20 New Things To Do In October 2022: Barbie Exhibition, Retro Cinema, Carnivals, Free Live Music & More
We've officially entered the fourth quarter of the year and things are looking up! While waiting for our year-end vacations to materialise, here are 20 new things to do in October 2022 in Singapore - especially handy if you're looking for something to do during the long Deepavali weekend.
#1: Admire a cascading paper flower installation housed in a shipping container
Photo from Art Outreach
In a bid to bring art closer to people, non-profit Art Outreach has kickstarted their Art Encounters project, with travelling pop-up mini exhibitions appearing at frequented locations in town. Helmed by local artist Ashley Yeo, their latest edition titled Till the Last Blossom has made its home in a glass-walled container parked outside Plaza Singapura.
Photo from Art Outreach
With cascading white paper floral arrangements set against walls painted in a pink-purple gradient, this container exhibition will bring a sense of calm in the midst of the concrete jungle. But what you see here isn’t all there is to it - the artist will be present on 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd October to demonstrate her paper cutting craft in person.
In an adjacent container are framed floral artworks and larger-than-life floral murals splashed across the walls.
Photo from Ashley Yeo
You, too, will also be able to try your hand at paper cutting, and make your own candle holders and paper decals at the exhibition’s interactive station. There are no fees involved and everyone is welcome to participate!
Photo from Art Outreach
Till the Last Blossom
Date: Until 24 October 2022
Time: 11am - 9pm daily
Location: Plaza Singapura Outdoor Atrium
Price: FREE
Website
#2: Score a hole-in-one at Pixar Putt, a themed mini golf pop-up
Photo from Pixar Putt
Holey Moley has closed down due to a finished lease and the lack of a suitable new space, but while we stay hopeful for an eventual return, we can tide ourselves over with Pixar Putt. Also hailing from Australia, this themed outdoor pop-up offers whimsical mini golf sessions with elaborate courses designed after iconic Disney and Pixar movies.
Photo from Pixar Putt
Try to swing a hole-in-one while surrounded by familiar motifs from Toy Story, Monsters, Inc,, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Up, and so many more. Difficulty levels range from easy to challenging, so even those without putting experience can get in on the fun.
Photo from Pixar Putt
#3: Time travel with a styled portrait session inspired by The Little Nyonya
Photo from Nanyang Tales Photography
Many of you have watched the Peranakan-inspired TV series, The Little Nyonya, and wondered what life would have been like if you’d been born in such a time. Singapore-based photography studio Nanyang Tales Photography will bring those drama heroine fantasies of yours to life with their Nyonya-themed photoshoots, which pay homage to this aspect of our country’s rich heritage.
Photo from Nanyang Tales Photography
Hairstyling, makeup, and Peranakan kebayas will all be provided as part of this 1.5-hour photoshoot package. The studio has also partnered with Straits Enclave, a private Peranakan museum and event space, so that you can get authentic backdrops for your movie poster-like portraits while learning more about the culture.
Nanyang Tales Photography
Telephone: 9762 5530
Website
#4: Pop by the pink Barbie House of Dreams doll exhibition
Photo from ION Orchard
Life in plastic, it’s fantastic! Barbie fanatics will have a field day at the Barbie House of Dreams exhibition, where over 600 Barbie dolls spanning across different eras are displayed in a hot pink set-up inspired by the iconic Barbie Dreamhouse. Some highlights include a red carpet section dedicated to high fashion houses, as well as celebrity edition dolls inspired by Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. You might even spot some of the dolls you owned as a child!
Photo from ION Orchard
Photo from ION Orchard
This curated exhibition is courtesy of local doll collector Jian Yang, whose massive Barbie collection stands at over 12,000 dolls strong. You’ll even spot some dolls in beautifully crafted toilet paper dresses (aka “flushable fashion”), which the collector himself is famous for.
Photo from ION Orchard
Barbie House of Dreams exhibition
Date: Until 21 October 2022
Time: 10am - 10pm daily
Location: ION Art Gallery, Level 4
Price: FREE
Website
#5: Get rare fashion finds at a vintage thrift store
Photo from Nonmainstream
Vintage fashion is in and the best part is, it doesn't come with a hefty price tag - not when you shop at thrift stores. There are a ton of vintage fashion thrift shops in Singapore with rare finds from the 90's and earlier, including everything from graphic tees to hoodies and even silky gowns which you can wear for special occasions. Plus, shopping pre-loved helps reduce the wastage generated from fast fashion, so you'll be helping to save the earth in the process.
