All the Fun Things to Do in Singapore This Weekend

Singapore is buzzing this October with experiences that blend play, culture, and wonder. From Japanese adventures to pastel pop fantasies and prehistoric giants, the city is alive with color and curiosity.

At Guoco Tower, The Japan Rail Fair brings a taste of travel magic with its Stamp Rally inspired by Japan’s famous station stamps. Visitors can collect 23 beautifully designed stamps while exploring over 20 booths that showcase the charm of prefectures such as Yamaguchi, Nagano and Fukuoka. Each booth offers a slice of Japanese culture from tourism highlights to regional snacks. Completing the rally earns you a shot at winning round trip tickets on Japan Airlines and AirJapan, JR East Passes and rail inspired souvenirs. The event runs from 9 to 11 October from 11am to 8pm and entry is free.

Image Credits: facebook.com/JAPANRAILCAFE

For something colossal, Science Centre Singapore presents Dinosaurs | Extinctions | Us in collaboration with the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum. This 3,000 square meter exhibition invites visitors to stand beneath a 40 metre cast of the Patagotitan mayorum, one of the largest creatures to have ever lived. The showcase features 33 fossils and 60 full scale models tracing 400 million years of history. Beyond the spectacle, the exhibition reflects on how past extinctions connect with the environmental challenges humanity faces today. Tickets start from S$25.90 and come with a free dinosaur plush toy while stocks last.

Over at Bugis Plus, POP LAND Pop-Up makes its overseas debut and transforms the atrium into a pastel wonderland. The pop-up store celebrates the irresistibly cute world of MOKOKO with exclusive merchandise, whimsical photo corners and a joyful dose of kawaii fun. It is the perfect stop for those who love collectibles and crave a feel good escape in the middle of the city. The store is open from 15 to 26 October from 10am to 9.30pm. While it is not happening this weekend, consider this an early heads up as the event tends to fill up fast and registration slots often get snapped up quickly.

Image Credits: facebook.com/popmartsg

For a night of theatre and thrill, Cirque Alice takes over the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands. The show reimagines Lewis Carroll’s beloved tale with breathtaking acrobatics, puppetry, dance and contemporary music. It is a world where Alice tumbles through wonder and chaos guided by performers who twist, fly and balance between fantasy and artistry. Tickets start from S$78 and performances run from 9 to 26 October.

Image Credits: facebook.com/cirquealice

If you are chasing nostalgia, art or awe, Singapore offers something extraordinary this October. Step out and let a little wonder find you and your loved ones!

Sources:1,2, & 3

 

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Labubu Takes Over VivoCity with a Mini Market Pop-Up Till Oct 19

Calling all Labubu fans! You only have 16 days left to experience the Labubu Mini Market Pop-Up Store at VivoCity’s East Court. Until October 19, Pop Mart is inviting you into a world where groceries are playful props, plush pendants grin from the shelves, and even a shopping basket is big enough to climb into. It is a whimsical showcase of Pop Mart’s “The Monsters Wacky Mart Series,” which first launched in June, and it has been drawing both collectors and first timers eager to see what the fuss is about.

Image Credits: facebook.com/vivocity.sg& Pop Mart

Labubu, the cheeky character with mischievous eyes and a cult following, is once again stealing the spotlight. The Mini Market presents him in the middle of a quirky convenience store where food turns into art and everyday products feel like treasures. Picture a giant shopping basket called Basket of Mischief or a retro style food truck known as Quick Bites.

Inside the mart, there are storage bag blind boxes, sandwich shaped mini bags, seafood ball plush pendants and more. The fun is in the surprise as much as the purchase. Some visitors come for the quirky home essentials and kitchenware, others are after the thrill of securing a limited item. Those who spend S$68 in a single receipt will earn a spinning fan from the series, while shoppers who spend S$138 walk away with a puffer keychain. Both exclusives are only available here (T&Cs apply and while stocks last).

