19 New Things To Do In April 2023 - Free Cone Day, Cosfest, PetExpo, Turkish-Themed Tulipmania & More
April 2023 will have not one but two public holidays that’ll result in long weekends - almost like a mini reward for getting through the first quarter of the year. Keep yourselves occupied with our list of 19 new things to do in April 2023 in Singapore, including the comeback of Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day 1-for-1 art jamming, a $12 photo booth, and plenty more.
#1: Have fun with themed rides & games at the first Rilakkuma Carnival in Singapore
Photo from Changi Airport
The good ol’ carnival experience has gotten a cutesy twist with the first-ever San-X Rilakkuma Carnival in Singapore, and even those who can’t stomach thrill rides will be able to enjoy it. In true Rilakkuma fashion, the colourful funfair rides like the Swing Chair, Ferris Wheel, and Samba Balloon are programmed at a calm pace, so they’re safe even for children.
Photo from Changi Airport
While there, try your hand at winning prizes at the game booths, and hunt down the many kawaii Rilakkuma-themed photo spots - including a supersized Polaroid with a pastel pink background.
Photo from Changi Airport
Read our article on the Rilakkuma Carnival in Singapore and find out how to redeem free carnival credits!
#2: Play mini golf with an escape game element at Kulnari Mystery Golf
If you think golf is just an unexciting, old man’s game, you’re about to be proven wrong at Kulnari Mystery Golf. The first of its kind in Singapore, this 18-hole mini golf course comes with a mystery element similar to that of an escape room - all with a rustic 1920’s theme to boot.
Photo from Kulnari Mystery Golf
Brace yourself for dark, grungy decor that looks like it’s decades old as you explore an old vault, an abandoned boat, and a dilapidated engine room. Along the way, you’ll also have to piece together puzzles and crack clues to uncover a grappling mystery.
Photo from Pelago
Each session lasts an hour and starts from just $20. All tickets come with exclusive entry to the putt-putt centre’s in-house 9th Hole Bar, which is only open to mini golf customers.
Photo from Kulnari Mystery Golf
#3: Score cheap finds at Fleawhere’s pop-up thrift market
Photo from Fleawhere
If you haven’t already gotten in on the thrift store trend, WYD?? Fleawhere will be taking over the outdoor area of Queensway Shopping Centre during this month’s long weekend, with booths full of pre-loved clothes that are still in good condition. Not only will you find steals for much cheaper than at retail stores, you’ll also be saving the earth by helping to reduce wastage - and you might even score yourself some rare finds.
Fleawhere at Queensway
Date: 7 to 9 April 2023
Time: 12pm - 7pm
Location: Outdoor space at Queensway Shopping Centre
Price: FREE
Website
#4: Dine with a mermaid at Fish Pool, a new seafood bar
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Fans of folklore, this one’s for you. Fish Pool, a seafood bar at The NCO Club, has a novel dining experience where patrons get to dine with the view of a real-life mermaid - none other than the famous Syrena - showing off her graceful moves underwater. Make sure you snag one of the tables right next to the Olympic-standard diving pool, as she’ll swim right up for some priceless selfie opportunities!
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Food-wise, you can look forward to fresh raw seafood dishes like Seabass Tiradito and Otoro & Chutoro. Don’t miss out on their creative cocktails, including mermaid-themed ones!
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
#5: Soak in the best of sneakers and street culture with Sneaker Con Singapore
Photo from Sneaker Con
Not to be confused with last month’s Sneakertopia, Sneaker Con is another event for sneakerheads to indulge in. Dubbed “The Greatest Sneaker Show on Earth”, this mega sneaker festival’s Singapore edition is also their very first foray into Southeast Asia.
Photo from Sneaker Con
Hypebeasts and Hypebaes can go wild in their famous Traditing Pit, where you can buy, sell, and trade some of the most highly sought-after sneakers and collectible items. You’ll also get to check out the latest kicks, admire rare models, and try live bidding on exclusive shoes you won’t be able to find at regular stores.
Photo from Sneaker Con
But it’s not just footwear here. Sneaker Con is an ode to street culture and pop culture in general, so check out the booths with snazzy apparel and accessories, alongside collectible toys, art, and more. On top of that, all tickets come with 1 raffle chance, so you might just win yourself some cool new shoes!
Sneaker Con Singapore
Date: 1 & 2 April 2023
Time: 11am - 8pm
Location: Singapore Expo Hall 5
Price: From $42
Website
#6: Enter a garden with 6m fountain and dazzling light shows in town
Photo from ION Orchard
Bringing a spot of greenery to the middle of Orchard’s concrete jungle is the new Spring Garden at ION Orchard, a whimsical outdoor pop-up that boasts a 6-metre tall fountain flanked by flowers and plants. This mesmerising structure goes over two storeys high, and comes accompanied by dazzling light shows during weekend evenings.
The 8-minute spectacle plays out in 30-minute intervals, and will engage all your senses with a symphony of tunes, mist effects, and colourful projections that are sure to have you mesmerisied.
