The best things to do in Singapore this weekend (May 8-10)

The godfathers of synth, Kraftwerk, bring their acclaimed Multimedia Tour to The Star Theatre on May 8, 2026. Formed in 1970, the Düsseldorf pioneers rewired modern music with robotic vocals and computerised rhythms, influencing everyone from Daft Punk to The Weeknd. Following a triumphant global tour, Ralf Hütter and the ensemble will perform hits from iconic albums like Autobahn and Computer World. The show is a sensory experience, pairing their electronic sounds with stunning 3D visuals that first debuted at New York’s MoMA. It is a rare chance to catch these electronic legends in a fittingly immersive venue – a cool combo of concert and digital art.

This May, the month kicks off at full tilt with PARTYWITHJAY, Pin & Fvder (May 1) and South Korea’s legendary DJ Glory (May 2), before rolling into a packed run of crowd-pulling nights like FTW (May 6), Wonderland (May 8) and a special takeover by Seoul-based DJ Kollin (May 9). But the real pulse-raisers land mid-month: Dutch heavyweights Dyro and Dannic go back-to-back on May 15 for a high-impact set built on big-room drops and festival firepower, followed by Astrolab (May 16) and up-and-coming EDM star Mesto (May 22), whose melodic-meets-mainstage sound keeps the energy rising.

Things don’t let up from there. Get ready for a genre switch-up with Fvder & Kya (May 23), before UK hardstyle icon Darren Styles storms in on May 26 (eve of Hari Raya) with euphoric anthems and relentless BPMs. Trance titan Gareth Emery takes over on May 29 for a more cinematic, hands-in-the-air moment, while Ely Oaks (May 30) keeps the tempo high heading into the final night. Closing out the month, MARQUEE x CultureSG (May 31, eve of Vesak Day) brings a collaborative edge to the dancefloor – the kind of finale that makes you want to keep the party going. Find out more here.

Coffee lovers, take note: Weekend Brew Club is back and going full steam ahead. After its buzzy March debut, this roving coffee buffet hits three heartland locations in May. Catch the brew hub at Tampines West (May 2 and 3) and Toa Payoh’s Kim Keat Palm (May 9 and10) from 9am to 3pm, before it wraps up at Bras Basah Complex (May 15 and 16) with late-night vibes from 1pm to 7pm.

Redeem tickets at participating merchants to score a Weekend Brew Club mug – your all-access pass to free unlimited pours of Nanyang and Italian favourites. Between refills, hit the photobooth, win vouchers at nostalgic minigames, or groove to 2000s and Mandopop DJ sets. There are even coffee-themed workshops for all ages to craft a unique keepsake.

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Little Island Brewing Co. in Changi Village, where over 20 brands gather for a weekend market filled with unexpected gems. Find the perfect gift for mum among crochet pouches, eco–friendly accessories, relaxing candles, and artisanal jewellery. The event is family–friendly, offering live portrait sketches and a bouncy castle with mini scooter rides to keep the little ones entertained. While you shop for sustainable fashion and ceramics, fill up on plant–based bakes and cookies, or chill at the bar with some in–house brews. It is a laid–back coastal escape where even pet parents are welcome to join the festivities.

Discover the incredible diversity of one of the world's largest flowering plant families at Tanglin Mall’s orchid showcase. Featuring over 500 types, the display includes rare blooms and iconic hybrids like the Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim, Singapore’s national flower. Held in collaboration with the Orchid Society of South East Asia, the event serves as a prelude to their 100th anniversary. Beyond the floral beauty, visitors can join educational demonstrations on repotting, sustainable home growing, and even workshops on preserving flowers in resin as wearable art. Guided tours are also available to uncover the fascinating stories and history behind the unique specimens on display.

Singaporean creatives Hafizah Jainal and Sean Sundaran invite you to their Rowell Road home for one last creative gathering before they bid the space goodbye. This event is a house party, yard sale, and art market rolled into one, featuring local makers like Aanchovies and Auntie Make Flower. Spend the afternoon sifting through pre–loved clothes, art prints, and handcrafted ceramics while sipping on iced matcha. As night falls, the yard sale transforms into a full–blown house party with a series of DJ sets. It is a personal and intimate send–off for a space that has hosted years of creative connection – just remember to bring your own chairs.

Mother Dough Bakery and Jungle Kitchen are teaming up this Mother’s Day weekend for an exclusive menu focused on tropical vegan ingredients. Expect unique savoury treats like crab–filled malu buns, jackfruit pies with curry mayo, and refreshing calamansi tarts. For those who enjoy a kick, the sweet–and–spicy chilli soda topped with hot sauce is a must–try. Ordering from the special menu also earns you discounts to shop Jungle Kitchen’s pantry collection. The pop–up starts at 10am daily and runs until everything is sold out, so be sure to head down early to catch a bite of these limited–edition tropical bakes.