Image Credits: facebook.com/vivocity.sg& Pop Mart

The exclusivity extends beyond the merchandise. Entry to the retail zone requires advance registration, and each shopper is given only 20 minutes to browse and buy. Even without a slot, visitors can still roam the installations outside and marvel at how the space has been transformed into a market of cuteness.

Image Credits: facebook.com/vivocity.sg& Pop Mart

What are you waiting for? Step inside, snap a picture, and maybe pick up a sandwich-shaped pillow on the way out. After all, this is one market where the real currency is playfulness.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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60,000 Free Books Up for Grabs at NLB’s Big Giveaway This Weekend

Singapore’s book community has reason to celebrate as the National Library Board (NLB) prepares for its biggest-ever Big Book Giveaway. In honor of its 30th anniversary, NLB is releasing 60,000 pre-loved books on September 13 and 14 at the Plaza of the National Library Building. This also marks the 10th year of the initiative, which began as a way to extend the life of books and share the joy of reading with more Singaporeans.

The event runs from 10 am to 4 pm on both days, where visitors can pick up to 10 books each. Participation is simple: attendees just need to scan their library-compliant ID, NLB eCard, or request a QR code day pass on-site. Adding to the excitement, 60 lucky participants will also walk away with special prizes through a lucky draw, though details remain under wraps.

The collection on offer spans a wide range of genres, from fantasy and science fiction to mystery, non-fiction, and children’s titles in both English and Mother Tongue languages. This year, a dedicated section will spotlight works about Singapore, in celebration of SG60. For many, the highlight will be the chance to discover older editions and hidden gems that once lined the shelves of Singapore’s libraries.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Unlike previous years, which saw smaller events spread across multiple branches, the 2025 edition consolidates everything into one large-scale gathering at the National Library Building. Last year’s giveaway drew 6,000 participants, and attendance this weekend is expected to be significantly higher.

The Big Book Giveaway also reflects a growing focus on sustainability. Visitors are encouraged to donate their own pre-loved books during the event, with a cap of 50 titles per person. These donations, along with leftover books from the giveaway, will be redistributed to community partners and international institutions. To date, NLB has shared books with more than 130 organizations worldwide, ensuring that stories continue to find new readers.

For NLB, the event is about more than just giving away books. It is part of the wider Love Our Libraries & Archives (LOLA) initiative, a month-long series of community programs under the Libraries & Archives Blueprint 2025. This five-year roadmap aims to reimagine libraries as hubs of learning, creativity, and connection.

Image Credits: instagram.com/publiclibrarysg/

As NLB’s Chief Executive Officer Ng Cher Pong puts it, the event is “eagerly anticipated by many” because physical books remain a source of comfort and joy. I, for one, love the smell of physical books and still make it a point to purchase at least two every month. This initiative not only touches on the heart of sustainability but also encourages book lovers like me to donate pre-loved titles or breathe new life into old ones, rediscovering them as fresh stories.

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How to Use Your S$100 SG Culture Pass

From September 1 2025, Singaporeans will have one more reason to explore the nation’s vibrant arts and heritage scene. The government is rolling out the SG Culture Pass, a three-year initiative that gives every Singaporean aged 18 and above S$100 in credits to spend on cultural experiences. From theatre regulars to those who have not visited a gallery in years, the pass makes it easier and more affordable to reconnect with the arts.

The credits can be used for a wide range of experiences, from theatre productions, orchestra concerts and dance performances to writing workshops, ceramics classes and heritage walking tours. Visual arts exhibitions, cultural festivals and traditional crafts are all part of the line-up. Merely writing about it makes me excited!

Image Credits: supportgowhere.life.gov.sg

The aim is not only to reward those who already support the local arts scene but also to encourage more Singaporeans to try something new. The credits are valid from 1 September 2025 through 31 December 2028, giving residents ample time to explore. The scheme is open to all Singapore citizens who are born on or before 31 December 2007 and who hold citizenship as of 31 December 2024.

