Things to do in Singapore this weekend: 27 to 29 September

September is finally here, bringing with it a lineup of exciting events that you won’t want to miss. Beyond the highly anticipated Formula 1 Night Race, set to electrify the city from September 20th to 22nd, the calendar is packed with activities to keep you and your loved ones entertained all month long. From fresh bar menus to the launch of some of the most exciting pop-ups, there’s no shortage of things to do on our sunny little island. For more ideas on what to do over the weekend, keep scrolling.

Things to do in Singapore this weekend: 27 to 29 September

Halloween Horror Nights (27 September to 2 November)

Ahead of Halloween this year, Halloween Horror Nights returns this year for its 12th edition from 27 September to 2 November. This year, fans can expect four haunted houses, as well as three scare zones and three live performances. Some of the most highly anticipated houses include Netflix’s Sweet Home inspired by the South Korean horror apocalyptic series and not to mention the Under the Castle haunted house, the first collaboration of its kind between Resorts World Sentosa and Team Wang design.

Halloween Horror Nights 12 is located at Universal Studios Singapore, 8 Sentosa Gateway

Underground: The Summoning (25 September to 3 November)

This September, horror fans and thrill-seekers can brave Underground: The Summoning, Singapore’s largest immersive horror experience. Set in the 12,000 sq. ft. Battlebox bunker beneath Fort Canning, this first-ever underground event runs from 25 September to 3 November 2024. Dive into a chilling world of demonic rituals and soldiers, brought to life with live performances and special effects.

Underground: The Summoning is located at Battlebox at Fort Canning

SHEMPOWERED: Style & Sexuality (26 September)

In honour of Sexual Health Awareness Month, OliveAnkara and Hedonist are teaming up for a women’s empowerment event that encourages self-acceptance and celebrates female sensuality. With insightful talks from Ify, founder of OliveAnkara, and sex educator Joey from Hedonist, attendees will learn about self-pleasure, sex-positive tips, and how to break free from societal beauty standards. The event also features a Hedonist self-love pop-up and a live Q&A, blending fashion with an unapologetic embrace of empowerment and pleasure.

SHEMPOWERED: Style & Sexuality is located at OliveAnkara, 79 Chay Yan St, #01-02 Opposite Plain Vanilla

illumi Singapore (13 September to 8 December)

The world’s largest light, sound, and multimedia event of its kind, illuma Singapore is set to dazzle Singapore from 13 September. Held at the Bayfront Event Space, the night event will feature a slew of larger-than-life structures and innovative light installations including a winter wonderland-inspired zone called Wall of Lights, and adorable spaces like the Puppies and Kitties, a themed world that will see over 200 illuminated animal structures.

illumi Singapore is located at Bayfront Event Space, 12A Bayfront Ave

Hayop’s New Menu

This fine-casual spot, located on Amoy Street, represents the first international branch of the Manam brand.

Named “hayop,” Filipino slang for “beast” or something extraordinary, the restaurant embraces the spirit of Manam and the Filipino concept of Bayanihan, celebrating togetherness through food.

The menu offers a mix of classic and creative Filipino dishes. Highlights include the Lumpia, featuring delicate mung bean crepes filled with brown-butter roasted heirloom baby carrots, soy-braised young jackfruit, and pickled jicama.

The Manam’s House Crispy Sisig is a must-order – it’s a crispy take on the traditional Filipino dish, featuring pork jowl and cheek, spring onions, fried garlic, and red chilli, sizzling with flavour.

Other key favourites include the Manam’s Crispy Palabok, vibrant noodle dish with crispy glass noodles, charred baby cuttlefish, tiger prawns, chicharron, tinapa flakes, and crispy garlic, all topped with shrimp and annatto sauce; the Adobo, a hearty braise of grass-fed New Zealand Wagyu beef short ribs, cooked with coconut vinegar, soy sauce, red wine, and blended garlic, finished with confit garlic cloves; and Manam’s Wagyu & Watermelon Sinigang, a unique sinigang featuring grass-fed New Zealand Wagyu beef short ribs, assorted vegetables, and charred watermelon in a tamarind and watermelon broth.

