Your wait is over: August is finally here and you’ll get a nice four day-long break thanks to National Day (Aug 9) and Hari Raya Haji (Aug 11). Can we all say “Hooray!”? Although we totally get it if you want to simply enjoy your long-awaited (and much-needed, to be honest) rest by doing absolutely nothing at home, here are 18 events in August that might entice you to change your mind. From theatre shows and choral performances to the beloved Singapore Night Festival, 31 days of the month will fly by real quick.

1. Michelin Guide Singapore 2019 Star Revelation and Gala Dinner

Yes the dinner is on Sept 17, but we’re highlighting this now because you’d need to get yourself a ticket stat, if you are a foodie and you don’t want to miss out on one of the greatest events on the culinary calendar. Held at Capella Hotel Singapore, this year’s gala dinner is all about the biggest buzz word in the industry these days: sustainability. Not only do you get to be one of the first to know which establishments will be honoured with a coveted Michelin star (or two or three), you also get to enjoy a delicious six-course dinner created by internationally renowned chefs from Michelin-starred establishments around the world. And in line with the theme, the chefs — who include Guillaume Galliot (whose restaurant Caprice has three Michelin stars in the Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau 2019), Sebastien Lepinoy (whose Les Amis has two Michelin stars in the Michelin Guide Singapore 2018) and Arisara ‘Paper’ Chongphanitkul (whose Saawaan has one Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Bangkok, Phuket Phang-Nga 2019) — will use ingredients from trusted suppliers and organisations that practice ethical and sustainable farming and be mindful about reducing food wastage as well. The event starts at 6pm and tickets cost $599 nett per seat. You can buy them here.

2. 12th International Choral Festival Orientale Concentus 2019 – Grand Prix Concert, Esplanade Concert Hall — Aug 1

Love your sake? You’d love it even more when it’s sipped alongside a perfect meal. Restaurant-bar Tippling Club and renowned sake purveyor Mead Asia have created a new Tippling Sake, a Hakugakusen Wine Cell that is brewed using traditional brewing methods that have been married with modern data management for an ideal flavour and fragrance. To celebrate the occasion, they have arranged for a six-course degustation menu, which includes Omelette Uni with Wasabi Sabayon, Pigeon with XO Cabbage and Shitake Dashi, and Medai Gunkan Maki, with each dish paired with an appropriate sake, which will be presented by Takeshi Yasumoto, the chief brewer of Fukui Brewery. From 6pm onwards at the Tippling Club, 38 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088461, it costs $290++ per person. To make your reservations, call 6475 2217, or email enquiries@tipplingclub.com.

5. NATAS Fair 2019, Singapore Expo — Aug 2 to 4

Already dreaming of your year-end trip? It’s time to take action. If you missed the first NATAS Fair in February, be sure to check out the upcoming one in August at Singapore EXPO. Be it exotic locales such as Mongolia, Bhutan, and Morocco or popular cities such as Seoul, Tokyo and Bali, this highly-anticipated mega travel fair will give irresistible holiday packages, promotions and travel deals that will give you a good bang for your buck. A whopping hundred booths will be there –including top airlines and cruises, travel agencies, tourism organisations and travel operators — to help you plan your dream holiday.

Bonus: NATAS is giving away more than 1,500 goodie bags worth $50 each at the travel fair to celebrate its 40th anniversary. The bag will include travel vouchers, beauty products, snacks and more, from brands such as Singapore Airlines, Korea Tourism Organisation, and Astalift. Simply like the NATAS Facebook page and download the Privilegez app to collect your goodie bag. At Singapore EXPO Halls 5 & 6, more information here.

6. LuLu Goes To Cuba, LuLu’s Lounge — Aug 3

Fast becoming the go-to destination for salsa, Singapore’s outlandish live music lounge is set to host the city’s most eccentric summer party with a trip to Cuba. On Saturday 3^rd August, LuLu invites guests to don their Panama hats and sparkly dresses and dance to Havana Social Club’s Latino classics. Bedecked in palm trees and all things Cuban, LuLu’s Lounge will be transformed into the colourful island for guests to tango the night away.

7. Decathlon x Get Active Race, Decathlon Singapore Lab — Aug 4

Known for its affordable sporting equipment and sportswear, Decathlon is partnering with GetActive! Singapore to host a 7km race along Kallang River in the vicinity of the Sportshub and the Singapore Indoor Stadium. The race will start at the Decathlon Singapore Lab at 230 Stadium Boulevard, so get your running shoes ready, channel your inner athlete and enjoy the view while you work up a good sweat. In addition, Decathlon won’t be giving a medal of completion as they aim to be “the most eco-friendly race”. Race registration starts from $30 for a single person via Decathlon’s website.

