Your Guide To The Best Events & Happenings In May 2023

This article was first published on 4 May 2023. 

And just like that, we’re entering May territory. Gear up for the new month with our list of a-MAY-zing and buzz-worthy events that are happening this May 2023 in Singapore — from interactive pop-ups and limited-time-only perks to fun festivals and food fiestas — that you should add to your calendar, stat.

Things to do in Singapore: May 2023

1. Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Café pop-up

26 May to 4 June 2023

The Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Café.

Victoria’s Secret has organised a series of engaging activities at its in-store pop-up to highlight its ‘Bombshell’ fragrance line. Contribute to the pop-up’s Bombshell Pledge Wall by submitting a pledge card or creating peony art. Stand to redeem a Bombshell Latte or Pink Elixir cold-press drink daily from 1PM to 5PM. You can also receive an SGD15 shopping voucher and a complimentary Bombshell fragrance sample.

Address: Level 2, Victoria’s Secret Flagship Store, Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd, S 238897

Time: 10AM to 10PM daily

Price: Admission is free

2. ‘Andrew Gn: Fashioning Singapore and the World’ exhibition

27 May to 17 September 2023

Discover Singaporean designer Andrew Gn’s representative works at the Asian Civilisations Museum. (Photo from: Asian Civilisations Musuem)

The Asian Civilisations Museum celebrates prolific contemporary Singaporean fashion designer Andrew Gn with an exhibition displaying over 100 of the designer’s representative works. Celebrities such as Fan Bing Bin, Lady Gaga and Lily J. Collins have worn Andrew Gn's designs. Spread over five immersive sections across the museum, the exhibition invites visitors to discover the designer’s global impact on fashion and learn how Singapore and Asia continue to inspire Andrew’s distinctive designs.

Address: Asian Civilisations Musuem, 1 Empress Pl, S 179555

Time: 10AM to 7PM daily, 10AM to 9PM on fridays

Price: SGD15 for Singaporeans and PRs. Get your tickets here.

3. ‘Now Boarding’ travel-themed exhibition

27 May to 19 Nov 2023

The National Museum of Singapore has unveiled its exhibition, ‘Now Boarding: Experiencing Singapore through Travel, 1800s-2000s’, which highlights Singapore’s identity as a travel hub. Stop by for a photo opp at the iconic Changi Airport Terminal 2 flight information display flip board, which is located at the museum’s Rotunda.

Look forward to exploring complementary pop-up rooms around the museum’s space too. A disco-themed room will be opening end-May, while two other transportation- and hotel-themed rooms will be introduced later in August.

The National Museum of Singapore will also be presenting ‘Get Curious! All About Food’, a family-friendly showcase that explores Singapore’s rich food culture over the years. It will also host programmes for children that touch on the topics of sustainability and science. Learn more here.

Address: Exhibition Gallery, Basement, National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road, S 178897

Time: 10AM to 7PM daily Price: Admission is free for Singaporeans and PRs. Some of the complementary programmes are ticketed. Pre-book your museum admission tickets here.

4. Sun & Sand Sports Store at Raffles City

Now open

Stock up on sporting goods at Sun & Sand Sports’ first international store here in Singapore.

Middle Eastern sporting giant Sun & Sand Sports has opened its first-ever international store in Singapore at Raffles City Shopping Centre. The store spans 11,000 square feet and carries over 21 sports brands ranging from Nike and Adidas to New Balance to Puma.

Address: #02-03/04, Raffles City, 252 North Bridge Road, S 179103

Time: 10Am to 10PM daily

Shop: 11 best running shoes that will help you go the distance.

5. ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ red carpet event

27 May 2023

Catch a life-sized statue of Autobot Mirage and actor Anthony Ramos at the upcoming ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ red carpet event on 27 May 2023.

‘Meet-and-greet’ with a 4.5-metre life-sized statue of Mirage, the latest Autobot from the blockbuster film franchise Transformers as it will be on display at the entrance of ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands from 26 to 28 May 2023.

Watch the trailer of ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’, which will be in cinemas from 8 June 2023 with early bird previews from 7 June 2023.