The dessert menu is a celebration of Filipino sweetness and creativity. The Halo-halo is an iconic Filipino treat reimagined with a gourmet touch – this intricate dessert layers shaved ice with leche flan, candied beans, jellies, and house-made ube ice cream, creating a vibrant mix of textures and flavours that offer a refreshing and satisfying end to your meal.

The Buko Pie, a Filipino twist on apple pie, uses young coconut as the filling. At hayop, their version features a sweet, creamy coconut filling in a flaky crust, topped with buttery crumble, whipped coconut cream, and a blend of Parmesan and cheddar cheese for a unique sweet-savoury treat.

Make sure to also check out the cocktail menu, which is equally inventive and inspired by the vibrant and diverse flavours of the Philippines. Each cocktail is a carefully balanced blend of sour, salty, sweet, bitter, spicy, and umami elements, providing a dynamic and flavorful drinking experience. Whether you’re sipping on a refreshing, tangy concoction or a rich, complex drink, the cocktail menu is designed to enhance your dining experience with a burst of Filipino flair.

Hayop is located at 104 Amoy St

Bubble Planet Singapore (From 31 August)

Marking its Asia-Pacific debut, Bubble Planet has officially arrived in Singapore. The exhibition was first launched in Milan before expanding into the U.S., Brussels, and London. For its pop-up in Singapore, the immersive and interactive experience located at Singapore Expo, Hall 8B, will feature 11 themed areas which will include a bubble bath ball pit, a virtual reality room, and an undersea LED room. Think of it as a big playground that not only makes for a great spot to take photos for the ‘Gram, but also an opportunity for the young (and young at heart) to play and immerse themselves in a playground like no other.

Bubble Planet Singapore is located at the Singapore Expo, Hall 8B

Smoke & Mirrors New Menu

Fancy a tipple or two while you unwind and enjoy the panoramic view of the city skyline? Smoke & Mirrors’ recently launched its fourth iteration of its iconic cocktail menu: The Real Art of Drinking: Volume IV. Drawing inspiration from its bartender’s stories and experiences and the vivid colours of a painter’s palette, the refreshed menu sees 12 colourful and unique libations.

“With this creative freedom, the 12 cocktails on our new menu draw inspiration from a multitude of sources, infusing not just local flavours but also those from beyond,” explains Assistant Head Bartender, Wong Wee Siong. “Reflecting the diverse nature of our city, our multicultural team and our guests who have visited us, these cocktails are a celebration of diversity.”

Some of the cocktails we recommend trying include The Great Wave, a robust cocktail crafted with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Junmai Sake, mezcal, and bitters—perfect for sharing. If you prefer something fresh and light, try the Zen Voyage, the bar’s unique twist on the classic Gin and Tonic. And for those with a sweet tooth, the Dazzling Pop! is sure to delight.

Smoke & Mirrors is located at 1 St. Andrew’s Road, #06-01 National Gallery Singapore

Eat clean at Guzman y Gomez

If you’re looking for a lunch or dinner spot this weekend, check out the new 100% Clean menu at Guzman y Gomez (GYG). This means you can now enjoy your favorite Mexican dishes here without worrying about added preservatives, artificial flavors, colors, or other questionable additives. This belief, which has already made waves in Australia, is now shaping the menu in Singapore, offering tasty and authentic Mexican food made with fresh, real ingredients. GYG’s move to a Clean menu involved a lot of work, from revamping products to finding new suppliers. As they roll out this commitment to quality in Singapore, they’re excited to offer fast food that fits a healthier lifestyle.

The Clean menu is available at all Guzman y Gomez outlets around our island.

Sentosa Night Mode (September to October)

Sentosa Night Mode is turning up the excitement from September to October, transforming the island into a hub of after-dark fun and festivities. With extended hours and exclusive promotions, visitors can look forward to an array of new nocturnal experiences that seamlessly transition from day to night.

Over 11 themed weekends, Sentosa will come alive with festive markets, vibrant street performances, and late-night movie screenings under the stars. But that’s not all—adventure seekers can dive into the Sentosa Naturalist Night Adventure or explore history after hours with the Fort Siloso Night Experience, offering a unique glimpse into the island’s nocturnal wildlife and rich heritage.

