The best things to do in Singapore this week (January 12-18)

Start the year with a visit to Singapore Art Museum’s latest installation, Nafasan Bumi – An Endless Harvest, featuring works by Indonesian artists Elia Nurvista and Bagus Pandega. The exhibition explores the environmental costs of economic growth in an era of climate crisis, while exploring how the items we use today may leave their mark on the future.

This immersive environment brings together kinetic, multimedia and sculptural installations that trace the impact of extractive economies across regional and global networks. Highlights include batik and palm oil sculptures depicting plantation labourers, mechanical systems powered by biofeedback from live plants and more.

In this larger-than-life artwork taking over the National Gallery’s Padang Atrium, contemporary Thai artist Navin Rawanchaikul captures the dynamic and passionate cultures and lives that make up the diverse Singaporean community. Following a year-long engagement with migrant workers, indigenous groups and faith organisations, the artist’s revelations and discoveries are translated into spectacular billboard paintings, video interviews and a travelogue that celebrates their vibrant stories and voices.

The showcase is supported by an enriching two-part programme that highlights the people who have inspired the installation. Join in on fireside chats with the artist to explore behind the scenes and the empowering migrant stories. Singaporama Unfolded Part I centres on Kaugnay, an organisation for Filipina domestic workers, and its fabulous Trashion Show, while Part II traces the history of migration in Singapore. The latter presents a performance of a traditional Indian folk dance by Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) Ambassadors, alongside a discussion on identity, community and collaboration.

Five women, over 50 artworks and one shared mission. This exhibition brings Southeast Asian artists Amanda Heng (Singapore), Dolorosa Sinaga (Indonesia), Imelda Cajipe-Endaya (Philippines), Nirmala Dutt (Malaysia) and Phaptawan Suwannakudt (Thailand) to display their work together in Singapore for the very first time. But more than just an art showcase, Fear No Power is a space to have a conversation about meaningful change and the artists’ decades-long commitment to it. Featuring photography, paintings, sculptures and performances that date all the way back to the 1960s, this multidisciplinary exhibition examines the concept of communal world-building across the region and what it means to forge a community. Every piece of work is an intimate and powerful reflection deeply rooted in care, collaboration and resistance.

Nearly three years after it shuttered, Park Bench Deli is making a comeback... of sorts. While it will not open a permanent shop, the brand will hold a three-month pop-up at The Pantry in Dempsey, starting on January 10. Here's the brief: Pop by between 9am to 4pm if you want the OG PBD experience. Sausage egg muffins ($15) and the PBD Big Breakfast ($30) are served in the morning, and it's only after 11am when the fan-favourite Park Bench Deli sandwiches are fired up. Yes, the Pastrami Reuben ($34), Southern-style hot fried chicken ($28) and Philly Cheesesteak ($29) will all be available. If you're spoilt for choice, we recommend the Pastrami Reuben, an American classic with thick, juicy beef pastrami, provolone and coleslaw between slices of toasted sourdough.

On weekend evenings from 6pm to 10pm, PBD's sister concept, Rosita's Deluxe, swaps out sandwiches for smashed, double-stacked cheeseburgers with a variety of mouth-watering toppings. And did we mention the day drinking? Waltz in as early as 9am for classic tipples like Aperol Spritz, whisky highballs, Blood Mary and espresso martinis. 

Lunch? Check. Coffee? Check. Ever wondered what else is there to do in between work meetings while you’re in the CBD other than hitting the gym? Well, here’s a suggestion: skip your regular routine and squeeze in a bit of retail therapy instead. This weekday edition of Maker’s Market features a rotating lineup of locally made crafts and curated regional brands. Browse goods from vendors of all trades and discover unique finds, including jewelry, candles, apparel, soaps and even art prints. On some days, if you’re lucky, there might also be some F&B booths serving up artisanal snacks and treats to help fuel your afternoon back at the office. The weekly marketplace is held every Monday to Friday outside the Staytion Lifestyle Centre near Dhoby Ghaut MRT station.

Attention all Kpop Demon Hunters fans: HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys are landing in Singapore on December 22, for a pop-up based on the hit Netflix film. Snap photos at photo zones inspired by the cartoon, wander through immersive experiences, and admire themed installations and costume displays. Then, take home exclusive merch, including light sticks, posters, keychains, magnets, stationery, hoodies, and caps. Admission to the pop-up – held at *SCAPE – is completely free, but it’s best to book a slot here ahead of time.

Usher in the new year at UOB Plaza, which will host a roster of events to celebrate the festivities. First up is the Festive Show, which runs until December 25. The show celebrates UOB’s community initiatives and showcases artwork by disabled artists. Then, the Tomorrow with UOB show transforms UOB Plaza into a futuristic portal that imagines Singapore’s future. Also on display at the exhibition are stunning artworks created for the UOB Painting of the Year competition. The festivities culminate in the Countdown Show on December 31, which features projections on the facade of UOB Plaza and Fullerton Hotel.

So you’ve been to weddings and birthday bashes, but a divorce celebration? Now that’s a first. Check it off your bucket list at The Divorce Party, Dream Academy’s whimsical dinner theatre comedy where the food is hot and the tea on exes is even hotter. Join the Choo Plastics Family as heiress Phoebe Choo (Sharon Sum) reclaims the single life after her disastrous marriage to Andy (Andrew Marko). Broadway Beng’s Sebastian Tan leads the chaos as matriarch Penelope “Penny” Choo Kim, alongside a riotous cast. Expect a three-course meal, dessert buffet, beach-chic dress code and plenty of saucy family drama. It’s the first in a trilogy following the outrageous Choo clan. Read our review here.

Whether you’re a peacock enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Peacock Power: Beauty and Symbolism Across Cultures uncovers the majestic bird’s impact across Asia. Featuring over 100 artefacts, from ceramics and clothing to intricate jewellery,  the exhibition traces the peacock’s symbolism, especially in Peranakan art and wedding traditions. It also debuts Thousand Eyes, a new ecological reinterpretation of the motif by Singaporean artist Ernest Goh.

Beyond the displays, visitors can explore peacock species and behaviours through holographic tech and interactive stations. Round out your visit with curated public programmes or join a guided tour for deeper insight into the stories behind the pieces.

Mahjong, congkak, Go...there innumerable Asian games we're sure are part of your fondest childhood memories. This September, the Asian Civilisations Museum is exhibiting Let's Play! The Art and Design of Asian Games, which takes a look at how these games, whether sporty or strategic, have evolved and shaped communities and traditions over time. Explore more than 150 games, and actually try them out at interactive installations. There'll be fun outdoor set-ups and talks and programmes throughout the exhibitions long run, too (until June 7, 2026).