Been bored recently? Want a little spontaneous excitement? Then, take a peek at our list of Try What Now’s — a series dedicated to showing what you (and your family and friends) can experience in Singapore for the coming month!
- Bird Paradise
- Singapore International Festival of Arts 2023
- Singapore HeritageFest 2023
- SCCC Cultural Extravaganza 2023
- European Film Festival
- Where Your Senses Feast
- Singapore Cocktail Festival
- Ballet Revolución
- Doujin Market
- See Me, See You: Early Video Installations of Southeast Asia
- Now Boarding: Experiencing Singapore through Travel, 1800 – 2000s
- SDS Dimsum & Dance
We’ve passed a third of the year already! For May 2023, we’ve got an exciting line-up of events happening in Singapore. Have fun visiting some feathered friends at Jurong Bird Park’s successor, or check out the remarkable history of early video installations. There is a lot in store for you and your friends this month!
Bird Paradise
Ever since Jurong Bird Park closed, many have wondered when the new bird park would open. But wait no longer! In May, Bird Paradise will finally open its doors to the public!
With eight different walk-through aviaries, each housing a mixture of different bird species, you can expect to be wowed as you watch them fly around their new habitats. Alongside that, there are also opportunities for you to feed the birds as well!
You can check out our article on some of the highlights of the new Bird Paradise here! However, do note that they are currently on a soft opening period, meaning tickets are cheaper from 8 May to 26 May, so grab them before it’s too late!
Date: 8 May to 26 May 2023 (Soft opening), 27 May (Public launch)
Location: 20 Mandai Lake Road, 729825
Price: S$38 for adults, S$23 for children aged 3-12, and S$20 for senior citizens. (Special rates for the soft opening period)
S$48 for adults, S$33 for children aged 3-12, and S$20 for senior citizens. (27 May onwards)
Opening Hours: 9am to 6pm daily, last admission at 5pm
Tickets can be purchased from their official website at this link here!
Singapore International Festival of Arts 2023
Singapore International Festival of Arts, or SIFA for short, annually celebrates captivating and diverse works across theatre, music, dance, film and visual arts. This year’s edition of the festival focuses on “The Anatomy of Performance ”, and offers three different curated offerings this time round – CREATION, SIFA X and Life Profusion.
CREATION is a platform for Creatives to showcase their new performances, be it theatre or dance, from all over the world. SIFA X, on the other hand, is a platform for alternative and experimental expression, with performances by Daniel Kok, Luke George, CHILDREN OF VENUS by SUKKI and more. Last but not least, Life Profusion is SIFA’s virtual platform for visitors to learn more about the arts, alongside showcases for digital works.
Date: 19 May to 4 June 2023
Locations: A list of all the locations can be found at this link here!
Prices: Prices vary for different showcases and performances, which can be found here. S$161.50 for a bundle of 5 shows, S$102.60 for a bundle of 3 shows.
If you are an aspiring Creative, you would not want to miss SIFA 2023, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible from their Official Website.
Singapore HeritageFest 2023
Ever wanted to learn more about the rich history of Singapore’s Sporting scene and Transportation? Singapore HeritageFest is here for you to explore, discover, and learn about both, with more than 80 programmes across the island from 1 May to 28 May 2023.
There are many programmes, such as the Silat Cultural Open House and exhibitions by the Classic Car Club Singapore, so visitors can expect to find one that will pique their interest!
Date: 1 May to 28 May 2023
Location: Multiple locations all across Singapore, with a complete searchable list here!
Price: Some events are free-of-charge, while others are paid; you can check the programme listings for more details.
SCCC Cultural Extravaganza 2023
The Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre is having another iteration of its Cultural Extravaganza, having previously had two iterations in 2021 and 2022. This year brings another exciting line of performances that you can look forward to!
With 10 different performances for you to enjoy, such as Present Past — a performance that combines traditional Indian Dance along with Chinese Opera and traditional music. Other performances include the SNYCO20: Reunion, a coming together of current and former players in SNYCO, most notably Dedric Wong.