This is also your chance to catch an original, never-before-seen Transformers light and pyrotechnics show as the director, producers and selected cast members arrive in Singapore to celebrate the film premiere of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. Keep up with more updates on the film’s premiere here.

Address: Outside ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Ave, S 018974

Time: 6PM to 8 PM

Price: Admission is free

6. Crane Living ‘Second Best’ Pre-Loved Fair

20 to 21 May, 27 to 28 May 2023

Indulge in waste-free retail therapy at Crane Living’s Pre-Loved Fair. (Photo from: wearecrane.com)

Want to refresh your wardrobe with ‘new’ pieces to wear and love — without the guilt? Crane Living will be hosting a pre-loved fair for two consecutive weekends, where you can indulge in a little waste-free shopping. Donate and swap your pre-loved books, clothes and accessories, as well as check out products from brands such as Swapaholic and ComxNaut Studios.

Address: OCBC Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Rd, #04-01 Wisma Atria, S 238877

Time: 11AM to 7PM

Price: Admission is free. Register here

Discover: 9 vintage clothing shops you can check out online.

7. New contemporary art exhibitions at Singapore Art Museum

Till 24 September 2023

‘SAM Contemporaries: Residues & Remixes’ by six Singapore-based artists. (Photo from: Singapore Art Museum)

Singapore Art Museum (SAM) at Tanjong Pagar Distripark has unveiled three new contemporary art exhibitions by local and international artists to engage audiences in unexpected and unconventional ways. Look forward to Singaporean artist Jane Lee’s Lila: Unending Play, SAM Contemporaries: Residues & Remixes by six Singapore-based artists, and internationally renowned artist Hito Steyerl’s landmark video installation Factory of the Sun.

Address: Singapore Art Museum at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, 39 Keppel Rd, #03-07 Tanjong Pagar Distripark, S 089065

Time: Opens daily 10AM to 7PM

Price: Admission is free for children aged 6 and below, local or local-based students, persons with disabilities and their caregiver, Singaporeans and Permanent Residents. For more details, see here.

8. UNIQLO Thank You Festival

29 May to 1 June 2023

UNIQLO App members will stand to receive an insulated tumbler with a sling strap with a minimum nett spend of SGD90 at all stores and online during UNIQLO’s Thank You Festival.

The popular casualwear brand will be celebrating its bi-annual event with a variety of activities, novelties and limited-time offers. Its global flagship store at Orchard Central will also play host to carnival games, giveaways as well as showcase a new UTme! collaboration with local illustrator Xinnie (@x.spots.the.mark.).

Shoppers who spend a minimum of SGD60 at any UNIQLO store (excluding Orchard Central) will be eligible to participate in a lucky dip to win prizes. The brand will also be issuing Bingo Cards at all stores, where a lucky shopper will win a 12-night Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas cruise to Japan worth SGD10,000. Click here for more details.

Address: All UNIQLO stores

Time: Varies according to outlets

Visit: the Naruto 20th Anniversary Exhibition at Marina Square.

9. Woodleigh Mall at Bidadari

Now open

Woodleigh Mall, a three-storey “integrated community and lifestyle hub”, has opened in the Bidadari Estate.

New heartlands mall alert: Woodleigh Mall has opened in the Bidadari Estate and is positioned as an integrated community and lifestyle hub. Spanning three floors, the mall offers a mix of retail, food and beverage, healthcare and enrichment tenants.

It is also directly connected to the upcoming Bidadark Park, which will feature artisanal brunch destinations such as Tiong Bahru Bakery and OLLA Specialty Coffee. Other highlights include a 24-hour FairPrice Finest supermarket, homegrown wine and spirits retailer Bottles & Bottles, and Kiztopia Club, which boasts an underwater-themed concept.

From 26 May to 1 June, Woodleigh Mall will host a ‘Fun Arena with Rooms of Play’ event at the mall’s atrium that includes a variety of game stations. Shoppers who spend a minimum of SGD30 at the mall will receive a pass to experience the event.

Address: Woodleigh Mall, 11 Bidadari Park Drive, S 367803

Time: Opens daily from 10AM to 10PM

10. ‘Love The Last March’ sculpture at Gardens by the Bay

19 May 2023 to 18 May 2024

‘Love The Last March’ arrives on 19 May 2023.