8. $6 deals, Carlton City Hotel Singapore — Aug 6 to Aug 11

To celebrate the joyous occasion of its 6^th anniversary and Singapore’s birthday, Carlton City Hotel Singapore at Gopeng Street is having amazing deals for just $6. Enjoy a freshly grilled sausage platter from the live station for $6 on Aug 6; house pour spirits for $6 (U.P. $10) on Aug 7, a limited edition National Day cocktail – the Red Jewel — a concoction of Bacardi, Cranberry Juice, Perilla Juice, Triple Sec and Popcorn Syrup — for $6 on Aug 9 (U.P. $10 for the rest of August) and house beers (half pint) or house wine by the glass for $6 on Aug 11 (U.P. $11). The deals are available at Carlton City Hotel Singapore’s lobby bar The Trading Floor, contemporary restaurant Plate and its rooftop Graffiti Sky Bar, from 3pm to 9pm. A great and wallet-friendly way to toast to the nation’s 54th year of independence, we say. For more info, visit here.

Related article: Hungry? Here Are 15 Places You Can Eat At The Revamped Funan

9. The Orange Production – Acting Mad, The Necessary Stage Black Box Theatre — Aug 7 to 11

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByFfIDuA6K8/?utm_source=ig_embed

Mental illness is not a buzzword, but a real condition that can afflict anyone. Born out of an interview with 20 actors who had or are going through mental health issues, Acting Mad was created to shed light into the misunderstood condition and debunk the surrounding stigma. The production team’s goal is simple: “Can sharing our stories, and creating theatre, be a form of solace and support?” We’d like to hope so. The show is free-seating and tickets cost $28 each via Sistic.

10. Supervision, The Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre @ Wild Rice — Aug 8 to 18

Set at Wild Rice’s new theatre space in the revamped Funan shopping mall, Supervision follows the life of Teck, a 71-year-old grumpy retiree, as he is cared by his daughter Jenny and domestic worker Yanti. This play created by Thomas Lim aims to look at the realities of an ageing population and it asks questions such as: Would you give up the things you enjoy in exchange for a few more years? Does working in someone else’s home mean giving up your right to privacy? And to what lengths would you go in order to watch over someone you love? Tickets cost upwards of $40 each via Sistic.

11. Heritage Hurray! 2019 — Aug 9 to 110

In celebration of Singapore’s 54th year of independence, Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
(SYSNMH) will present an array of free public programmes from 9 to 10 August 2019 in
conjunction with National Day.Heritage Hurray! invites the public to acquaint themselves with Singapore’s rich cultural scene,and provides Singaporeans with various touch points to immerse themselves in our shared heritage. Expect a community art market featuring a curation of both local and overseas artisans, heritage trails around Balestier that unearth the lesser known stories of the precinct, storytelling sessions by local authors and veteran storytellers, as well as interactive thematic craft workshops and talks presented by local and overseas artisans and designers. All participants of Heritage Hurray! will also stand to receive a National Day Fun Pack.

For more information, please visit http://sysnmh.org.sg/en/whats-on/events/heritage-hurray

12. National Day Parade 2019

Gear up for Singapore’s 54th birthday! This year’s NDP, held at the Padang, will feature highlights such as a special bicentennial segment that features eight floats, the inaugural participation of the Singapore Armed Forces and Home Team Volunteer contingent at the parade and ceremony, the return of the mobile column with new features, and the debut of the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s multi-role tanker transport in the aerial display.

Don’t fret if you didn’t manage to get a ticket. Catch the live screening at SAFRA Jurong, Mount Faber, Punggol, Tampines and Toa Payoh, watch the fireworks at the Esplanade waterfront, or catch the mobile column at Bishan, Geylang Serai, Jurong East, Punggol and Woodlands at about 6.45pm on Aug 10.

You can also celebrate Singapore’s 54th birthday across different venues on Aug 9. From an array of family activities at One Tampines Hub to performances by local artists at Sentosa, we are set to go all out in celebrating Singapore’s independence day. More info here.

13. We Are Singers, Singapore Indoor Stadium — Aug 10

If you’re like us and you can’t get enough of Chinese singing competition show I Am a Singer, where established Mandopop singers battle it out for bragging rights, then this concert We Are Singers is a treat you can’t pass up. Three Taiwanese singers Liang Wen Ying, Xu Jia Ying and A-Lin will be performing at the Singapore Indoor Stadium and you can be guaranteed a night of powerful vocals and heartfelt singing. Tickets cost upwards of $108 via Sportshubtix.

