Top 28 free things to do in Singapore (July 2025): Singapore Biryani Festival 2.0, SingaPAW weekend, Poetry Festival, and more

Bored as well as broke? We've got good news for you. This July 2025, there's a plethora of markets, events, and activities to keep you entertained at zero cost.

This July, Singapore sizzles with flavour, fun, and feel-good experiences for all. Tuck into fragrant rice dishes at the Biryani Festival, sip your way through CellarFiesta-Singapore's largest alcohol fair-and treat your furkids to SingaPAW Weekend 60, a massive pet-friendly bash with adoptions, giveaways, and games. 

Nature lovers can admire vibrant blooms at The Flower Show, while wordsmiths can find inspiration at Poetry Festival Singapore. 

And if you're after a cool treat, head to the Museum of Ice Cream, where both humans and pups enjoy free scoops on National Ice Cream Day.

Free festivals, fairs and markets in Singapore

1. National Day at the National Museum: Lights, Lego, and Free Entry (July 18 to Aug 9)

The National Museum of Singapore is going all out for National Day with a jam-packed three-week celebration from July 18 to Aug 9, culminating in a full day of festivities on 9 August-when admission is completely free for all.

Starting July 18, visitors can explore Stories of Singapore: Building Our Heritage Brick by Brick, a Lego-filled tribute to national icons featuring a massive diorama, a Make & Take activity, digital colouring stations, and even a shot at helping complete a record-breaking Lego mural. 

In the evenings, catch the museum's façade illuminated in a refreshed edition of Canvas of Light: Our Nation's Journey.

Then on National Day, the museum comes alive across four levels with hands-on crafts, interactive heritage hunts, and a picnic-style NDP live screening on the front lawn (from 5.30pm). Don't miss this rare chance to experience it all, free of charge.

National Day Celebrations at the National Museum of Singapore

• Date: July 18 to Aug 9, 2025
• Time: 10 am - 12 am daily
• Location: National Museum of Singapore
• Free Admission: Aug 9, 2025 only

Free Activities:

• Stories of Singapore: Building Our Heritage Brick by Brick (July 18 - Aug 9)
• Canvas of Light: Our Nation's Journey façade light-up (evenings)
• Full-day National Day programme (Aug 9) including live NDP screening on the front lawn

2. Marina Square's Kopi-Shop Pop-Up (July 18 - Aug 17)

To celebrate Singapore's 60th birthday, Marina Square has teamed up with Play Nation to bring the nostalgia of traditional kopitiam culture to life-in plushie form.

From July 18 to Aug 17, step into a retro coffee shop at Marina Foyer, Level 2, and meet an irresistibly adorable line-up of breakfast-inspired collectibles, from Kopi Kettle plushies to soft-boiled egg keychains, all playfully designed for foodies and collectors alike.

Shoppers can pick up plush bundles like the Kopi Addict Set ($55) or go all in with the Shiok Max Set ($120), and Rewards Members enjoy 10 per cent off merchandise plus a free Kopitiam Building Block Set with $80 spend (while stocks last). 

With nostalgic packaging, surprise blind boxes, and block sets like the iconic Dragon Playground, this is more than a pop-up-it's a joy-filled celebration of Singapore's culinary heritage.

Marina Square x Play Nation Kopi-Shop Pop-Up

• Date: July 18 - Aug 17, 2025
• Time: 11am - 9pm
• Location: Marina Foyer, Marina Square, Level 2
• What's free: 10 per cent off for Rewards Members, free Kopitiam Building Block Set with $80 spend (limited to 2,000 redemptions)

3. SG60 celebrations at Changi Airport and Jewel (July - Aug 2025)

To mark Singapore's 60th birthday, Changi Airport and Jewel are rolling out a nationwide celebration themed Together, We Make Magic. From free concerts to floral displays and a charity walk, this milestone tribute brings together national pride, nostalgia, and community spirit across multiple locations.

