PUBLISHED September 1st, 2024 12:00 pm | UPDATED September 30th, 2024 12:06 pm
As September rolls in, Singapore is buzzing with excitement. Besides the usual vibrant parties, tantalising food offerings, and captivating art and cultural programmes, the highly anticipated Formula 1 Grand Prix is also here. As the streets come alive with the roar of engines, don’t forget to immerse yourself in the enchanting celebrations of the Mid-Autumn Festival, where family gatherings and mooncakes take centre stage. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, foodie, or culture enthusiast, September has something for everyone in this dynamic city.
Your Quick Getaway From Singapore
Ombak Festival at Desaru Coast
Need a weekend getaway? Desaru Coast presents Ombak Festival, a vibrant weekend celebration from 13 to 15 September 2024, featuring over 50 events, including international headliners Grace Jones, Macy Gray, and The Cardigans. The festival offers 16 hours of main stage performances, culinary delights from Michelin-starred chefs, visual arts installations, and eco-conscious marketplaces. It also caters to families with Ombak Kids, offering interactive workshops and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy the festival with exclusive stay packages at Desaru Coast’s luxurious resorts, all within walking distance of the event. Find out more here.
AXEAN Festival 2024
AXEAN Festival is set to take place in Bali, Indonesia, from 28-29 September 2024, marking its first edition outside Singapore after two successful years. The festival will be held at the Jimbaran Hub, offering breathtaking scenery alongside a diverse lineup of over 50 music acts from Southeast Asia and beyond, including lightcraft, LUSS, Maki, and At Adau. In addition to the performances, the event will feature a music industry mixer, a two-day conference, and the introduction of an international songwriting camp aimed at fostering cross-cultural collaborations among artists and producers. Find out more here.
For The Party People
X – A Decade Of Dance. 10 Years of Blackout Agency
SUNDAY MESS 6 : 5210PM turns ONE
Groovetop – A Grand Prix Rooftop DJ Special
Kick off the Grand Prix Season at TRIFECTA with a day-to-night rooftop party takeover by GROOVETOP on 14 September! From 4 pm to 1 am, groove to Funk, Soul, R&B, Hip Hop, Afro, House, and Disco spun by the hottest young DJs from Secret Pals, Sunny Side, and Last Saturdays. Enjoy sunset views, dance vibes, and groovy cocktails at this electrifying pop-up party during the ultimate race weekend celebration—tickets from S$27.31.
A Night of R&B and Hip Hop
Put on your dancing shoes for a party for the soul as Therapy Room and Soul Ties present Soul Therapy: A night of sexy R&B and hip hop. This nostalgic event will feature timeless hits from the late 90s and early 2000s, spun by DJs from both collectives. Expect classics from TLC, Usher, and Missy Elliott as you dance or relax with a drink. Come for the soulful vibes and classic beats! Tickets from S$15, get them here.
The Blessed Madonna with SYREETA (He.She.They) – SINGAPORE
FOMOHOMO, MISMATCH, POOF DOOF, and Thugshop are joining forces to bring The Blessed Madonna and SYREETA (He.She.They) to MDLR Singapore, this F1 season. The epic event on 21 September will celebrate diversity with a stellar lineup, including Jimi The Kween and Toppings, delivering an unforgettable night of heavy basslines and electronic beats. Expect a wild, inclusive dance floor experience as two iconic female DJs headline the event at Singapore’s top underground venue. Tickets are priced from S$75.
Thugshop Presents – All Night Long with AK SPORTS
Thugshop presents an electrifying debut with AK SPORTS on Friday, September 20! This Australia-raised, LA- and London-based artist is set to take over the cages with their magnetic energy. Known for hosting LA’s first Boiler Room with their WARP MODE collective and performing at major festivals like EDC Las Vegas, Pitch, and Glastonbury, AK SPORTS has been making waves across the globe. With a string of releases on labels like RAW, Shall Not Fade, and their own Club Madhouse, this is a night you won’t want to miss. Keeping things groovy Upstairs are Darker Than Wax’s Dean Chew and Leland. Tickets start from S$20.
