All the exciting must-know events happening in March 2019
No public holidays in March? No worries, we’ve got these events to help us unwind
By Ho Guo Xiong -
After Chinese New Year, we truly are in a dry spell when it comes to public holidays. We have to wait until April for the next one, since, March hasn’t blessed us with a a “free” day of reprieve.
But no worries, the March calendar is filled with events to make us forget that fact.
From theatre productions, to concerts (Maroon 5!), festivals and comedy shows, mark your calendar for these events you’ll want to be part of.
Directed by local actress Selena Tan and starring Siti Khalijah and Judee Tan, this theatre production was so highly acclaimed that Dream Academy brought the show back for another run.
Khalijah as Meenah and Tan as Cheenah are rip-roaringly good. They tackle topics like proper Ramadan etiquette and the differences between Malay and Chinese spirits with humour, in a dialogue filled with local lingo.
Tickets cost $60 and up, available at Sistic.
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A study by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) found that Singapore has the second highest rate of cyberbullying in the world.
It is this endemic issue that the play Late Company wants to address. The play from Pangdemonium and directed by Jordan Tannahill centres around two families, where the son of one seemingly has caused the son of the other to lose their life. The trigger: A bout of cyberbullying.
Stars Adrian Pang, his son Xander Pang, and Janice Koh. Tickets are available from Sistic at $25 and up.
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Art, the playwright posits in the show’s trailer, begins with an error followed by a sequence of corrections, which seemingly parallel life.
Written by Dana Lam, Still Life by Checkpoint Theatre follows the lives of two women and their journeys with art.
Starring Dana and Jean Ng, the play is a discussion about how people see themselves and their lives, and how they make meaning out of life.
Tickets cost $45 from Sistic.
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Design Orchard, a new mall dedicated to showcasing local designs and labels, is hosting a weekend-only pop up cafe.
Helmed by sugar manufacturer Jewels Rock Sugar and fashion brand Ying the Label, the event is also supported by food and beverage brands Kombynation Co., Six Foot Coffee, Rainbow Lapis and The Quarter, so you can take a break from shopping with some kombucha, coffee or local treats. Best of all, you get to #supportlocal.
For more information, click here.
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Luxurious private members’ club 1880 is hosting a “debaucherous revelry” for Mardi Gras that promises to be a blowout celebration with outlandish disguises and good music that will have you grooving to the beat. Members go in for free, while non-members have to pay $48+ per pax. There are limited number of tables up or grabs and a table of 10 would require a minimum spend of $1,000. While you’re there, don’t forget to admire the spectacular facilities, such as the 2.5m-tall aluminium-clad cylinders which are soundproof phone booths. RSVP your attendance at rsvp@1880.com.sg.
For more information, visit here.
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Now in its sixth run, the Singapore Design Week touts itself as one of Asia’s premier design festivals that challenges design thought by bringing together local and international designers to showcase, discuss and engage in meaningful conversations.
Activities include getting your portfolio critiqued by creative directors (Creatives Against Humanity), visiting artwork exhibitions to attending master lectures and networking sessions (such as SingaPlural).
Most events are free with registration required, and you can get more information here.
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After performing to a sold-out audience in 2015, Irish indie rock band Kodaline is back for more.
They will be performing songs from their latest album, Politics of Living, released in 2018. Here’s hoping that they won’t leave out classics like The One and Honest.
Tickets via Sistic for $128.
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You need no introduction to the group behind songs like This Love, She Will Be Loved and Girls Like You.
The American pop rock band, fronted by Adam Levine, is here in support of their album, Red Pill Blues. The venue: the National Stadium.
Tickets can be purchased from Apactix and cost $98 and up.
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Proponents of Singapore literature will be familiar with the yearly Textures event co-commissioned by The Arts House and #BuySingLit.
This year’s theme is “Love and Loss (and some things in between),” which explores how words are used to express and understand our emotions as we engage with the world.
From performances, exhibitions, panel discussions and workshops, the festival has both paid and free admission events. For more information, click here.
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10. Don Quixote Presented by Singapore Dance Theatre, Esplanade Theatre — March 7 to 10
Don Quixote is a Spanish classic novel written by Miguel de Cervantes. Published in 1605, it is a story of whimsical twists, love, betrayal and eternal devotion.
The Singapore Dance Theatre will restage its highly lauded production which will see a story filled with toreadors, flamenco dancers and dryads.
Tickets cost $40, $60 or $80 and can be purchased via Sistic.
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11. Arts In Your Neighbourhood, Islandwide/Tampines — March 7 to 24
National Arts Council’s Art In Your Neighbourhood is back for their 12th run and the focus is Tampines — Singapore’s third largest new town and a former rubber plantation and site to sand quarries.
While most of the festivities are occurring in Tampines, such as pop-up music stage Tiger in Tampines and a roving music truck by Ding Yi company, there are activities lined up islandwide as well.
For full programme information, click here.
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Fans of Hong Kong hit TV series Heart of Greed should not miss this production, starring Ha Yu, Louise Lee, Michelle Yim and Louise Yuen, together with Elena Kong and Lau Shek Yin.
Secret follows the familial infighting over money and assets following the death of tycoon Ren Renzhong (Ha Yu).
Expect lots of laughter as the plot twists unfold.
Tickets costs $88 and up, available at Sistic.
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13. Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Esplanade Concert Hall — March 8 and 9
Nine-time Grammy winner Wynton Marsalis returns with the Lincoln Center Orchestra for two nights.
In this showing, they’ll be paying tribute to jazz greats, Duke Ellington and Count Basie. Expect jazz classics that will have you up on your feet.