Ready to witness the world’s longest sculpture? ‘Love The Last March’, a 192-metre-long public sculpture by internationally renowned artists Gillie and Marc, will be unveiled at Gardens by the Bay this month.

The first edition of a global exhibition, the sculpture will depict the “greatest” animal march and aims to raise awareness of the wildlife extinction crisis that is “gripping the globe”. It will feature 45 of the world’s most endangered species, such as the great mountain gorilla and the Northern white rhino. The sculpture will also come ‘alive’ with the help of augmented reality.

Address: Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr, S 018953

Price: Admission is free

11. Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) 2023

19 May to 4 June 2023

Explore the duality of living life online and off in contemporary society with ‘PRIVACY’ by MOJOKO, one of the digital works showcased on SIFA 2023’s virtual platform, ‘LIFE PROFUSION’. (Photo from: MOJOKO)

Singapore’s pinnacle performing arts festival, SIFA, returns this month with the title, ‘The Anatomy of Performance - Some People’, which invites audiences to come together in perspective in a space that art defines. SIFA 2023 will present four newly commissioned productions and 11 invited international presentations, including ‘THE SCHOOL’, a participatory performance experience by local performance practitioners Jean Ng, Li Xie and Joavien Ng.

Address and time: Varies according to programmes

Price: Prices start from SGD38 per pax and vary according to programmes. Discover the lineup and get your tickets here

12. Hendrick’s Gin x Caffe Fernet Wildflower Garden pop-up

Till 24 June 2023

Sip on Hendrick’s Flora Adora, a limited release that is showcased at the Hendrick’s Gin x Caffe Fernet Wildflower Garden pop-up.

To celebrate the launch of its new limited release, Hendrick’s Flora Adora, Hendrick’s Gin has teamed up with Caffe Fernet to present a Wildflower Garden pop-up that showcases a selection of Hendrick’s Flora Adora cocktails and pairing dishes. In addition, guests can also stand to receive a complimentary and exclusive Rosewood diffuser from local aromatherapy studio Hyuuga Artisans for every three Hendrick’s Flora Adora cocktails ordered.

Address: Caffe Fernet is located at Customs House, 70 Collyer Quay, #01-05, S 049323

Time: Monday to Thursday from 5PM to 11PM; Friday to Sunday from 12PM to 11PM

Price: From SGD23+++ for a Hendrick’s Flora Adora Cocktail at Caffe Fernet

13. Singapore HeritageFest 2023

Till 28 May 2023

Take part in quizzes, storytelling sessions and more at ‘Homeground’, one of over 80 programmes lined up for this year’s Singapore HeritageFest. (Photo from: National Heritage Board)

This year’s Singapore HeritageFest features over 80 programmes that will showcase the lesser-known stories regarding the evolution of Singapore’s sports and public transportation. Held over four weekends, participants can look forward to experiencing guided trails, hands-on workshops, exhibitions, film screenings and more. Highlights include the ‘Homeground’ installation, which brings together 10 of the National Heritage Board’s well-loved heritage trails at the National Museum of Singapore. 

Address and time: Varies according to programmes

Price: Pre-registration is required for all programmes. Selected programmes require an admission fee. Browse the lineup here

14. Spectre vintage apothecary pop-up at Ghostwriter

From 3 May 2023

Enjoy Spectre’s selection of Southeast Asian bites and beverages at Ghostwriter, a venue that’s rooted in mental wellness.

Spectre, a vintage apothecary bar and restaurant, will be serving up a selection of Southeast Asian bites and beverages at Ghostwriter, an incubation space that provides F&B operators with opportunities to dip their toes into ownership. You can choose between a la carte items or a tasting menu featuring eight of Spectre’s top dishes at SGD150 or an optional cocktail trio pairing at SGD50.

Ghostwriter accommodates only 10 to 15 guests depending on the concept, so you can bet that it’ll be quite an intimate and special gastronomical experience.

Address: Low Tide, 98 Club Street, S 069467

Time: Tuesdays to Saturdays from 5PM to midnight

Price: From SGD16 for a Black Pepper Speckled Souffle. Reservations are highly recommended. Make yours here.