ION Orchard Spring Garden
Date: 7 April to 7 May 2023
Light show timings: Friday to Sunday: 7pm - 9.30pm (30-minute intervals)
Location: Outside ION Orchard
Price: FREE
#7: Pretend you’re in Japan with a pink sakura afternoon tea set
Photo from Raffles Hotel Singapore
The Sakura Afternoon Tea at one of Singapore’s grandest hotels is back again for another run this 2023, featuring a 3-tier set of delicate pink cherry blossom-inspired treats that come with a dose of Japanese flavours. These include both sweet and savoury items - including Sakura Strawberry Mont Blanc and Beef Sando with Katsu Bechamel - along with freshly-baked scones and premium tea or coffee blends.
#8: Appreciate poetry readings with Rupi Kaur Live in Singapore
Photo from Rupi Kaur
You might have pored over her anthologies like “Milk and Honey” and found enlightenment through her words. Heck, you’ve probably even quoted her for emo posts on social media. Now, you get to see Indian poet Rupi Kaur in the flesh, and hear the wordsmith herself do a live reading of some of her most famous works as part of her Rupi Kaur World Tour.
Photo from Rupi Kaur
For the uninitiated, her poems are well-loved all over the world - especially among female audiences - due to her relatable touch on themes like love, mental health, growing up, and female empowerment. Other than favourites from “Milk and Honey”, “The Sun and her Flowers”, and her latest book “Home Body”, Rupi will also be performing new pieces that have yet to been published.
Rupi Kaur Live in Singapore
Date: 4 April 2023
Time: 8pm
Location: Esplanade Theatre
Price: From $98. Get your tickets here.
#9: Rep your fave anime character at Cosfest 2023
Photo from @tomiaa via Instagram
Anime fans, it’s your time to shine. Cosfest 2023 is happening this month in Singapore with anisong and dance performances, as well as booths full of anime-related merchandise and crafts by both local and international vendors. This 20th edition of the cosplay festival will be held indoors at Gardens by the Bay, so you can look forward to a scenic view of greenery for your cosplay photoshoot backdrop.
Photo from Cosfest
Special guests for Cosfest 2023 include Japanese songstress Yumi Matsuzawa, who will be doing a live show and singing masterclass, Tony Isabelle, the creator of DC Comics’ Black Lightning, guest cosplayers Tomia, Joo A, and Neneko, along with a whole other slew of manga artists and illustrators.
#10: Meet new furry friends & learn about pet care at PetExpo 2023
Photo from PetExpo
Heads up, animal lovers - the biggest pet fair in Singapore is here once more! Whether you’re a pet owner or otherwise, all are welcome to visit PetExpo 2023, boasting a 3-day line-up of all things animal-tastic. Look forward to watching pet competitions such as the Guppy Championships, a dog show, and the Singapore Ornamental Shrimp Competition, alongside informative talks on topics like canine fitness, cat care, and urinary tract issues in pets.
Photo from PetExpo
There will also be merchandise booths with pet supplies, as well as cute accessories and pet-themed gifts. Of course, pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furkid along!
Photo from PetExpo
#11: Get wet and wild with Songkran Music Festival 2023
Photo from Wild Wild Wet
The rainy season has left us and we’re back to business as usual, with scorching hot afternoons. Cool off and get wild with Songkran Music Festival 2023, which will once again be held at Wild Wild Wet, Singapore’s largest water theme park. Traditionally, this festival is celebrated on the streets of Thailand with water guns and buckets, but these days, there are modernised celebrations involving parties - which is exactly what will be happening here.
Photo from Wild Wild Wet
Don your fave swimwear, grab a water gun, and get ready for a splash as you have a friendly water fight with your friends and strangers alike. Then, get your groove on at night as you party along to EDM beats, surrounded by water effects. Dutch DJ Headhunterz will be gracing the stage as this year’s headliner, along with other celebrity DJs like Amber Na, Sakura, and more.
Songkran Music Festival Singapore 2023
Date & time: 14 April 2023: 6pm - 10.30pm | 15 April 2023: 4.50pm - 10.30pm
Location: Wild Wild Wet at Downtown East
Price: From $88
Website
#12: Get $12 photo prints at iWan’s new AI selfie studio
Photo from iWan Selfie Studio
We first checked out iWan Selfie Studio’s AI photo booth last year, when it was still in its soft launch stage. They’ve since branched out to open a separate outlet at PLQ aside from its main studio at Aljunied, this time focusing solely on this novel AI experience. The smart technology they use helps determine the best camera and lighting settings, with motion shutter activation and simple AI editing.
Photo from iWan Selfie Studio
Prices start from just $12 for an Express Fun Selfie, where you’ll get 7 minutes of fun, usage of props, and a collage print-out. There are other packages available too, including those for ID Passport Photo ($14), Corporate Portrait ($19), and Couple Theme Portrait ($288) which involves a 40-minute shoot and comes with a makeover, outfits, AI editing, and 4 print-outs. Check out their full price list and make your booking here.
iWan AI Selfie Studio
Address: 10 Paya Lebar Road, B2-24 PLQ Mall, Singapore 409057
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm daily
Telephone: 9146 3001
Website
#13: Go glamping in a luxurious dome tent with air-con at the Singapore Zoo
Photo from Mandai Wildlife Group
Ever craved that back to nature experience without having things get too wild? The Glamping in the Wild staycations at the Singapore Zoo will be right up your alley for a good detox from life. You’ll be housed in a cute bubble dome tent, each with two actual double beds and air-conditioning for a comfortable stay, and also be treated to a bunch of exclusive animal encounters where you’ll get up close and personal to some of the zoo’s resident creatures.
