The best things to do in Singapore this weekend (March 27-29)

From chess and Beyblade matches to medieval swordsmanship and fingerboarding, SCAPE’s The Lobby: Hobby Edition gives you a chance to get to know and explore some of the most exciting and unique youth hobby communities in Singapore. The programme is split into two. At the main stage, you can catch demonstrations from the Yo‑Yo Association of Singapore, Fight Saber SG and Bastion HEMA, who will perform a series of European martial arts combat movements like medieval fencing. Meanwhile, over at the arena, you can take part in the Aliwal Chess Club Tournament, play against other Beyblade enthusiasts, or try your hand at fingerboarding with Coffeetable Fingerboards.

Elsewhere, there are also booths set up by the Live Action Role‑Playing community, Pokémon fans, and other video gaming groups like Smash G. Entry to the event is free, but requires registration.

This March, the Marquee line-up taps into concert season energy. The blockbuster month saw a SEVENTEEN-themed party on March 6 and a Live Yours After Party hosted by Central Cee on March 18. This weekend, the nightclub is closing off the month with some high-octane revelry: Slovakian DJ Nifra commands the decks on March 28 with a fierce blend of techno, rave, and trance while FVDER takes over on March 29 with Hypersonic, a deliciously chaotic night of hardstyle, hard techno, and hard dance. 

If you’re after a nightclub that pairs scale with strong programming, MARQUEE delivers every Friday, Saturday and eve of public holidays – and it doesn’t clock off until 6am. Find out more here.

Consider this your sign to take things outdoors. From now till April 19, Fridays to Sundays at The Rail Mall see Block 1 going car-free, where families, friends, and even pets can soak up the greenery while enjoying alfresco dining, upbeat music and a bouncy castle for the kids. Savour fresh, artisanal pizza at The Artisan’s Table, authentic Italian flavours at Acqua e Farina, tender Hainanese chicken rice at Jew Kit Hainanese Chicken Rice, or plant-based delights at Green on Earth. Whether you’re hiking or cycling along the Rail Corridor or simply seeking a relaxed evening out, this is the perfect spot to unwind, eat well and make the most of Singapore’s leafy Bukit Timah evenings. Find out more here.

Journey East has teamed up with the café Folk Yard to turn its furniture showroom at Tan Boon Liat into the ultimate slow brunch experience this Saturday. Folk Yard is doling out exclusive R&D creations like cured bacon on sourdough with a soft cheesy scramble⁠, whipped mascarpone French toast, braised short rib Benedict, and a juicy, stuffed canelloni. For sides, be treated to either a dirty Caesar salad or roasted brussels sprouts. Other brunch à la carte items include scones, served with clotted cream and jam, and a moist loaf of banana bread.

You can choose to wash it all down with a selection of natural wines⁠ or speciality coffee. Each ticket includes a main and a coffee of your choice.

Trade your usual night out for romance and gripping drama in the concert hall. Simon Trpčeski & Eliahu Inbal / Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich sees the Singapore Symphony Orchestra take on two 20th-century masterpieces on March 27 and 28 at the Esplanade Concert Hall. The concert is led by legendary conductor Eliahu Inbal, whose career has seen him helm leading orchestras around the world.

The programme opens with Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, brought to life by acclaimed Macedonian pianist Simon Trpčeski. Having performed alongside eminent conductors at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, Trpčeski brings both authority and sensitivity to Rachmaninoff’s beloved concerto, drawing out its depth and aching lyricism.

The night then takes a dramatic turn with Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 11 “The Year 1905”, a powerful and cinematic work that captures revolution, unrest and resilience through thunderous orchestration and haunting themes. 

Tickets start at $15 and are eligible for SG Culture Pass redemption – a small price, or none at all, for an evening of lush romance and seismic orchestral power. Book here.