#6: Scale high elements, smash stuff, and play retro games at X-SCAP8
Photo from X-SCAP8
Get high on thrills at X-SCAP8 (pronounced in a similar way to “escapade’), the newest indoor adventure funground in town. This isn’t your standard indoor playground, for their 5 curated zones offer so much more than what you’d expect. Other than a high elements structures at 10-metres tall and an X-Warrior Challenge ninja course, they also have a retro arcade centre with joystick games, shooting games, racing games, and claw machines.
Photo from X-SCAP8
Need to let off some steam? Go wild in their Smash Lab rage room, where you’ll be using baseball bats, hammers, and spanners to bash bottles and old wooden furniture into smithereens.
Photo from X-SCAP8
On the flip side, those who’d prefer to take things slow and easy can challenge their friends to a game of putt with a golf simulation, cheekily named Balls & Birdies.
Photo from X-SCAP8
At the end of the session, fill your tummy at their in-house restobar, which serves finger food, beer, and hearty mains like pizza, pasta, and burgers. Pick one of the al fresco seats to get a stunning view of Orchard Road’s lights at night!
X-SCAP8
Address: 181 Orchard Road, #07-02 Orchard Central, Singapore 238896
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm daily
Telephone: 6908 2857
Website
#7: Immerse in nature with a staycation at GBTB’s Garden Pod hotel
Photo from Shipping Container Hotel
How’s this for an unconventional staycation - Gardens by the Bay has a new Garden Pod hotel made out of old stacked shipping containers, spruced up to include all the modern comforts we need while being steeped in nature.
Photo from Shipping Container Hotel
With floor-to-ceiling windows - and curtains for privacy, of course - the spacious Garden Pods will have you waking up to greenery right outside your window. Within this private two-storey space is a modern kitchen with induction stoves, a living room with TV, and an en-suite bathroom. There’s also an outdoor patio with tables and chairs where you can chill with a meal or simply soak in the surroundings
Photo from Shipping Container Hotel
#8: Rock out to free live alternative music at Baybeats
Photo from Baybeats
Get ready to rock with the best of our local music talents with Baybeats 2022, a free outdoor festival celebrating alternative music. Spanning over 3 days, this free event will treat you to live performances by homegrown bands, both budding and established, with names such as Astronauts, Aggressive Raisin Cat, and FERS taking the stage.
Baybeats 2022
Date: 28 - 30 October 2022
Time: Check out the full lineup here.
Location: Esplanade
Price: FREE
Website
#9: Enter 8 interactive themed zones with A Minion’s Perspective Experience
Photo from A Minion’s Perspective Experience
Say Bello to your favourite bumbling yellow critters for A Minion’s Perspective Experience has landed at Sentosa, after touring other cities like Taipei, Seoul, and Shanghai! This limited-time exhibition has 8 themed zones where you'll find out more about what went on behind the scenes of the Despicable Me movies, with little tidbits about the characters, alongside fun interactive portions.
Photo from A Minion’s Perspective Experience
Here’s a teeny sneak of what you can expect: A giant unicorn sculpture and digital colouring wall, a dance challenge, a “which Minion are you” quiz, and a ball-throwing game where you’ll race to catch as many bananas as possible. There’s also a merchandise store where you can snag some exclusive collectible items!
#10: Catch indie films, open mic session, & DJ parties at Projector X: Picturehouse
Photo from The Projector
Given that it has always been a popular spot for dates and hangouts, the closure of The Cathay Cineplex at Dhoby Ghaut has left many of us feeling bittersweet. But the space where the former cinema once resided has now been transformed into Projector X: Picturehouse - independent cinema The Projector’s latest semi-permanent pop-up venture.
