The best things to do in Singapore this weekend (November 7-9)

Celebrate the start of the festive season by watching the Christmas Light-up Ceremony on Orchard Road this Saturday. This year’s decorations will commemorate Singapore’s 60th birthday by incorporating quintessentially local symbols — such as the SG60 logo and the Merlion — into the usual Christmas wreaths and elegant swathes of ribbon. In addition to the light-up, keep a lookout for four photo installations and a photo podium along the road, where you’ll get to snap festive photos with your loved ones. And that’s not all — be sure to stop by the revamped Great Christmas Village, which will feature a Kiztopia Christmas Carnival with games, rides, festive treats, homegrown craft beer, and unique shopping experiences.

With the festive season fast approaching, it’s time to deck the halls and your drinks cabinet. And what better way to stock up than at the Cellarbration Christmas Warehouse Sale? Back at Suntec City Convention Centre Level 3 from November 7 to 9, it’s bringing the holiday cheer with unbeatable deals featuring over 500 international alcohol brands such as Glenfiddich, Aperol, and East West Tequila, as well as local delights like Sour Plum Vodka and even Cellarbration’s very own limited release Gingerbread Gin – all at merry-making prices. Whisky, gin, rum, wine, beer, sake, makgeolli and even cream tequilas – you name it, it’s here.

But that’s not all – this year’s edition adds a twist with boutique lifestyle brands offering everything from perfumes and makeup to jewellery and homeware. Whether you’re restocking your home bar or hunting for that special Christmas gift, come and snag them up before the elves do! 

Admission is free. Secure your free entry here.

What happens when your late mother and a random woman crash your karaoke birthday bash? You belt out the drama. Congratulations, Get Rich! is a gloriously unhinged new musical-comedy by Singaporean-Australian playwright Merlynn Tong, taking over the mics at Drama Centre Theatre from October 29 – fresh from its Brisbane debut, before heading on to Sydney next.

Set in a karaoke bar on Mandy’s 38th birthday, the night spirals out of control with ghosts, grief and generational secrets that refuse to stay buried. At its heart, it’s a story about three fierce Singaporean women finding healing through laughter, tears and karaoke – proving that singing together can be surprisingly good for the soul. Starring our very own musical darling Seong Hui Xuan, this chaotic yet cathartic production is not to be missed. Tickets start from $28 – get yours here.

Singapore’s biggest sustainability festival is back at Temasek Shophouse, transforming the space into a hub for eco-action. Explore nine immersive zones and over 80 local and regional brands, featuring upcycled furniture, circular fashion swaps, and waste-turned-wearables.

Get hands-on with more than 40 free workshops in zero-waste cooking, candle-making, and coral-inspired crafts, or meet sustainability changemakers at Local Brand Showcases. Highlights include a life-sized 3D-printed Mercedes-Benz G-Class made from 40,000 recycled bottles and Teva’s City Trail Adventure. Festival bites from Bibik Violet by Violet Oon and proceeds from GREEN-HOUSE merch support NParks’ 100K Coral Initiative.

Catch world-renowned writers like fantasy author R.F. Kuang (Yellowface, and most recently, Katabasis), food historian Fuschia Dunlop, and sci-fi author Ken Liu at 28th edition of the Singapore Writers’ Festival this weekend. This year’s edition, titled 'Shape of Things to Come', celebrates Singapore’s 60th birthday. It seeks to connect the past, present, and future of writing with optimistic, forward-looking themes and a focus on history, tech, sci-fi, and food.

With a lineup of over 200 programmes and more than 300 writers in attendance, you’ll certainly have your pick of events to choose from. Highlights include keynote speeches by the abovementioned authors, as well as the SG60 Homage, which consists of panels and exhibits that trace Singapore’s literary evolution since independence, and the Sci-Fi Spotlight, which focuses on speculative fiction, future worlds, and technology. Activities for children are also available. such as a Live Drawing Battle and storytelling sessions at the SWF Playground.

