Top 10 things to do in Singapore in May
Here's our guide to what's happening throughout May 2018 in Singapore
Weather forecast says it's going to be a hot one this May. So bust out your best swimwear and hit up the island's best beaches and free water parks or take part in a slew of aqua activities that range from stand up paddling and snorkelling to transforming into a mermaid. Not a fan of the heat? Then seek shelter and cool off at one of these art exhibitions or museums around town. This month sees the return of DBS Marina Regatta, Artbox and FitnessFest. For more events, be sure to check out our calendar of events below.
Our May 2018 highlights
Artbox
With shipping containers decked out in dreamy fairy lights, Artbox is one of Singapore’s most instagrammable pop-up markets. The Thailand’s contemporary market makes its return with over 400 food, fashion and lifestyle brands setting up shop over two weekends. Last year’s edition was packed – so don’t expect this year’s to be any different too.
DBS Marina Regatta 2018
Held over two weekends, this dragon boat event is back with a difference. Put your wits to the test and take on the Battle Bay Extreme, a Ninja Warrior-esque land and water obstacle course featuring a six-foot wall, inverted ladder and more. Other highlights include fitness classes and the DBS Creators’ Market complete with a communal kitchen as well as food and drink stalls.
Star Wars Day: May the 4th Be With You Festival
Whether you support the Dark side or consider yourself a Jedi Knight, it's time to unite and come together for the annual celebration of the epic intergalactic franchise. The second edition of Star Wars Day: May the 4th Be With You Festival returns once again, this time at the F1 Pit Building. Held over two days on May 4 and 5, join other Star Wars fans in a slew of family-friendly activities, which includes a costume fashion parade for junior, an appearance by 501st Legion founder Albin Johnson and his pink R2-KT, workshops and a Star Wars-themed marathon. More details can be found here.
Legally Blonde the Musical
Omigod you guys, it’s time to practise your bend and snap because the perky Elle Woods is taking the stage in this fabulously fun award-winning Broadway musical. Staying true to the film, this song-and-dance romantic comedy follows the quirky SoCal girl as she trades in fashion for books and enrolls in Harvard Law School all for the sake of love.
Pesta Ubin
Get in touch with nature at Pesta Ubin, the annual month-long celebration of Pulau Ubin. Organised by volunteer groups, the festival aims to highlight things you can do in Ubin including nature walks, camping and experiencing kampong life. The event also seeks to raise awareness of the issues facing the people and environment on Ubin. Read our Guide to Pulau Ubin for more things to do and most instagram-worty spots on the island.
FitnessFest 2018
The second edition of FitnessFest 2018 promises 12 hours of non-stop fun and action, with over 60 multi-level workout sessions including Triple Threat by Sandra Riley Tang and 8 fitness discovery arenas to try your hand at bouldering, boxing, CrossFit and more. Headlining this mega fitness festival is Australia-based fitness trainer Kayla Itsines, who is known for her 28-minute Bikini Body Guide (BBG) workouts.
European Union Film Festival
Singapore’s longest-running foreign film festival is back for its 28th edition, this time with 20 European films reflecting the diverse histories and cultures across the continent. Covering a range of themes from the Second World War and the pursuit of dreams to action and comedy, the festival opens with Fly Away Home (1945) from Austria and includes Poland’s Life Feels Good (2013) and Estonia’s The Dissidents (2017).
Toruk: The First Flight
If you loved James Cameron’s fantasy sci-fi offering Avatar, then you’ll love this. Award-winning theatrical production Cirque du Soleil returns to our shores to bring Toruk: The First Flight, a performance inspired by Cameron’s visually stunning masterpiece, from May 24 to June 3 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Witness the magical world of Pandora come to live with spectacular sets, larger-than-life puppets and plenty of acrobatic stunts. Set 3,000 years before the film’s events, the performance follows three companions Ralu, Entu and Tsyal who get the help from the great Toruk to save the Tree of Souls.
The Evolution of Eian and Eien
What’s normal and what’s not? And how far are we willing to push the boundaries? Explore all that and more in local artist Aiman’s second solo exhibition of dreamlike paintings that draw inspiration from fairytales while weaving in darker themes of cruelty with references to religion, eroticism and mythology.
