The best things to do in Singapore this weekend (January 23-25)

Whether you consider yourself part of the visual arts community, a casual art enthusiast or just new to art in general, there’s surely something for everyone to enjoy at Singapore Art Week. This year, take your pick from over a hundred programmes that shine the spotlight on Southeast Asian art. Spread across 10 days are art fairs, exhibitions, guided tours, workshops, performances and more taking place at various locations and online. Highlights in the calendar include contemporary art showcases ART SG and S.E.A Focus, plus walking art trails that’ll take you to places like Bras Basah, Moonstone Estate and the Jurong Innovation District. There’s also Nafasan Bumi, an exhibition by Indonesian artists Elia Nurvista and Bagus Pandega, that uses multimedia and sculptural works to examine the environmental toll of economic growth in the age of the climate crisis.

Over at Kampong Gelam, Aliwal Urban Arts Fest returns with immersive installations that combine street art with music, urban dance, and skate culture. The annual family-friendly event also offers ticketed workshops on hip-hop, theatre, Chinese opera, classical Japanese dance and odissi. Meanwhile, *SCAPE’s youth-focused art festival COMMA presents emerging talent responding to its 2026 theme, “Softer Systems”, which centres on empathy and care within the creative practice.

Dreaming of a home abroad that comes with skyline views, sunshine and serious returns? Dubai Property Expo Singapore: Second Edition touches down at Marina Bay Sands’ Melati Ballroom on January 24 and 25. Curated by market leader NKN Media, this is your chance to explore premium Dubai developments, chat one-on-one with top developers, and uncover golden visa opportunities. Forget middlemen fees – here, it’s all direct access. Whether you’re interested in high rental returns or simply curious about luxury property investment abroad, this expo delivers insights, exclusives and the kind of insider tips you won’t find elsewhere. Register now and claim your free VIP passes.

Register here

When it comes to Chinese New Year, Funan is not horsing around. From January 22 to February 22, the lifestyle hub is making way for the return of Creative Intersections – this time with HOBBYHORSE: Rhythm and Forms of Play, a month-long art and lifestyle exhibition. Feast your senses on sculptural zodiac horses across all six floors, mesmerising digital art, interactive games, live customisation, workshops and even pickleball-as-performance. Art spills into shops, cafés and staircases too, with surprises hiding everywhere, from animated stories and guessing games to illustrated cup sleeves and collectible fashion drops. It’s hands-on, delightfully unexpected and made for curious wanderers of all ages. Add Spend and Redeem rewards, exclusive promos and Singapore Art Week energy into the mix, and you’ve got your most playful CNY detour yet. Find out more here.

From now until the end of January, Gillman Barracks is turning into a buzzing space that lives and breathes art at every corner. As part of the programme, galleries in the precinct, such as Mizuma Gallery, FOST Gallery, NTU CCA and Ota Fine Arts, are unveiling new showcases, commissions and activations – some of which will be accompanied by artist-led sessions and walkthroughs. Beyond the galleries are a slew of public programmes not to be missed. Pencil in some time for guided tours of the galleries, sign up for family-friendly workshops on photography and music, or come discover a temporary artwork created by artist Marcus Pang through power-washing. There’s also an after-hours bloc party happening on 24 January, where there’ll be a curated video art screening as part of Art Week’s official programming.

On top of that, selected Gillman F&B and fitness establishments are also offering special discounts throughout the period. Enjoy them at outlets like Little Island Brewing Co, SALT Fitness, Handlebar and Red Rock & Rosso Lounge.

Get up close and personal with all types of bugs and creepy-crawlies as you never have before at ArtScience Museum’s latest exhibition, held in collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History. It features 37 high-magnification portraits of insects captured by renowned British photographer Levon Biss. Known for his remarkable and impressive microscopic images, Biss’ striking photographs give viewers a rare chance to uncover the beauty and intricacies of these tiny creatures that are sometimes hidden from the naked eye. Take a trip around the world through his photos and discover the distinct beetles, bees, and more from South America, China, and Africa. Supporting the showcase is a short film offering a behind-the-scenes look at Biss’ elaborate and fascinating photographic process and his attention to detail.

Elsewhere, the exhibition also lends the spotlight to Singapore’s rich biodiversity, highlighting our nation’s efforts in research and in new species discoveries from local institutions like the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum and Nanyang Technological University.

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.

Sushi takes on many different forms at this brand-new dining experience created by chef Bjorn Shen. A restaurant within a restaurant, Jellyfish Sushi sits in a corner of Artichoke, where its 12-course menu puts a spin on the traditional Japanese dish. The rules in the kitchen here are simple: understand the discipline and bend the rules where you can, and the outcome is an exploration of flavours and culture. So put aside everything you might know about the seafood, because that’s not what you might expect here. The main highlight is its signature bread sushi – that’s fish served on top of various types of bread (baked, deep-fried, charred, etc). The omakase-style menu evolves every few months, so there’s a surprise waiting for you each time.

Taking charge at Jellyfish is Artichoke’s head chef Mathew Woon, alongside Fernando Tendean of Baba G’s Pizza Place. With only 10 seats available during each designated timings, make sure to reserve yours in advance before heading down to ensure you get one.

