Perhaps considered one of the most significant months in the lives of Singaporeans, August is when National Day takes place, which serves as a timeless reminder of how far Singapore has come as a nation, together as one.
Well, there is more to look forward to in August than just the long National Day weekend and the festivities surrounding Singapore’s 52nd birthday. G.E.M. will be stopping by for her Queen Of Hearts Tour, Kit Chan returns to the Esplanade with the re-run of Forbidden City: Portrait Of An Empress and there are many sporting events that you can get involved in.
Thus, aside from celebrating Singapore’s birthday, here are 27 Exciting Events In Singapore This August 2017 For Your Entertainment. August is sounding too good to be true already!
ARTS & CULTURE
FINDING HER VOICE
A discussion between industry insiders from various walks of Singapore’s art scene, Finding Her Voice will be focused on deliberating over the inclusion of the female perspective in leadership and decision-making roles with regard to content creating and culture in arts and media in the 21st century. Speakers on the panel include Sue Adams and Tan Suet Lee.
Tickets are necessary and will cost S$5 per head.
When:
23 August 2017
Where:
ESSEC Asia-Pacific
FILMS AT THE FORT
From 03 to 20 August 2017, take part in Singapore’s premier open-air cinema event, where you will be enthralled by award-winning films alongside gourmet food and wine. Brought to you by Casillero del Diablo, Films At The Fort is celebrating its 5th anniversary at the Fort Canning Park amphitheatre.
Films that will be screened include 20th Century Women, The Wall and Thelma & Lousie. Do make sure that you purchase your tickets in advance to prevent any unwanted disappointment.
When:
03 August 2017 to 20 August 2017
Where:
Fort Canning Park Amphitheatre
FORBIDDEN CITY: PORTRAIT OF AN EMPRESS
Brought to you by the Singapore Repertory Theatre and Esplanade, the highly popular Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress returns to the Esplanade following three sold-out runs and over 100,000 tickets sold. Starring Kit Chan as the Empress Dowager Cixi and Cheryl Tan as the young imperial concubine, Yehenara, immerse yourself in the spectacular music composed by Dick Lee.
Tickets start at S$38 for restricted views and range up to S$128 for VIP tickets.
When:
08 August 2017 to 27 August 2017
Where:
Esplanade Theatre
Photo Credit: Method Acting Asia
IN LOVING MEMORY BY ZORA SMITH
At S$10 per ticket, experience the story of In Loving Memory by Zora Smith, a performance which depicts a woman revisiting her childhood bedroom in 1996. During her visit, she is confronted with buried memories and an unsuspecting visitor.
When:
12 August 2017
Where:
Haque Centre of Acting & Creativity
POETIC JUSTICE: PERSONALISING POLITICS ON SCREEN
Poetic Justice: Personalising Politics on Screen is a three-day screening of contemporary fictional films from Southeast Asia. There will also be a panel discussion with the filmmakers of the movies screened, namely Anocha Suwichakornpong (Thailand), Edmund Yeo (Malaysia), Green Zeng (Singapore) and Yosep Anggi Noen (Indonesia).
The event seeks to examine the intersections between fictional filmmaking and real-life political events, with “poetic justice” as the foundation for discussion. Registration for the discussion session is free and you can register here. Tickets will be necessary for each of the movie screenings.
When:
04 August 2017 to 06 August 2017
Where:
The Arts House at The Old Parliament
SINGAPORE NIGHT FESTIVAL
The Singapore Night Festival—one of the largest art events in Singapore—returns for its 10th edition from 18 to 26 August. It will transform the Bras Basah/Bugis heritage precinct with an array of light installations, and enthralling local and international performances.
When:
18 to 26 August 2017
CONCERTS
BASTILLE – LIVE IN SINGAPORE
Presented to you by Secret Sounds Asia, Bastille, the British indie pop act, will be live in Singapore on 14 August 2017 at the Star Theatre. Best known for their debut track “Pompeii” and other successful albums and tracks such as “Wild World” and “Good Grief”, come and watch Bastille set the stage on fire in their return concert to Singapore.
Tickets have been on sale since 24 April 2017 and range from S$68 to S$148, exclusive of SISTIC booking fees.
When:
14 August 2017
Where:
The Star Theatre, the Star Performing Arts Centre
G.E.M. QUEEN OF HEARTS TOUR
Hong Kong’s new reigning Queen of Pop, G.E.M., will be coming to the Singapore Indoor Stadium this August with her brand new world tour G.E.M. “Queen Of Hearts” World Tour 2017 – Singapore. Expect only a bigger, better and more impressive show as this time, G.E.M. is working together with Kevin Maher, a word-class choreographer for celebrities such as Madonna!
General ticket sales have started since 09 May 2017 and prices range from S$128 to S$248, exclusive of booking fees.