174Bingo turns two this year, and it’s celebrating the milestone with a weekend of birthday specials. The quaint bakery-café in Joo Chiat, founded by Jaslyn Chua, has always been more than just a place where you can get freshly baked goods. It’s a space designed for like-minded folks to gather, create and connect. So you can expect its birthday bash to capture that same easygoing spirit, filled with plenty of good vibes, energy, and conversation.

While the weekend’s menu is still relatively hush-hush, there is one thing that’s for certain: a show-stopping birthday cake that combines watermelon and the flavour of strawberries as a playful nod to the Harry Styles song, 'Watermelon Sugar'. Come blow out the candles together all day from 8.30am, or until the bakes run out. For more details on the event, bookmark its page here.

The fifth edition of TABOO explores the theme of Uniform through a bold, fantasy–driven lens, moving beyond standard office wear into the worlds of latex, cybergoth, and lace. This is no ordinary club night; it is an immersive experience featuring pole acts, acrobatics, and intricate rope performances. Multi–sensory installations are woven throughout the space, accompanied by heart–thumping sets from Bangkok’s Cliofeem and local DJs like Matilda and Taz Angullia. Dressing up is strictly required to channel your inner alter ego and step into this alternative dimension. It is a night of authority, ceremony, and service reimagined as a high–energy visual and sonic art showcase.

Singapore HeritageFest returns for its 23rd edition, featuring over 100 islandwide programmes celebrating our nation’s maritime history. Under the theme Sail the Currents that Shape Us, explore everything from seafaring traditions to the future of our ports.

The signature Homeground marketplace returns to ACM Green every Friday and Saturday, offering folk art performances, movie screenings, and workshops where you can make batik carabiners. Other highlights include a behind-the-scenes look at Jurong Fishery Port, a theatrical bumboat experience called A Bump Through Time, and rare bus tours into PSA’s container terminals. Dive into the full festival lineup for a mix of free and registered sessions across the island.

After fine-tuning its operations, independent cinema Filmhouse is ready for its grand housewarming from April 30 to May 30. The month-long celebration kicks off with the Music in Film series, featuring titles like Whiplash and La La Land. The rhythm continues with a Michael Jackson sing-along, live R&B jams with Tim De Cotta, and a vinyl market by Bizarro Market on May 23. Wrap up the festivities with a late-night concert featuring local bands and DJs. It’s a soulful homecoming for film buffs and music lovers alike in the cinema's newly polished, cosy theatres.

Relive the heritage-rich glory of Chinatown at the Five Footway Festival on May 2 to 3 and May 9 to 10. Smith Street comes alive with lion dances, Chinese opera, and puppet shows, alongside old-school games like five stones and paper flipping. Beyond the free performances, you can dive into tea appreciation workshops, learn the art of making wife cakes, or experience a traditional Beijing Opera make-up transformation. It’s a vibrant, nostalgic journey through the district’s storied history, offering a rare chance to experience the traditional crafts and culture of Singapore's early settlers.

A Life in Fullness pays homage to renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero with a 40-minute audiovisual portrait at IMBA Theatre. Narrated by his eldest son, this world-first immersive experience uses large-scale projections and soundscapes to trace Botero's journey from his humble beginnings to global icon. The biography is filled with personal anecdotes and family memories, offering a rare peek into his creative struggles and joys. The installation runs alongside Heart of Volume, an exhibition featuring his vibrant paintings and sculptures in a thoughtfully designed setting. It is a detailed, moving celebration of the auteur's enduring legacy and unique artistic vision.

Desire and intimacy take centre stage at the National Gallery in Passion is Volcanic: Desire in Southeast Asian Art. Featuring over 70 works across various media, the exhibition examines how regional artists interpret human connection through diverse cultures and beliefs. Building on a 1953 essay by Nanyang artist Liu Kang, the showcase explores deep passion as a creative force across three sections: Asian Mythos and Ritual, Conventions of the Erotic, and Public Arenas/Private Interiors. Note that this thought-provoking exhibition is rated R18, so valid identification is required for entry to explore these delicate expressions of longing and historical contexts.

Disney fever hits Great World with a massive pop-up experience at the atrium, featuring limited-edition plushies and homeware. With May the 4th approaching, Star Wars takes the spotlight with exclusive collectibles like the Obi-Wan Kenobi Legacy lightsaber set and a rare Darth Maul hilt – only 5,000 pieces exist worldwide. Fans can enjoy costume contests, craft workshops, and guided demos of the Disney Lorcana trading card game. Don't miss the daily pin trading board or the seasonal mystery bags from Disney Japan. Whether you are a mini Jedi or a serious collector, it is a merch-filled haven for every kind of fan.

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.

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.

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.

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).