Here is a list of free stuff to do in Singapore next week. Explore and experience events and activities that are budget-friendly. I will focus on physical activities as there are already many things to do online.
Please check the respective websites to check for the latest details and availability.
I am looking for sources of free events and activities, including volunteering, in Singapore. Do drop me an email at consumelesslife@gmail.com if you know of any of these free events and activities. Thanks!
For free stuff to do this week, check out last week’s post here.
Here is a list of free stuff to do in Singapore next week from 20 February 2023 to 26 February 2023.
Monday – 20 February 2023
Raga Vaibhavam
Description: Srividya Sriram and Bharati Murali, bring to you Raga Vaibhavam—a violin duet as part of Esplanade’s Cool Classics series. They will be accompanied by Sri Muthu Subramanian on the mridangam and Sri Mahesh Parameswaran on the ghatam.
Category: Music
Location: Esplanade Concourse
Time: 1845 – 1915 | 1945 – 2015
Booking Requirement: No
Further Details: Website
Tuesday – 21 February 2023
Musical Journey through Centuries
Description: Students of the Lim Sisters come together to present a Musical Journey through Centuries. As the title suggests, this performance depicts a journey through the ages of music and features works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt & impressionist composers.
Category: Music
Location: Esplanade Concourse
Time: 1845 – 1915 | 1945 – 2015
Booking Requirement: No
Further Details: Website
FoodHack Singapore: Unpacking alt protein pilot-scale manufacturing
Description: You’ll hear from top Food Tech stakeholders, experts and investors on the challenges and opportunities of alternative proteins pilot-scale manufacturing in Asia, including Mirte Gosker [Managing Director @The Good Food Institute APAC], XL Lin [CEO @Esco Aster] and Geraldine Goh [Chief Revenue Officer @Nurasa]. Plus – you’ll get to meet with key founders and players in the local Food Tech scene in Singapore and enjoy delicious treats from @Love Handle Singapore and our event’s special collaboration with @Oatside!
Category: Talk
Location: Food Tech Innovation Centre
Time: 1830 – 2030
Booking Requirement: Yes
Further Details: Website
Wednesday – 22 February 2023
Contemporary Chinese Music
Description: An evening of contemporary Chinese works performed by Sim Kee (guzheng) and Chen Ning (erhu). This performance will showcase the usage of extended techniques that are not commonly seen or used in traditional Chinese repertoire. The evening will also feature an arrangement of 《月琴赞》 , originally written for the guzheng and zhong ruan but rearranged for guzheng and erhu for the occasion.
Category: Music
Location: Esplanade Concourse
Time: 1845 – 1915 | 1945 – 2015
Booking Requirement: No
Further Details: Website
Developing a Growth Mindset
Description: Do you believe that your intelligence and talent are fixed and are unchangeable? Do you believe that you cannot learn a new skill? Does your mindset stop you from embracing new challenges because you are afraid of failing? If you answered yes to any of these questions then this is the workshop for you!
Category: Workshop
Location: library@harbourfront
Time: 1830 – 2030
Booking Requirement: Yes
Further Details: Website
Thursday – 23 February 2023
Scenes from Japan
Description: GENUS will be presenting a suite of pieces from Japanese popular culture in a chamber-style setting. Expect to hear well-known theme songs and openings to animated movies and series, as well as Japanese music and original Niibori compositions.
Category: Music
Location: Esplanade Concourse
Time: 1845 – 1915 | 1945 – 2015
Booking Requirement: No
Further Details: Website
Love and Difference
Description: A tree and a sheep are fond of each other. Alas, they are unable to convey their sentiments as they speak in a different tongue. Bewildered by their thoughts, they wonder what predicament they have fallen into. To resolve this tugging in their hearts, they look unto humans, the constant singers of romance, to see if their feelings is indeed the fabled love.
Category: Drama
Location: Lee Foundation Theatre
Time: 1930 – 2100
Booking Requirement: Yes
Further Details: Website
Friday – 24 February 2023
Quick Guide to the World of Brass
Description: Presenting a ‘pocket-size’ guide to the world of brass! Often associated with fanfares and ceremonial duties, it is rare to hear a different side of these majestic instruments. This performance will showcase a selection of works that brings out the colourful and varied sounds of brass through familiar orchestra music arranged for a brass quintet.
Category: Music
Location: Esplanade Concourse
Time: 1845 – 1915 | 1945 – 2015
Booking Requirement: No
Further Details: Website
ClassiCO
Description: A Chinese instrumental performance of familiar songs from Teresa Teng, B.B Queens, Paul Desmond and Deep Purple.