When:
13 August 2017
Where:
Singapore Indoor Stadium
MUSIC BANK WORLD TOUR SINGAPORE 2017
For those who love K-pop, Music Bank would be one of the music awards shows that you would watch frequently to stay in touch with the Korean music scene. This year, Music Bank is coming to Singapore at the Suntec Convention Centre and you can grab the chance to meet the charming Park Bo Gum and music acts such as SHINee, BTS and CNBlue.
Although the tickets are currently sold out for all categories, stay alert because you may bump into your favourite idols at the Suntec Convention Centre or around in Singapore!
When:
04 August 2017
Where:
Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre
FOOD
BEERFEST ASIA
Held at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, expect many international tribute acts, 500 different beer varieties, beer workshops and more than 30 live music acts at Beerfest Asia 2017.
Tickets are necessary and prices start from S$28 for a single-day pass. You can purchase them here.
When:
17 August 2017 to 20 August 2017
Where:
Marina Bay Pier MRT Station
Photo Credit: Marina Bay Sands
EPICUREAN MARKET 2017
Back for the 5th time this year, the Epicurean Market is one event that all foodies must attend. Promising to be an overload of sensory experiences, come and thrill your taste buds at Marina Bay Sands annual food and wine festival. You will be able to savour dishes from award-winning restaurants such as Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay and even have exclusive private tastings at the Connoisseur Series.
A 3-day pass (standard) will cost you S$38 and do note that ticket sales have commenced since 01 June 2017.
When:
11 August 2017 to 13 August 2017
Where:
Marina Bay Sands
SINGAPORE COFFEE FESTIVAL
Brought to you by The Straits Times and DBS Bank, The Singapore Coffee Festival is Singapore’s only coffee-centric festival and is back for the 2nd year running at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre. Attendees at the festival can expect to dive into café culture here with Singapore’s top cafes and global coffee players.
Aside from offering a comprehensive experience for all coffee lovers, you will be able to browse through a wide range of brewed drinks, beans, gadgets and machines. Tickets must be purchased to attend this event and children under the age of 12 can enter the festival for free, upon ID verification at the entrance of the festival.
When:
04 August 2017 to 06 August 2017
Where:
Marina Bay Cruise Centre
Brought to you by the Restaurant Association of Singapore, the Singapore Restaurant Festival is one incredible food festival that all foodies will be excited about.
This year, the theme of the Singapore Restaurant Festival is the ‘Flavours of Singapore’ and there will be more than 50 restaurant brands with over 200 eateries island-wide taking part in the festivities. There will be great savings when you dine at participating restaurants during this three-month period which translates to more savings and more food! Our tummies are rumbling already.
When
01 July 2017 to 30 September 2017
Where
For details on all participating outlets, please visit www.singaporestaurantfestival.com for more information.
EVENTS
BABY LAND – MEGA ONE STOP BABY FAIR
Babyland returns again to Singapore Expo this August and this round, they have partnered with major brands such as Mothercare, Tinylove and Spectra to bring to you the best range of products possible. Best of all, these brands will be only exclusively available at Babyland in August.
When:
11 August 2017 to 13 August 2017
Where:
Singapore Expo
JAPAN BEAUTIFUL LIFE - JAPANESE LIFESTYLE EXPO
Japan Beautiful Life – Japanese Lifestyle Expo is a two-day event which will showcase Japanese cosmetics, fashion, food and lifestyle. Take your appreciation of Japanese culture to the next level by seizing the opportunity to learn how to wear and pose in a yukata. Although admission is free, registration is required.
When:
26 August 2017 to 27 August 2017
Where:
Sands Expo and Convention Centre
Photo Credit: Family Staycation SG
NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION WITH PORORO & FRIENDS
If you are looking for an alternative way to spend National Day with your family and children, why not head over to the Pororo Park to celebrate the festivities with Pororo & Friends? This is an outdoor and indoor event where you can also enjoy an unobstructed aerial display of the National Day fireworks.
Expect an amazing spread of food by Kitchen Language Catering, face painting and balloon sculpting and attractive goodie bags that you can take home with you. Tickets are necessary and a family package for 2 adults and 2 children/toddlers will cost S$180, a single adult will cost S$45 and a single ticket for a child/toddler, S$55.
When:
09 August 2017
Where:
Pororo Park Singapore
OTAKURABU 2017
Returning to VLV this year, join Otakurabu 2017 for a night of Japanese music with your favourite local acts. Tickets are going at S$15 for non-alcoholic entry reservation and S$20 for alcoholic entry reservation.
When:
27 August 2017
Where:
VLV
RISE & SHINE FESTIVAL 2017
As part of their 5th birthday celebrations, Rise & Shine presents Asia’s largest educational yet fun festival. So, be prepared for an action-packed weekend of fun and more! From exciting features such as a brick city, there will also be more than 55 free kids activities and more than 20 kids workshops carried out during the festival.
Register for a MISSION PASS to participate in the abovementioned activities for absolutely no charge at all. You will also receive a free goodie bag worth S$50 in return!