Highlights include the SG60 Homecoming Concert on Aug 1 at Jewel, featuring major Singapore artists like Stefanie Sun and Kit Chan. Entry is free via a ticket ballot. On July 27, the Changi Airport Charity Walk invites participants on a glowing 2km journey with interactive stations and a finisher medal. Donations are matched up to four times in support of Community Chest.

Other experiences include a massive floral showcase with over 1,200 orchids, light-ups along Airport Boulevard from 28 Jul, a special rendition of Jewel's Light & Music Showcase, and a ticketed "Evolution of Travel" exhibit at Changi Experience Studio-with a promotional SG60 ticket bundle for families and seniors.

SG60 Celebrations at Changi Airport and Jewel

• Date: July - Aug 2025
• Time: Various
• Location: Changi Airport and Jewel Changi Airport

4. Once Upon a Tide & Children's Season at the National Museum (From May 24)

To mark Singapore's 60th year of independence, the National Museum is pulling out all the stops with two major showcases: the immersive exhibition Once Upon a Tide and the family-friendly Children's Season: Get Curious! Building Our Singapore.

Once Upon a Tide traces over 700 years of Singapore's transformation from a 14th-century trading port to a global city, through more than 350 artefacts and interactive experiences. Highlights include a digital sampan challenge, an evolving coastline map, and a section celebrating Singaporeans who've made waves worldwide-from Olympic athletes to filmmakers. The exhibition ends with a fun RFID activity that invites you to reflect on your vision for Singapore's future.

The Once Upon a Tide exhibition is free for Singaporeans and PRs.

Once Upon a Tide at the National Museum

• Date: From May 24
• Time: 10am - 7pm
• Location: National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road, S178897

5. Mario Kart Takes Over Jewel Changi Airport (Now till July 24)

Start your engines — Jewel Changi Airport is transforming into a Mario Kart-inspired playground from now till 24 July, featuring Southeast Asia's first-ever Mario Kart-themed installations and the return of the only Nintendo pop-up store outside Japan.

Explore larger-than-life photo spots across Jewel, including a five-metre-wide Rainbow Road centrepiece in the Forest Valley, complete with lights and the iconic game soundtrack. Don't miss the 1.3-metre Banana hazard-a cheeky nod to every racer's nemesis.

Fans can:

• Complete a stamp rally (Levels 1-5) to earn a Mario Kart sticker pack
• Visit the Gachapon machines at Level 1 for a chance to win prizes (free tokens with $80 spend, or $6 via Changi App)
• Snap pics and join the Nintendo Photo Challenge (May 1-12) for more freebies

The Nintendo pop-up (Level 4) features over 500 items from beloved games including Super Mario, Zelda, Animal Crossing, and more-plus a limited-edition Nintendo x Jewel T-shirt.

Mario Kart & Nintendo Pop-Up at Jewel

• Date: Now till July 24
• Time: All-day (Stamp rally and Gachapon during mall hours)
• Location: Jewel Changi Airport (Installations: Levels 1-5; Pop-up: Level 4)
• Admission: Free (but shopping perks and Gachapon tokens require spend or purchase)

6. Singapore Biryani Festival 2.0 (July 25-27)

Singapore's ONLY Biryani Festival 2.0 returns bigger and bolder, bringing three delicious days of rice-fuelled revelry to Singapore Expo Hall 6. Running from July 25 to 27, this one-of-a-kind culinary celebration centres on biryani and other unique rice-based dishes from across Asia — perfect for food lovers of all ages.

In addition to sampling fragrant, spice-rich biryani from a variety of cultures, festival-goers can enjoy live entertainment, interactive games, and celebrity chef appearances. The event also includes cooking competitions, music performances, and a bustling marketplace featuring artisanal goods, lifestyle products, and homegrown brands. It's not just about food - it's about the cultural richness that comes with every grain.

While food and merchandise are chargeable, entry to the festival is free, making it a perfect day out for families, foodies, and culture buffs alike.

Singapore's ONLY Biryani Festival 2.0

• Date: July 25-27, 2025
• Time: 10am - 10pm
• Location: Singapore Expo Hall 6, 1 Expo Drive, Singapore 486150

7. Poetry Festival Singapore 2025 (July 26-27)

Celebrate the beauty of language and human expression at Poetry Festival Singapore 2025, returning to the National Library / Lee Kong Chian Reference Library for a weekend of verse, performance, and creative connection. Whether you're a lifelong poet or just exploring the genre, this event welcomes all who love the written and spoken word.