14. Westlife – The Twenty Tour, National Stadium — Aug 10

Grew up listening to Westlife’s If I Let You Go, Queen of My Heart and Unbreakable and know the lyrics to all of its catchy songs? We won’t judge. We’re just saying you should pencil this into your calendar, stat. Irish pop boy band Westlife will be coming to Singapore to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a one-night only concert at the National Stadium. Bring along your girlfriends and get set to bask in the past as Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, and Shane Filan serenade you with their smooth-as-silk vocals. Tickets cost upwards of $108 each via Sportshubtix.

15. Hossan-AH 50! Love You LEONG Time!, Drama Centre Theatre — Aug 14 to 31

Local comedian Hossan Leong is turning the big 5-0 this year and he’s inviting you to celebrate with him at his show at the Drama Centre Theatre. Known for his comedic takes on current affairs and local culture, Hossan will be treating the audience to a night of laughs as he sings and quips about living through six tourism slogans, three recessions, two international airports and one government. Hossan has also mentioned via his social media that this production will be his last one-man standup show. Tickets cost upwards of $55 via Sistic.

16. Carouselland, Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Halls — Aug 16 to 18

Singapore’s favourite online marketplace Carousell turns seven this year and to celebrate, it’s presenting the best of Carousell with over three hundred specially curated booths selling lifestyle knick-knacks like retro games, unique crafts, clothes, and more. Booths will be organised according to theme, including style and craft, photo spots, workshops, games and more.

This annual marketplace allows buyers, sellers and the public to interact and form communities and interest groups through a host of interactive activities open to all. You and your squad can also take photos at the Instagrammable zones or participate in a lucky draw where you can win up to $500 or exclusive Carousell merchandise.

16 Aug, 5pm – 9pm, 17 – 18 Aug, 12pm – 9pm, Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Halls A & B, more information here.

17. Trevor Noah Loud & Clear Tour 2019, The Star Theatre — Aug 19

Trevor Noah is a South African comedian known for his satirical news program The Daily Show on American cable channel Comedy Central as well as his razor sharp wit honed through stand-up comedy tours. His autobiographical book, Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood, is a bestseller and is currently in the works of becoming a movie starring Lupita Nyong’o. Both of his shows are sold out (the second was added after the first saw tickets snapped up within hours), but if you are one of the lucky few who got one, you can expect a night of hilarious quips, spot-on impressions and critical commentary. Tickets cost upwards of $98 via Sistic.

18. Heineken® Pre-Race Party, Infinite Studios — Aug 22

Australian DJ and producer Flume will be playing a special set for Heineken®‘s Pre-Race Party—a one-night only, closed-door event on 22 Aug from 7pm at Infinite Studios—kicking off the Singapore Grand Prix 2019 season to be held a month. The event will also include F1®-themed activities to gear fans up for the Singapore Grand Prix, including the opportunity to take an ultimate selfie with a F1 car and ‘race’ a mile in a driver’s shoes.

While tickets to the event cannot be bought, you can stand a chance to score one of 1,000 double passes by participating in Heineken AR Cheers, the national augmented reality (AR)-driven ticket hunt. From today till 21 August, simply grab a friend and cheers two Heineken bottles or glasses together, follow the prompts www.heineken.com/sg/F1, and conjure the F1 car avatar to reveal instantly if you’ve won tickets to the party. Visit Heineken for more information.

19. Baybeats Festival, Esplanade — Aug 23 to 25

The annual Baybeats Festival is back for the 18th edition. The music festival is known to promote smaller, independent artists and bands where they’ll perform at various locations around the Esplanade. Spread across three nights, get yourself ready for tunes from local and international indie bands such as LEW, a Singaporean folk singer-songwriter, Stopgap, a local indie rock band, and Reality Club, an Indonesian alternative/indie band, among many others. Head to Esplanade’s website for more information.

20. Singapore Night Festival, Bras Basah and Bugis District — Aug 23 to 31

Need a date idea this August? The Singapore Night Festival is back for its 12th edition and will be held at the Bras Basah and Bugis district. While not much has been revealed regarding the programming for the three day-long festival, it has been confirmed that Argentinian performing group Fuerza Bruta will be performing at Cathay Green. The free-standing ticketed event costs $15 per person (via Sistic) and you can look forward to a slew of acrobatic and aerial performances. As with past iterations, you can also forward to various heritage and art and culture events during the Night Festival. Head to Singapore Night Festival website for more information.