There is also an exhibition in collaboration with Lianhe Zaobao, showcasing 100 years of Singaporean Art ranging from oils, watercolours, pastels, and Chinese inks. The exhibition will also feature 21 rare paintings and works from Zaobao’s private collection, making it a must-see.
Date: 12 May to 18 June 2023
Location: 1 Straits Blvd, Singapore 018906
Price: Dependent on performance, prices are listed on their respective programme listings.
For more information on SCCC Cultural Extravaganza 2023, do visit their website.
European Film Festival
The European Film Festival, or EUFF, is an annual festival that showcases a curated selection of European films. The films showcased are representatives of Europe’s shared cultural heritage despite belonging to different countries. The 24 participating countries this year include Sweden, Austria, Belgium and many more!
Films by students of LASELLE College of the Arts, Nanyang Technological University and Ngee Ann Polytechnic, School of Film and Media Studies, will also be featured at the festival. The EUFF gives a glimpse into European cinema and serves as a platform for aspiring Singaporean filmmakers.
This year’s opening film, Hilma, from Sweden, is a stirring drama that explores themes of love, loss and personal growth. Directed by Lasse Hallström, the film pays tribute to revolutionary Swedish artist and feminist pioneer Hilma af Klint, an exceptional artist whose groundbreaking work gained recognition decades after her death.
Dates: 16 to 31 May 2023
Location: The Projector, 6001 Beach Road, Golden Mile Tower, #05-00, Singapore 199589
Pricing: S$15 (Standard), S$13 (Concession), S$13 (The Projector Fan Club), S$11 (The Projector Senior/Student Club)
Tickets to the various films can be purchased on EUFF’s website.
Where Your Senses Feast
Where Your Senses Feast is a two-week food and wine festival celebrating unique gourmet events. For the first time, the festival will include a Michelin-starred chef collaboration, an experiential dining affair at MARQUEE Singapore, and a French wine cave at AVENUE Lounge.
Get ready for a multisensorial feast of specially curated menus and exquisite wine that will take your taste buds on a journey across the globe. With over 24 food and wine events such as “Dining in a World of teamLab”, a multisensory dining experience in ArtScience Museum’s permanent exhibition Future World: Where Art Meets Science by teamLab, which features a curated menu by KOMA, and much more.
Dates: 16 to 28 May 2023
Location: Happening all around Marina Bay Sands; refer to the official Event Page for more.
Prices: Prices vary for different events, with further details here.
For more information on the event, you can visit the official page on Marina Bay Sands website.
Singapore Cocktail Festival
Singapore Cocktail Festival (SGCF) kicks off with the biggest Festival Village followed by a 17-day itinerary that brings together the biggest and brightest stars in the world of cocktails in celebration of its 9th anniversary.
Explore SGCF’s collection of signature cocktails presented by some of their city’s favourite bars, such as Alleybar, Burnt Ends Bar and many more, with SGCF City Takeover, from 5 to 7 May. View the list of participating bars here and enjoy the delicious beverages at only $18++.
Experience the Weekend Cocktail Brunch from 5 to 21 May, where you get to savour signature drinks paired with curated themed menus. So get ready to indulge in an adventure over four exciting weekends. If you’re a cocktail lover, you definitely should join the Thematic Bar Crawls and let Spirit Brand Ambassadors and go on a whimsical tour through multiple bars. Indulge in a variety of cocktail experiences in just one memorable evening.
Date: SGCF Festival Village: 5 – 7 May 2023, SGCF City Takeover: 5 – 21 May 2023
Location:
SGCF Festival Village: Bayfront Event Space
SGCF City Takeover: All Around the City
Price: S$45 (Single Day Pass), S$70 (3 Day Pass)
Festival passes can be purchased via Chope. For more events and promotions, check out SGCF’s Official Website.
Ballet Revolución
Be immersed in the energetic performance of Ballet Revolución, which brings the graceful ballet style with contemporary dance and hip-hop. Together, they form a visual dance spectacle that showcases the best of Cuban passion.
Featuring popular music from singers like Dua Lipa, Justin Timberlake, Daft Punk, and much more, Ballet Revolución’s Cuban dancers will light up the floor for audiences over an exciting weekend.