Happening July 26-27, 2025, the festival offers a diverse line-up of poetry readings, showcases, and interactive sessions with local and regional talents. Attendees can engage in thought-provoking performances, discover new voices, and even take the mic to share their own work in a welcoming community setting.

Admission is free, making it the perfect opportunity to dip into Singapore's vibrant literary scene without cost.

Poetry Festival Singapore 2025

• Date: July 26-27, 2025
• Location: National Library / Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, 100 Victoria Street

8. Parents' Day Weekend (July 26 - 27)

Celebrate the people who love you best at Parents' Day Weekend, a heartwarming pop-up event held at Crane Joo Chiat. Running over Saturday and Sunday, the weekend fair is all about family, connection, and showing appreciation for mum, dad, or your chosen family.

Browse a thoughtful selection of local vendors offering home fragrances, accessories, and tasty bites the whole household can enjoy. Whether you're picking up a small gift, spending quality time together, or simply soaking in the community spirit, this pet-friendly fair promises a laid-back day of love and discovery.

Parents' Day Weekend

• Date: July 26 - 27, 2025
• Time: 10am - 6pm
• Location: Crane Joo Chiat, 432 Joo Chiat Road

9. West Mall July promotions with over $20,000 in prizes (Now - July 27, 2025)

West Mall is serving up a month of exciting perks in the heart of Bukit Batok with the launch of Eat@W-a new Basement 1 dining zone featuring over 20 eateries like Jo Ju Bang and Panda Chan. Whether you're planning a family gathering or grabbing a quick bite, there's something new to try.

Members of the West Mall Rewards app can unlock exclusive eDeals, referral bonuses, and a lucky draw with $20,000 worth of prizes up for grabs.

Lucky Draw (Now - July 27, 2025): Spend $50 in a single receipt to earn one lucky draw chance. Max 10 chances per member per day. 20 winners will take home attractive prizes.

New Sign-up Perk: First-time users can key in promo code WMJULNEW5 to redeem a $5 West Mall eVoucher. Limited to 200 redemptions only.

Refer a Friend: Both you and your friend get a $5 West Mall eVoucher when they sign up and spend $20. Capped at 50 successful referrals.

Daily Check-In Rewards: Check in on the West Mall Rewards app once per day to unlock surprise treats.

West Mall July 2025 Promotions

• Date: Now - July 27, 2025
• Location: West Mall, 1 Bukit Batok Central Link, Singapore 658713
• What's Free: $5 eVoucher for new members (while stocks last), eDeals for app users, lucky draw entry with purchase

10. Tanglin Mall x Crane Living Pop-Up (July 28 - Aug 3)

Discover beautifully curated finds at the Tanglin Mall x Crane Living Pop-Up, a week-long showcase of handcrafted goods, home accents, and indie creations by local makers. Held at Tanglin Mall's Level 1 Atrium, this artisan market brings together a vibrant community of small businesses with unique offerings that make for thoughtful gifts-or indulgent treats for yourself.

Expect to browse through everything from home fragrances and jewellery to quirky art prints and party-ready snacks. Whether you're shopping for festive inspiration or just love supporting local craft, this cosy pop-up is the perfect place to find something special.

Tanglin Mall x Crane Living Pop-Up

• Date: July 28 - Aug 3, 2025
• Time: 10am - 9pm
• Location: Level 1 Atrium, Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247933

11. The Gardeners' Market (Every second Saturday)

If you're craving something slower-paced and grounded in the community, The Gardeners' Market is a lovely way to spend your Saturday morning. Held every second Saturday of the month at City Sprouts @ West Coast, this market is a grassroots initiative powered by local farmers and growers.

Expect fresh produce straight from the soil, handmade goods with heart, and plenty of kampung spirit. It's a welcoming space whether you're keen to shop sustainably, pick up a few gardening tips, or just enjoy the community vibe with a kopi in hand.

