Most of us would agree that Singaporeans work the longest hours and when chances arise, we spend our off days exploring new cities, both near and far. Now, what happens when you do not have enough off days left and in need of an invigorating city break? Let us present you with possibilities to seize right here on this little red dot. Here’s an exciting list of things to do in Singapore this July that will make your heart sing, rejuvenate your mind, and perhaps inspire a greater appreciation for this city.
Aladdin Broadway Musical at Sands Theatre
Oh, imagine a land, it’s a faraway place… Sounds familiar? Arabian nights like Arabian days…You’ve guessed it! We are thrilled that Aladdin the Musical has finally make its way to Singapore!
For those who have watched the Disney animated film, Aladdin, here’s a wonderful opportunity to bask in the atmosphere of the bustling Agrabah!
Fast facts: There are over 300 glittering costumes, with 700 different styles of beads and almost 500,000 Swarovski crystals! Indeed, shining, shimmering, splendid! Together with visually arresting theatrics, dazzling special effects, and unforgettable songs— watch and sing along with the incredibly talented cast that bring the magic of Aladdin to life at the Sands Theatre.
Aladdin the Musical will start its run on 21 July 2019 and ends on 11 Aug 2019. Get your tickets here.
KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities by Circus Du Soleil
Still wishing for more dazzling theatre experience after all the fanfare in Agrabah? Then you’re in luck. The largest Canada-based theatrical producer in the world, Circus du Soleil returns to Singapore with a whimsical world of curios set in the 1800s, featuring a mad scientist and his steampunk machines.
KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities presents the story of an eccentric inventor’s world through gravity-defying, jaw-dropping acrobatic acts, together with a live band, vocalists, lighting and stage effects, all in all, an impressive production that genuinely lives up the hype.
KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities opens on 6 July 2019 until 4 August 2019. Immerse yourself in a steampunk world here.
From Singapore to Singaporean: The Bicentennial Experience
Ever wondered how did Singapore earn its nickname as the Lion City? Who discovered the island? What happened during the Japanese Occupation? To answer these questions, head over to The Bicentennial Experience — a journey into Singapore’s past and present. We promise it is unlike any history classes you have been through during school days as it comes with live performances, augmented reality, panoramic cinema, and even an actual rain shower!
This large-scale immersive showcase is held in Fort Canning Centre to commemorate 200 years of Singapore’s history, it is akin to a giant time machine that brings you back to the past, some 700 years ago. Watch and feel our Singapore story leaping off the pages from history textbooks which we have been taught or were too used to, and you’ll emerge with a greater sense of appreciation for this island-nation.
The Bicentennial Experience runs from 1 June 2019 to 15 September 2019. Admission is free.
For more info visit www.bicentennial.sg
Kueh Appreciation Day 2019
What better way to celebrate our heritage and tradition through food? Apart from the annual Singapore Food Festival, have you heard of Kueh Appreciation Day? Held in OUE Social Kitchen, the Kueh Appreciation Day aims to share and cultivate appreciation for the traditional snacks of Singapore.
What can you expect at the event? Oh, it’s not all Peranakan but a variety of kueh (the Malay word for cake) from different ethnic groups – Eurasian, Malay, Hakka, Hokkien, Teochew, and Hainanese. You’ll discover that these traditional snack cakes reflect the identities of our ethic groups. And in today’s world of hipster staples like avocado and poached egg brunch, these traditional flavours are becoming rare. What’s even more interesting is that there are kueh-making classes you can attend and bring back your own creation! Good things must share, so hurry, jio (Hokkien word for ask) your foodie khakis (the Malay word for friends) to share the calories!
Organised by Slow Food, a non-profit organisation in Singapore, Kueh Appreciation Day 2019 is a one-day event on 28 July 2019. Get your ticket here. For more information, visit https://slowfood.sg/kueh-appreciation-day/
Open Air Film Club
A film for foodies! The Hive presents Kelvin Tong’s “Republic of Food”, a story set in a dystopian city where food as we know it is banned due to a deadly plague, imagine a world without Bak Chor Mee, Popiah, Kueh.. But all hope is not lost, watch the small band of foodie embark on a risky search for delicious local food in a forbidden world.