Discover unexpected artworks embedded within familiar, everyday settings at the Singapore Biennale, which makes an ambitious return this year under the evocative title, 'pure intention'. The contemporary arts festival invites audiences to explore the duality of Singapore’s layered urban story, in which both meticulous urban planning coexists with serendipitous surprises.

This year’s edition features over 100 new and existing artworks, which are situated across the Civic District, Orchard Road, the Rail Corridor, and the SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark. The artworks on display are not just visual – some are also immersive, interactive, and multi-sensorial, such as Taiwanese artist Huang Po-Chih's Momocha, featuring a series of kombucha flavours, to Filipino artist Eisa Jocson's The Filipino Superwoman X H.O.M.E. Karaoke Living Room, which transforms a shop unit into a space reminiscent of a Filipino living room.

Dance the night away under Far East Square's Glass dome at SYBER: Singapore, which brings Australia's cutting-edge underground music collective to local shores for the first time this Saturday. The event is headlined by Australian DJ Tye Turner, alongside acts like Dasboyy! (AU) and Auntie Munnie (AU) with local reps SoundsOfFai and HBN. Prep yourself for a night of high-energy performances and eclectic beats blending hip hop, baile funk, and global club music – all filmed live for SYBER's popular YouTube channel. While early-bird tickets are sold out, advance tickets from $65 and limited table packages are still available here.

Support homegrown and regional indie artists at Supersonic.mp3, an event presented by *SCAPE and PARKA this Sunday evening. Featured acts include YAØ, who will bring his signature blend of R&B and Japanese city pop to the stage, indie-pop R&B artist lovlaine, multifaceted singer-songwriter and producer ICEBOX, and OUT THE MIDDLE!, who combines R&B with hip-hop. Supersonic.mp3 is part of the X *SCAPE festival, a youthful celebration of creative arts, urban culture and emerging talent that’s happening this weekend. Activities on offer at the festival include everything from graffiti jams, craft workshops, and immersive art, to dynamic dance, DJ sets, rap battles, urban sports, and street parades. 

Pottery and ceramic lovers are in for a treat this weekend at the Singapore Clay Festival, where attendees will be able to shop for beautifully crafted pieces and meet the clay makers behind each piece. This year’s edition features more than 220 ceramicists from Singapore and beyond, who will be selling everything from plant pots, matcha bowls, and unique mugs, to cute figurines, and tableware. In addition to shopping, activities include hands-on workshops, clay demonstrations, pottery throwdowns, and curated ceramic exhibitions. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, the festival will have something for you. Tickets start from S$10 for a day pass.

Want to immerse yourself in German film and culture? From now till November 9, the German Film Festival, presented by the Goethe Institute, returns to light up screens across Singapore. Cinephiles can delight in the eclectic lineup of films available this year, which range from social dramas and edgy comedies to bold documentaries and compelling shorts. This year’s iteration of the Festival is extra special too – it’s part of a series of events that celebrates 60 years of diplomatic relations between Germany and Singapore.

This week, there are films for all ages and budgets. For a free, family-friendly movie night under the stars, catch Niko - Beyond the Northern Lights at Singapore Botanic Gardens. Not your thing? Hysteria, screened at Suntec City’s Golden Village, and In The Fade, shown at OTH Festive Arts Theatre, are dramatic thrillers that will have you on the edge of your seat. Football enthusiasts, meanwhile, might enjoy Lessons of a Dream, an award-winning film based loosely on the life of football pioneer Konrad Koch.

With over 100 vendors, including international pet brands, animal welfare groups, and lifestyle partners at the Good Pet Fair, pawrents will certainly be spoilt for choice. Beyond an endless array of pet goods for sale, lifestyle brands such as Curious Creatures and even BYD are also making an appearance at the fair.