Photo from The Projector
Having taken over 4 cinema halls over 2 floors of The Cathay, Projector X: Picturehouse doesn’t just screen films. It also doubles up as an all-in-one arts venue for poetry readings, open mic sessions, and DJ nights which run till the wee hours. Their intimate Ruby Room, which has just 25 recliner seats, is to be used for themed dinner events, and they’re working on turning the remaining 4 defunct movie halls into spaces for art and theatre.
Photo from The Projector
You won’t be going hungry as The Picturehouse Bar, their in-house restobar with retro vibes, serves up savoury treats like Crispy Shrimp Toast and Beef Cheek Rendang. Top that off with a happy buzz from wine, beer, and cocktails.
Projector X: Picturehouse
Address: 2 Handy Road, #05-01 The Cathay, Singapore 229233
Box office opening hours: Monday to Friday: 4pm - 8.30pm | Saturday, Sunday & PHs: 1pm - 8.30pm
Website
#11: Spook yourself out at Universal Studio’s Singapore’s Halloween Horror Nights
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
It’s spooky season and you know what that means - Halloween Horror Nights is back at Universal Studios Singapore! This 10th edition of the annual scarefest will involve three haunted houses and two scare zones that’ll keep you on your toes, as well as a laser tag challenge, exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences, and horror-themed dining.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
#12: Learn more about your fave handbags with the Hermès In The Making exhibition
Photo from Hermès
Ever wondered how your favourite Hermès handbags were made, and why exactly they’re priced the way they are? The answers can be found at Hermès In The Making, an exhibition dedicated entirely to the French luxury fashion brand and what goes on behind the production process.
Photo from Hermès
Through workshops, films, and even live demonstrations of traditional craftsmanship, you’ll gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the fashion house’s covetable pieces - down to the very materials and techniques used.
#13: Snap edgy portraits at Neonbooth, the first neon self studio in Singapore
Photo from Neonbooth
Looking for a unique self studio experience? Make a date at Neonbooth, Singapore’s first neon-themed self photography studio where you can snap your own portraits using a remote shutter. Pick from different LED colour schemes, including duo-coloured ones with a “sunset” effect, and move the wooden blocks, metal grids, and fluorescent props around to customise the backdrop to your liking.
Photo from Neonbooth
Other than neon signages - including heart-shaped ones popular among couples - there are also “lightsabers” for maximum badassery.
#14: Don a yukata and try Japanese street food at a Japan Matsuri in Singapore
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
It’s been a while since we last had a Japanese matsuri in Singapore, so we’re stoked for the one that’s currently up and running at Jurong Point, where rows of indoor street food stalls decorated with paper lanterns stand. Beyond food, there are also traditional Japanese festival games including goldfish-scopping, yo-yo tsuri, and fortune strings.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Look forward to taiko drum performances on selected dates, and dress yourself up with pretty yukatas before snapping photo prints at the Dollop photo booth, complete with props like foldable paper fans.
#15: Unleash your inner Tony Hawk at Por Vida Skateboarding Park
Photo from Por Vida Skateboarding Park
Channel your inner Tony Hawk and zip around on wheels at Por Vida Skateboarding, Singapore’s largest indoor skatepark at school. Just opened at the revamped GR.iD Mall (previously known as POMO), 6,708 square feet facility welcomes newbie skateboarders as well as seasoned enthusiasts, creating a safe space for all to learn and practise without pressure - all without having to be subjected to weather conditions.
Photo from Por Vida Skateboarding Park
Skate obstacles in this spacious unit include ramps, quarter pipes, ledges, and even wave ramps, allowing you to execute your tricks perfectly. Not to worry if you don’t have your own skating gear, because Por Vida rents out skateboards to their students at $10 per lesson, with purchase options too.
Photo from Por Vida Skateboarding Park
General entry for non-students costs $15/person for 2 hours. Thankfully, the mall has its own shower facility so you don’t have to go home all sweaty!
Por Vida Skateboarding Park
Address: 1 Selegie Road, #B1-11 GR.iD, Singapore 188306
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm daily
Website
#16: Have fun with old-school games and rides at two heartland carnivals
Photo from J'Kids Amusement Pte Ltd
We all love a good old-school carnival and there’s not just one, but two happening at heartland locations this month: Outside Canberra Plaza at Sembawang, and at Oasis Terraces at Punggol. Don’t be misled by the name of the organiser, J'Kids Amusement Pte Ltd, for these events aren’t just for kids and can in fact be enjoyed by all.
