The best things to do in Singapore this week (May 5-11)

The Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre’s flagship festival is back from May 9 to June 7, and you’re invited to celebrate the city’s rich Chinese arts and culture with a vibrant mix of theatre, dance, music, and immersive experiences. Highlights include a theatrical culinary showdown between a traditional dad and his modern son, a mesmerising dance and art installation, and orchestral performances that will stir your soul. The little ones won’t miss out either, with a variety of family-friendly programmes. With both ticketed and free events, there’s something for everyone, from culture vultures to music and theatre fans.

There are movie nights, and then there’s Hendrick’s Sunset Cinema. Returning to Tanjong Beach, Sentosa from May 8 to 25, this much-loved alfresco film fest delivers a lush blend of balmy sea breeze, golden-hour cocktails, and award-winning titles under the stars. 

But this isn’t your typical outdoor film screening – it’s a beachside bash complete with live DJ sets, Hendrick’s Gin cocktails, and tasty bites. Plus, you’ll be sinking into a deckchair with state-of-the-art wireless headphones, giving you full control over the volume and crisp surround sound with every dramatic gasp, whispered confession, or plot twist – all without the distraction of mid-movie chatter.

This year's lineup is seriously strong. Expect a mix of buzz-worthy new releases, acclaimed favourites, and cult classics that feel made for watching under the night sky. Secure your seats to body horror The Substance (May 8), pope-litical thriller Conclave (May 17), action-packed sequel Gladiator II (May 19), gravity-defying musical Wicked (May 24), and more. Must-see biopics are on the cards too, with Robbie Williams monkeying around in Better Man (May 10 and 23), and Pharrell Williams in Lego form in Piece by Piece (May 18). Closing the show is none other than Steven Spielberg’s timeless E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (May 25). 

Tickets are $44.80, including a Hendrick’s Gin cocktail, beach deckchair, wireless headphones, and shuttle service to Harbourfront MRT. Gates open at 5.30pm, with screenings starting at 7.45pm. Book your tickets here – this is one movie night out you won’t want to miss.

If you're into anime, manga, games or J-pop, Doujin Market 2025 is the place to be. With nearly 200 booths to browse, the event brings together local creators showcasing original fan art, keychains, stickers, photo cards, badges and more — all inspired by popular anime titles and video games like Genshin Impact and Love and Deepspace. The event is also bringing back the popular game area where you can play Dungeons & Dragons with fellow attendees. More information can be found here. 

Catch it before it’s gone – the With Love Pop-Up store at 23 Keong Saik Road is wrapping up on May 25, 2025. Since its launch in September 2024, the curated retail space has featured over 30 brands from Asia Pacific, including loungewear by Malaysia’s Wustler, footwear by Indonesia’s Nakedsol, and tailored womenswear by Singapore’s Paper Palette. More information can be found here.

Treat Mum to a special celebration at the Lego Mother’s Day Pop-up at Suntec City. On May 10 and 11, mums can redeem a free Lego rose stalk from 3pm-4pm. Alternatively, from May 10 to 12, both you and Mum can join the hands-on activities, where you can build your own LEGO rose and daisy set to take home as a lasting gift – a bouquet that will never wilt. More information can be found here.

Whether you're a first-time homeowner or simply looking to give your space a fresh new look, The Big Furniture Fair is the place to be for interior design inspiration. Expect a varied selection of home essentials – from stylish furniture and handy home appliances. Don't miss the wide range of mattresses from both local and international brands too. Find out more here.

Though only 60 years young, Singapore boasts a vibrant tapestry of cultures and stories. Singapore HeritageFest 2025 celebrates this rich heritage with over 100 engaging programmes – think craft workshops, immersive walking trails, interactive exhibitions and more. Highlights include a brand-new theatrical production that mixes traditional Chinese opera, modern getai and contemporary music, as well as hands-on craft sessions where you can try your hand at tea brewing, lantern making and the art of calligraphy. More details can be found here. 

