Happenings this week
We highlight the best our city has to offer and what’s keeping it abuzz. Here are the best things you can do in Singapore this week.
Painting with Light
When: Now until 14 September 2025
Where: National Gallery Singapore
As the National Gallery’s annual international film festival, the sixth edition of Painting with Light will spotlight filmmakers exploring art, culture and works that address the urgent social issues of their time. Organised across eight sections, there will be over 45 feature-length and short films from Singapore and beyond, the opportunity to engage with the artists and curators, and a dedicated festival lounge for networking over free screenings.
Alterpacks joins the Singapore Food Festival
When: Now until 14 September 2025
Where: Various venues
Local start-up Alterpacks, known for their compostable alternatives to single-use plastics , is partnering with vendors at the Singapore Food Festival. Experience what they have to offer at various venues, such as Ocean Financial Centre (Now until 22 August), food trucks at Keppel South Central (23 August to 3 September) and Geneo, Singapore Science Park (8 to 14 September).
Singapore Gallery Month
When: Now until 14 September 2025
Where: Various venues
With the support of over 30 galleries from across town, this year’s Singapore Gallery Month will coincide with SG60, shining light on the stories, voices and visions that have shaped Singapore’s cultural landscape over the decades. Look forward to the works of artists from Singapore and abroad, as well as workshops that range from still-life drawings to calligraphy. There’s also an all-access Patron’s Pass that will equip you with S$500 in art credit, an invitation to the launch party, private art viewings, concierge perks and exclusive experiences.
Design Futures Forum
When: 17 September 2025
Where: Victoria Theatre
Curated by Ong Ker-Shing, associate professor at the NUS Department of Architecture, and Aric Chen, director of the Zaha Hadid Foundation, Design Futures Forum spotlights three deeply intertwined themes: Technology, Sustainability, and Care. Joining Ong and Chen, a compelling lineup of global and local voices–including speculative designer Thomas Thwaites, filmmaker Liam Young, and mycelium researcher Feifei Zhou—share compelling insights that inspire even deeper discussions. More here.
Animal Spotlight: Manta Rays
When: Now until 20 September 2025
Where: Singapore Oceanarium
For the manta ray curious, the Singapore Oceanarium is currently featuring two weeks worth of programmes, highlighting the ecological importance of this sea creature and the challenges faced in the wild. Enjoy a wide range of activities, including an exclusive guided session about manta ray care and conservation, and a sharing session by renowned marine conservationist Daniel Fernando. Tickets here.
Aesop and Other Matter
When: Now until 21 September 2025
Where: Aesop ION, Ngee Ann City and Raffles City
It’s been 27 years since Geranium Leaf Body Care range had been launched, and to celebrate that, Aesop is inviting you on a three-part expedition through three different stores. There will be hands-on explorations, bioplastic design installations by pioneering materials studio Other Matter, as well as a stamp to mark your visit. Collect all three stamps and a small token awaits at the end of it.
SG60 Cocktails by the Bay
When: Now until 30 September 2025
Where: Monti
Singapore’s turned 60, and what better way to celebrate than with a drink and a view of the river and cityscape? Until the end of September, Monti will be offering any three cocktails for s$60 from a lineup of locally inspired drinks, each a recollection of well-loved local flavours like pandan, laksa and gula melaka. Reserve here.
IWC. Engineered.
When: Now until 31 October 2025
Where: Ion Orchard, Level 1 Atrium
From now till 31 October 2025, IWC Schaffhausen has set up a pop-up boutique at Ion Orchard’s Level 1 Atrium, bringing its ingenious spirit to life. Those who drop by will find more than just displays of the brand’s latest collections. The real draw, available for the first time in Singapore, is the Maison’s individualisation service for the Portugieser Chronograph. A beloved cornerstone of the brand’s lineup, the Portugieser Chronograph has long charmed collectors with its clean Arabic numerals, feuille hands, and perfectly balanced subdials. Now, through the individualisation service—first introduced in 2023 at the brand’s flagship Dubai and Shanghai boutiques—ardent fans can mix and match several of the watch’s key design elements to build a version that best embodies their sensibilities.
The High Table
When: Now until 31 October 2025
Where: HighHouse
The High Table returns for a second edition with Michelin-starred chef Rishi Naleendra, who will bring nostalgia and reimagined South Asian flavours to the table. Look forward to seven exclusive dishes, including a few cult favourites from his now-defunct Fool wine bar. Make reservations for lunch or dinner here.
Future World by teamLab
When: Ongoing
Where: ArtScience Museum
Embark on a journey of discovery spanning two immersive realms—City in Nature and Exploring New Frontiers—and allow yourself to immerse yourself in a world of art, science and magic through interactive digital installations. Tickets here.
Coming up:
Sacred Echoes: A Celebration of First Nations Australian Artists
When: 18 September to 12 October 2025
Where: Art Works Gallery
Standing firmly at the centre of the global art conversation, a selection of world-class Australian Aboriginal art is being brought to Singapore. To be on display at Art Works Gallery at One Holland Village, the exhibition highlights the remarkable contributions of Aboriginal women and the works of highly acclaimed artists like George Tjungarrayi and Gloria Petyarre.
Pete Davidson
When: 26 September 2025
Where: The Star Theatre
Actor, writer and comedian Pete Davidson, who stars in the recently launched The Pick Up with Eddie Murphy, is making a stop in Singapore as part of his stand-up tour. Happening at The Star Theatre at 7.30pm, with tickets available on Ticketmaster.
Featured photo by Praxis Films/Painting with Light