Catch this delicious visual feast under the stars at the rooftop of Hive. Rest assured you won’t be starving as there are snacks and drinks available! Get your tickets here.
When: 19, 26 July 2019
Where: The Hive New Bridge Road, 59 New Bridge Rd, Singapore 059405
50 Cents Fest at Chinatown Food Street
July is all about food culture in Singapore! If you’re still looking for mouth-watering treats at an unbelievably affordable price, then check out 50 Cents Fest held in Chinatown Food Street. The two-day event from 27 July to 28 July is a celebration of Singapore’s multi-cultural heritage through food. What to expect? There are over 40 stalls and 50 mobile vendors selling a variety of local fare priced at 50cents. What’s the significance of 50cents? Glad you asked, that was how much it costs to enjoy a bowl of noodle back in the 1930s Singapore. Given the ever increasing cost of living in Singapore, we think this is a great opportunity to indulge, so ditch your diet plan and travel back to the good ol’ days here.
When: 27 July to 28 July 2019
Where: Chinatown Food Street, Smith St, Singapore 058938
% Arabica Singapore
Image by tony.chen.chi on Instagram.
Great news for those looking for coffee with a kick! You don’t have to fly over 7 hours for a cup of Kyoto’s branded coffee. %Arabica has finally opened its first outlet in Singapore at Arab Street! Don’t be surprised if you see a long queue, because it is a relatively small 20-seater café. What about the hype? Coffee snob would know better that at %Arabica you can find coffee beans from different countries like Japan, Ethiopia, Brazil, just to name a few. Not forgetting to mention, the minimalist aesthetic of the outlet coupled with great lighting is a perfect backdrop to get your best shot for the ‘gram.
Where: % Arabica Singapore
56 Arab Street Singapore 199753
Opening Hours: 8am – 8pm (Mon – Sun)
Jazz in July at The Esplanade
What other cool things to do in July besides eating and drinking? July is also a month dedicated to Jazz musicians and performances, there are over 100 free jazz performances at the giant durian a.k.a Esplanade, which is Singapore’s premier arts centre situated along the scenic Marina Bay. Let the talented musicians take you around the world through their love for Jazz. Don’t miss renowned Japanese Jazz band – KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE 25th anniversary performance in Singapore on 26 July 2019!
When: 1 – 5 and 8 – 31 July 2019
Where: The Esplanade
For more information, visit https://www.esplanade.com/festivals-and-series/jazz-in-july/2019
Rose Romance in Gardens by the Bay
Life is a bed of roses literally at Gardens by the Bay! Stop and smell the roses in an idyllic European style garden with over 40 varieties of rare roses from around the world. Find yourself among the rose-filled castles, towers, old ruins, and even the famous Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet “balcony” as you take a leisure stroll in this beautiful garden.
So, if you’re looking for ideas on where to go on a date, we think Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay is the place to be, save yourself from the sweltering heat, and look your best for the ‘gram! Romance is definitely in the air! Get your tickets here.
When: Until 14 July 2019
Opening Hours: Daily from 9 AM to 9 PM
Where: Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay.
Admission charge to Flower Dome applies.
Guo Pei: Chinese Art and Couture at Asian Civilisation Museum
Image by acm_sg on instagram.
That yellow imperial gown worn by Rihanna at the MET Gala in 2015 took the internet by storm and it is now on display at the Asian Civilisation Museum.
Immerse yourself in the beautiful world of China’s leading fashion designer, Guo Pei: Chinese Art and Couture show, where every dress designed by her tells a story about legends and fairytales from her youth, Chinese imperial culture, nature, and life itself. Get your tickets here.
When: 15 June to 15 September 2019
Where: Asian Civilisation Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
