TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - September is shaping up to be a busy month in Singapore, with festivals, cultural events, new pop-ups and seasonal attractions taking over the city.
There are plenty of returning favourites, including the Singapore River Festival and Nordic Film Festival, alongside new additions such as Shanghai lifestyle market Common Rare and Another Coffee Festival. Mid-Autumn celebrations are also in full swing, while Halloween attractions are already starting to appear.
12 Things to Do in Singapore This September
From art and food to family-friendly events and late-night experiences, here are 12 things to do in Singapore this September, compiled from Time Out Singapore and The Honeycombers.
1. Shop at Common Rare's First Singapore Edition
Shanghai-based lifestyle market Common Rare is making its overseas debut at Suntec City Convention Hall until September 20, bringing together more than 100 independent Asian brands.
The market features fashion, homeware, toys and eco-friendly accessories from brands across the region, including Malaysia's Anaabu, Thailand's Japfac and Indonesia's Stooli. Local labels such as Epilogue Fragrances and Cruddy are also taking part.
Beyond shopping, visitors can find live performances, workshops and food stalls. The market is also pet-friendly.
2. Discover Specialty Coffee at Another Coffee Festival
Another Coffee Festival is making its debut in Singapore from September 3 to 6 at Guoco Tower Urban Park.
The festival brings together 34 specialty coffee roasters from nine countries and regions, along with coffee tastings, live art, creative collaborations and discussions with coffee professionals.
Visitors can sample different brews using a reusable festival cup and tasting tokens, with local roasters and international names making their Singapore debut.
3. Explore Singapore Oceanarium After Dark
Singapore Oceanarium is turning up the lights with Into the Glowcean, running from September 5 to November 1.
The experience features neon installations, glowing marine-life sculptures, workshops and live performances. Visitors can also try activities such as light painting and make a manta ray lantern.
On September 19, the Oceanarium will also host Silent Disco: Deep Blue Beats, its first-ever silent disco. From 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., visitors can dance among the marine exhibits while switching between three live DJ channels.
4. Catch the Nordic Film Festival
Film lovers can head to Filmhouse for the Nordic Film Festival, which runs until September 26.
The festival brings films from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden to Singapore. Among the highlights is a documentary about Iceland's 1975 women's strike, while the closing film, The Last Viking, stars Mads Mikkelsen and Nikolaj Lie Kaas as estranged brothers searching for stolen loot.
5. Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival at Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is marking the Mid-Autumn Festival from September 12 to 27 with eight lantern sets across the Gardens.
Themed installations feature original characters created by Singapore artist Lim Sau Hoong, including Fenbao, her canine companion Ah Ken, Chiu Chiu, Pineapple Boy and Bee Nini.
The displays will light up areas including the Golden Garden, Supertree Grove and Bayfront Plaza, offering an evening attraction for families and visitors.
6. See the Singapore River Festival
The Singapore River Festival returns for its 10th edition, running across Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay until September 20.
Expect street performances, percussion shows and shophouse light projections at Boat Quay, along with dance performances and flash mobs at Clarke Quay. Robertson Quay will host outdoor movies, light installations and a family-friendly market.
7. Explore Singapore Gallery Month
Art lovers can explore more than 100 exhibitions, artist talks, workshops and gallery tours during Singapore Gallery Month.
The islandwide event runs through September 13, with participating galleries and art spaces hosting programmes across Singapore. Highlights include Gillman Gatherings, Art After Hours at Tanjong Pagar Distripark and guided gallery walks.
There are also hands-on activities and opportunities to meet artists and learn more about Singapore's contemporary art scene.
8. Taste Spanish Food and Drinks Across Singapore
Eat Spain Drink Spain returns for its fourth edition from September 1 to 15, bringing Spanish food, wine and cultural experiences to venues across Singapore.
More than 40 restaurants, grocers, importers and retailers are participating in over 30 events. Visitors can expect tapas, Spanish farmers' markets, cooking classes, wine pairings and special menus at venues around the city.
9. Get Into the Halloween Spirit
Halloween season arrives early at Resorts World Sentosa, where Universal Studios Singapore is hosting its 14th Halloween Horror Nights.
The Festival of Thrills runs until November 1 and features four haunted houses, including one inspired by a creepy karang guni store.
For visitors looking beyond the scares, the wider festival also includes F1 racing simulators, a MAC Cosmetics pop-up and the Singapore Oceanarium's silent disco.
10. Experience Celestial Nights at Science Centre
Science Centre Singapore is celebrating Mid-Autumn with Celestial Nights: Mid-Autumn Edition from September 19 to 27.
Visitors can follow a self-guided Celestial Trail, observe Saturn and other celestial objects through telescopes, and attend a special Mid-Autumn edition of the Live Digital Planetarium Show.
On September 26, Moonbeats: From Gardens to Galaxies will add a silent disco and glowing dance floor to the programme.
11. Visit the Sanrio Characters Moonlit Garden
Fans of Hello Kitty and friends can head to VivoCity for Sanrio Characters Moonlit Garden, running until September 27.
The attraction features six themed worlds inspired by characters including Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi, My Melody, Hangyodon and Pompompurin.
Visitors can find glowing lanterns, large-scale installations, carnival games, a mini train, character meet-and-greets and exclusive merchandise. Admission is free.
12. See New Artworks at teamLab Future World
ArtScience Museum's teamLab Future World has reopened with newly unveiled artworks and refreshed experiences.
The immersive exhibition features constantly changing environments, including flowing water particles and flowers that respond to their surroundings. Visitors can also revisit installations such as Crystal Universe, Animals of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives and Light Sculpture with Paper Airplane.
The combination of interactive installations and new additions offers another reason to revisit the permanent exhibition this September.