Strange Weather with Mozhgan (US), A’alely
Get ready for an electrifying night as Mozhgan Shariat, the sonic alchemist from the Bay Area, brings her unique blend of dark and mysterious dance sounds to Strange Weather’s final show of the year. Known for her uncanny sound juxtapositions and immersive sets, Mozhgan, a favourite at Boiler Room and Berghain will be supported by A’alely. Expect a journey through electro, wave, and acid-lined techno, delivering an unforgettable experience. Tickets run S$37.78.
GrooveTop: Slow Jamz Sunday
Kick back with GrooveTop for a Slow Jamz Sunday at At Feast. Let Ramesh, Kavan, and Ollie’Des guide you through a soulful mix of R&B, Funk, and Neo-Soul, while you enjoy comfort food and drinks amidst the lush greenery of Dempsey Road. Bring your little ones for an arts & crafts session from 4-6 pm, hosted by Show & Tell Studios, or bring your furkids and spend a chillaxing Sunday at the outdoor areas. Tickets from S$16.82.
Road to Sunda Festival
Although it’s happening in early October, you’ll want to snag your tickets now for Road to Sunda 2024, the one-day prelude to Sunda Festival’s full return in 2025. Taking place on 5 October, expect an exciting lineup featuring Japanese house DJ Chida and Jakarta’s funky band Precious Bloom, alongside eclectic music, wellness activities like cold immersion therapy, and interactive art workshops. With family-friendly sessions, free Oatly drinks, Heineken Silver giveaways, diverse food options, and eye-catching visual art installations, this festival promises an immersive experience for all. Tickets start from S$73. Get 10% off using code [NOMADS10] for Advance and Last Chance tickets (not including bundles).
For The Foodies
Omakase @ Stevens
Tucked away in Stevens, Omakase @ Stevens is a hidden gem offering a fine dining experience with Japanese cuisine subtly infused with French influences. This summer, the restaurant presents a new seasonal menu with six- or eight-course options, priced at $280+ or $333+ respectively. Highlights include the Namerou Caviar starter, Wagyu Katsu, and a premium Miyazaki Mango dessert. The Chef’s Signature Unagi Kabayaki, made in a traditional Donabe claypot, is a must-try. The menu is crafted by new Executive Chef Kazuki Arimoto, an Osaka native with over a decade of culinary expertise. Find out more here.
Viva Vermut! At Esquina – An Afternoon Of Spanish Convervas and Vermouth
Esquina’s Viva Vermut offers a relaxed afternoon featuring vermouth, shareable Spanish bites, and conservas for $58++ per pax. Enjoy dishes like Spanish mussels, clams, croquetas with ibérico ham and Manchego cheese, and Spanish omelette, paired with El Bandarra Rojo vermouth or Estrella Galicia beer. This event takes place on the first Saturday of each month from 11am to 5pm, with reservations for September now open. Since its 2011 launch, Esquina, led by Barcelona-born Chef Carlos Montobbio, has been a standout in Singapore’s Spanish food scene, blending contemporary Spanish and Catalan flavours in a stylish setting on Jiak Chuan Street. Find out more here.
Brasserie Astoria’s New Bar Menu
Brasserie Astoria’s new cocktail menu, Aurora Borealis, brings an experience just as magical as the swirls of colours in the sky. Available from Thursday to Sunday, the cocktails here are inspired by iconic songs—scan the Spotify code and immerse yourself in a unique, multi-sensory experience. Sip up the sweet and complex Real Love Baby (S$25++), which is a twist on Boulevardier, or reach for the twist on Bloody Mary in Take a Chance on Me (S$25++), that’s served with an oyster! Don’t miss out on bar snacks like the Bone Marrow (S$18++) and Gambas (S$18++). Find out more here.
Negroni Week
Negroni Week returns from 16 – 22 September for its 12th edition, with guest shifts at Neon Pigeon, Astor Bar – St. Regis, 67 Pall Mall, and more. Kick off the celebrations at SUSHISAMBA with the Campari Red Hands Asia Finals, as finalists face off for a chance to represent Singapore in the finals in Milan. Each Negroni you drink will support global charity Slow Food’s mission to foster a more sustainable world! Find out more here.
Weekend Free-Flow Beef at Boeuf
This September, Boeuf serves up 90-minutes of goodness with their Weekend Free-Flow Beef promotion for only S$49.90++ per person. Feast on unlimited Argentinian Black Angus Ribeye and BBQ Australian Wagyu Brisket, pairing with sides like crispy truffle fries, sourdough, and more. Not a beef lover? Reach for the new premium seafood options such as the Poached Lobster Tail (S$68++) with beurre noisette and caviar, served with a side of umami orzo pasta, or a tender Char-Grilled Lamb Rack (S$78++) with chimichurri sauce. Find out more here.