Category: Music
Location: Esplanade Outdoor Theatre
Time: 1915 – 2000 | 2045 – 2130
Booking Requirement: No
Further Details: Website
Love and Difference
Description: A tree and a sheep are fond of each other. Alas, they are unable to convey their sentiments as they speak in a different tongue. Bewildered by their thoughts, they wonder what predicament they have fallen into. To resolve this tugging in their hearts, they look unto humans, the constant singers of romance, to see if their feelings is indeed the fabled love.
Category: Drama
Location: Lee Foundation Theatre
Time: 1930 – 2100
Booking Requirement: Yes
Further Details: Website
Chinatown Heritage Walks – Kreta Ayer
Description: Experience Kreta Ayer, a predominantly Cantonese area in the 19th century, known for round-the-clock entertainment, with a concentration of teahouses, opera theatres and brothels.
Category: Guided Tour
Location: Urban Redevelopment Authority
Time: 0930 – 1130
Booking Requirement: Yes
Further Details: Website
Saturday – 25 February 2023
Miss Shan’s Cello Studio Ensemble
Description: Don’t miss this Lunchtime concert with cellist Loh Hsiao Shan’s cello studio, as they perform music by Bach, Piazzolla and Mascagni.
Category: Music
Location: Esplanade Concourse
Time: 1315 – 1345
Booking Requirement: No
Further Details: Website
Stopping by for Songs
Description: Violinist Nadine Ng and tenor Jeremy Koh, also known as The Double Duo, step out of their the comfort zone to explore pluralism in music, crossing between vocal genres, time periods, and even instruments. Hear them with pianist Neo Ming Wei and a vocal ensemble, and listen to pieces such as Danny Boy, The Water is Wide and The Turtle Dove.
Category: Music
Location: Esplanade Concourse
Time: 1845 – 1915 | 1945 – 2015
Booking Requirement: No
Further Details: Website
Folk Songs from Around the World
Description: Let the Musicians’ Initiative String Quartet bring you on a musical journey around the world! They will be presenting a selection of folk songs, from the familiar tunes of Singapore to the far away lands of Europe.
Category: Music
Location: Esplanade Outdoor Theatre
Time: 1915 – 2000 | 2045 – 2130
Booking Requirement: No
Further Details: Website
Imagine the Future
Description: Using the Special Edition LEGO SG50 Set, participants will build one of three models, (Changi Airport, Gardens By The Bay, Cavenagh Bridge) and use the models in a group to discuss Singapore’s past, present and future. They will then rework their models to reflect what they would like to see in Singapore in the future, reflecting upon the discussion they had with their team mates.
Suitable for aged 4 – 6. Parents will need to accompany their children at all times during the programme.
Category: Workshop
Location: Ang Mo Kio Public Library
Time: 1100 – 1200
Booking Requirement: Yes
Further Details: Website
Back to School – Kampong Gelam
Description: Friends of the Museums together with the Malay Heritage Foundation walking tour of Kampong Gelam historic precinct.
Category: Guided Tour
Location: Sultan Gate
Time: 1600 – 1730
Booking Requirement: Yes
Further Details: Website
Let’s Walk, Singapore
Description:
Join the Sunnystep community for a free 4.5km walkathon at Bedok Reservoir!
Our friendly Sunnystep staff will greet you at Bedok Reservoir Glass Enclosure ( Near Carpark A )! Before the walk commences, there will be a simple warm-up stretch routine. We will also stop for toilet breaks and water breaks in between, and the walk will end with a cooling stretch routine!
Category: Exercise
Location: Bedok Reservoir Glass Enclosure
Time: 0900 – 1100
Booking Requirement: Yes
Further Details: Website
NParks Concert Series in the Park: Rockestra
Description: Mark your calendars: The 17th instalment of NParks Concert Series in the Park: Rockestra® makes its return on Sat, 25 Feb at a venue many of you will be familiar with – Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park!
Themed ‘East Meets West’ and hosted by emcee William Lee, look forward to singing and dancing your hearts out to a mix of English and Chinese classic hits, performed by local artistes HOODW¡NKED, Jason Chung, Little Band Plus, Tay Ke Xin and The Cold Cut Duo!
Admission is free. No registration is required. Furry friends are welcome
Category: Music
Location: Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Ficus Green
Time: 1830 – 2130
Booking Requirement: No
Further Details: Website
Biodiversity Tour
Description: Come on down to Jurong Lake Gardens and learn about the rich biodiversity that you can find here! Breathe in the fresh air and listen to the delightful sounds of nature on a free guided walk.
