The best things to do in Singapore this weekend (April 17-19)

The Istana opens its gates to the public this weekend in celebration of the Hari Raya season and the upcoming Labour Day. Swing by with family and friends for a series of lively cultural performances and choral showcases, as well as swelling orchestral takes on Raya classics and K-pop favourites. Play zones across the Istana grounds keep things lively: facepainting booths, craft workshops, balloon sculpting, and even a game of lawn bowls. Self-guided and registered trails are also available if you're keen to explore the historical site and its landmarks. Food trucks and F&B tents dishing out waffles, Swensens ice cream, kebabs, and more are always around to keep your belly full. 

This April, MARQUEE turns up the energy with its seventh anniversary celebration, MARQUEE Spectrum: 7 Colours of Sound. Across two explosive nights on April 10 and 11, dance music heavyweights Alan Walker and Marshmello take over the decks, promising high-voltage sets and full-throttle festival energy. There are also plenty of interactive fun and mini challenges for a chance to win complimentary drink tickets to keep spirits high.

The momentum continues on April 30 with Norwegian hardstyle duo Da Tweekaz bringing their infectious, high-octane energy to the dancefloor. There will be crowd-firing anthems like ‘Jägermeister,’ euphoric melodies and pounding beats – all backed by a crowd that’s nowhere near ready to call it a night.

The Indian Heritage Centre is throwing a two-day Indian New Year celebration, and it's chockful of performances, workshops, and a festive market. Drop in for high-energy dance showcases (from bhangra to ghoomar), and festive potli bag-making or beaded hanging bell workshops. If you're hosting your own get-togethers, then the market is where to pick up tasty Indian snacks, handmade gems, and colourful textiles. Ticketed activities around Indian cooking and storytelling performances are also available – or a guided cultural trail to get to know the Little India neighbourhood better. Check out the full programme lineup here.

It's National Cat Lady Day on April 19, and to mark the occasion, Tokonoma is hosting a cat art show for all feline lovers. Titled Toxoplasmosis, this lighthearted exhibition proves that the only thing you’ll be catching here is an overload of feline cuteness. It brings together over 20 cat-themed artworks by local and international artists, spanning miniature sculptures, paintings, prints, and more. Each piece captures the world’s enduring obsession with these adorable furballs across cultures and eras, from muses in ancient folklore to internet icons in modern-day memes. Bonus: all the artworks presented will be available for sale, with 10% of their proceeds donated to Kitten Sanctuary Singapore, the first and only nursery and kindergarten that helps newborn strays. 

It’s time to return to Huxley Secondary School as the critically acclaimed local production by Checkpoint Theatre, Secondary: The Musical, hits the stage once again for a brand-new run. The story follows a young teacher, Lilin, played by Genevieve Tan, as she navigates a stressful school term alongside her students Ming, Omar and Reyansh. It's a poignant look at the realities of teachers and students in Singapore, and unpacks the pressures of the nation’s tough education system and the emotional challenges most teens face while at school and at home.

Secondary, created by playwright-composer weish and directed by Huzir Sulaiman, earned six nominations at the 2025 ST Life Theatre Awards and won Production of the Year. The 2026 restaging also stars Tricia Tan, Krish Natarajan, Rebekah Sangeetha Dorai, Teoh Jun Vinh, and more reprising their roles.

For its eighth anniversary, GrooveTop is celebrating with a beachside takeover at Tanjong Beach Club featuring a deep roster of local circuit staples. As you soak in the golden hour views, the seven DJs – Aurora, HBN, Ollie’Des, Prav, Ramesh, RAAJ, and Ya5th – are set to take turns on the decks, spinning a spectrum of dancefloor-ready music, from hip-hop and R&B to Afro, Latin, Baile and UK garage.

GrooveTop is run by Sophie Wee and Amanda Scully, who have spent almost a decade curating music programmes dedicated to party goers who enjoy cutting up on the dancefloor as much as they do.

Support a good cause at Whisker Works Fur Fest at *SCAPE, a one-day event which aims to raise awareness and funds for animal welfare. At the heart of the festival is a marketplace spotlighting youth-run brands in collaboration with charity organisations such as Make-A-Wish Singapore, Project Humane, and the Singapore Heart Foundation. Any purchase from these booths contributes directly to their respective non-profit organisations. Elsewhere, the programme comes alive with performances by emerging homegrown talents, from bands covering crowd-pleasers by Paramore, Goo Goo Dolls and Sabrina Carpenter to energetic K-pop and hip-hop dance showcases.

There’s also Pawprint We Leave Behind, an exhibition that chronicles the journey of Whisker Works and its members. The best part? The event is entirely pet-friendly, so bring your fur friends along for the afternoon and commemorate it with pics at the free photobooth.