The event is free to attend, and open to all-perfect for a breezy weekend outing that's a little closer to nature and a lot more personal.

The Gardeners' Market

• Date: Every second Saturday of the month
• Time: 9am - 2pm
• Location: City Sprouts @ West Coast
• Admission: Free

12. Wisma Weekend Pop-Up 2025 (Every Fri-Sun)

Make your next weekend count with Wisma Weekend Pop-Up 2025 — a lively showcase of local creativity at Crane Living, Wisma Atria. This recurring event brings together homegrown vendors, tasty eats, and a community vibe that makes browsing and snacking feel like a celebration.

Happening every Friday to Sunday, the pop-up is a great spot to uncover hidden gems from small businesses while enjoying a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're on the hunt for artisanal finds or just in the mood for some low-key fun, it's a casual way to support local.

Wisma Weekend Pop-Up 2025

• Date: Every Fri-Sun
• Time: 11am - 7pm
• Location: Crane Living @ OCBC Wisma Atria, Level 4

13. Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art exhibition at the National Gallery (From Dec 2)

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Singapore's evolving identity through Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art, a new long-term exhibition at National Gallery Singapore. Opening on Dec 2, 2024, the exhibition kicks off with its first instalment, showcasing over 200 artworks and artefacts from the 19th century to the 1960s.

From vivid depictions of colonial Singapore in Market of the Tropics to P. Ramlee's iconic films in Community and Self, this exhibition weaves stories of trade, community, and identity through art. Don't miss the stunning centrepiece, Chen Wen Hsi's monumental Gibbons, newly restored and ready to captivate visitors.

The first part of Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art opens on Dec 2, 2024, while you can view the full exhibition from Jul 2025. Admission is free for Singaporeans and PRs, while foreigners can purchase general admission tickets from $20. Head to the revamped DBS Singapore Gallery and take a journey through Singapore's artistic heritage.

Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art exhibition at the National Gallery

• Dates: From Dec 2, 2024
• Location: National Gallery
• Address: 1 St Andrew's Road, Singapore 178957

14. Makers' Market (various dates)

Everyone's favourite pop-up handmade market Makers' Market always has something up their sleeves, from artisanal crafts to handmade lifestyle products. Some of my favourite bags, pins and other little trinkets have come from Makers' Markets around Singapore.

Check out these markets you can look forward to in 2025:

Free pet events in Singapore

1. SingaPAW Weekend 60 (July 26 - 27)

SingaPAW Weekend 60 returns to South Beach Avenue for a two-day, pet-friendly extravaganza filled with shopping, activities, and adorable animals. From 11am to 8pm daily, this free-entry event will host over 60 vendors, a vibrant adoption drive, fun workshops, and a unique ERP Trail and Pawer Course for pet owners and their companions to enjoy together.

Visitors can look forward to pet education booths, bird gatherings, and pet-friendly F&B options. Capture your memories with the Paw Patrol Print Strip challenge-snap photos with mascots at all three zones and redeem an exclusive Yappy Pets goodie bag. Shoppers who spend $100 (combined receipts allowed) at any vendor or animal welfare group can also redeem a limited edition HFA x KOI card with $10 KOI credit and a free drink-only 300 available per day.

SingaPAW Weekend 60

• Date: July 26 - 27, 2025
• Time: 11am - 8pm
• Location: South Beach Avenue, 26 Beach Road

Free performances and programmes in Singapore

1. Swee Lee Clarke Quay Activities: Workshops, Open Mic Night, Trivia Night (July 22, 29, 30, 31)

Looking for a fun evening in Singapore this month? Head to Swee Lee Clarke Quay! They're hosting a music trivia night, open mic night, and various music workshops.