Category: Guided Tour
Location: Jurong Lake Gardens
Time: 0800 – 0900 | 0815 – 0915
Booking Requirement: Yes
Further Details: 0800 – 0900 | 0815 – 0915
Learning Forest Tour
Description: The Learning Forest features a network of boardwalks and elevated walkways that allow visitors to explore habitats ranging from a freshwater forest wetland to a lowland rainforest.
Category: Guided Tour
Location: Singapore Botanic Gardens
Time: 0900 – 1000
Booking Requirement: Registration required 15 minute before session starts at Visitor Services, Tyersall Gate, on a first-come-first-serve basis
Further Details: Website
Heritage Tour
Description: A walk through the re-developed Tanglin / Heritage Core of the Gardens will evoke memories of bygone days where ladies stroll through the Gardens with the parasols and long skirts. Highlights of the tour include the Bandstand, sculptures in the Gardens, the Heritage Trees, the Main Gate, the Saraca Stream Walk.
Category: Guided Tour
Location: Singapore Botanic Gardens
Time: 0900 – 1000
Booking Requirement: Registration required 15 minute before session starts at Visitor Services, Tanglin Gate, on a first-come-first-serve basis
Further Details: Website
Race Against Time – Science behind a Botanic Garden Tour
Description: This session introduces the research facilities at the Singapore Botanic Gardens such as the Library of Botany & Horticulture, Orchid & Micro-propagation laboratory and the Herbarium.
Category: Guided Tour
Location: Singapore Botanic Gardens
Time: 1000 – 1100
Booking Requirement: Registration required 15 minute before session starts at Visitor Services, Tanglin Gate, on a first-come-first-serve basis
Further Details: Website
Rojak – A Culinary Demo
Description: Join us for fun-filled festivities at the Centre for Ethnobotany to learn about the origin of our local dish, rojak, and discover the natural ingredients which are used in it.
Suitable for children in K1 – P6
Category: Workshop
Location: Singapore Botanic Gardens
Time: 1000 – 1030 | 1030 – 1100
Booking Requirement: Yes
Further Details: 1000 – 1030 | 1030 – 1100
What’s in my mangrove?
Description: Join us for a guided walk of this unique mangrove wetlands located at the border of freshwater (river) and salt water (sea).
Category: Guided Tour
Location: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Time: 0930 – 1100
Booking Requirement: Yes
Further Details: Website
My Tanglin Halt Heritage Tour
Description: My Tanglin Halt Heritage Tour traces the evolution of Queenstown as Singapore’s first satellite town. The tour visits landmarks such as the first HDB flats along Stirling Road, the former Malayan railways and black & white bungalows at Wessex estate.
Category: Guided Tour
Location: Queenstown MRT Station
Time: 0830 – 1130
Booking Requirement: Yes
Further Details: Website
Sunday – 26 February 2023
An Adventure into the Woods
Description: Are you a fan of classical music, or trying to pique your little one’s interest in classical music? No matter the reason, come spend your Sunday afternoon with the friendly Wu Winds musicians as they take you on An Adventure into the Woods.
Category: Music
Location: Esplanade Concourse
Time: 1330 – 1400 | 1430 – 1500
Booking Requirement: No
Further Details: Website
Classy Classics with Lia Trio
Description: The Lia Trio come together to present an evening of tunes from Robert Schumann, Paul Schoenfield and Astor Piazzolla. Join the three classically trained musicians who share a common belief that music should always be fun and accessible.
Category: Music
Location: Esplanade Concourse
Time: 1845 – 1915 | 1945 – 2015
Booking Requirement: No
Further Details: Website
Gemilang – The Golden Age of Malay Cinema
Description: Many films from the golden age of Malay cinema (1947–1972) feature traditional songs or originals that were composed in traditional genres. In Gemilang, Gendang Akustika, featuring friends from Genbano, will relive some of these classics from films from the ’50 and ‘60s, such as Zapin Bunga Hutan by Zubir Said from the film Bawang Putih Bawang Merah (1959) and Gurindam Jiwa by Wandly Yazid from its namesake film (1965) to name a few.
Category: Music
Location: Esplanade Outdoor Theatre
Time: 1915 – 2000 | 2045 – 2130
Booking Requirement: No
Further Details: Website
Civic District Tree Trail – Raffles Landing Route
Description: The Civic District Tree Trail takes you through Singapore’s historic Civic District where you will be marvelled by many majestic and interesting trees, some of which have stood tall for many generations and witnessed the transformation and progress of Singapore through the years. Join us as we take you through part of the trail starting from Raffles Landing to CHIJMES.