As part of Singapore Art Week 2026, DECK is bringing together five exhibitions by six Singaporean and international artists all under one roof at its new place at the Shop–House. The showcase features a mix of visual formats and approaches, from photography to video, with each artist presenting immersive works that touch on ideas of place, memory, history and distance. Included in the line-up are the efforts of Ryan Lim Zi Yi, Alvin Ng, Camilla Marrese, Hiền Hoàng and Song-Ming Ang. The latter presents The People’s Graphic Score, a community-sourced project that transforms contributions from the public – photos, texts and thoughts – into a living archive of shared stories. Join in on two special evening performances, on 17 and 24 January, where selected artist-musicians will share their interpretations of the artwork and bring it to life. Tickets to the mini-concerts are available here.

For Japanese artist ​Keiko Moriuchi, her medium of choice is none other than the gold leaf. The allure of the source material has given the artist inspiration to create avant-garde paintings that shimmer, shine and shift depending on the light. Born in Osaka, she is the last person invited to join the Gutai Art Association, Japan’s legendary radical post-war art group and movement, by its founder Jirō Yoshihara.

Motif marks Moriuchi’s debut presentation in Singapore and Southeast Asia, with all of her 14 works showcased for sale. Some of the featured masterpieces include works from her Lu: The Never-Ending Thread series, Donut Peach and The Dragon’s Spring, the latter of which draws from a Chinese mythology about a dragon’s nest hidden in a limestone cave. At the centre of the showcase, anchoring the exhibition, is a plinth meant to resemble a Japanese shrine, an intentional homage to the artist’s Buddhist beliefs and the quiet, meditative element that flows through her works. Entry to the exhibition is free, but requires an RSVP.

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.

Gallop, trot, saunter, amble – however you’re planning to enter and welcome the Year of Horse, do it in style at Gardens by the Bay. To honour this year’s zodiac sign, the Flower Dome transforms into an opulent and elegant Chinese-inspired landscape that draws inspiration from the traditional gardens of the Jiangnan region. The highlight of the display is eight life-sized horse lanterns that are handcrafted using techniques that date 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 is meant to represent 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.

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.

Things are about to get 'huat ah' at Wild Wild Wet (WWW) this Lunar New Year. From now till March 3, the waterpark’s signature Shiok River transforms into a cheeky mala hotpot, complete with life-sized floats shaped like lotus root, crabsticks, prawns and streaky meat slices bobbing along the currents. It’s silly, spicy fun and very on brand. Elsewhere, strike a pose with giant mala-themed photo ops like soup base packets, instant noodle packs, plum juice and more scattered across the park, plus a dry mala ball pit outside the Tsunami Pool for little ones. Be the first 50 guests daily to score exclusive mala-themed stickers starring Flumi, WWW’s adorable new mascot.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fine dining meets Indian cuisine at Shikar Singapore, where traditional flavours are paired with innovative techniques. From now until the end of February, the restaurant is offering a special 1-for-1 promotion for its Celebration Menu curated by award-winning Chef Jolly, who was formerly a judge on MasterChef India. Pamper your taste buds with a three-course meal that’s bursting with rich flavour, spice and all things mouth-watering and tasty. Choose from a quartet of starters that range from sweet potato to tiger prawns and duck skewers, before indulging in the main event. For vegetarians, take comfort in the curd cheese kofta, while others can enjoy roasted chicken, seabass, or lamb sukka served with a contemporary Shikar twist. Each dish comes with unlimited servings of basmati rice, housemade butter naan and daal. Of course, the gastronomic experience won’t be complete without a sweet treat. You get to pick between a milk cake or crispy crêpes to round out your meal. We don’t know about you, but it sounds delicious from start to end.

If part of your New Year’s resolutions is to switch up your style and make more eco-conscious decisions, then this indoor thrift market lets you do both at once. Remix By Fleawhere brings together a wide range of fashionable preloved items, from clothing to bags and accessories, that all deserve a second chance at life. Beyond the racks, you’ll also discover upcycled homeware, handmade trinkets and goods, plus other eco-conscious and sustainable creations to bring home. Take your time browsing for a unique and unexpected find, or, you could also rent a booth to pass on your own pieces to others.

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.

Dopamine Land is a multisensory experience like no other. The pop-up installation that’s previously toured in cities like London, Madrid, Dubai, and Brisbane has made its way to Resorts World Sentosa’s Weave. The Singapore edition features nine interactive rooms, each with a different play theme to boost your dopamine levels. Discover rooms like The Cushion Clash for pillow-fighting fun, Chromadance to show off your moves, or ScribbleSpace where you unleash your creativity through doodling.

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.

Step into the surreal world of Skullpanda at the Skullpanda Cage-Uncage Showcase, an immersive, thought-provoking exhibition making its Singapore stop at the National Museum of Singapore. Fans of the cult-favourite Pop Mart figurines will be able to wander through six themed, interactive zones, including several that are exclusive to Singapore – each an introspective exploration of identity, choices, and contradictions. After the showcase, head to the accompanying pop-up store, which is stocked with limited-edition merchandise available only to ticketholders. Tickets for the showcase, which runs until February 22, range from $14 to $36.

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). 

Kopitiam culture takes the spotlight at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre’s Brewing Nostalgia, a regional photo showcase by award-winning travel writer-photographer Lester V. Ledesma. The exhibition features 24 evocative black-and-white images captured across Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, tracing the shared rituals of old-school coffee shops.

From Tanglin Halt’s Peking Room and Penang’s iconic Kek Seng to Bangkok’s Suriya Coffee, the photos reveal warm, intimate slices of everyday life. The project marks SCCC’s first collaboration with the Malaysian and Thai embassies, celebrating 60 years of diplomatic ties.