19 Exciting Things to Do This November
From marathons and musicals to whiskey tastings and food trials, there are tons of activities to satisfy anyone. So start marking your calendars now!
The arrival of November signals unequivocally that 2018 is almost on its last legs. December, and all the merry-making associated with Christmas and New Years Eve, will soon be upon us. But if you think November is December’s poorer and more boring cousin, think again. From marathons and musicals to whiskey tastings and food trials, there are tons of activities to satisfy the fussiest of tastes before the year is over. So start marking your calendars now!
Indulge in a gastronomical experience when you attend this tasting event, which will boast exquisite flavours from Israeli cuisine. Held at Wild Honey, Slovakian chef Yossi Elad who has 10 years of experience in Israeli cuisine will be presenting a one-of-a-kind menu for six days. Expect dishes such as the Machneyehuda Platter (which comprises Chef Yossi’s favourite dips including tahini done three ways, served with fresh pita bread), the Market Steak (Onglet steak with traditional crispy potato latkes & mixed salad) and Chef Yossi’s Shakshukit (deconstructed kebab — either lamb or beef — served with tchigurt, pine nuts, pistachios and cured lemon). Prices vary between $20 to $35++ per dish, and it is essential for you to make a reservation for this tasting event. There’s also a masterclass with him on Nov 5 if you wish to learn from the master. For more information, visit their website here.
Aspiring writers and expressive thinkers, you’ll not want to miss out this year’s Singapore Writers Festival. This 10-day long festival, which is now in its 21st edition, is filled with activities that revolve around the theme 界 (pronounced as jie, a Chinese character that means “World”). Expect philosophical and thought-provoking events aligned to this year’s theme, which explores the continuum of geographical and man-made boundaries that is perceived to separate nations and people. Try “Between Earth and Heaven: Four Monodramas” (a series of four monodramas that explores the theatre of “life” and “being” in several realms), “Not all Migrants are the Same” (three background stories of three different migrants, Senthuran Varatharajah, Minh Bui Jones and Nina McConigley) and “Writing About the New Asian Woman” (which questions the idea of female empowerment despite the better opportunities that women enjoy today). Attend book launches, speak to authors, attend screenings or engage in panel discussions. Plenty for the literary fiend. A festival pass costs $25. There are also ticketed events and free events. Visit Sistic for tickets.
Mimi is back in town and we’re sure her concert will be a super fun mass sing-along session! Join the pop diva as she performs tunes from her sixth compilation album, #1 to Infinity. Expect Carey to belt out favourite tunes such as Hero (1993), Honey (1997), and We Belong Together (2005) in a show that’s bound to be a glittery affair. Let’s hope history does not repeat itself like in 2010, when she took a tumble while performing at her F1 concert at the Padang. Even if she did, we know the veteran will recover like a pro. Tickets start from $88 for Category 6, visit Apactix for more information.
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Didn’t get your wine fix from Wine Fiesta Singapore last month? Don’t fret! An upcoming whisky event might just be up your alley. The 9th edition of Whisky Live will allow you to savour some 70 whisky and spirit brands from around the world, such as BenRiach, Neisson and Glenglassaugh. Talk about a fun afternoon! Tickets start from $119 for either day, or $188 for weekend passes. If you simply want to learn more about the fine art of whisky, there are masterclasses at $35 per class. Visit here to get your entry passes.
Pay homage to the Hindu festival of lights with a mouth-watering meal that celebrates Indian cuisine! Head on over to The Song of India, where the one Michelin-star restaurant will present a four-course meal specially concocted for Deepavali ($79++). Be enthralled by dishes such as the Nagaland Bamboo Shoot Broth (a broth infused with bamboo shoot derived from North-eastern India), the Coorg Mangalorean Fish Curry (a creamy, curry dish made of turmeric, tamarind and chilli from South-Western India) and the Misti Dohi Brûlée (a sweet, chilled yogurt fashioned as a crème brûlée from Western India). Bonus? It’ll be a truly authentic experience as the meal will be prepared with clay pots and outdoor wood-fire burning stoves. How quaint. Vegetarian option is available too. Visit here to make your reservation.