Category: Guided Tour
Location: Raffles Landing
Time: 0900 – 1030
Booking Requirement: Yes
Further Details: Website
My Boon Keng Heritage Tour
Description: Learn about how the Kampong villagers travelled across Singapore as they are being resettled in the 1800s. Explore the movements of the people in Kampong Kuchai, Kampong Hock Soon and Kampong Koo Chye as they go about living their everyday lives. Hear the stories of the resettlement of people living in the HDB flats. The tour also features exclusive visits to one of the oldest charitable healthcare institutions in Singapore: Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital and the first Sikh Gurdwara in Singapore: Central Sikh Temple (both visits are subject to availability)
As we will be entering several places of worship, please wear respectful attire which includes: (1) a collared, modest shirt or blouse with sleeves, covered shoulders, (2) long pants (e.g. jeans) or skirts that cover your knees, (3) covered shoes.
- Please do not wear singlets, sleeveless / spaghetti-strap or low-cut tops, shorts or miniskirts, slippers or sandals. Thank you!
- Please do not bring cigarettes, alcohol, meat or any food, or dangerous items with you or in your bag to be respectful to our different places of worship!
Category: Guided Tour
Location: Kallang MRT Station
Time: 0830 – 1130
Booking Requirement: Yes
Further Details: Website
My Tanglin Halt Heritage Tour
Description: My Tanglin Halt Heritage Tour traces the evolution of Queenstown as Singapore’s first satellite town. The tour visits landmarks such as the first HDB flats along Stirling Road, the former Malayan railways and black & white bungalows at Wessex estate.
Category: Guided Tour
Location: Queenstown MRT Station
Time: 0830 – 1130
Booking Requirement: Yes
Further Details: Website
My Redhill Heritage Tour
Description: My Redhill Heritage Tour traces the legend of Bukit Merah from a hilly backwater to a modern HDB town. Participants will hear first-hand accounts of this transformation from residents in Bukit Merah.
Category: Guided Tour
Location: Redhill MRT Station
Time: 0830 – 1130
Booking Requirement: Yes
Further Details: Website
Non-Specific Date Activities
Lunar Toons
Description: High on every major awards festival’s list of contenders, these films showcase the highest artistic standards of the animation artform and storytelling, whilst exploring how families lean into each other in times of need. Heartfelt, heartwarming and meaningful for all ages, Lunar Toons invites you to cosy up in ArtScience Cinema with your loved ones and let the films take you on a profound cinematic journey.
Films
DC League of Super-Pets
Ron’s Gone Wrong
Turning Red
Category: Film
Location: ArtScience Cinema
Date: 26 January 2023 – 3 March 2023
Booking Requirement: Yes
Further Details: Website
Circular Futures: Next Gen
Description: The work shown in this exhibition pushes the boundaries of sustainable design and addresses how we can better approach environmental concerns. It provides potential solutions for the damage caused by human impact on this Earth and projects new possibilities for living in the future.
The exhibition explores how sustainable design can be beautiful and proves that embracing environmental constraints does not prevent designers and architects from generating novel ideas.
Category: Exhibition
Location: National Design Centre
Date: 6 January 2023 – 9 April 2023
Booking Requirement: No
Further Details: Website
Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition
Description: The term ‘cultural heritage’ has changed content considerably in recent decades, partially owing to the instruments developed by UNESCO. Cultural heritage does not end at monuments and collections of objects. It also includes traditions or living expressions inherited from our ancestors and passed on to our descendants, such as oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe or the knowledge and skills to produce traditional crafts.
Category: Exhibition
Location: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
Date: 17 March 2023 – 20 March 2023
Booking Requirement: Yes
Further Details: Website
What Makes a Chinese New Year, Singaporean?
Description: This exhibition is presented through different stalls for visitors to learn about the various “ingredients” that go into the making of a Singaporean Chinese New Year. Some distinctive events and practices featured in the exhibition include festivities like River Hongbao and Chingay, goodies like pineapple tarts and love letters, and customs such as the giving of red packets and praying to the Jade Emperor.
Category: Exhibition
Location: Library@Chinatown
Date: 28 January 2023 – 27 February 2023
Booking Requirement: No
Further Details: Website
Uncommon Market Vegetables
Description: Come visit this exhibition and learn about some uncommon vegetables that you may or may not have heard about. Many of these can be found in Singapore’s wet markets and supermarkets, and are also planted on the grounds of the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Category: Exhibition
Location: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Centre for Ethnobotany
Date: 17 December 2022 – 18 June 2023
Booking Requirement: No
Further Details: Website
Guided Tour of the Police Heritage Centre
Description: The Police Heritage Centre (PHC) welcomes visitors with a showcase of multifarious exhibits and multimedia displays that highlights the rich history of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) from the colonial times till the present day. Immerse yourself in the challenges of early policing, the post-WWII period of secret societies resurgence and communist subversion, as well as learn how community policing has brought the police and community closer together to fight crime, making Singapore one of the safest countries in the world. The PHC also pays tribute to the heroism and sacrifice of police officers who have died in the line of duty to keep Singapore safe and secure.
