Much Excitement This March
Top 9 free (or low cost) activities you can do with your friends (or by yourself, we won't judge).
The March holidays are here upon us! In the midst of studying for your tests and exams, it is nonetheless important to take a break. Have no money? No problem! Here is a collated list of events you and your friends can engage in to relieve some of that study stress without burning a large hole in your pocket.
We here bring you the top 9 "free-ish" things to do this March, ranging from events involving writing to nature, and even outer space. It's guaranteed to be out of this world.
Singapore Design Week @National Design Centre
3-12 March: FREE for selective programmes
The annual Singapore Design Week is just around the corner. This year, it will feature more than 100 local and international programmes. From a Design, Make & Craft Fair to Design Trails, there is something for everyone. Perhaps you’ll find your right cutting here
We have shortlisted some key dates to look out for:
4 - 5th March, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., FREE: Visit the Design, Make & Craft Fair hands-on workshops to (you guessed it) design, make & craft your own items, guided by experienced industry professionals hailing from Singapore and the Asia-Pacific regions. Exercise those artistic fingers today.
11 - 12th March, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., FREE with registration: Popular programme Design Trails means exactly what it says (too). Participants will be taken around on a Design Day Out to places in the city that have inspired designs. Also: the rare opportunity to look at spaces and studios of the creative community in Singapore. You might just learn how to appreciate design through the talks and demonstrations. Leave your own trail of designs here.
Choking Hazard: An Exhibition about Toys @Kult Gallery, Little India
Until 18 March, FREE (every day, but sign up for weekends)
Are you a fan of toys? Well, here are some for you to mess with! 30 artists and toymakers from all over the globe (from the USA to Spain, to Indonesia, Singapore, and more) have put together a gallery of dismantled toys, and they welcome YOU to do so as well!
An assortment of pre-loved toys will suffer at your “creativity” for you to dismantle and create. The opportunity to reunite with your inner child lies here!
PressPlay @ Various NLB branches
Until 18th March, FREE @ library@esplanade, library@orchard, Bishan Public Library, Toa Payoh Public Library, Bedok Public Library, Ang Mo Kio Public Library
Art programmes aren’t always expensive. This annual programme is available to YOUth through workshops, talks, panel discussions, and free live performances featuring sub:shaman and Ffion.
NASA: A Human Adventure @ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay
Until 19th March, $16 for Singaporean students ($20 on Fridays and weekends)
Starry-eyed astronomers-to-be, it’s time for you to trek through five galleries: Dreamers, Go Fever, Pioneers, Endurance and Innovation. Take your time admiring the 200 NASA artefacts (including rocket parts), and learn about the history of the Space Race between the United States of America and the Soviet Union.
Start your adventure here!
… but if you’re looking for a cheap, absolutely FREE starry experience, look no further than the Science Centre Observatory @Singapore Science Centre.
Stargazing sessions are 7.30 p.m. - 11 p.m. on Fridays, subject to weather conditions and queue lengths.
St Patrick’s Day Street Festival @Singapore City
17 - 19th March, 6 p.m. onwards, FREE
Regardless of whether you’ve been hoping to meet leprechauns or wanting to pretend to be Irish for a few hours, this is for anyone who wants to let loose and let the fun take over! Featuring face painters, Irish dance performances, balloon sculptors, folk-rock performances and a bouncy castle, you’re bound to have a jolly good time.
Wishing you lots of luck! If you manage to bypass the cunning leprechaun and obtain that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, bring some back for us! For more on St Patrick's Day, please click here.
Blossom Bliss @Gardens by the Bay ($12-28)
3 - 24 March, 9.00 am - 9.00 pm ($12-$20 for Local residents)
Who doesn’t love to travel? Well, you can do just that without spending on an expensive plane ticket by simply heading down to the Blossom Bliss exhibit at Gardens by the Bay.
Get transported to the Land of the Rising Sun where you will be surrounded by famous Japanese flowers, peach blossoms, bonsai arrangements and more! Their wide array of Japanese flowers and plants is guaranteed to enthral any nature enthusiast and makes for a great Instagram post.
Visitors are encouraged to purchase their tickets online prior to their visit.
If you’re trying to save up on some of that pocket money, do not fret, for we have a cheaper alternative for you too.
The National Museum of Singapore is holding an interactive exhibition titled Story of the Forest. Bringing to life the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings, the exhibition explores the ever-changing relationship between Man and Mother Nature, all in the comfort of an air-conditioned gallery.
Who ever said you needed to get down and dirty with nature?
i Light Marina Bay @Marina Bay Waterfront
3 - 26 March, Main event from 7.30 pm - 11.00 pm (extended to midnight on Fridays & Saturdays), FREE for some attractions
“Join us to Eat, Sing, Play and Repeat!”
If you want to experience first-hand how nature looks lit up in the dark, this is for you. The Marina Bay will be decked out like a Christmas tree with light art installations by both Singaporeans and international artists for almost the entire duration of March. Other than the installations, you can also take part in events like boat tours and live performances.
It’s guaranteed to be lit.
Check out their website for more details.
Studio Ghibli Artworks Exhibition @Polar Bear Gallery, Haji Lane
Until 29 July, Fri & Sat 12pm - 8pm, Sun 12.00 pm - 6.00 pm, FREE
The magic of My Neighbour Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke and Laputa: Castle in the Sky (and more!) is now within your sphere of existence.
Original celluloids* freed for the first time from a private collection, alongside artworks by Japanese artist Naohisa Inoue who created the background for Studio Ghibli film Whisper of the Heart, will blow your mind with their out-of-this-world visuals.
Are you still hesitating? It’s HERE, in Singapore. Proof here.
*Celluloid: a transparent flammable plastic made in sheets from camphor and nitrocellulose, formerly used for cinematographic film. [Oxford Dictionary]
Better Grades @River Valley High School
Until your own A Levels release of results day, FREE (notwithstanding the hours of hard work you have to commit)
It’s not in the picture, but River Valley High School features endless locations to study (check out our review on study locations in school too!), from the canteen to the green tables at the Art Block.
Fun is fun, but do remember that at the end of the day, your studies take precedence as a student. Balance your leisure and work time to finish those stacks of homework!
Keep Calm and March On. Till then, may your March holidays be filled with much meaning.