Hungry and thirsty after all that shopping? Check out the fair’s F&B zone, where you’ll find familiar favourites such as Hello Arigato and Yeastside. Shopping isn’t the only activity available at the fair – proud pet owners can also break records and make history at the fair by joining the Largest Pomeranian Gathering on November 8, and the Largest Dachshund Gathering on November 9. If you’re worried about the inaccessibility of the venue, fret not – a pet-friendly shuttle bus runs all day between Expo MRT (Exit B) and the venue, with ample on-site parking for those driving.

From now till November 9, Mandarin Gallery gets a dose of whimsy with giant inflatables, themed photo zones and exclusive collectibles, all inspired by the irresistibly cute Twinkle Twinkle characters. Explore the Savor the Moment and Create Your Taste series, and discover limited-edition figurines. Snap your way through the Message from the Star gallery on Level 2, where croissant and macaron props set the stage for picture-perfect moments. This gallery will remain open till  November 30. Remember to bask in the joy of slowing down, one sweet snapshot at a time.

Take a peek behind the closed gates of the Istana at this Sunday’s open house, which celebrates Deepavali. Visitors will get the chance to explore the beautiful grounds, enjoy live cultural performances, and participate in family-friendly workshops and activities. These activities include Deepavali traditions such as making toranams (garlands) and decorating deepams (oil lamps), as well as contemporary workshops like horseshoe painting, crocheting, and water marbling. Animal lovers can also participate in animal-assisted therapy with adorable mini horses. For a fee, visitors can join a heritage walking tour led by NParks volunteers.

Hungry after all the fun? Food and beverage stalls will be available, but take note that only cashless payment is accepted. Be sure to get there early – the Istana is only open up to five times a year, so the open house is bound to attract crowds. Entry to the Istana grounds is free for Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents. Other visitors have to pay an admission fee of $20 per adult and $10 per child.

MOGĀ, the Japanese Prohibition-inspired izakaya-bar at Pullman Singapore Hill Street, turns two this year, and it sure knows how to throw a party – or five. The bar will be hosting 10 guest shifts across five days in November, featuring some of Asia's most popular bars. The month-long revelry kicks off with Kuala Lumpur's Penrose and Reka:Bar on November 1, followed by a spotlight on rising stars in Indonesia on November 5 and 10, with bars like BlowJams and Naaga joining the fray. It's then Hong Kong's time to shine, with The Old Man and Quinary stopping by on November 17. The party concludes with Seoul heavy-hitters Villa Records and Soko on November 24. Adding to the excitement, MOGĀ will be offering one-for-one cocktails off its new menu, Kiyoko's Journey, available all month till November 29. 

Make a reservation here.

Heartware Store & Gallery is back with another delightful exhibition, Souvenirs by Dutch artist duo We Are Out of Office. Comprised of Winneke de Groot and Felix van Dam, We Are Out of Office is known for turning familiar, everyday objects into colourful collectibles: think vibrant riso prints, sculptures, and objects.

For Souvenirs, they've made things more engaging, crafting interactive machines, such a gachapon machine, ramen vending machine, and even a new piece called "Joo Chiat Road" as an homage to Heartware Store & Gallery's neighbourhood. These sit alongside limited-edition silkscreen prints, charming risograph postcards of packaging designs, and wooden blocks inspired by vintage goods. In the spirit of the exhibition, take home a souvenir to share with loved ones: custom car fresheners, cups, pins, keychains and more.

Local music gets its moment in A Love Song, a photo exhibition by Mary-Ann Teo spanning three decades of Singapore's gig scene, from the 1990s heyday of Force Vomit and The Stoned Revivals to new names like The CB Dogs and True Anger. Part documentation, part love letter, Teo's work captures the grit, glow, and heart that keep our music community alive. The exhibition opens with a full day of live sets by homegrown acts including TypeWriter, The Oddfellows, Leslie Low, and Hanging Up The Moon, plus exclusive merch from The Oddfellows and The CB Dogs. 

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).