New Cocktail Menu at Cat Bite Club
Cat Bite Club is celebrating its first anniversary with an exciting new cocktail menu, highlighting agave and rice spirits at its core. Since opening in mid-2023, this latest menu revamp is the bar’s biggest yet, featuring inventive spins on classics like the Hulk Splash (with Ocho Blanco Tequila and roasted broccoli) and Return of the Mak (with Makgeolli and Tokki Soju). Signature drinks, such as the Cat Bite Margarita and Soju Sprint, remain, while new offerings like the agave-inspired Ode to Ada and the rice-based Sippin’ Shrooms take the spotlight. With Singapore’s largest agave spirits collection (200+ bottles) and masterclasses exploring both agave and rice distillates, this hidden gem invites cocktail lovers to drink, learn, and discover. Find out more here.
Rempapa’s Weekday Set Lunch
Not just Nasi Lemak but Rempapa’s super fragrant and lemak jasmine rice (dry steamed and soaked in fresh young coconut milk) served on a platter with silver fish, a fried egg, and homemade sambal. Find it in the Weekday Set Lunch (S$48++ for two) which comes with two starters – Sayur Lodeh and homemade acar, and a choice of two out of seven mains. Tuck into selections like Beef Cheek Rendang, Hakka Fried Pork, Ayam Berempah, and more. Then, end the meal with Rempapa’s Assorted Heritage Kueh (four pieces) or refreshing bowls of cheng teng. Find out more here.
Chatterbox Crab Fiesta
Chatterbox serves up an irresistible Crab Fiesta (S$168++ per portion, approximately 1.5kg, suitable for 2-3 guests), featuring the aromatic Kam Heong Crab in September and the bold Black Pepper Crab in October. Especially for the Grand Prix season, you can enjoy three alcoholic beverages – we like the Signature Chatterbox’s Punch with chilli-infused gin – for just S$36++. Alongside the must-have chicken rice, tuck into sharing portions of Lobster Carrot Cake (S$22++) or Sea Perch with Homemade Soy Sauce (S$39++) to turn up your meal. Find out more here.
Conrad Centennial Whimsical Wonderland Afternoon Tea
It’s Tea O’Clock at the Lobby Lounge of Conrad Centennial Singapore with their Whimsical Wonderland afternoon tea inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic tale. Journey through curious confections and fantastical flavours with savoury snacks like the Ace of Hearts, a charcoal finger sandwich with miso cauliflower and curry, and Alice’s Favourite shrimp cocktail with Marie Rose and trout roe. Dive into sweet treats like the Rabbit in the Hole, a gula melaka sponge cake with coconut malibu mousse, and The Scarlet Queen with its regal layers of Oabika Nyangbo cremeux. Find out more here.
Activities
Universal Studios Singapore Halloween Horror Nights 12
Get ready for Southeast Asia’s biggest Halloween event as Universal Studios Singapore Halloween Horror Nights 12 returns from 27 September to 2 November 2024. This year’s event promises 18 nights of spine-chilling excitement with four immersive haunted houses, including “Singapore’s Most Haunted: The Killings” and “Cursed Scrolls: Dynasty of Darkness,” alongside three terrifying scare zones and three live shows. Guests will explore dark dreams with attractions like “Vampire Alley,” “The Lost Kampung,” and “Nether-Land,” while enjoying new shows such as “Night Terrors” and “Ocu.lar’s Rave.” Don’t miss the Viper Lounge, a hidden speakeasy offering devilish delights amidst the chaos. Tickets from S$80, inclusive of F&B and Retail vouchers.
Wild Rice Presents: Accidental Death of an Activist
Accident or not? You’ll find out in the local twist of Dario Fo and Franca Rame’s Accidental Death of an Activist. As the police scramble to avoid scandal, a mysterious trickster launches his wild investigation, threatening to reveal deep-seated corruption. Adapted by award-winning theatre-maker Jo Kukathas and co-directed by Glen Goei, expect a night of laughs and thought-provoking fun through the satire featuring Ghafir Akbar, Siti Khalijah Zainal, Lim Kay Siu, and Munah Bagharib. Tickets from S$35.