15. Singapore Coffee Fiesta

5 May to 29 May 2023

This year’s Singapore Coffee Fiesta features over 60 beloved flavours from iconic Nestlé coffee brands.

Coffee is love; coffee is life. Get caffeinated with Singapore Coffee Fiesta, which invites coffee lovers to explore new flavours and discover their new favourite blends. Featuring over 60 beloved flavours from iconic Nestlé coffee brands, there are also sample coffees for free at 13 roadshow locations across Singapore. You can stand to win branded kitchenware when you purchase SGD28, SGD48 and SGD58 worth of products from participating retailers in-store and online too.

Date and address:

• 5 - 8 May: FairPrice VivoCity
• 6 - 9 May: Sheng Siong Bedok 209
• 13 - 14 May: Giant Tampines WRS
• 12 - 15 May: FairPrice Punggol Oasis
• 19 - 22 May: FairPrice Jem, FairPrice Bukit Merah
• 20 - 21 May, 23 - 24 May: Sheng Siong Woodlands
• 27 - 28 May: Giant IMM
• 26 - 29 May: FairPrice NEX

Time: Varies according to locations

Price: Admission is free. For the latest updates on the roadshow schedule, click here.

Interview: The founders of @onericeplease tell us their top coffee spots in Singapore. 

16. Sigi Skin x The Westin Singapore Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea

Till 31 May 2023

Enjoy “A Nourishing Seafood Afternoon Tea with Sigi Skin” with mummy dearest at The Westin Singapore.

Singaporean beauty brand Sigi Skin has joined hands with The Westin Singapore to launch a limited-afternoon tea set. Titled “A Nourishing Seafood Afternoon Tea with Sigi Skin”, the set will feature seafood delicacies and desserts inspired by superfood ingredients used in Sigi Skin’s skincare products.

Each spread features 12 “specially curated” highlights, such as lobster thermidor and oat sugar-free chocolate cookies. To sweeten the deal, the first 100 bookings will receive a self-care kit worth SGD43 consisting of Sigi Skin products and a 10% off voucher, presented in a Sigi Skin jelly pouch.

Address: Level 32, Lobby Lounge, The Westin Singapore. 12 Marina View, #2 Asia Square Tower, S 018961.

Time: Seafood Afternoon Tea is available on Mondays to Fridays, from 12PM to 2PM; 2:30PM to 5PM and on Saturdays and Sundays, from 2PM to 4PM; 4:30PM to 6:30PM

Price: From SGD58++ per person inclusive of coffee or TWG tea. Prices are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing government tax. Reserve here.

17. ArtScience Museum: ‘Sensory Odyssey: Into The Heart of Our Living World’

28 May to 29 October 2023

The ‘Sensory Odyssey: Into The Heart of Our Living World’ exhibition arrives at ArtScience Museum on 28 May. (Photo from: Sensory Odyssey Studio, Mardi 8 and Camille Niel)

Journey into the heart of our living world with ArtScience Museum’s latest exhibition, which makes its Asian debut this 27 May. Engage your senses and embark on a voyage through seven ecosystems around the world, which are brought to life through ultra-high definition video projection, spatial audio and unique scents.

The exhibition also has an education gallery to teach visitors more about the diversity of the flora and fauna that they will encounter during their expedition. What’s more, it will also include local stories about nature in Singapore.

Date: 28 May to 29 October 2023

Address: ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Ave, S 018974

Time: Opens daily 10AM to 7PM. Last admission at 6PM

Price: Available will be available for purchase from mid-May at all Marina Bay Sands box offices and online.

18. Levi’s 501 Experience pop-up event

20 to 21 May 2023

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Can’t seem to get NewJeans’ tunes out of your head? We can relate. If you’re in the mood for more, Levi’s will be hosting a two-day interactive ‘Levi’s 501 experience’ pop-up event to celebrate the 150th anniversary of its 501 jeans which includes a NewJeans-themed party on 20 May with DJ Clammr. (NewJeans are ambassadors of the brand.)

Look forward to denim workshops with FIN Crafted Goods, denim customisation services with pop-up exclusive flash designs by local artists Lovage & Ken and Tobyato, and a retail shop for you to shop the Levi’s 501 150th anniversary collection. You can also join a Sundowner music event on 21 May with DJ TINC. Full event details here.