Photo from J'Kids Amusement Pte Ltd
Some of their past carnivals featured bumper cars, pirate ship rides, bouncy castles, and even zorb balls. In any case, you can definitely look forward to carnival game booths with ring toss, target shooting, and the like, where you can try winning yourself some prices.
Photo from J'Kids Amusement Pte Ltd
J’Kids Funland
Date: Until 16 October 2022
Location: Canberra Plaza and Oasis Terraces at Punggol
Website
#17: Get in touch with yourself at MENTAL: Colours of Wellbeing
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Wellness isn’t just a buzzword - it’s something people are now paying closer attention to thanks to the way life has changed ever since the plague allowed us to reassess our priorities in life. With ArtScience Museum’s latest exhibition titled MENTAL: Colours of Wellbeing, you’ll find yourself looking inward and exploring your own complexities as a human, while understanding how our moods and emotions work as you go about the 24 interactive exhibits.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
One of our favourites is an uplifting rainbow installation with a giant hamster wheel that illustrates how positive environments can effectively motivate us. There’s also a cosy and relaxing tactile play station, a video installation that gives a peek into an introvert’s mind, and quirky inflatable characters that emitting sounds when you stand under them.
#18: Play VR games, drift bumper cars, & life-sized plushie claw machines at Timezone’s newest outlet
Photo from Timezone
Timezone’s newest outlet has opened its doors at Jurong Point - yay for Westies - and we daresay it far surpasses any expectations one can have of an arcade. Host to never-seen-before stations like a Drift Bumper Car track and Arkadia VR Arena, this sprawling 17,000 square feet boasts 160 games to keep you entertained for hours on end.
Photo from Timezone
The VR arena is particularly noteworthy as it offers a multiplayer experience that can host up to 6 - similar to what you might find at virtual reality specialty centres. Team up with your best pals and go on missions to fight off bad guys in realistic virtual landscapes like military warzones and futuristic sci-fi worlds.
Photo from Timezone
Here’s something diehard claw machine fans won’t be able to resist: The Pink Date UFO catchers that have life-sized plushies up for grabs!
There’s also a Social Bowling Alley with lanes suitable for both children and adults. Bowling shoes are not required so you can just drop by on a whim whenever you happen to be in the area!
Photo from Timezone
Timezone Jurong Point
Address: 1 Jurong West Central 2, #02-45 Jurong Point, Singapore 648886
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 11am - 10pm | Saturday & Sunday: 10am - 10pm
Telephone: 6273 6788
Website
#19: Soak in Aussie beach market vibes with Central Beach Bazaar at Sentosa
Photo from Sentosa
Sentosa just got a lot more exciting with the opening of Central Beach Bazaar, its new day-to-night beach carnival with good food and fun for all ages. This permanent attraction is somewhat reminiscent of those Aussie markets, with a colourful food street boasting 8 street food stalls serving up lobster rolls, yakitori bento sets, Thai noodles, and more.
Photo from Sentosa
Another highlight is the Sentosa SkyJet - the tallest fountain in Southeast Asia - which gets illuminated at night with colour-changing LED lights. The Sentosa Musical Fountain from our childhoods has also made a modern comeback, with two new free-to-watch shows that are accompanied by riveting music.
Photo from Sentosa
While there, check out the refreshed version of Wings of Time - the only permanent multi-sensory night show in the world that’s set in the sea - now amped up with dazzling sparkulars.
Photo from Sentosa
#20: Go all out with meat platters & booze with Oktoberfest at these eateries
Photo from 1-Group
Most F&B outlets' Oktoberfest celebrations are in the earlier part of the month, but the restaurants under 1-Group are keeping the party going all the way till 23 October 2022! Participating outlets include 1-Arden in the CBD, 1-Atico with sky high views, the pet-friendly Bee's Knees at The Garage, The Riverhouse at Clarke Quay, TXA Gastrobar at The Alkaff Mansion, and Wildseed Bar. Enjoy exclusive Bavarian platters with all the favourites like pork knuckle and sausages, along with special promotions on beer. Find out more here.
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