The weekends are almost here, and you’re in for a sandsational time filled with the force! Apart from the Singapore Toy, Game and Comic Convention, a ton of exciting events are in store for you! Read on to find out what you should delve into this weekend!
1. It’s Sandsational
Remember all the amateur-ish sandcastles we built when we were younger? This September, we’ll get to marvel at 30 larger-than-life sand sculptures fashioned by the pros.
These stunning sculptures are the work of award-winning Singaporean sand sculptor JOOheng and his team of international sculptors. Dubbed Vincent Sand Gogh by London Daily Mail, JOOheng’s sand sculptures have been showcased in over 20 countries.
If you think these sand sculptures look impressive under the sun’s strong beams, wait till you see them at night! Come sunset, the sculptures will be bathed in a soft glow from spotlights. 15 of these sculptures were inspired by our unique local culture, quirks and slangs, so don’t be surprised if you spot a Roti Prata Uncle sculpted in sand.
As part of the sandsational programme, Sentosa is offering free entry to local residents from 4th to 10th September. This includes cable car rides within Sentosa (1-way on Sentosa line) during this period! There are also plenty of discounts offered at eateries, Wave House Sentosa, and even staycation packages here!
Dates: 1st to 17th September
Time: 10am-9pm daily
Venue: Siloso Beach, Sentosa
2. Merlion Magic Lights
In #thestateoffun, we don’t leave before the sun’s down. And that’s perfect for the Merlion Magic Lights show, where the iconic Sentosa Merlion comes to life in a spectacular display of bright lights and sounds. If you had a ball of a time at the Singapore Night Festival, these shows will be right up your alley!
Venue: Merlion Plaza, Sentosa
Time: 7.45pm, 8.15pm, 8.45pm, 9.15pm. (Additional shows at 9.45pm and 10.15pm on Weekends and Public Holidays)
3. Force Friday II
From the Star Wars-themed run to Sabertrees at Gardens By The Bay, we know you can’t get enough of Star Wars. If you’re eagerly awaiting the release of the upcoming movie Star Wars: The Last Jedi on 14th December, this pop-up festival will be perfect for you.
The 10-day festival features an exclusive debut of the Millennium Falcon, Padawan Training, and limited-edition toys, collectibles and apparel. After grabbing your loot, head over to the VR experience booth at Basement 4 to meet BB-8. Little fans aged 4 to 12 can even enjoy a short training session by a Jedi Master!
Stand a chance to win one of three pairs of tickets to the premiere of Star Wars: The Last Jedi when you go on a hunt for Star Wars graphics to unlock 15 unique augmented reality character experiences and photo opportunities. Find out more here!
Dates: 1st – 10th September
Time: 10am – 10pm
Venue: ION Orchard
4. Autumn Abundance
Here in Singapore, “autumn” simply relates to the Mid-Autumn Festival, with brightly-lit lanterns and delicious mooncakes. This year, Gardens By The Bay brings us an Autumn Harvest floral display, so we can enjoy the lavish blooms of red, orange and gold.
Catch a view of beautiful blooming chrysanthemums, heleniums, callunas and phloxes in this traditional season of crop gathering. For those wishing to live out their Disney dreams, Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage sits amidst pumpkin trees, waiting to take an eager visitor to the ball.
In addition, a myriad of fruit and vegetable-shaped lanterns line the outdoor gardens and continue inside the Flower Dome, creating the perfect backdrop for your next Instagram post.
Date: 1 September – 29 October
Time: 9am – 9pm
Venue: Flower Dome, Gardens By The Bay
5. Explore a Trail
If you’ve never explored a heritage trail before, let this weekend be your starting point! Zhenghua Hiking Club is organising a hike to Chinatown, but be warned, this journey stretches over 20km! Participants must be physically fit and able to walk unassisted across a variety of terrains and surfaces. While it’ll be fun to learn about the Chinatown district in a group, there’s an alternative for those who want a more chill, laid-back experience.
Take a look at the Singapore Heritage Mobile App, which gives both the tourist and the local insight on the history and character of the Chinatown area. Your journey begins in the 1820s, where immigrants from southern China and southern India settled in Chinatown precinct. After this exciting journey, you’ll gain a much clearer understanding of Chinatown’s architectural, historical and social importance, and come to understand why the Chinatown enjoys conservation status.
Date: 10th September
Time: 7am – 12pm
Venue: Zhenghua Hiking Club to Smith Street
6. A Magical Evening
If a picture by Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage isn’t enough, West Symphonia, the band from ITE College West, will be performing Disney classics at the Botanic Gardens.
Drop by with your friends and family, and enjoy tunes from the likes of The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Moana, Zootopia and of course, Frozen!
Date: 9th September
Time: 6pm
Venue: Botanic Gardens
And if you haven’t left a brick at the Piece of Peace World Tour yet, this weekend is your last chance! The exhibition concludes on 10th September, and you can find out more here.