There’s nothing better than spending your weekend evenings jiving to the catchy tunes of ABBA. After all, who doesn’t love the 1975 chart-topper that the musical is named after? If you’ve seen the 2008 movie of the same name starring Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth, this show shouldn’t be foreign to you — that movie was based on this hit musical. The storyline is a little silly — centralising around a girl’s quest to guess who her biological father is from the three past romances that her mother had been in. But the songs are easy on the ear (Super Trouper! Dancing Queen!) which ensures it’s pure light-hearted entertainment. Tickets start from $58 (for E Reserve). Get yours now from Sistic.
iKONICs will be excited about the return of their beloved K-pop boy band, iKON, this November. With the inclusion of Singapore as part of their “Continue Tour”, this show will be the third time this South Korean hip hop group has performed here — the first being in 2014 and the second two years later. Expect top hits from their latest 2018 album, Return (A coincidence? We think not), such as Love Scenario, Beautiful and Best Friend. Tickets start from $148, visit Sistic for more information.
Fancy a little hardcore exercise before you hit the festive dinners next year? Try Aquathlon, where you get to work up a sweat by running and swimming. There are three categories of various distances — Mini (400m swim + 3km run), Sprint (750m swim + 5km run) and Standard (1.5km swim + 10km run) — so choose wisely, and according to your level of fitness. Ticket prices start from $62.50 for an individual participating in the Mini category (16 years old & above), and it comes with a race pack that includes a drawstring bag, a Singapore Aquathlon 2018 souvenir tee, a race certificate and a finisher medal. Visit their website for more information.
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Lovers of deep house music, this one’s for you. Move your bodies to the beat on the 5th this month at Kygo’s “Kids in Love” concert, where the 27-year old Norwegian DJ will spin some of his award winning hits like Stole the Show (2016, which won the International Dance Music Awards – Best Chillout/Lounge Track award in the same year) and It Ain’t Me (2017, which won the LOS40 Music Awards – Best International Video award in the same year). Of course, we’re not forgetting some of his top tunes like Kids in Love (2017), Stay (2016) and Firestone (2014). Tickets start from $148 to $348. Visit here to get them now.
If you’re interested to see the insides of Singapore’s very own “White House”, head to the Istana on Deepavali. The doors to the President’s office will be opened to public that day from 8.30am to 6pm. Be entertained with a day of fun-filled activities that include performances, tours of the function rooms and Nature Guided Walks. Admission into the Istana grounds is free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residences, whereas tickets will cost $2 for other visitors. To visit the State Room, Banquet Hall and Reception Room, it will cost $2 and $4 for an unguided or a guided tour respectively. Tickets will cost $4 if you’d wish to take part in the Nature Guided Walk at the Istana. Check out their official website for more information.
Groove to the smooth vocals of this R&B artist who gives off a young Frank Ocean vibe. At just age 20, Khalid (pronounced as Kuh-leed) is getting a whole lot of buzz, with his first single Location certified quadruple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. He went on to snag the VMA Award for Best New Artist and chalked up collaborations with big names such as Shawn Mendes, Fifth Harmony’s Normani and Martin Garrix. Authentic and soulful, you can be sure it’ll be a night of awfully good music. Tickets are $108 as it is a free standing event. Visit Sistic to get your entry.
Indie music fans, rejoice! This outdoor music and arts festival is back this year after a hiatus last year and it promises a great line-up with big names such as Malaysian singer and songwriter Yuna, American ambient pop band Cigarettes After Sex, English indie rock band The Vaccines and Caribou (Canadian musician Daniel Snaith). What’s great about this show is it’s family friendly too, so parents, you can rock along to cool music with your tots, who get to be entertained by creative workshops and art installations as well. Early bird tickets are almost sold out (they start from $103 for Yuna’s concert). Normal ticket prices start from $144 for Saturday and $259 for Saturday and Sunday. Click here for more information.