For the third edition of The High Table, rooftop bar HighHouse welcomes Chef Sun Kim from two-Michelin-starred Meta. The exclusive menu draws from his Korean heritage and refined techniques, offering reimagined classics with bold flavours. Savour dishes like blue lobster gyeran jjim or charcoal-grilled beef short rib in a galbi-style marinade. The star attraction is the steak bibimbap, featuring chargrilled flank steak and a savoury gochujang garlic sauce. Available for both lunch and dinner, this collaboration is a must-try for culinary enthusiasts looking for high-end fusion with a view.

The European Film Festival is back, featuring 29 screenings of titles from over 20 countries across three film venues: Capitol Theatre, Filmhouse, and German European School Singapore. The festival’s 35th edition curates films for every type of moviegoer, from drama and comedy to documentary and musicals, presenting diverse and distinct European voices on the silver screen. Expect feminist stories from Austria and Belgium, thrilling Danish adventures, laugh-out-loud comedies from Finland and Italy, and more.

Opening the festival is Horseshoe, a 2025 Irish dramedy that follows four estranged siblings who reunite to support each other after their father’s death. Another gem not to be missed is Flow, the Oscar-winning animated film by Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis.

Pottery, paintings, and plants take centre stage at Appetite restaurant’s new exhibition, Elemental Form. The showcase explores fire, earth, air, and water through the works of five diverse artists. Fawn World’s botanical arrangements complement ceramic masterpieces by Hans Chew and Sean Lim, while Tay Bak Chiang’s abstract Chinese ink paintings focus on the stillness of nature. Adding a vibrant pop to the presentation are Hannah Lim’s colourful, multicultural snuff bottles. 

Explore the human body through Flesh and Bones: The Art of Anatomy at the ArtScience Museum. This landmark exhibition, in partnership with the Getty Research Institute, traces how the body has been imagined from the 16th century to today. This Singapore edition highlights Asian perspectives, featuring over 40 objects from the Singapore College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and insights into Ayurveda. With 160+ artefacts, including life-sized illustrations, medical manuscripts, and scientific specimens, it’s a deep dive into medical history and art.

Argentine-born Thai artist Rirkrit Tiravanija’s latest exhibition, SAY YES TO EVERYTHING, marks his largest solo showcase in Singapore to date. Displayed at STPI are a selection of the contemporary artist’s seminal works that span over a decade, from installations and prints to objects, that explore the themes of migration, travel, belonging and displacement. The immersive and thought-provoking exhibition transforms the gallery into a communal space. It invites guests to be part of the exhibition by participating in ordinary, everyday activities together. By “saying yes”, you’ll be encouraged to make a connection either through games, folding origami or conversation. A key highlight of the exhibition is Untitled (lunch box), which invites visitors to share a meal in the gallery.

Capitol Theatre is bringing back the classics with Classics at Capitol, a brand-new programme curated by local film writer and researcher Dr Ben Slater. From February through the end of April, the century-old movie palace is hosting limited screenings of nostalgic Hollywood favourites digitally restored in clear 4K resolution. The lineup kicks off with Singin’ In The Rain, starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynold and Donald O’Connor. The 1952 romantic musical comedy follows a silent movie star who falls for an aspiring actress as they both learn to navigate the ups and downs of the entertainment industry. The film is followed in March by the 1962 war epic Lawrence of Arabia, before wrapping up with Alfred Hitchcock’s spy thriller North by Northwest. Each screening will feature introductions from experts and guests, as well as special surprises.

Experience 60 years of David Hockney’s art through his eyes in this immersive installation at the newly opened IMBA Theatre at Gardens by the Bay. Hailed as a central figure in British art and one of the most influential contributors to the pop art movement in the 1960s, Hockney continues to push technological boundaries to create vibrant, attention-grabbing masterpieces.

This 50-minute looped showcase uses a large-scale projection to fill the room, from floor to ceiling, with mesmerising colours, images and sound. It’s divided into six chapters of Hockney’s work, spanning from the start of his career to the present day, giving you a look at his creative process over the years. Accompanied by a specially composed score by American contemporary classical music composer and arranger Nico Muhly, the showcase also lets you hear from Hockney himself as he explains his experimental style.

Once a trading port and now a commercial hub, the CBD isn’t just a workspace – it’s a district with plenty of forgotten stories, quiet characters and hidden memories. This is what Momentary Pulses: Art in the Central Business District, a commissioning series by The Everyday Museum and initiated by Singapore Art Museum, aims to uncover. Amid the city’s hustle and bustle are seven showcases by Singapore-based artists that have been seamlessly woven into public spaces along buildings and walkways. Each artwork has been designed to reflect, rather than distract, as it responds to the sights and sounds of the ever-evolving landscape. They invite us to look more closely at our everyday surroundings, pause, and let our imagination wander, offering a moment of calm and curiosity in a fast-paced environment.

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. ‘Shade of Tea’ by Ashley Yeo is an atmospheric display of tea leaves in floating paper forms, while ‘Symphony of Tea’ is a series of ASMR-inspired videos produced by Alecia Neo, Clarence Chung, Jonathan Goh and Wesley Meow that explores the symphonic experience of tea.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).