sister concept, Rosita's Deluxe, swaps out sandwiches for smashed, double-stacked cheeseburgers with a variety of mouth-watering toppings. And did we mention the day drinking? Waltz in as early as 9am for classic tipples like Aperol Spritz, whisky highballs, Blood Mary and espresso martinis. 

It’s the 10th edition of Light to Night Singapore, and there’s much to look forward to at this mega art festival. This year, the Civic District transforms into a living canvas over four weekends, with art installations centering around the theme The Power in Us. There’ll be light projection mappings on the surrounding buildings, roving performances, live choir singing performances, art tours, and food-theme experiences. 

This year also features the debut of the new series Santai, inspired by the Malay word “to relax”. There will be five gathering points at the Padang, Empress Lawn, Front Lawn at The Arts House, ACM Green and Esplanade Park. One highlight to look forward to is the Gathering on the Lawn installation by Taiwanese artist Michael Lin, where participants can light their path with beautiful batik-inspired designed paper lantern bags.

VERSE 2026 spotlights local literature, inviting audiences to experience it in new ways by blending text, sound, movement and visual art. The festival features over 15 programmes and two commissioned works, bringing together more than 18 partners to reimagine how literature can be enjoyed. 

A luminous outdoor installation invites audiences to interact with letters “bumping” into each other, allowing visitors to rearrange alphabet blocks to form words and phrases. The festival also features captivating theatre performances, and a conversation series where six pairs of emerging writers and musicians engage in creative dialogues, including Jean Seizure, Wen-yi Lee and more. While there, explore video screenings, paintings on display, and a curated selection of art and lifestyle titles at the bookshop pop-up on Fridays and Saturdays.

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.

If you enjoy Black Mirror, escape rooms and interactive theatre, then this might be right up your alley. In this one-of-a-kind, immersive experience, you’re welcomed to a not-so-distant fictional (or is it?) future where sleep has been optimised and revolutionised through cutting-edge technology. It’s all thanks to SomniTech and its promising Brain-Computer Interface. But here lies the problem: participants who have enrolled in its clinical trial seemed to have never woken up or exited the programme. And to make matters worse, the scientist behind the entire experience has vanished without a trace. So now it’s up to you and your friends to help uncover the truth. With the help of cryptic clues, your team will have to solve puzzles and crack the code to escape from this nightmare, or you might just get trapped in the system.

This 50-minute choose-your-own-adventure experience is an adaptation of Singaporean writer Victor Fernando R Ocampo’s sci-fi odyssey, The Book of Red Shadows, which debuted at the 2020 Singapore Writers Festival.

Little India turns up the heat with vibrant festivities at the Indian Heritage Centre across two lively weekends. Immerse yourself in the energy of live cultural performances, catch pottery demonstrations in action, and watch seniors come together to hand-paint pongal pots – a meaningful expression of community and togetherness.

There is also no shortage of hands-on activities that are suitable for visitors of every age, from creating pulli kolam designs to crafting pongal charm keychains. Round off the experience with interactive games that celebrate the richness of Indian culture.

Lunch? Check. Coffee? Check. Ever wondered what else is there to do in between work meetings while you’re in the CBD other than hitting the gym? Well, here’s a suggestion: skip your regular routine and squeeze in a bit of retail therapy instead. This weekday edition of Maker’s Market features a rotating lineup of locally made crafts and curated regional brands. Browse goods from vendors of all trades and discover unique finds, including jewelry, candles, apparel, soaps and even art prints. On some days, if you’re lucky, there might also be some F&B booths serving up artisanal snacks and treats to help fuel your afternoon back at the office. The weekly marketplace is held every Monday to Friday outside the Staytion Lifestyle Centre near Dhoby Ghaut MRT station.

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.

Attention all Kpop Demon Hunters fans: HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys are landing in Singapore on December 22, for a pop-up based on the hit Netflix film. Snap photos at photo zones inspired by the cartoon, wander through immersive experiences, and admire themed installations and costume displays. Then, take home exclusive merch, including light sticks, posters, keychains, magnets, stationery, hoodies, and caps. Admission to the pop-up – held at *SCAPE – is completely free, but it’s best to book a slot here ahead of time.

Usher in the new year at UOB Plaza, which will host a roster of events to celebrate the festivities. First up is the Festive Show, which runs until December 25. The show celebrates UOB’s community initiatives and showcases artwork by disabled artists. Then, the Tomorrow with UOB show transforms UOB Plaza into a futuristic portal that imagines Singapore’s future. Also on display at the exhibition are stunning artworks created for the UOB Painting of the Year competition. The festivities culminate in the Countdown Show on December 31, which features projections on the facade of UOB Plaza and Fullerton Hotel.

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.

It’s a classic love story, with some (read: a lot) of Disney magic. Join your favourite characters Belle and the Beast, alongside their enchanted castle friends Lumière, Mrs. Potts, Cogsworth and others for this brand-new stage reimagining of the beloved 1991 animated movie.

This latest production of Beauty and the Beast is led by actors Shubshri Kandiah and Brendan Xavier as they bring the timeless tale about friendship and love to life. Enjoy and move along to all the nostalgic songs by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, including “Belle”, “Gaston”, and of course, the iconic “Be Our Guest”. The new and improved outing also features upgraded sets and new costume designs, and it’s infused with creative, cutting-edge technology.

So you’ve been to weddings and birthday bashes, but a divorce celebration? Now that’s a first. Check it off your bucket list at The Divorce Party, Dream Academy’s whimsical dinner theatre comedy where the food is hot and the tea on exes is even hotter. Join the Choo Plastics Family as heiress Phoebe Choo (Sharon Sum) reclaims the single life after her disastrous marriage to Andy (Andrew Marko). Broadway Beng’s Sebastian Tan leads the chaos as matriarch Penelope “Penny” Choo Kim, alongside a riotous cast. Expect a three-course meal, dessert buffet, beach-chic dress code and plenty of saucy family drama. It’s the first in a trilogy following the outrageous Choo clan. Read our review here.

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.

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.