Address: 72-13 Mohamed Sultan Road, S 239007

Time: 11AM to 10PM on 20 May. 11AM to 9PM on 21 May

Price: Admission is free. Register early here to enjoy a mystery door gift.

19. Singapore Cocktail Festival

Till 21 May 2023

The Singapore Cocktail Festival's 17-day city takeover, which takes place till 21 May 2023, features 45 bars across Singapore, including Bar Stories. (Photo from: @sgcocktailfest)

Eat, drink and be merry at the Singapore Cocktail Festival (SGCF), which celebrates its ninth year with its biggest Festival Village for one weekend only and a city takeover, which will be held for a little over two weeks. This year’s festival is themed ‘Shaking Up New Possibilites’ and will present over 100 different drinks to sip on. Participating bars include Jigger & Pony and No Sleep Club, which were ranked second and 15th respectively on Asia’s 50 Best Bars List 2022.

Address: Various bars located islandwide

Price: SGD10 for an SGCF Takeover wristband, which entitles you to an SGCF Signature Cocktail at a special price of SGD18++ (usual price: SGD25++)

20. VENTURE X defined by Paul van Dyk at Zouk Singapore

19 May 2023

Catch German DJ and producer Paul van Dyk for one night only at Zouk Singapore. (Photo from: ticketing.zoukclub.com)

Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Paul van Dyk is set to take over Zouk Singapore’s spinning decks for his VENTURE X show. VENTURE X is a live event concept by Paul that began in Toronto, Canada in February this year and will make its way to Singapore for one night only. For the uninitiated, Paul van Dyk hails from Germany and his name is synonymous with trance. Grab your friends and treat yourselves to an electrifying night, perhaps?

Address: Zouk Singapore, 3C River Valley Road, #01-05 to #02-06, S 179022

Time: 10PM to 3AM

Price: From SGD70 for a standard entry and includes two complimentary drinks. Get yours here.

Dine at: Sushi Ichizuke, an omakase restaurant by the Zouk Group. (via our sister site, CoolJP.co)

21. Carolina Herrera Good Girl Blush pop-up

Till 18 May 2023

Discover the new Carolina Herrera Good Girl Blush Eau de Parfum at the pop-up.

Fashion brand Carolina Herrera has staged a pop-up outside of TANGS Plaza Orchard to showcase its range of Good Girl blush fragrances. In addition to discovering the fragrances up close, you can also stand to enjoy several exclusive deals at the pop-up, such as receiving a miniature Good Girl Blush when you purchase any Good Girl fragrance.

Address: TANGS at Tang Plaza, 310 Orchard Road, S 2388864

Time: Opens daily 10.30AM to 9PM

Price: Admission is free

Discover: 10 fragrances that TikTok is obsessed with right now.

22. Museum of Ice Cream’s Mother’s Day perk

14 May 2023

Show up to the Museum of Ice Cream in your best twinning outfits to receive a complimentary premium upgrade this Mother’s Day.

Do you and your mama have a weakness for all things sweet? Then, this one’s for you. The Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC) has launched a special perk that’ll be available only on Mother’s Day: rock up to MOIS dressed in twinning outfits with your mum on 14 May to receive a complimentary — yes, FREE — upgrade to Premium tickets for yourself and your group of friends and family.

This upgrade will give you access to more sweet treats, such as scoops of Banana Caramel or Rochor from Ice Cream Cookie & Co and velvety Milo or Chendol ice cream sandwiches. You will also unlock a drink — choose from a selection of coffee, soft drinks or bottled water. P.S. Your mum will also receive a Sprinkle Crown.

Date: Sunday, 14 May 2023

Address: 100 Loewen Road, Dempsey, S 248837

Time: Open from 10AM to 6PM on Monday and Wednesday, till 8PM from Thursday to Sunday. Closed on Tuesday.

Price: General admission tickets to MOIC are priced at SGD42 per pax on weekends, the eve of Public Holidays, holidays and school holidays. Get yours here.

Love kicking it back with craft beer? Here are 10 cool taprooms to check out.