ALL THAT MATTERS
Gearing up for a world with AI, ALL THAT MATTERS brings industry leaders in Music, Sports, Gaming, AI, Web3, and Marketing in a three-day entertainment conference. With over 70 industry experts and prominent speakers such as Kweku Mandela, Eric Nam, Dr. Ben Goertzel, and Bianca Bustamante, you’ll gain valuable insights through the dynamic sessions. Discover the biggest challenges, opportunities, and breakthroughs, with AI at the forefront of innovation and transformation across industries. This is the best chance to network, connect, or even forge cross-industry collaborations. City Nomads readers can use the code “ATM24CN15” to enjoy 15% discount when getting your tickets here.
GENTLE GIANTS: Karang Garang
LAANK, the multi-award-winning interior design studio, is launching its first exhibition, Gentle Giants: Karang Garang, from 21 September to 6 October 2024 at their creative studio lounge, EAT SNAKE. The showcase reimagines construction waste into artful furniture and sustainable materials, reflecting the studio’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Inspired by the “Karang Guni” (Malay for scrap dealer) mindset, LAANK transforms discarded materials—such as wood off-cuts, metal scraps, and fabric deadstock—into bespoke, functional pieces. Through this exhibition, LAANK challenges conventional notions of waste, showcasing the potential for artistic expression and sustainable design. Entry is via registration sign-ups only. Admission is free.
DIVE
Dive, running from 5 – 22 September 2024 at The Studio @ Wild Rice, is a poignant exploration of love’s darker side, following a relationship that transforms from youthful bliss to something suffocating yet impossible to abandon. This thought-provoking production, marking theatre-maker Laura Hayes’ debut at Wild Rice and directed by Sim Yan Ying “YY”, delves into the complexities of staying in a relationship that feels both comforting and destructive. With a blend of humor and heart, Dive invites audiences to reflect on the fine line between love and entrapment, as it unfolds the emotional journey of a couple through the years. The show runs for 1 hour and 30 minutes, with no intermission. Find out more here.
IKEA RestFest
IKEA Singapore is hosting RestFest from 6 to 8 September 2024 at all IKEA stores—Alexandra, Tampines, and Jurong—to celebrate the importance of good sleep. This 3-day event offers engaging activities, workshops, and talks focused on promoting restful sleep, along with exclusive deals like $1 supper steals and all-day breakfast for IKEA Family members. Participants can redeem limited-edition IKEA merchandise, join contests for prizes, and enjoy extended shopping hours until midnight on 6 and 7 September. Highlights include a pyjamas party with activities like back massages, tea tastings, and mocktail mixing sessions. Visitors dressed in pyjamas can also redeem a free Soy ice-cream, while stocks last. Find out more here.
AICreate at ArtScience Museum
Dive into the future of filmmaking led by AI at The Creator RenAIssance programme at ArtScience Museum, Singapore. Catch the world premiere of The Frost 2, the highly-anticipated sequel to the world’s first AI-generated film, engage with creators, and even watch them work in Live Prompt Battles! The event also features an exclusive lineup of AI-driven short films. Find out more here.
Nordic Film Festival
Immerse yourself in moving stories at the Nordic Film Festival 2024, with a lineup of films from Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. Highlights include Hammarskjöld, a speculative biopic on UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld’s mysterious death, Stormskerry Maja, Finland’s box office hit about a woman’s fight for survival, Listen Up, a comedic journey through second-generation immigrant life, and*, starring Mads Mikkelsen in a dramatic 18th-century struggle. Tickets from S$12; find out more here.
Sentosa’s Siloso Night Out
Singapore Night Festival Brings The Art of Play
The Singapore Night Festival 2024 returns to the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct with the Art of Play This 15th edition. Running from 23 Aug to 7 September, the BBB precinct illuminates with over 50 programmes, including projection mapping, performances, and Night Lights installations. With an extra weekend of festivities, ramp up the fun at four festival villages – one even has an escape room-like experience – offering Night Lights, performances, and culinary delights. Play on and explore heritage and childhood through immersive art. Find out the highlights here.
Come back next week, for a new updated list of the best things to do in Singapore this September 2024!