Hey ho, whad’ya know? It’s April! We may not celebrate spring in Singapore (though there are a couple of sakura-related events on the list) but there’s no reason not to start the month on a clean slate. Our agenda for things to do in Singapore this April include Easter fun, sustainable and mindful events in celebration of Earth Month, virtual trips to Thailand (thanks to the Songkran water festival) and a dose of culture in the form of multiple exhibitions.
Best things to do in Singapore: April 2021
1.Sustainability: The Rescue Project
1 – 4 April; 17 & 18 April
Making space for new clothes in your wardrobe? 313@Somerset and Swapaholic are holding a fashion swap with two phases: declutter and refresh. In the former stage, you are encouraged to drop your old clothes at the collection drive. And on 17 and 18 April, you’ll be able to rescue pre-loved clothes donated by other people. Are you ready to give your clothes a new lease of life?
The Rescue Project, #02-25 (opposite Starbucks), 313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Road, Singapore 238895
2. Cats of the World Purrzarr
10 & 11 April
Cat lovers, this is a purrfect event for you! Celebrate all things feline at the Cats of The World Purrzaar. Expect an “Instagram Cats” exhibition, a market featuring 10 creators and artists such as Momshoo, Oatsie’s Trunk, Amy Handmade Ceramics and StuffSusieMade; cat-themed craft workshops and even an adoption drive. Partial proceeds from the event will go to Cat Welfare Society.
Cats of the World Purrzarr, 168 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207572
3. Le Bon Funk’s third-anniversary celebrations
2 – 30 April
Le Bon Funk turns three this month! To celebrate, the restaurant is whipping out a rare treat of Magnums from the cellar by the glass, every weekend. And what’s a birthday party without cake? Enjoy a confetti cake along with a limited edition birthday cocktail “Three Cheers to All” with sprinkles and gold dust.
Le Bon Funk, 29 Club Street, Singapore 069414
4. Eat & Drink: IB HQ Booze & Fuse series
7 April
Cocktail bar IB HQ has launched a monthly series called “Booze & Fuse”, featuring dinners in collaboration with establishments like Restaurant Jag, among others. This month, it’s champagne showers! Enjoy a three-course dinner paired with five beverages like Billecart Salmon Champagne Brut Reserve, Souis Bois and Rose; plus a welcome cocktail and digestive cocktail. Of course, dishes such as Hokkaido scallop tartare, veal tenderloin and mackerel rillette will pair perfectly with the tipples.
IB HQ Booze & Fuse series, 6pm-8pm, Level 2, 76A Duxton Road, Singapore 089535
5. Body & Mind: Wellness Retreats by Grand Hyatt Singapore x Kydra
All month
If you need to recharge, look no further than Grand Hyatt Singapore and local activewear brand Kydra’s newest wellness retreats. The staycation package includes a one-night stay in a Grand Deluxe Room, Kydra activewear, a personalised 60-minute body treatment at Damai Spa, a meditation session, a curated morning workout and a nutritional- and sustainable-driven brunch. The stay is available on selected dates until the end of July so fastest fingers first!
Wellness Retreats by Grand Hyatt Singapore x Kydra, selected dates, from $530++, 10 Scotts Road, Singapore 228211
6. Beauty: Nars Virtual Masterclass: Live on Nars
8 & 9 April
Gather your makeup brushes for a fun virtual masterclass with Nars organised by BHG. Perfect your techniques and achieve a radiant afterglow look with the help of professional makeup artists. All attendees will also receive $60 worth of Nars online vouchers and a welcome gift (worth $143).
Nars Virtual Masterclass: Live on Nars, 8 Apr: 8pm; 9 Apr: 12pm; online
7. Festival: Songkran celebration at Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore
5 – 18 April 2021
Get a taste of the Thai water festival at Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore! And you don’t actually have to get wet here. Soak in the festivities through F&B promos, activities and workshops during your stay. Tuck into Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiao (spicy curry pork noodles) at Greenhouse restaurant or Som Tum Gai Yang Kaeng Khanun (pork and jackfruit curry) at Tee Deck Bar and Grill. Once you’re full, take part in a Thai flower garland or Thai snacks workshop for a dose of culture.