Tickets are $58 and up from Sistic.
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Done in conjunction with the International Women’s Day (March 8), Japanese fast fashion label Uniqlo is conducting a styling workshop to commemorate women who strive to find a balance between work and life.
Conducted by stylist Lena Kamarudin, the workshop is happening at the brand’s Suntec City store and there will be three sessions for 30 pax each.
Admission is free but registration is required due to limited spaces. Get your slot here.
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Bianca Del Rio is the inimitable winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6, and returns to Singapore for a second outing. Expect the drag queen’s brand of derisive humour as she pokes fun at issues encompassing life, travel, family and social media. Tickets are $108 and up from Sistic.
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17. Garden Beats Festival, Fort Gate, Fort Canning Park — March 9
Presented by Sunshine Nation, Garden Beats Festival is the first carbon neutral music festival in Singapore.
Revel in music from a slew of performers including American pop music producer Yung Bae, British indie rock band The Kooks, and South African DJ Black Coffee.
There will also be talks on topics like conscious eating, sustainable fashion, and zero waste living. More information can be found at the official website.
Tickets are $128 and up, and can be purchased here.
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18. 2019 Park Bo Gum Asia Tour: Good Day: May Your Everyday Be A Goodday, The Star Theatre — March 9
After starring in hit South Korean TV dramas like Reply 1988, Love in the Moonlight and Encounter (alongside Song Hye Kyo), Park Bo-gum quickly became a household name.
He is also the youngest artist to be named Actor of the Year by Gallup Korea. He also topped Forbes’ Korea Power Celebrity list in 2017.
This is your chance to meet the 25-year-old.
Tickets at $158 and up from Apactix.
Lovers of all things Nihon, listen up.
Soak in three weeks worth of Japanese culture and entertainment at the Sakura Matsuri, a cherry blossom festival, at Gardens by the Bay.
View blooming sakura blossoms at the Flower Dome while enjoying Japanese food, products and games from the country at the Nippon Street, where you can even rent the traditional yukata (a summer kimono).
Moreover, you can immerse yourself with cultural programmes such as the wadaiko (Japanese drums) and chado (tea ceremony).
Finally, end the celebrations with performances by celebrity cosplayers, anime singers and pop culture performances.
For more details, click here.
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Last held in 2017, the family-friendly event is held in three parts.
The festival kicks off with The Street Fest, on from March 14 to 19 at the Clarke Quay Fountain Square. Expect street circus and acrobatic performances from local and foreign artists.
Don’t miss the International Comedy Festival on March 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23, and where comedians like Imran Yusuf and Tom Green are set to take the stage.
The Nickelodeon Fiesta will take place on March 23 and 24, and kids will be thrilled with the game booths featuring themes from familiar shows like Dora the Explorer and Spongebob Squarepants. Events are free, except for the comedy shows.
More information can be found here.
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Show support for persons with Down syndrome by attending this event at Our Tampines Hub. With the theme “Leave No One Behind”, the event is organised by the Down Syndrome Association Singapore (DSA), and it marks the 16th year the World Down Syndrome Day has been commemorated in Singapore.
Aimed at raising awareness and building a more inclusive society, the event will begin with a community walk launched by Minister of Education Ong Ye Kung.
A family carnival will also be held, with activities and entertainment that include aikido and zumba performances by members of the DSA. The funds raised will contribute to the DSA’s support services, educational and enrichment programmes.
More information can be found at their Facebook page.
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22. Armenian Street Party 2019: Living Peranakan, Peranakan Museum — March 15 and 16
Marking the start of the Heritage Festival (March 15 to Apr 7), Peranakan Museum is hosting a farewell street party before the museum closes for refurbishment.
Activities include a fashion show, a wedding procession, a bazaar selling collectibles, dining under the stars on tok panjang (feasting at a long table — a longstanding Peranakan tradition) and nyonya-inspired craft workshops. Enjoy these and more while you enjoy classic hits played by a live band.
The festivities are happening between 6pm and 11pm and admission is free. For more information, click here.
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23. Fei Yu Qing 2019 Farewell Concert, Resorts World Ballroom, Resorts World Convention Centre — March 16 and 17
Famous Taiwanese ballad singer Fei Yu Qing, also known for hits like Qian Li Zhi Wai (Faraway) with Mandopop singer Jay Chou, announced his retirement last September.
This is the last time the singer will perform in Singapore, so break out the tissues. His farewell concert in Taiwan sold out within 21 minutes, so don’t think, just book. Tickets are $28 and up.
For more information, click here.
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Local Mandarin theatre company, Nine Years Theatre, reimagines the German classic, Faust.
This tale features a contemporary setting, and a female protagonist. In the story, Faust trades her soul with Mephistopheles in exchange for freedom from the shackles that bind her.
Faust / Us marks the directorial debut of writer Cherilyn Woo. The show will be performed in Mandarin, with English and Mandarin subtitles.
Get your tickets for $38 each at Sistic.
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Local Indian dance institute Bharathaa Arts is staging a production based on ula, a body of Hindu literature that dates back to the Pallava period (273CE to 897CE).
Images of the gods will come alive in this traditional dance performance.
Music featured will be from the late Bhagavatulu Seetarama Sarma, who’s known for his contributions to dance and music, especially the dance-drama genre.
Tickets at $25. More information from the Esplanade website.
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British synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys, comprising Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, has sold more than 50 million records since its debut in 1981.
This is a super throwback from the singers of West End Girls and It’s a Sin.
Tickets are $128 and up from Sistic.