Top 5 Things to Do This Week: 27 October to 2 November 2014

Quite a number of party places have already celebrated Halloween, but if you looking for more, most of our top picks are happening this weekend, so check ’em out. On the other hand, if avoiding all things spooky and gruesome is your life goal this week, we have five cool activities and events for your consideration:

For the local heritage buffs – Singapura: 700 Years

In celebration of 50 years of independence next year, this exhibition chronicles Singapore’s transformation from a humble fishing village (or a pirate’s den, if you’ve seen Pirates of the Carribean) to the independent nation-state of today. Explore our defining moments in six different sections like Ancient Singapore (1300-1818) and Road to Merdeka (1946-1965). There are also special, monthly hour-long tours of the exhibit led by historians, so check them out for a more immersive experience.

Singapura: 700 Years is running 28 October 2014 – 10 August 2015, 10am-6pm daily, at Exhibition Galleries 1 & 2, National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897. For more information, see website.

For the fashionista historian – 60 Years Made in Italy

Relive the glamorous era of La Dolce Vita at Scott Square, as they’ll be playing host to the 60 Years of Made in Italy exhibition. Curated by fashion journalists Alessia Tota and Fiorella Galgano, and endorsed by the Italian Cultural Institute, this display tells the (his)story of Italian fashion from 1950s, when Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor hung out in ateliers of Rome and Florence, to the present. So head down to celebrate and appreciate the sartorial genius of designers like Salvatore Ferragamo, Roberto Cavalli, and Emilio Pucci.

60 Years Made in Italy is happening 30 October – 9 November 2014 at Scotts Square, 6 Scotts Road, Singapore 228209.

For the bookworms and lit students – Singapore Writers Festival 2014

The who’s who of the literary world – like Paul Theroux and Naomi Wolf – are descending upon our little red dot this weekend for two weeks of though-provoking discussions and lectures centred around the theme this year, The Prospect of Beauty. We’re particularly excited about the Balik Kampung Literary Tours where local writers take readers to their sites of inspiration and the many cool films screening at the SWF Fringe. For more details, check out our feature on the festival here.

Singapore Writers Festival is running 31 October – 9 November 2014. For more information and tickets, see website.

For the ballet lovers – ONEGIN Stuttgart Ballet

Part of Esplanade’s da:ns series, Onegin is based on Russian author Alexander Pushkin’s landmark narrative poem set in Imperial Russia. The proud aristocrat Eugene Onegin callously rejects the love of young Tatiana only to fall in love with her years later, but his cruel devices set in motion a trail of death and regret, causing him to lose his best friend. Featuring exquisite sets by Jurgen Rose and Tchaikovsky’s soaring music, this is one of the most emotional charged modern ballets in history.

ONEGIN Stuttgart Ballet is happening 31 October – 1 November 2014 at Esplanade Theatre. For more information and tickets, see SISTIC.

For the The Local People x Movember Night Market

Online retailer and market organizer The Local People has joined hands with the Singapore arm of The Movember Foundation to raise awareness of prostate and testicular cancer. Those of you who have started growing mustaches in support can look forward to winning fun prizes for Best Moustache and/or Best Groomer. With more than 90 local vendors like Amado Gudek, The Ugly Cake Shop, and Soi 55 taking part, it’s going to be a night of fun, sweat, and music!

The Local People x Movember Night Market is happening 1 November 2014, 5pm-11pm, at Level 6 People’s Park Complex, Singapore 059108. For more information, see their Facebook Page.

Top Image: Singapore Writers Festival


Written by Emily S

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Chief Editor

Emily heads the editorial team on City Nomads by being a stickler for details, a grammar Nazi, and a really picky eater. Born and bred in Singapore, she loves cats, the written word, and exploring new places. Can be bribed with quality booze across the board.