5 Things to Do in Singapore This Week: 19th October to 25th October 2020

This week, look forward to a lovely mix of art events, cultural festivals and getting in touch with nature in Singapore. Explore Europe with vOilah! and the German Film Festival this week, or go to a thought-provoking exhibition at SPRMRKT. Want to work your green thumb and eat some good food at the same time? The Garden Food Tour is a good place to start.

vOilah! French Festival

vOilah! has been a mainstay of the Singapore event calendar and this year, it’s kicking off on 22 October with a mixed bag of in-person experiences and virtual events that showcases French plays, movies, food, even sports. This week specifically, explore the art of French cuisine at participating restaurants. There are also experiences inspired by Georges Clemenceau, twice premier of France who was fascinated by the Far East who visited our city in 1920. Check out the dramatised reading of Clemenceau’s The Veil of Happiness, a play he wrote about a fantasised China.

vOilah French Festival is happening from 22 October 2020 to 22 November 2020, at various locations. See the full line-up here.

The Library of Unread Books

library of
Photo courtesy of Brent Galotera

Artists Heman Chong and Renée Staal have brought the travelling art installation The Library of Unread Books back for its eighth iteration. Comprised entirely of books unread by their original owners, this installation prompts reflections on access, excess and how we redistribute knowledge and goods. It’s also a lovely mobile library, and anybody who donates to it will receive a lifetime membership to this growing collection! The exhibition is closing soon so pop on down this week.

The Library of Unread Books will run till 25 October 2020 at I_S_L_A_N_D_S, 5 Coleman St, #B1-07B Excelsior Shopping Centre, Singapore 179805. Open daily 12pm-7pm. 

German Film Festival

One of the oldest film festivals in Singapore, the German Film Festival organised by the Goethe-Institut is back for its 24th edition. Presenting a curated list of German films for our viewing pleasure at local indie cinema darling The Projector, catch hits like Cocoon, O Beautiful Night and System Crasher this week. If you prefer to stay home, some of the movies are even available for rent through The Projector’s new on demand platform, so you can soak in the culture from the comfort of your bed.

The German Film Festival is happening from 15 October 2020 to 1 November 2020 at The Projector (6001 Beach Rd, #05-00 Golden Mile Tower), and online. Book tickets and rent videos on demand here.

archetypes by Paradise Now

Dempsey Hill cafe and restaurant SPRMRKT will be hosting local duo Paradise Now’s exhibition archetypes. This exclusive showcase displays a series of eight works interpreting the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator’s 16 personality types. Consisting of Bryan Tan and Jay Ho, Paradise Now would like to question why you are the way you are. How did your personality get formed? This exhibition will prompt you to dive into your own psyche. For a look at behind the scenes of this event, SPRMRKT’S IGTV has exclusive footage of the duo’s artistic process and work in the studio.

archetypes will run from 19 October 2020 to 1 November 2020 at SPRMRKT, 8 Dempsey Road, Singapore 247696. Open daily from 9am-10pm.

Garden Food Tour

Open Farm Community has curated a wonderful tour where you learn where your food comes from, then appreciate how good it tastes. The Garden Food Tour brings you into the restaurant’s garden where you can explore, harvest some plants and finish with a four-course meal, and a take-home packet of seeds! If you’ve always been jealous of your friends with herb gardens, but too intimidated to start, this is the perfect way to get into gardening.

Garden Food Tour takes place on most Sundays and Wednesdays till 8 November 2020 at 130E Minden Road, Singapore 248819. Get tickets here. 

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When not taking naps or reading books, Tessa is either lifting weights or playing video games. She loves animals, a cold beer, and above all, a good meal.