The best things to do in Singapore this week (March 2-8)

If you’ve never had the chance to explore the Bras Basah Complex in all of its glory before, then the time has finally come. The heritage building is home to a number of arts and book stores, and it’s hosting an open house to celebrate Bras Basah.Bugis precinct. The main highlight of the weekend affair is the guided walking tours, which offer an insider look at the creative hub, including live demonstrations and hands-on activities. Each session introduces you to different people, shops and stories behind the arts and culture complex. Some of the participating tenants include Union Book, INKINK Collectibles and Maha Yu Yi. The tour requires a paid ticket, so grab yours here.

Otherwise, join a slew of feel-good, family-friendly programmes, from a creative craft market and live performances to a free outdoor movie marathon screening of Zootopia and Inside Out.

Here’s your only chance to witness the total lunar eclipse, the last visible sighting worldwide until 2029. Forget about finding the perfect pitch dark spot to catch the blood moon (not an easy feat in Singapore), because the Science Centre is opening its Observatory, giving you a front-row experience of the rare nighttime spectacle in comfort. For one night only, the dome opens to the public, where its astronomy educators will guide you through the eclipse viewing experience. They’ll be breaking down the phenomena through engaging explanations and a series of interactive activities.

Tickets are free, but you can top up $4 per person if you’d like to complete your celestial night with an additional telescope viewing experience and a live planetarium show at the Omni-Theatre.

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.

Have you always wanted to get into fitness but just don’t know where or how to start? Well, UFIT is organising its inaugural Women’s Wellness Festival, where women can discover, learn and connect with other fitness enthusiasts and newbies. Held in conjunction with International Women’s Day, the festival focuses on women’s health and fitness needs at different stages of a woman’s life. It features five specialised themes, which you can choose from: menopause, cancer recovery, running, introduction to strength training, and pre/postpartum. For each topic, there’ll be a variety of educational talks and workouts led by UFIT’s team of experts, from coaches to health professionals.

There will be tons of female-led businesses to support, and $10 of your $65 ticket will also go towards supporting the Breast Cancer Foundation.

The Weekend Brew Club is stirring things up at Keat Hong Shopping Centre on March 7 and 8, bringing Singapore’s first-ever free coffee buffet to the heartlands. Spend $5 at participating merchants to redeem a ticket and a Weekend Brew Club mug for all-access free-flow coffee.

Don't expect the usual cup-and-go affair; this is a lifestyle get-together blending café culture with retro nostalgia. Groove to 2000s bangers, master Espresso Pong, or join coffee-themed workshops. Don't forget the digital photobooth for a memento to take home, too. Follow @weekendbrewclub on Instagram for full details on ticket redemption and the latest event updates. Find out more here.

Grab your girlies for an ice cream date and a bit of retail therapy: in honour of International Women’s Day, the Museum of Ice Cream is turning its Dessert Bar into a Sweet Bazaar, a curated and intimate pop-up market featuring 14 homegrown, women-owned brands. There’ll be handcrafted accessories, homeware, and other lifestyle and wellness treats to discover and indulge in. Look forward to Koelstals and their rare crystal collection, Solo Scents offering delicate diffuser jewellery, and bespoke candles from Candlescape Foundation.

Aside from the shopping and scoops of ice cream, there are also activities to keep you and your girlfriends busy. Unleash your creative side with the Squishy Painting workshop, where you’ll get to paint and take home your own dessert-themed squishy.

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.

Confidence, individuality and modern femininity are at the centre of Lisa Von Tang’s latest collection. To mark the launch, the Singapore fashion designer is transforming Wonder Room at The Singapore EDITION into a nocturnal playground that pays tribute to women in the creative field as part of International Women’s Day. The night kicks off with an evocative erhu performance by Calista Liaw, followed by Jer Wong’s entrancing, delicate pipa playing. Award-winning poet ArunDitha and violinist Skakka are also set to share the stage.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).