Imaginarium: Into the Space of Time
Put on your best time traveller outfit and step into Singapore Art Museum’s latest annual exhibition titled Imaginarium: Into the Space of Time. This family friendly explores the concept the time through immersive and interactive works by local and international artists while cracking the myths, tales and theories that shape our memories and futures.
Free events in May
Pesta Ubin
Get in touch with nature at Pesta Ubin, the annual month-long celebration of Pulau Ubin. Organised by volunteer groups, the festival aims to highlight things you can do in Ubin including nature walks, camping and experiencing kampong life. The event also seeks to raise awareness of the issues facing the people and environment on Ubin. Read our Guide to Pulau Ubin for more things to do and most instagram-worty spots on the island.
Surviving the Japanese Occupation: War and its Legacies
To mark – not commemorate – the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore, there'll be an exhibition set in the Old Ford Factory, which was where the British surrendered to the Japanese forces on February 15, 1942. Spread across four zones, take in the diary entries, identity cards and war campaign documentary paintings on display, then reflect on the solemn beginnings of our nationhood.
DBS Marina Regatta 2018
Held over two weekends, this dragon boat event is back with a difference. Put your wits to the test and take on the Battle Bay Extreme, a Ninja Warrior-esque land and water obstacle course featuring a six-foot wall, inverted ladder and more. Other highlights include fitness classes and the DBS Creators’ Market complete with a communal kitchen as well as food and drink stalls.
Star Wars Day: May the 4th Be With You Festival
Whether you support the Dark side or consider yourself a Jedi Knight, it's time to unite and come together for the annual celebration of the epic intergalactic franchise. The second edition of Star Wars Day: May the 4th Be With You Festival returns once again, this time at the F1 Pit Building. Held over two days on May 4 and 5, join other Star Wars fans in a slew of family-friendly activities, which includes a costume fashion parade for junior, an appearance by 501st Legion founder Albin Johnson and his pink R2-KT, workshops and a Star Wars-themed marathon. More details can be found here.
Artbox
With shipping containers decked out in dreamy fairy lights, Artbox is one of Singapore’s most instagrammable pop-up markets. The Thailand’s contemporary market makes its return with over 400 food, fashion and lifestyle brands setting up shop over two weekends. Last year’s edition was packed – so don’t expect this year’s to be any different too.
Dinh Q. Lê: Monuments and Memorials
Known for his woven photographs, Vietnamese American photographer Dinh Q. Lê is the latest to partner with STPI in its artist collaboration programme. Featuring some of the artist's best print works, including his sold-out photo-weaving series Splendor and Darkness, the showcase also presents his first-ever 3D weaving project.
Dapunta Hyang: Transmission of Knowledge
What do you know about the Orang Laut (sea people) or Mak Yong (traditional Malay dance)? Artist Zai Kuning explores the almost forgotten history and culture of the Malays by reimagining the ancient maritime kingdom of Srivijaya – the result of Kuning’s two decades of research.
untitled 2018 (the infinite dimensions of smallness)
Chiang Mai-based contemporary artist Rirkrit Tiravanija presents his latest work, untitled 2018 (the infinite dimensions of smallness), an immersive maze installation that blurs the line between art and audience. Made entirely out of bamboo, the maze stands at 4m and is inspired by traditional scaffolding seen in Asian countries like Hong Kong and Thailand. At the centre of the maze lies a minuscule tea house, where visitors can enter to experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony.
The Luggage Market
Looking to refresh your wardrobe? You're in luck. Head down to The Luggage Market to pick up some new-old items. There'll be over 45 booths hawking preloved goods straight out of – you guessed it – luggages. The flea market will be on every Sunday so come rummage through all the luggages and pick out your next hottest outfit.
The Evolution of Eian and Eien
What’s normal and what’s not? And how far are we willing to push the boundaries? Explore all that and more in local artist Aiman’s second solo exhibition of dreamlike paintings that draw inspiration from fairytales while weaving in darker themes of cruelty with references to religion, eroticism and mythology.