Sentosa Night Mode will include various locations within Sentosa

Past Events

Pop Mart’s Molly First-Ever Anniversary Statues Pop-up (27 August to 22 September)

This will be Molly’s first-of-its-kind Anniversary Statues-themed pop-up store globally and will transport visitors into the whimsical world of Molly with a thematic display inspired by the Classical Retro Series 2. Fans can look forward to a wide range of exclusive Molly offerings, including five new Molly merchandise from the series available only at the pop-up store such as scented candle blind boxes, fridge magnets and more.

Pop Mart’s Molly First-Ever Anniversary Statues Pop-up is located at Bugis Junction, Level 1

LEGO Technic Grand ‘Brix’ Pop-up Experience (13 September to 22 September)

Motorsport fans, especially those cheering for the Mercedes AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, are in for a treat. The LEGO Group’s new Grand ‘Brix’ Pop-up Experience in town lets you dive into the race season with hands-on building activities and thrilling speed challenges. The star of the show? A life-sized LEGO replica of the Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance model, where you can admire all the intricate details and craftsmanship up close.

In the lead-up to the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix 2024, visitors can test their racing skills at various interactive stations. At the LEGO Race Training station, you’ll race against the clock to hit 30 lights in a reflex challenge. Over at the LEGO Build for Speed station, you can put your pit crew skills to the test by changing the tyres on a LEGO vehicle as fast as you can. The top three fastest players will take home the 42165 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance Pull Back set.

The Lego ‘Brix’ Pop-up is located at the entrance of Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Rd

JAM OFF (13 September to 15 September)

As part of the Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS), JAM OFF 2024 is taking over the Somerset Belt this weekend with an amazing cross-cultural festival. Get ready for an exciting lineup of activities across spots like Youth Park, 111 Somerset, Skate Park, and *SCAPE. You’ll catch live performances from top artists across the region, including Pakho Chau, Yan Ting, Supper Moment, Liu Lian, Ramengvrl, Yung Raja, RRILEY, and more. Plus, DJ Cyrus from Hong Kong, DJ Shai, and DJ Ling from Singapore will be spinning crowd-favourite tunes from 2:30 pm to 9:30 pm, to keep the party going.

JAM OFF is located at the Somerset Belt which includes Youth Park, 111 Somerset, Skate Park, and *SCAPE

IKEA RestFest (6 to 8 September)

Weekends are all about relaxing and unwinding, and IKEA Singapore has lined up a series of laid-back activities you won’t want to snooze on. Running from 6 to 8 September, the store will be hosting a series of activities as well as irresistible deals, and contests, as part of IKEA’s RestFest. Here, you’ll stand a chance to win a $200 IKEA gift card, a limited edition RESTEN bag and many other prizes. All you have to do is slip into your most stylish pyjamas for a shot at winning fabulous prizes. Aside from that, you can also indulge in free ice cream, delight the kids with bedtime storytelling, and get creative at workshops crafting your own dreamcatchers.

IKEA RestFest is located at various locations including Alexandra, Tampines, and Jurong

SinglePore Saturdays at Chico Loco (7 September)

Play

Tired of endless swiping and looking for a real connection? Check out SinglePore Saturdays, a unique dating mixer created by Candilicious. Designed for heterosexual singles aged 25-30, this event offers a refreshing alternative to the usual online dating scene. The intimate session held at Chico Loco, is limited to just 50 participants, ensuring that everyone has a genuine chance to find their match. With an equal number of tickets available for men and women, the evening is carefully curated to foster meaningful connections and conversations.

SinglePore Saturdays is located at Chico Loco, 102 Amoy St

Singapore Night Festival (23 August to 7 September)

Singapore Night Festival is back for its fifteenth edition from 23 August to 7 September 2024. Known as Singapore’s largest nocturnal experience, the event will be taking over the central precinct over the next three weekends. In this year’s theme, Art of Play, visitors can look forward to exploring the concept of play and childhood as inspired by the historical significance of the precinct as the birthplace of some of Singapore’s first schools. Here, you can expect over 50 programmes including highlight acts like Wonder World – The Machine of Nostalgia by local contemporary artist Sam Lo “SKL0”, vibrant and interactive Night Lights installations, projection mapping artworks as well as other exciting performances and programmes.

Singapore Night Fest will be located at the Bras Basah.Bugis (BBB) precinct