Asian Civilisation Museum's Let’s Play! Weekend Festival celebrates all things Asian games and traditions with an action-packed programme inspired by its ongoing exhibition, Let’s Play! The Art and Design of Asian Games. Look forward to a super-sized hopscotch, a pop-up playground, a fun twist on the classic game of Snakes and Ladders, and plenty of other playful surprises.

In addition to games, several performances, tours, and drop-in activities are lined up. Some outdoor performance highlights include tinikling, a Philippine bamboo dance, and dolanan, which mixes Balinese games, song and dance. Over at the craft stations, unleash your creative side by designing a mini congkak and weaving your own board game to play chess or checkers. Elsewhere, there are registered storytelling sessions and family-friendly workshops covering the history and practices of old-school games such as gasing, chess, mahjong and weiqi, an ancient Chinese strategy board game.

Experience the dark theatrics of Shakespeare's Macbeth reimagined as a sweeping opera by Giuseppe Verdi. Presented by Lirica Arts, this production follows a couple's descent into murder and madness after a supernatural prophecy.

Featuring a stellar cast including Singapore’s Martin Ng and Chinese baritone Zhang Feng, the show is accompanied by The Philharmonic Orchestra. Expect eerie witches' choruses and a dramatic score that brings this tale of ambition and guilt to life.

Before there was Marquee or Zouk, there was Fire Disco – and Club Vox is throwing it back to the ’90s with a night dedicated to one of Singapore’s most iconic nightclubs. Headlining the one-night-only event is Ivan Rantung, Fire Disco’s former resident DJ, alongside veteran deck wizards Kevin O’Hara and Warren Dragon. Their sets are supported by DJ Chris L, DJ Y (Dylan), and The Iceman. While the DJ lineup is already out, organisers say there are a couple of surprises to look out for, so keep your eyes peeled.

Fire Disco opened its doors in 1989, providing a variety of soundtracks on the dancefloor, from dance and pop to house and R&B. It also operated venues overseas in Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur. Despite its popularity, the three-storey clubbing institution at Orchard Plaza eventually shuttered in 2000.

What’s a movie without some snacks, right? Well, FFIGS is officially turning that notion into a full sensory experience with a curated series of films paired with light bites. A Tactile Gastronomical Encounter is an evening affair at Goethe-Institut that invites you to experience stories not just visually, but through taste and touch.

Expect a mix of crunchy, chewy and melt-in-your-mouth treats that mirror the mood and texture on screen. While the movie lineup remains tightly under wraps, you can look forward to a thoughtful selection of four titles from its programmer and regular film festival curator, Deepag. Oh, and the best part? Halal and vegetarian options will be served, so everyone’s invited to get their snack on. Entry is by donation, but there are limited slots available. You can RSVP your attendance here.

The fifth edition of Gallery Children’s Biennale, held until March 29, is made for the young ones – and the young at heart. Spread across the National Gallery Singapore, the exhibition features eight immersive, larger-than-life artworks created by local artists and beyond that are inspired by the theme, ‘Tomorrow We’ll Be…’.

Combining art with imagination and play, each piece explores the boundless possibilities of the future, guided by the values of joy, kindness, dream and love. Look forward to an interactive, sensory artwork filled with colours and texture, a motion-responsive digital installation, and a whimsical playground made out of upcycled children’s clothing and over 400 donated toys.

Another weekend, another market to look forward to. This time, Aa Furniture returns with its Collectors Weekend Market, offering a curated selection of homeware, jewellery, clothing and more from your favourite indie brands and collectors. Grow your wardrobe with vintage tees and a collection of rare 1920s–1930s Lee denim overalls from MoodNavigator, or spice up your accessories game with Tommy’s Vices. If you’re looking to refresh your space, Nordic Wares Store brings along antique pieces and Scandinavian porcelain from Arabia, Gustavsberg and Royal Copenhagen. For mid-century designs and pop artefacts, nospacenospace has you sorted with its multitude of dreamy trinkets and knick-knacks.