Photo from Mandai Wildlife Group
For starters, you’ll be feeding some elephants, with backstage passes to the zoo’s nutrition centre and research centre to find out more about how the animals are kept healthy. Then, you’ll be brought to the Wild Africa zone, before getting VIP seats for the Splash Safari animal show. Dinner will be provided at the Forest Lodge, and after a good night’s rest, you’ll wake up to Breakfast in the Wild for a buffet with more animal interaction and photo opportunities.
Photo from Mandai Wildlife Group
#14: Enjoy 1-for-1 art jamming in a galaxy-themed studio with free snacks
Photo from Lazo ArtWork
Art jamming isn’t exactly the most affordable of activities out there, but Lazo ArtWork has a special 1-for-1 art jamming deal that’ll make things more wallet-friendly for those who’d like to dip their toes in the world of painting. From just $52 for 2 pax - that’s $26 per person - you’ll get to enjoy a 3-hour Unguided Art Jamming session inclusive of all materials, free drinks, and snacks.
Photo from Lazo ArtWork
There’s also a Soft Guided Experience for $76 ($38 per pax). For a sensory experience that’ll relax your senses, go for the Guided Art Jam After Dusk at $78 ($39 per pax), where calming music will be playing as galactical projections of stars and planets swirl around you in mystical hues - perfect for stressed out office folk to unwind with after work.
Photo from Lazo ArtWork
Lazo ArtWork
Address: 10 Woodlands Square, #03-43 Woodsquare Solo, Singapore 737714
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm daily
Telephone: 8934 9928
Book your tickets here.
#15: Get free ice cream with the return of Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day
Photo from Ben & Jerry's
Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day 2023
Date: 3 April 2023
Time: 12pm - 8pm
Location: Ben & Jerry’s VivoCity (Level 2)
Price: FREE
Website
#16: Get active the cute way with a My Melody & Kuromi Run
Photo from 42Race
Time to lace up your running shoes, for the My Melody & Kuromi Run is finally happening after being postponed from March. This fun run (or walk!) will come with a slew of cute free merchandise, from t-shirts to mini plushies and drawstring bags. Regardless of the timing you clock in for this pressure-free 3.5km trail, you’ll be rewarded with a spinning Sanrio medal that shows My Melody on one side, and Kuromi on the next.
#17: Savour a meal in pitch darkness with NOX - Dine in the Dark
Photo from NOX
We often don’t give much thought to our ability to see because it’s something that we can do effortlessly - and it’s thus often taken for granted. NOX - Dine in the Dark will give you a newfound appreciation for your sense of sight, while heightening your other senses, as you walk in the shoes of the visually impaired by dining in pitch darkness.
Photo from NOX
Previously having shut their doors in 2021 due to landlord issues, this social enterprise restaurant has since found a new home at Club Street (Chinatown), and will continue to give diners a novel experience with an improved menu and cocktail pairings.
Photo from NOX
You’ll first be enjoying some drinks at their glowy botanical-themed bar area, before a friendly visually impaired server leads you to a completely dark room for your meal. Mobile phones will have to be stashed away in a locker, so you’ll be focusing solely on your meal and your dining companion during this intimate one-of-a-kind experience.
NOX - Dine in the Dark
Address: 83 Club Street, Singapore 069451
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 6pm - 10.30pm (Closed on Sunday & Monday)
Telephone: 6298 0708
Website
#18: Be transported to Turkey with Tulipmania 2023 at Gardens by the Bay
Photo from Gardens by the Bay
Vibrant tulips are about to bloom at Gardens by the Bay with Tulipmania: Its Wild Origins. Compared to last year’s, which featured windmills of Europe, Tulipmania 2023 will take you on an exotic adventure to Turkey to trace the history of the flower in the culture-rich country. Complementing the warm-hued tulips are Turkish architecture and artifacts, including traditional yurts and majestic palatial buildings.
Photo from Gardens by the Bay
Here’s a fun fact: Wild tulips cultivated on Turkish soil are actually shaped differently from the ones found in The Netherlands and elsewhere. Head down for a visit to check them out in person!
#19: Catch the hilarious musical, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change
Photo from Sing'theatre
I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change is one of the longest-running off-Broadway musicals around, and it’s even been translated into more than 15 languages - testament to how popular it is. This time, the local talents from Sing’theatre will be putting their spin on this hilarious and relatable title, which covers all stages of love from first dates, to marriage, and life after children.
Go on and book a pair of tickets with your significant other - it’s sure to bring lots of laughter and perhaps even rekindle some spark in your relationship.