When visiting, you may wish to set aside 1.5 hours for the guided tour and for some time to explore the Heritage Centre.
Category: Guided Tour
Location: New Phoenix Park, Police Headquarters
Date: Guided tours are offered from Tuesdays to Saturdays (Till February)
Booking Requirement: Yes
Further Details: Website
兔gether
Description: SCCC’s Roof Garden comes alive with a spectacular rabbit-themed art installation exhibition to welcome the Year of the Rabbit. Entitled 兔gether, the art installations created by local art and design studio Whisky and Foxtrot LLP, the mixed-media artwork presents a cast of characters from Chinese New Year mythology. These characters will showcase local Chinese New Year practices enjoyed together with family and friends.
Light Shows
Visitors can also look forward to special light shows with narration of the story of Tu Zai’s journey home to celebrate Chinese New Year with his family and friends.
Light shows will be held on 7 Jan, 14 Jan, 28 Jan, 25 Feb and 25 Mar from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.
Category: Exhibition
Location: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
Date: 18 December 2022 – 31 March 2023
Booking Requirement: No
Further Details: Website
Singapore Biennale 2022
Description: Singapore Biennale 2022 is here from 16 October 2022 to 19 March 2023 and will showcase art from a myriad of local and international artists at multiple locations around Singapore. The main location for the arts festival is ticketed and will be at 39 Tanjong Pagar Distripark with over 40 artists showing their art. Tickets are free for children aged 6 and below, persons with disabilities (PWD) and their caretakers, and local/locally-based students and teachers.
However, there are still plenty of free art installations to view at other locations. The amount of art at these free locations can be quite minimal so you should look for things to do and eat in the area besides just going there to view the art.
Category: Festival
Location: Various locations around Singapore
Date: 16 October 2022 – 19 March 2023
Booking Requirement: No
Further Details: Website | My Article
Children’s Museum Singapore
Description: Let’s “Start With Wonder” at Children’s Museum Singapore. We are the first museum in Singapore dedicated to children 12 years old and below! We believe in sparking wonder and the power of play in a safe environment.
Adults are unable to visit without a child accompanying them.
Admission is free until 31 March 2023
Category: Museum
Location: Children’s Museum Singapore
Date: Till 31 March 2023 (Closed on Mondays)
Booking Requirement: Yes
Further Details: Website
Special Tours at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
Description: How did Chinese Singaporeans develop the habit of having kaya toast for breakfast, and what is kopi siudai? Why do Chinese Singaporeans lohei during Chinese New Year and observe Zhongyuan in the seventh lunar month? How did these habits and practices develop, and what are some other Chinese Singaporean customs? Join a tour specially curated for new citizens and non-Singaporeans to better appreciate the distinctiveness of Chinese Singaporean culture. Each session includes a guided tour and short discussion segment.
Tour is free. Suitable for those aged 15 and above. Each participant will also receive a complimentary bottle of Cooling Water from Three Legs brand.
Category: Guided Tour
Location: Singapore Chinese Culture Centre
Date: 1st Saturday of every month of 2023
Booking Requirement: Yes
Further Details: Website
Singapore Sports Hub – Experience Sports Session
Description: Get ready for new exercise experiences with the refreshed Experience Sports Sessions! The daily free fitness programmes focus on five core aspects – Cardio, Endurance, Flexibility, Strength and Zen.
Join Experience Sports Sessions to work out and keep fit now! Participants are welcome to walk-in and join the free fitness programmes, slots are limited.
Highlights
- Yoga
- Tabata
- HIIT
- Zumba
- Dancing
Visit the website for the latest schedule.
Category: Exercise
Location: Singapore Sports Hub
Date: Everyday
Booking Requirement: No
Further Details: Website
SCDF Fire Station Open House
Description: Visitors to our Fire Station can look forward to the following during the guided tour:
- Introduction to the Open House;
- Introduction to Emergency Vehicles and their capabilities;
- Demo on donning the full protective gear;
- Demo on using various equipment/appliances; and
- Photo taking
Category: Exhibition
Location: Various Fire Stations
Date: Saturdays
Time: 0900 – 0950 | 1000 – 1050
Booking Requirement: No
Further Details: Website
If you have any free events or activities that you would like included or if there are any new sources of free activities, do drop me an email at consumelesslife@gmail.com.
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