Songkran celebration at Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore, 11 Laguna Golf Green, Singapore 488047
8. Exhibition: Textures: The Bottled City
Until 25 April
The annual literary festival is back once again with the theme “The Bottled City”. This exhibition showcases the scenes and landscapes featured in local literature through books, miniatures, papercut sculptures, terrariums and cross-stitches. The cool thing about this year’s edition? It’s presented in the form of a mobile installation and travelling library. Missed the exhibits at The Arts House? Make your way to Jurong followed by other heartland areas like Toa Payoh and Yishun.
Textures: The Bottled City, various locations
9. Festival: Songkran Water Fest 2021
All month
Since heading to Bangkok to celebrate Songkran isn’t an option right now, this revered Thai celebration is coming to our shores instead. Happening at Wild Wild Wet (how apt) throughout April, the water theme park will transform its space for an epic water battle. There’ll be Thai food (by Ola Beach Club), ‘gram-worthy areas and curated playlists by popular DJs like Inquisitive. Grab your water guns and get ready to be soaked!
Songkran Water Fest 2021, Wild Wild Wet, Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Close, Singapore 519599
10. Local culture: Sikhs in Singapore – A Story Untold
All month
We love that Singapore is a melting pot of cultures. There’s always something to learn and discover. This time, take a closer look at the Sikh community in Singapore with this exhibition. Held at the Indian Heritage Centre, Sikhs in Singapore – A Story Untold narrates the Sikh story through three parts, from the origins story to the migration experience to perspectives from modern-day Sikhs.
Sikhs in Singapore – A Story Untold, until 30 September 2021, Indian Heritage Centre, 5 Campbell Lane, Singapore 209924
11. The Curious Case of the Missing Peranakan Treasure
All month
Who doesn’t love a whodunnit tale? Double Confirm Productions, Sight Lines Entertainment and Raffles Hotel Singapore come together for a first-of-its-kind virtual interactive play. The plot: the crown jewel of the popular “Treasures of the Straits” exhibition at Raffles Hotel Singapore has gone missing. Tensions rise as all guests and staff are deemed suspects. The General Manager is given till midnight to solve the case internally. What will they uncover in this enthralling collision of history and mystery?
Written by playwright Jean Tay and directed by Hossan Leong, the play will be shown in an interactive virtual format. You’ll get a first-hand experience of exploring the hotel’s historic grounds and uncovering clues along the way. Watch it online or experience the play in the property itself by making use of the exclusive daycation and staycation packages. Solve the case and stand a chance to win e-vouchers from the Raffles Boutique or even a one-night stay at the hotel.
The Curious Case of the Missing Peranakan Treasure, until 30 June 2021, Raffles Hotel Singapore, 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673 or watch online
12. Family fun: Otah & Friends
Until 4 April
Good news to all fans of otters. Singapore’s first otter-themed escapade will be extending its stay at Gardens by the Bay. Crawl through a magical tunnel with fairy lights to enter the fantasy world of the otter-verse. Feast your eyes on colourful rooms that are perfect for the ‘gram. You’ll also get to meet and greet Otah himself, and take home limited edition Otah & Friends’ otterly-cute souvenirs.
Otah & Friends, until 4 April, Gardens by the Bay, Bayfront Plaza, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
13. Eat: Raffles Courtyard Heritage Dishes and PasirPanjangBoy collaboration
All month
Get acquainted with the culinary heritage of Southeast Asia, thanks to Raffles Courtyard’s exciting collaboration with some of the best private dining chefs in Singapore! Tinoq and Dylan, the duo behind the fan-favourite private dining experience PasirPanjangBoy, will be whipping out signature plates. Stuff yourselves with dishes like ngoh hiang, beef rendang and the signature prawn noodle soup (presented on Wednesdays by the boys themselves!). You’ll also get to enjoy Southeast Asian small plates and local delights from Raffles Courtyard’s kitchen. Wash it all down with a wide range of cocktails, mocktails, spirits, wines and beers with daily happy hour from 5pm to 8pm.