Transport yourself to the scenic landscapes of Türkiye at Tulipmania, located at the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, where larger-than-life replicas of majestic Turkish landmarks are standing against the backdrop of hundreds and thousands of tulips. These include the Trojan Horse from the battle in ancient Troy, carved pillars of Göbekli Tepe, and rustic conserved stone houses of Mardin. Keep your eyes open for intricate touches like traditional mosaic art, colourful stained glass lamps, and Turkish carpets. There’s also a floating hot air balloon installation near the Flower Dome’s entrance – needless to say, a popular photo spot that’ll take shutterbugs to cloud nine. Get a close-up look of tulips of various species and shapes, all in one place. These include the spiky Fire Wings, the rounder Spryng Break, and unique Striped Crown with varicoloured stripes and speckles. Other species of florals from the Middle East – such as poppies and bellflowers – are also blooming within the same exhibit. Find out more about Tulipmania 2025 and book your tickets here.

Step through a vine-covered entrance and into the realm of Wonders of Nature, the New Art Museum Singapore's newest kid-friendly exhibition that highlights the significance of the natural world. Featuring works by eight international artists including Yayoi Kusama and Go Yayanagi, the exhibition unfolds across five sections, each offering interactive artworks and immersive projections that bring the beauty of nature to life through art.

National Gallery Singapore’s latest show highlights the journeys of influential Asian artists like Foujita Tsuguharu, Georgette Chen, and Liu Kang, who brought their unique cultural backgrounds to Paris at the height of its modern art movement. The exhibition uncovers how their personal stories and heritage shaped their work, leaving a lasting mark on Paris’s art scene and influencing the course of modern art. 

It’s Dutch rabbit Miffy’s turn to spread the birthday joy with both travellers and casual visitors of Singapore’s Changi Airport at Terminal 3. The little white bunny is commemorating 70 years this 2025 – and specially abloom for the occasion is Miffy’s Garden at Changi Airport. The great centrepiece of Miffy’s Garden is a giant installation of Miffy standing next to a colourful hot air balloon, amidst a sea of red and yellow tulips. Not too far from that is Miffy’s Playground, an inflatable playland with a ball pit that kiddos can hop right into. You'll find more character-themed photo spots in the form of standees and staircase decals at Basement 2 of the terminal. Don't forget to check out the Miffy goodies up for grabs, including a keychain charm ($4.90), a set of three-in-one packing cubes and shoe bag ($12.90), and a mobile phone strap ($9.90). More designs will be added on each month so keep your eyes peeled for more merch drops. More information can be found here. 

Experience the inner workings of the mind like never before in Mirror Mirror: Journey Into the Mind, opening on March 1 at Marina Bay Sands. Created by Moment Factory, this immersive exhibition takes visitors through eight interactive rooms that explore themes such as memory, perception, and ego. Using innovative technology and artistic expression, the exhibit brings the intangible aspects of the human psyche to life in a visually stunning and thought-provoking way.

The stunning Gardens by the Bay is set to get even more magical this festive season. For the first time in Singapore, all your Disney and Pixar favourites are coming to life at the floral wonderland’s new Garden of Wonder showcase. As you stroll through Gardens by the Bay’s Floral Fantasy, you’ll be greeted by eight stunning themed topiaries featuring lovable characters like Winnie the Pooh, Ariel and Flounder from The Little Mermaid, and Mike and Sulley from Monsters, Inc. Get in on the magic here.

Held at Resorts World Sentosa, the Singapore edition of Harry Potter: Visions of Magic promises to be even bigger and better, with an additional 10,000 square feet of space for even more magical moments to unfold. Step into familiar scenes from the Potterverse including the Room of Requirement, Newt’s Menagerie, Ministry of Magic, and more, as special interactive technology and multimedia elements are weaved with captivating soundscapes to bring enchantment to us muggles. With realistic replicas of what you see in the movies, along with eye-catching illuminations, there are sure to be a ton of photo-worthy opportunities. Find out more here.

Batik, a timeless art form and symbol of Southeast Asian heritage, takes centre stage at the Peranakan Museum. This captivating exhibition shines a spotlight on the creative and entrepreneurial journeys of three remarkable Peranakan women from the bustling port city of Pekalongan, Indonesia. Meet Nyonya Oeij Soen King, her daughter-in-law Nyonya Oeij Kok Sing, and granddaughter Jane Hendromartono, each a batik master in her own right. Discover their inspiring stories through about 200 objects, including cherished family heirlooms and 60 stunning batik pieces from the 1890s to the 1980s. You can also explore batik’s evolution through time at the interactive stations. Then take a fun mobile quiz to uncover your personal batik style and score an exclusive bookmark to take home. Keep an eye out for exciting pop-up performances, hands-on craft activities, and engaging curator tours during your visit.