When:
25 August 2017 to 27 August 2017
Where:
Suntec Singapore Convention
SINGAPASAR
Returning for its third year running during the National Day weekend at the National Design Centre, Singapasar is a popular and successful design-centric pasar malam which brings together the best of Singapore’s locally designed or made products in one place.
This year, there will be an exclusive launch of brand new merchandise from local brands at the event and this is a great place to soak in the festive spirit of National Day!
When:
04 August 2017 to 06 August 2017
Where:
National Design Centre
SINGAPORE DRUM FEST: ULTIMATE DRUMMERS WEEKEND 2017
The Singapore Drum Fest: Ultimate Drummers Weekend returns with a killer line-up of global artistes that will knock your socks off. From international drumming stars such as Meytal Cohen with her bassist Anel Pedrero Orantes and local artistes such as Benjamin Lim, Anson Koh (Drum Off 2016 Open Category Champion) and his band, there are so many exciting performances to look forward to.
Tickets are required for this event and can be purchased here.
When:
05 August 2017 to 06 August 2017
Where:
Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition Centre
SINGAPORE REALLY REALLY FREE MARKET 50
For those who don’t know what the Singapore Really Really Free Market 50 is, it is a temporary market founded on the premise of giving and building a community which shares resources, cares for each other and strives to improve each other’s lives.
This August, Singapore Really Really Free Market 50 is collaborating with Aljunied GRC. So head on down with stuff you’d like to share or skills that you can use for the benefit of others.
When:
13 August 2017
Where:
Lorong Ah Soo, Blk 138
THE BLOCKBUSTER SUPERMOM BABY FAIR 2017
Coming to you for three days only this August, attendees can expect all major brand owners, distributors and mega-retailers present at this baby fair with the largest sale deals of the year! Parents can also beat the queue at the fair and reserve their crazy offers in advance here.
When:
25 August 2017 to 27 August 2017
Where:
Suntec City Convention Hall
THE SINGAPORE BIKE SHOW 2017
Held at the Singapore Expo Hall 5, The Singapore Bike Show is Asia’s comprehensive motorcycle, scooter, bicycle and e-scooter show. Back by popular demand this year, this is a fantastic weekend event for bike enthusiasts and hobbyists to spend time together and learn more about the latest bikes, gears, accessories and gadgets.
There will also be outdoor stunt performances, bike and e-scooter tests and more. Admission to this event is free.
When:
18 August 2017 to 20 August 2017
Where:
Singapore Expo Hall 5
SPORTS
SINGAPORE MX 2017 BEACH RACE
The Singapore MX 2017 Beach Race is a two-day event featuring intense motocross action across the stunning white shores at Tanjong Beach, Sentosa. This event is also for all ages, from kids up to international professional riders.
Registration for this event will commence soon so be sure to follow their Facebook event page for regular updates!
When:
26 August 2017
Where:
Tanjong Beach, Sentosa
MIZUNO EKIDEN 2017
Hosted by Spacebib and RunSociety, Mizuno Ekiden is the pioneer of the full-fledged Ekiden relay race in Singapore. This August will be its third instalment, and once again it seeks to create an experience where participants will learn about Japanese values such as teamwork, performance and perseverance.
Teams of four runners (same or mixed gender) will compete in a relay race over the same race course and finish off at a Japanese-themed Matsuri Festival race village. Registration is necessary.
When:
19 August 2017
Where:
The Promontory @ Marina Bay
PUMA NIGHT RUN 2017 SINGAPORE
Held at the Seletar Aerospace Park, PUMA Night Run 2017 Singapore will take place on 26 August 2017 this year and the categories of the race comprise of 6km and 12km runs. After the run, participants can celebrate with fellow contestants at the Puma Village where there will be performances and music from various local artistes and many photo booths for you to capture the moment!
Registration fees for the run start from S$55 and you will need to register in advance.
When:
26 August 2017
Where:
Seletar Aerospace Park
SAFRA SINGAPORE BAY RUN & ARMY HALF MARATHON 2017
The SAFRA Singapore Bay Run & Army Half Marathon 2017 is a special 25th edition which will commemorate 50 years of National Service whilst also celebrating the event’s Silver Jubilee. Thus, a special NS50 Team Run category has been added to the marathon lineup so that past and present Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Operationally Ready National Servicemen (ORNS) can participate in the run and bond as a team.
As always, the four main categories of the marathon will remain i.e. the 21km Army Half Marathon, SAFRA 10km Race, SAFRA 5km Fun Run and Families For Life 800m Challenge.
Registration is now open and early bird rates are available.
When:
20 August 2017
Where:
Esplanade Bridge
About the writer:
A member of the team at ladyironchef, Claire’s mission is to lead a life without regrets – to explore the world and its treasures boldly. When she isn’t pursuing her interests in writing, academia and music, Claire spends her free time with family and her pets. She also hopes to run her own animal shelter in the future.