Festive shopping and want something quirky, unique and personal for your friends? You’d probably find it at Boutique Fairs. Held at the F1 Pit Building, this twice-yearly shopping event is widely known for its interesting mix of brands that are certainly not run-of-the-mill. November’s fair will be its annual Gifting Edition, featuring over 250 independent, design-led labels over the span of two levels. These include Ashepa Lifestyle (an African label that offers ethically-made jewellery, handbags, and homewares), Secret Clovers (expect a premium rose-gold collection of 20 delicate stacking rings, statement earrings, and chokers from this gemstone jewellery label) and Sunday Punch (which offers readily bottled cocktails concocted by local bartenders.). Admission is free, but your purchases aren’t! Visit their website here for more information.
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Foodies and music lovers will love this food and music festival held at the Singapore Turf Club (Carpark B, next to Kranji MRT). With over 130 food and merchandise booths at this festival, you’ll get to indulge in local delicacies such as popiah, otah, mee siam, muah chee and fried buns with chilli crab dip. Hipsters won’t be left out either. Expect #Instaworthy dishes such as rainbow burgers, fried ice cream, salted egg yolk fries and assorted fruity drinks!). While snacking, groove to awesome melodies from various local talents and established musicians. If you have kids, bring them to the Ponies Petting Zone to interact with adorable animals, or head to the go-karting track if you want to set their hearts racing. Admission is free, but festival coupons cost $10 per booklet. Visit Apactix for more information.
Are you looking to get your walls decorated with contemporary art pieces? Or, are you simply searching for Christmas #prezzie ideas? Look no further with the Affordable Art Fair that will be held at the F1 Pit Building. Get your hands on au courant paintings that range from flora and fauna to city skylines and monochromatic pieces that originate from over 80 galleries and 600 artists. If you’re eyeing something that won’t break the bank, they have a range of designs under $1,000 for you to choose from. Tickets for general admission (which allows entry for all 3 days) are $18. Visit their website for more information.
Send your ears to music heaven with soothing vocals from the French students of the Saint Marc Children’s Choir. This choir is known for their singing performance in the 2004 Christophe Barratier-directed movie, “Les Choristes” (also known as The Chorus). A highlight of their show here? They will be performing some beloved Disney tunes, such as When You Wish Upon A Star from Pinocchio (1940), Colors Of The Wind from Pocahontas (1995), Can You Feel The Love Tonight from The Lion King (1994) and crowd favourite Let It Go from Frozen (2013). Furthermore, the concerts will also feature Singapore’s very own talented young oboist, Quek Jun Rui. Ticket prices start from $58 to $98. Get yours from Sistic.
Are you hoping to elevate your cooking skills to Masterchef level? Glean a tip or two from COMO Cuisine’s Executive Chef, Timothy de Souza, who along with COMO’s registered dietician and nutritionist, Eve Persak, will teach you ways to add depths to your food by manipulating different oils. Not only will they demonstrate this by whipping up a range of dishes from appetisers, soups, mains and desserts, you’d also get a hands-on experience in the preparation of the meal. This is the third and final session of the COMO Cuisine Master Class Series. The session costs $128 which includes lunch. Visit here for more details.
Shakespearean lovers, be prepared to have your hearts broken once again. Immense yourself in a tale of primal passion and timeless tragedy, brought to life by the prestigious Russian State Ballet of Siberia. The choreographer and art director of this ballet is Sergei Bobrov, former principal dancer from The Bolshoi Theatre Ballet. Be prepared for grand scenes, from the masked ball to the star-crossed intimate moments at the lovers’ balcony. Tickets start from $55 (D Reserve) to $700 (VIP Box — 4 seats), nab yours here.
Calling all marathon enthusiasts, this event is perfect if you’re looking to push your limits and step out of your comfort zone. The King of the Trails: Trail Blazer, now in its fourth edition, will sport a 25km route where 80 per cent will be on terrain (with the rest on the road). It’s arduous, but if you’re up for the challenge, go for it! Early bird prices start from $60 ($65 for normal prices), which includes an event tee, a race bib and a finisher medal. If you’ve been a loyal follower of this race (you’ve participated in the previous three editions), you’ll also receive an additional finisher jacket and a “The Trial Conqueror” medallion. Visit here to sign up.