Raffles Courtyard Heritage Dishes and PasirPanjangBoy collaboration, until 11 April 2021, 3pm-9pm, Raffles Courtyard, 328 North Bridge Road, 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673
14. Exhibition: Sakura featuring Hello Kitty
Until 11 April
The Gardens by the Bay’s popular Sakura display is back with a special guest – Hello Kitty! You’ll see her at various attractions across the floral display, including a hanami (flower viewing) picnic surrounding spring blossoms, a nodate (tea ceremony) and a Japanese-style garden. Keep your eyes peeled for more Japanese elements like torii gates and red-crowned cranes. You can also participate in cultural programmes like traditional folk music and dance, taiko drum performances and Japanese tea demos. You’ll have to register in advance, of course.
Sakura featuring Hello Kitty, Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
15. Family fun: Tropical Thrills at Universal Studios Singapore
All month
Head over to Universal Studio Singapore for oodles of fun this month. Meet and greet your favourite characters from Despicable Me, Minions, Madagascar, Sesame Street, Shrek, Trolls as well as King Kahula, a fun tiki. Watch them flaunt their tropical island attire alongside stilt-walkers and hula characters. There are even hula hoop challenges where winners can stand a chance to win F&B vouchers and tickets to USS.
Tropical Thrills, Universal Studios Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
16. Sustainability: “Don’t Let Good Food Go To Waste” initiative
All month
Give back to the community this month at the malls of Frasers Property. Selected malls will be setting up dedicated Food Bank Singapore boxes for you to donate non-perishable food items. Drop five items to receive a $2.50 digital gift card. The initiative is part of the National Environment Agency’s (NEA) efforts to reduce food wastage in Singapore.
“Don’t Let Good Food Go To Waste” initiative, participating malls include Hougang Mall, Northpoint City, Tampines 1, The Centrepoint and Tiong Bahru Plaza
17. Eat: Durian Fiesta
All month
Durian lovers, get ready for Goodwood Park Hotel’s iconic Durian Fiesta! Can you believe it’s been 38 years since its debut? To celebrate, the hotel has whipped out new durian pastries such as D24 pandan waffle cake, D24 and sweet potato in chestnut tartlets, D24 trio chocolate cake, mini D24 salted caramel delights, D24 kueh dadar and deep-fried D24 in layered flaky pastry. Of course, mainstays like the signature D24 mousse cake, puff and crepe will make an appearance.
Durian Fiesta, until 1 August 2021, available for delivery and self-collection at The Deli, Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road, Singapore 228221
18. Art: Paw-verbs on the Lawn
All month
We’ve got something for cat lovers. The Malay Heritage Centre (MHC) joins hands with Japanese artist Juno for a paw-tastic installation. Head over to the lawn at MHC and coo over 30 giant cat illustrations – plenty of IG-worthy content for you! You’ll also notice 10 common Malay proverbs littered around the installation. They spotlight how cats are used metaphorically to convey different aspects of human behaviour. Plus, it’s a super fun way to get the kids to remember these age-old lessons. Take part in programmes and activities like performative storytelling sessions as well as weekly competitions via MHC’s Instagram page.
Paw-verbs on the Lawn, until 31 May 2021, Malay Heritage Centre, 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501
19. Art: ‘Singapore Streets’ by Louise Hill
All month
Art Space at Siri House Dempsey is playing host to Louise Hill’s hand-finished Giclee prints. Drawing inspiration from the Lion City and using her signature theme of windows, Louise’s works are an exploration of Asian heritage culture. Expect to see familiar motifs like Peranakan tiles, shophouses and traditional street signs. You can also book a private appointment with her to learn more about the stories behind the art.
‘Singapore Streets’ by Louise Hill, until 14 May 2021, Siri House at Dempsey, #01-02, Block 8D, Dempsey Road, Singapore 249672
April’s looking mighty fine with tons of things to do in Singapore.
The post Best things to do in April: A purrzarr for cat lovers, Songkran celebrations and a slice of culture in Singapore appeared first on Honeycombers Singapore.