Home decor pieces, funky ceramics and fashion accessories – there’s surely something that’s bound to catch your eye at Object.re’s two-day market. The Gathering of Many: Objects Market Day brings together five local brands and businesses for the weekend to curate an eclectic mix of gems that are worth the trip down to Tannery Lane. Browse for sleek lifestyle pieces from Madspatial, or discover sophisticated scrunchies and bags from Aōmorie. If you appreciate more avant-garde items, then look toward World of Ode and Everyday Objects, who will also be there to set up shop. The former curates design-focused curios, while the latter’s collection of statement-making ceramic pieces will definitely add something special to your own dinnerware selections.

Anna Archibald and Kevin Serai are the #FoodTok power couple behind Cabagges World, an online platform where they share comfort-food recipes and lifestyle and travel guides for their favourite cities. For one day only, the pair are going from URL to IRL to hit up Tanchen Studios at Bukit Timah to bring you first dibs on Cabbages merch and exclusive collab pieces. While there won’t be any of Anna and Kevin’s popular cookbooks in stock, we hear there are baseball caps, reusable bags and other funky accessories that you can cop at the event. Rounding out the wholesome afternoon are Ugli Sabi and Dilly Deli, who will both serve up delish bites and beverages. Whether you’re coming down to rub shoulders with your favourite internet duo or just coming to hang out for some coffee, know that everyone’s invited.

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.

This isn’t your average hotpot gathering, but it’s simmering with artistic flavour. Berlin-based screenprint studio Le Raclet teams up with Chaos Gallery for the second edition of Le Raclet’s Hotpot. Founded by Bera in 2007, the studio specialises in high-end, hand-pulled silkscreen prints. This showcase features zany illustrations and vibrant, surreal pieces from over five international artists. If you fancy any of the silkscreen posters, they are available for sale, so you can take your favourites home. It’s a unique opportunity to explore the craft of fine art printing from a world-renowned one-woman-operated studio.

For its 11th sakura display, Gardens by the Bay welcomes iconic Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty to the Flower Dome. Transport yourself to Ishikawa Prefecture, wandering through landscapes framed by 30 types of cherry and plum blossoms. Experience a unique rain installation mimicking Ishikawa’s famously wet climate before immersing yourself in traditional tea ceremonies and mochitsuki demonstrations.

Before it was a tech hub, Punggol was a land of fishing and pig farming. HAN@Punggol Open House invites you to rediscover this storied past through heritage trails and workshops. At the heart is Marking Punggol, an exhibition by Mit Jai Inn featuring 99 papier-mâché stools you can take home – provided you volunteer at a local charity. Other highlights include a communal seafood feast and an audio heritage trail along the coastline. This festival marks the launch of a three-year initiative to connect the community through art.

To mark International Women’s Day, Filmhouse Cinema Singapore spotlights women directors. The Women in Focus lineup features Hollywood favourites and indie releases, ranging from queer stories to space adventures. Catch Rental Family starring Brendan Fraser, or Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet. Don’t miss 100 Nights of Hero, a queer fantasy romance, or the documentary 10s Across the Borders, following Southeast Asia’s Ballroom scene. From Kristen Stewart’s directorial work to animated comedies like Lesbian Space Princess, this festival celebrates diverse female voices behind the lens.

For its 11th sakura display, Gardens by the Bay welcomes iconic Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty to the Flower Dome. Transport yourself to Ishikawa Prefecture, wandering through landscapes framed by 30 types of cherry and plum blossoms. Experience a unique rain installation mimicking Ishikawa’s famously wet climate before immersing yourself in traditional tea ceremonies and mochitsuki demonstrations.

Don't miss the Castle in the Sky screening or Anime Garde on March 21 and 22, featuring J-pop acts and international cosplayers. From pink-hued blooms to high-energy festivals, it’s a full immersion into Japanese culture.

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.

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.

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).