What to do and see in Singapore, Singapore: The Best Cultural Events

Orchard Road is not often closed to cars but there is one annual event where an exception is made: The Orchard Fashion Runway. Singapore’s most famous shopping belt is transformed into a fashion walkway on this day, and models strut along wearing local and international designers' fashion pieces. It is not often that locals or tourists get to see the main street of Orchard Road filled with gorgeous models and fashion wear. Get your camera ready, and be prepared to feast your eyes on a great fashion extravaganza!

River Hongbao is one event during every Chinese Lunar New Year that Singaporeans and tourists really look forward to. The River Hongbao is usually held at The Float at Marina Bay, overlooking the splendid Marina waterfront area, as well as a panoramic view of Singapore’s skyline. This year, River Hongbao is held at the Gardens by the Bay from 10 Feb 2021 to 20 Feb 2021. The large premises are decorated with auspicious Chinese characters during this period, such as the twelve zodiac animals. In the evening, the whole venue lights up in a beautiful myriad of colours, and visitors will also be able to catch performances by performing troupes or singing groups online. And the best part, admission is free for all. This is a must-see place to be during the Chinese New Year holidays.

If you are in Singapore during the Chinese New Year period, the Chingay Parade is an annual event you must not miss. Chingay means 'the art of costume and masquerade' in the Hokkien dialect and the parade is an annual celebration, where different groups and races come together to put on a colorful display. Expect to witness colorful floating platforms and street performers in fanciful costumes, from the largest street performance and float parade in Asia.

Gong Xi Fa Cai! (May the New Year bring you fortune and good luck!) Be prepared to be immersed into a sea of red and gold hues as Singapore's Chinatown takes the lead in ushering in the traditional Chinese New Year! Discover the street markets coming to life with goodies such as decorative ornaments on sale; and be prepared to queue for hours for the yummy New Year snack 'bah kwa' (barbecued sliced pork). The crowd thickens by the day as the city counts down to the party — and it is the only time of the year the authorities allow the use of firecrackers in Singapore. It's definitely worth the jostle to experience the festive flavor upfront, and the crowd favorite has to be the unique New Year lanterns that represent the animal zodiac of the Chinese New Year.

Staying in Singapore over the last two weekends of August? You'll be in for a visual treat at the Singapore Night Festival. What's there to do in darkness? Plenty, as an extravaganza of performances and artworks that make use of light are dispersed in Singapore's premier art precinct, Bra Basah-Bugis. Most museums in the neighborhood are also opened for free till late at night, hosting local and overseas talents. Do not miss the display show that is screened on the facade of the National Museum — it's usually playful and thought provoking, plus it's super impressive that it's screened on an iconic national monument!

Into its 41st edition, Singapore International Festival of Arts 2018 presents diverse and distinctive work from Singapore and around the world that ignites the imagination, inspires myriad audiences, and provokes reflection and dialogue. Get ready for a plethora of theatre, music, dance, literary and visual arts at the pinnacle arts festival that will happen over three weekends from 26 April to 12 May, and across over ten performance spaces, including the Festival House, located at The Arts House.

Living in multicultural and multi-racial Singapore gives us the chance to witness and celebrate different religious festivals. Celebrated by the Hindu devotees, Thaipusam is an annual festival held over two days, where devotees offer thanks and seek blessings. The event is traditionally a colorful affair, where devotees carry pots of milk or wooden 'kavadi,' decorated with flowers and peacock feathers balanced on their shoulders. To catch a glimpse of the Thaipusam Festival, station yourself anywhere between Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple at Serangoon Road and Sri Thendayuthapani Temple at Tank Road, where devotees will walk the four and a half kilometers.

The Singapore River Festival is three exciting days of performing arts and entertainment in outdoor areas around the Singapore River, namely Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay and Boat Quay. These popular spots come alive with a variety of acts that pay tribute to the heritage of the Singapore River. A good mix of dining, arts, retail, entertainment and great locations, it's a fun way for family and friends to hang out on a weekend.