The best things to do in Singapore this weekend (March 13-15)

For three nights, March 13 to 15, the Marina Bay precinct gets lit with a 10-minute fireworks display celebrating the arrival of Disney Adventure, Asia’s first Disney Cruise Line. Nightly at 8.30pm, the show blends music and lights inspired by the ship’s seven themed areas with Peranakan-inspired motifs. The magic spills into the precinct with nautical-themed quests at seven locations, including Gardens by the Bay. Complete them to win prizes like a three-night cruise vacation! Don't forget to spot the Disney Adventure-inspired photo ops along the waterfront.

This March, the Marquee line-up taps into concert season energy. On March 6, a SEVENTEEN-themed party celebrated the global K-pop powerhouse ahead of their show at the National Stadium. Coming up on March 18, the Live Yours After Party hosted by Central Cee, gives fans another chance to keep the momentum going after his Singapore stop at Pasir Panjang Power Station.

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.

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.

It’s time to go green. The annual St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival returns to Circular Road for a weekend of Irish craic, Guinness, and culture. Enjoy three stages of entertainment, from traditional performances to Celtic rock and local DJ sets at the Guinness Hangout. Bars like Molly Malone’s join the fun, while redemption booths offer exclusive merch like pint-shaped bucket bags. Want to get into the spirit? Hit the Makeover Booth for glitter tattoos and face painting to add some shimmer to your festival ‘fit.

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.

How well do you know local fish? This exhibition by Pasarfish Market dives into Singapore’s marine heritage and seafood supply chain. Through educational displays and curated artworks, learn how your favourite seafood travels from source to table while discovering how to make sustainable choices. The programme includes fish-art workshops, lectures, and tasting sessions to test your taste buds. Browse booths from local brands like ByeO Barelands for biodiversity playing cards, or even get a fish-themed tattoo from Ink.Lotte to round out the day.

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.

What is the point of art?

It’s a question Singapore has been wrestling with for years, long before the pandemic reduced artists to the now-infamous label of “non-essential workers”. Pangdemonium’s Force Majeure leans directly into that question, staging a modern reinterpretation of Chekhov’s Three Sisters, a work known for its aching sense of longing for a different life as the world shifts around its characters.

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.

What is the point of art?

It’s a question Singapore has been wrestling with for years, long before the pandemic reduced artists to the now-infamous label of “non-essential workers”. Pangdemonium’s Force Majeure leans directly into that question, staging a modern reinterpretation of Chekhov’s Three Sisters, a work known for its aching sense of longing for a different life as the world shifts around its characters.

The Weekend Brew Club is stirring things up at Keat Hong Shopping Centre on March 7 and 8, bringing Singapore’s first-ever free coffee buffet to the heartlands. Spend $5 at participating merchants to redeem a ticket and a Weekend Brew Club mug for all-access free-flow coffee.

Don't expect the usual cup-and-go affair; this is a lifestyle get-together blending café culture with retro nostalgia. Groove to 2000s bangers, master Espresso Pong, or join coffee-themed workshops. Don't forget the digital photobooth for a memento to take home, too. Follow @weekendbrewclub on Instagram for full details on ticket redemption and the latest event updates. Find out more here.

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.

This 33-day bazaar isn’t just a bazaar; it’s a community get-together. The theme for this year’s Ramadan celebrations in the Kampong Gelam district is Honouring the Roots, Sampling the Future, which explores local Malay heritage with a contemporary twist. There will be a series of free programmes focused on the Malay-Muslim community and its traditions, which include storytelling sessions, reflective Ramadan discussions, and kid-friendly workshops. Every week in the evenings, there are also scheduled live performances from homegrown favourites and regional highlights, including Iskandar Ismail, ALYPH, ABANGSAPAU, Fariz Jabba, and Nadhif Basalamah.

To top it off, the food and beverage selections here are also a bit different, with tons of traditional-meets-modern combinations and interesting flavours beyond the standard bazaar fare. Expect satay and lemang alongside strawberry matcha, churros, cheesy tacos, and beef steak. Want more? Here's our round-up of the best Ramadan bazaars and markets in Singapore. 

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.

Warning: this one might not be for the prudes, but you’re welcomed anyway. Step into Taiwanese illustrator Ikuiku Studio’s vibrant and raunchy world at Heartware Store & Gallery’s The Ikuiku Love Hotel. Presented through risograph prints, the playful exhibition reimagines lust and intimate acts using adorable animal characters and bright colours. The result is a cheeky, hilarious and light-hearted approach to an often-thought taboo topic. Her artworks are guaranteed to make you giggle or blush – or maybe both.

As part of the showcase, the gallery has also transformed its space into a love hotel of sorts, complete with a shower room and queen-sized bed (you’re allowed to sprawl on the latter, but a reminder to keep it, um, PG). Oh, and before you leave, don’t forget to cop yourself a custom condom blind box, alongside other love hotel-inspired merch, such as hotel key chains, towels, bar soap, hotel slippers and even a memopad. Ikuiku Studio is also debuting new zines at the exhibition as well.

Chinatown is galloping full speed into the Year of the Horse, and you’re invited along for the ride. For a whole two months from January, the precinct will be decorated in festive cheer as the Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations return with a dazzling street light-up, cultural performances, hands-on workshops and the much-loved International Lion Dance Competition.

The streets officially light up on January 30, with the ceremony broadcast live from Kreta Ayer Square. Stroll along South Bridge Road, Upper Cross Street, New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street as they come to life once the sun sets. The ceremony, officiated by Minister Mrs Josephine Teo, will also feature a performance showcasing Singapore's multicultural identity, melding Chinese dance with Malay kuda kepang, Indian Rajasthani horse dance, and Western styles. 

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.

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).