Redemption will be simple. Eligible citizens will receive an SMS notification in September, after which they can log in to the SG Culture Pass portal with Singpass to access their credits. Ticketing partners such as Sistic, BookMyShow, Klook, Pelago, Globaltix and Trip.com will serve as platforms to book events and activities. While the credits cannot be donated or exchanged for cash, they may be used to purchase tickets for family members and friends.

To support this nationwide effort, the government has set aside S$300 million to fund the initiative. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted in an Instagram post that Singapore has built a distinctive culture and identity within a relatively short time, and he urged citizens to make full use of the credits, reminding them that “we must all do our part to nurture this Singaporean culture together.”

Image Credits: unsplash.com

From pottery workshops to heritage tours and contemporary performances, the SG Culture Pass is designed as an invitation to rediscover and celebrate what makes Singapore’s arts and heritage unique.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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10 Free Things to Do in SG This August

From waterfront sails to immersive exhibitions, the city’s free August offerings prove that access to art, history, and wellness need not come with a price tag.

SAIL INTO THE SUNSET
DBS Sailing at the Bay lets you step aboard a sailboat at Marina Bay for a 30-minute ride across stunning city views. This scenic journey also supports sailing as an inclusive and accessible sport. Slots fill quickly, so early booking thru the website is advised.

LIGHT & WATER MAGIC AT MARINA BAY
Each evening, Marina Bay transforms into a visual symphony. Spectra, a 15-minute light and water show at the Event Plaza, combines lasers, fountains and music in one striking performance. It remains a favorite way to enjoy the city skyline after dark.

F1 BTS
Titled SGP: Dare to Be Different, this exhibition explores the transformation of Singapore’s streets into a Grand Prix circuit. Engineering marvels, lighting systems and urban design are showcased through interactive and behind-the-scenes displays. The gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday with free admission.

SUNSET WATCH PARTIES
Palawan Beach hosts sunset sessions every Friday and Saturday until August 30. Visitors can enjoy beachside views, live music, and a relaxed atmosphere. As a friendly reminder: you’re encouraged to bring your own camping chairs or picnic mats for a comfortable viewing experience. It is a stress-free evening activity that captures the luxury of slowing down.

WEEKEND TOURS AT FORT SILOSO
Step into history with guided tours at Fort Siloso every Saturday and Sunday. Discover Singapore’s coastal defenses, World War II narratives and sweeping views from the skywalk. Arrive early as tours are on a first-come, first-served basis.

MEGA SPACE MOLLY
This first-of-its-kind exhibition celebrates the cult toy icon through rare archival pieces and imaginative displays. A short film by Singaporean artist Oh Jia Hao immerses visitors in SPACE MOLLY’s surreal lunar world. Admission to Mega Space Molly: Hello, Moon! is free at ION Art Gallery until August 24.

PERANAKAN LIGHTSHOW AT LOOKOUT LOOP
Traditional culture meets modern illumination at this vibrant light projection show. Peranakan motifs are reimagined through digital artistry, lighting up the heritage-themed Peranakan House until August 31. It is an ideal stop for design enthusiasts and photographers.

NEW BALANCE RUN HUB
New Balance’s Run Your Way Hub takes place from August 7 to 17, 2025, at the Visual Arts Centre in Dhoby Ghaut. This fitness pop-up invites runners to enjoy free runs, shoe trials, and expert talks led by health professionals and elite athletes. Participants can test new gear and train alongside five local run clubs. Registration is required.

LIGHT INSTALLATIONS IN THE CBD
From August 1 to September 6, light projections and digital art displays will illuminate the Bras Basah and Bugis area. These installations span from the National Museum to Stamford Walkway and serve as a prelude to the Singapore Night Festival. Night strolls just became a lot more interesting.

HISTORY COMES ALIVE AT NATIONAL MUSEUM
Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time opens August 8 with an immersive, family-friendly experience covering 700 years of maritime history. The exhibit includes interactive storytelling and multi-sensory elements. Admission is free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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