Date: 5 May to 6 May 2023
Location: Sands Theatres, 4 Bayfront Ave, B1, Singapore 018973
Price: A Reserve: S$128, B Reserve: S$98, C Reserve: S$78, D Reserve: S$58 (Prices exclude booking fee)
Tickets for Ballet Revolución can be purchased from the Marina Bay Sands official website or SISTIC Singapore. You can also check out our interview with the show’s choreographer and producer on our website!
Doujin Market
Doujin Market (Doujima) brings Singapore’s largest celebration of art, illustration, and independent creator culture to the Suntec Convention Centre this month! After a three-year break, the event returns even bigger than ever.
Over 400 talented creators from more than 11 countries will be there to showcase their works. A special appearance will also be made by Merryweather Media, who are well-known for their web-based media (webcomics and Vtuber content). Doujin Market also has the Convention Quest scavenger hunt, where visitors stand a chance to win a goodie bag worth over $50 that includes 50 Gank Gold, stationery from Pentel, Timezone vouchers, and more.
Date: 6 May to 7 May 2023
Location: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre Hall 403 & 404, 1 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039593
Price: S$10 (1-Day), S$18 (2-Day)
Opening Hours: 12pm to 7.30pm (6 May), 11pm to 6.30pm (7 May)
Tickets for Doujin Market can be purchased at Eventbrite’s website. Ticket holders will also receive S$10 in-game credits sponsored by Timezone, redeemable at the convention.
See Me, See You: Early Video Installations of Southeast Asia
National Gallery Singapore presents their latest exhibition, See Me, See You: Early Video Installation of Southeast Asia. The exhibition is the first of a two-part series that explores the rich history of video installation within Southeast Asia.
Five Southeast Asian artists with five video art installations will be featured at the exhibition, one of which by Thai artist, curator and art historian Apinan Poshyanandawill will have live chickens and chicks during the exhibition’s opening weekend from 5 to 7 May 2023 — a unique art experience to encounter.
Date: 5 May to 17 September 2023
Location: National Gallery Singapore Ngee Ann Kongsi Concourse Gallery, 1 St Andrew’s Rd, Singapore 178957
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 10am to 7pm
Now Boarding: Experiencing Singapore through Travel, 1800 – 2000s
With travel back on the agenda, Singapore once again will be seeing lots of travellers through our doors — but have you ever wondered how our country became such a popular travel destination?
The National Museum of Singapore’s travel-themed exhibition explores the country’s history of travel through the eyes of those who arrived at our shores from the past to the present. Four thematic sections aligned to transport, accommodation, food and beverage, and finally, sights and shopping will form the exhibition, with featured items like the iconic analogue flip board from Changi Airport.
Date: 27 May to 19 November 2023
Location: National Museum of Singapore, Exhibition Gallery, Basement Level, 93 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178897
Price: Free for Singaporeans and PRs
Opening Hours: 10am to 7pm daily (with Last Admission at 6.30pm)
SDS Dimsum & Dance
Fancy some good food with great music? Sum Dim Sum is having a special night event featuring a star-studded lineup of international & local artistes — Rosalyn (Bangkok), Eden (Great Wall of Sounds), 超粤 (Singapore) — which can enjoy alongside a free flow of food and drinks.
Date: 13 May 2023
Location: HomeTeam NS Bedok, Singapore 479994
Price: S$59 (1-pax, entry + dim sum and cocktail), S$89 (1-pax, entry + dim sum and cocktail + merch), S$110 (1-pax, entry + dim sum and cocktail), S$170 (1-pax, entry + dim sum and cocktail + merch)
Tickets for the event can be purchased at their Shopify page.
Like any of the selections we have for you this month, or have others you think we should include in this list or the next? Let us know @ [email protected], or slide into our DMs on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. See you next month!
Photo of Bird Paradise by Leo Chia of the DANAMIC Team. Additional visuals courtesy of the National Heritage Board, Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Base Entertainment Asia, Doujin Market, National Gallery Singapore, National Museum of Singapore and Sum Dim Sum.
