Mark your calendars – Singapore is chockfull of exciting events this year. Say hello to Artbox, eat and drink your heart out at the biggest Ramadan Bazaar yet, or rock out to female-fronted music festival, The Alex Charlie Blake Sessions. Don’t forget to stuff yourself silly with street snacks from Thailand at the Chatuchak Night Market either. These are the top events happening in Singapore this 2023 that should be on your radar.

6. Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

Photograph: H&B, Exhibition Hub, Fever and Resorts World Sentosa

March 1

This spectacular exhibition has wowed visitors across the US and Europe since its launch in 2017. This year, it will be making its ways to our sunny shores for the very first time. From March 1, head down to Resorts World Sentosa to bask in the swirling night sky of van Gogh’s The Starry Night or be lulled into relaxation as boats bob on the wall, all brought to life by 360-degree digital projections. There’ll be a signature VR experience to bring you into A Day in the Life of an Artist in Arles, and to learn the inspiration behind some of the legendary Dutch painter’s most iconic paintings. Look forward to fun activities in the exhibition space too – including yoga classes, art jamming sessions, and a themed café experience.

March 28

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants will be hosted in Singapore this March, for the very first time since 2013. And besides the red carpets and bubbly, its bringing fresh programming – example being the first Asia iteration of 50 Signature Sessions, a collaborative dining series that spotlights international chefs and local talent. You can also look forward to the traditional Chefs’ Feast, which will marry chef experiences with a celebration of Asia’s hawker dishes. 2023 will also present the first-ever winner of Beronia Asia’s Best Sommelier Award. In the meantime, keep an eye out for the announcement of Asia’s Best Female Chef Award and American Express One To Watch in the weeks leading up to the main event.

Second quarter of 2023

This upcoming opening is one you need to keep an eye out for. Bird Paradise is set to open in Q2 this year, and bills itself as one of the largest bird parks in the world. Get upclose with over 20 species of hornbills, and endangered species like the Philippine eagle. There are eight walk-in aviaries – from a tropical rainforest to a desert oasis – for you to visit. Bird Paradise also has interactive encounters and tours where visitors can learn all about conservation research efforts.

Photograph: HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens/Suhaimi Abdullah

April

Watch the world’s top rugby nations battle it out to be crowned champion at the HSBC World Rugby Sevens. Diehard fans and supporters from all over the globe turn up in droves at this annual sporting extravaganza to cheer on their favourite teams on their road to glory. Expect adrenaline-pumping action on the pitch, entertainment, and awesome beats at these two days of intense matchups. Purchase the one or two-day passes and get all your loved ones in the action.

13. National Day

August 9

Watch the Lion City roar to life as the nation celebrates its independence and beyond. Put on your best red and white outfit and head to the Padang to watch helicopters and fighter planes taking over the skies. There will also be aerial displays, military parades, and of course, dazzling multi-cultural performances that honour how far Singapore has come. And everyone’s favourite part – the breathtaking fireworks display at the end of the parade.

14. Singapore Food Festival

August to September

The smell of heady spices, sticky barbecue glazes and the sound of a sizzling grill – all await at the Singapore Food Festival. Foodies are welcome to come together to celebrate the rich food culture of Singapore. Get your tastebuds ready and feast the plethora of dishes that reflect Singapore’s melting pot of cultures. The event also comprises free-to-view masterclasses, engaging workshops and food tours. Learn classic recipes from pros during hands-on seminars, savour unique menus created especially for the Singapore Food Festival, and try out award-winning dishes of famous chefs.

15. Singapore Design Week

A linchpin on Singapore’s arts and culture calendar, Singapore Design Week is simply bursting with talks, tours, exhibitions, workshops and symposiums. Through these, the vibrant festival uncovers lifestyle trends and impactful design solutions, geared towards exploring the future of design in Singapore. 2022’s 10-day festival featured more than 50 exciting events that involved global thinkers, regional designers, and local talents – we can’t wait to see what they’re cooking this year.

16. Christmas Wonderland

December

Truly magical fun for the entire family – catch stunning light displays, Santa Claus, carnival games and ‘snow’ in the tropics at Christmas Wonderland. Held at Gardens by the Bay, this annual event has brought festive cheer to the city since its debut in 2014. Visitors are treated to Yule-themed events, exciting games and activities as well. Check out St. Nick’s Square – a stunning Spalliera display that resembles an intricate crown, or be mesmerised by the Whimsical Windmill at Gingerbread Grove. Keep your eyes peeled for Santa too, as he will be standing by with greetings. Hop onboard the Venetian horse carousel at the Games Village zone, or get in the festive mood at Merry Lane’s Snowland, which features an illuminated igloo and polar bears, and ‘snow’ in the tropics. If you’re feeling peckish, drop by ELFresco and feast on tasty festive fare from F&B brands like Sourbombe and Burger & Lobster. Round off your visit with a momento at the iconic Mistletoe Alley Market selling an array of festive products.