Related article: 10 Best Travel Destinations For Art Lovers

21. Nu’est “Segno” concert, Singapore Indoor Stadium — Aug 24

K-pop fans, here’s one for you! After their showcase at HallyuPopFest in May, popular K-pop boy band NU’EST is back with their first solo concert in Singapore.

The group recently made a comeback with their sixth mini album “Happily Ever After”, which dominated numerous music charts in Korea, such as Mnet, Naver and Bugs, and debuted at no. 8 on the Billboard World Album Chart.

The band kicked off their Asia tour earlier in April at Seoul’s Olympic Gymnastic Arena (KSPO Dome) to a 36,000-strong crowd over a three-day show. On the Singapore leg, expect to hear your favourite hits like “Hello”, “Love Paint” and Love Without Love”. The band is set to visit Manila, Kuala Lumpur and Taipei thereafter. Tickets cost upwards of $148, excluding booking fee. Get your tickets here.

22. Alaska – Live in Singapore, Shine Auditorium — Aug 27

Known for her signature high-pitched “Hiiiii”, Alaska, a drag queen whose real name is Justin Honard, shot to fame when she competed in American competition show RuPaul’s Drag Race. She placed second in the fifth season and went on to win the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. Now, Alaska is showcasing her charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent in her performance in Singapore. Here’s hoping that Alaska will perform originals from her multiple music albums and entertain us with lip syncs to pop music favourites. The show is R18 and tickets cost upwards of $98 each via Sistic.

23. Zenith’s A Star Through Time, Ngee Ann City — Aug 28 to Sep 1

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the El Primero, Swiss luxury watchmaker Zenith has prepared an interactive pop-up exhibition at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza to enthral horophiles, timepiece collectors and casual onlookers alike. Not only will you be presented with the story behind the El Primero, the world’s first automatic chronograph movement, you also get to learn more about Zenith’s watchmaking world. Expect 3D displays and props as well as a tour of a 3D setup of a secret attic in the Zenith manufacture that reportedly housed all the tools that watchmaker Charles needed to manufacture El Primero. The façade of the marquee, which will house the exhibition, will also be transformed to resemble that of the Zenith manufacture in Le Locle, Switzerland. You’ll also get to try on a range of watches from the current Zenith collection at its open concept watch bar. Admission is free and no registration is required.

Related article: The Best Places In Singapore To Find Unique Furniture and Decor For Your Home

24. Eat Duck by Checkpoint Theatre, SOTA (School of the Arts) Studio Theatre — Aug 29 to Sep 8

When a family elder passes and the family gathers to mourn, how do the living deal with the loss and the ensuing rites and rituals? Focusing on a family as they hold a seven-day wake at the void deck, Eat Duck by local theatre company Checkpoint Theatre delves into the nature of love and loss and unravels the meaning of being family. The play is written by playwright Zenda Tan and directed by Claire Wong. The show is free-seating and tickets cost $45 each via Sistic.

25. Walking with Dinosaurs, Singapore Indoor Stadium — Aug 29 to Sep 5

Ever wondered how dinosaurs used to roam the earth? Now you can get a glimpse with the Walking with Dinosaurs production created based on a BBC television series. The $20 million production uses animatronic technology to recreate the movements of these creatures. In fact, the company even stays abreast with the latest research and tweaks the production accordingly, down to the feathering detail. Relive the Jurassic Park fantasy at this family-friendly show with 18 dinosaurs including Tyrannosaurus Rex, Stegosaurus and Brachiosaurus. If you’d missed the first show when it was here in 2010, now’s your chance to catch it. Tickets cost upwards of $78 each via Sportshubtix.

26. Bizet’s Carmen, Esplanade Theatre — Aug 29 to Sep 1

A free-spirited Romani woman Carmen gets caught between a jealous corporal Don José and a flirtatious bullfighter Escamillo — in other words, it’s recipe for a perfect disaster. Created by French composer Georges Bizet, Carmen is one of the most popular operas in the canon and is known for its realistic character portrayal and equally gripping music and orchestration. While the show is sung in French, there will be English and Mandarin subtitles available. Tickets cost upwards of $35 each via Sistic.

27. In Your Shadow, Esplanade Theatre Studio — Aug 30 to 31

Using dance as the medium, In Your Shadow aims to investigate the gender roles and expectations that women bear. Two stories are told here. The first, Man. Untold., looks into the many standards imposed on women, from how she behaves to the way she looks. The second, The Last Walk for Water, retells the story of a young Ethiopian girl, Letikiros Hailu, who kills herself after spilling the water she had walked eight hours to fetch. The show is free-seating and costs $25 per person via Sistic.

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• August
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• Harper's BAZAAR Singapore