• Mix With Ease - Bringing Our Demos to Mix 1 with Ian Lee of PK Records (July 22, 7pm): Learn how to confidently turn demos into polished mixes with practical tips and workflows from PK Records' Ian Lee, using BandLab as a hands-on tool.
• Beyond the Ordinary - Discover the Craftsmanship of Premium Guitars (July 29, 7pm): Explore what sets premium guitars apart in tone, craftsmanship, and value in this deep-dive session for serious players and collectors.
• Swee Lee Clarke Quay Music Trivia Night (July 30, 7pm): Whether you're a pop aficionado or a rock 'n' roll historian, this event is perfect for testing your music knowledge with trivia questions covering a range of genres and eras.
• Swee Lee Clarke Quay's Open Mic Night (July 31, 7pm): There's something magical about live music. Couple that with an open mic night, and you're set up for a night of musical discovery and excitement. Experience the magic at Swee Lee Clarke Quay with an evening of passion and talent as handpicked local musicians take the stage. From acoustic to indie and soulful ballads, these captivating performances will leave you mesmerised.

Swee Lee at Clarke Quay: Blk 3B River Valley Road #01-06 Singapore, Singapore 179021

2. Let's Go Bananas Open Mic Stand Up Comedy (July 31)

Looking for a midweek pick-me-up? Get ready for a night of Singaporean humour at Let's Go Bananas Open Mic. Since 2017, this comedy platform organised by DMC Productions has been bringing heartland-style laughs, inspired by life growing up in the 80s and 90s. Expect relatable jokes, local quirks, and a mix of seasoned comedians and fresh talent-all ready to crack you up with their best punchlines! With over 100 comedians (both local and foreign) in the mix, every show is unpredictable and hilarious.

Let's Go Bananas Open Mic

• Dates: July 31, 2025
• Time: 8 - 9.30pm
• Venue: X-Scap8 @ Orchard Central
• Address: 181 Orchard Road #07-02 Level 7 Singapore, 238896

This event is strictly M18, so leave the kiddos at home and enjoy a night of unfiltered, Singapore-style comedy.

Free community events in Singapore

1. Repair Kopitiam (July 27)

I don't know about you, but I am a destroyer of household items. I break things around the house on an almost weekly basis sometimes. Enter Repair Kopitiam, a haven for anyone looking to mend their broken goods rather than tossing them aside.

Gathering on the last Sunday of every month, this initiative is more than just a repair session-it's a movement towards sustainability. Whether it's faulty electronics, torn outfits, or wobbly furniture, the Repair Coaches are on hand to guide you through the fixing process. Bring your damaged treasures and discover the joy of fixing, saving, and learning-all in the name of reducing waste and embracing sustainability.

The next Repair Kopitiam session is scheduled for July 27, 2025, and is your chance to embrace repair over despair. Registration opened on July 11, 2025 at 12 noon and will close on July 24, 2025. Check the Repair Kopitiam website or their Facebook page for the latest updates.

Repair Kopitiam

• Date: July 27, 2025
• Time: 10am to 4pm
• Venue: Various, see their Facebook page for more details.

2. Growth Circles (various dates)

Everyone wants a safe space where you can just be you, and be supported. Not everyone has such spaces in their lives-but everyone deserves them.

That's why Growth Collective SG has organised Growth Circles, 2-hour sessions for individuals to connect meaningfully and feel empowered by each other. It's about showing support, being present, and ultimately building a world where no one feels alone.

Here's how a month's worth of Growth Circle sessions looks like:

These are the Growth Circles sessions in July 2025:

3. Make friends with Friendzone (July 22)

One of my closest friends used to use the dating app Tinder-not to date, but to make friends. She would chat with people on the app-filtering out any creeps, of course-and actually made some meaningful friendships from her efforts.

These days, there's an easier, non-virtual way to make friends. Friendzone hosts community-building gatherings for young adults to connect with each other and develop friendships. They believe ​​that Singapore is, and I quote, "full of diversity and interesting people that just haven't met yet". If you don't agree, maybe you should give one of their sessions a try.

There were 3 Friendzone sessions in May. While there aren't any events in June at the time of writing (one event got cancelled), check their Friendzone page on Eventbrite for the latest updates.

4. Zalora's Snap and Drop Programme

Zalora is extending its Snap and Drop Programme, a programme that lets you donate your unwanted clothing to reduce the amount of apparel that ends up in landfills. On top of that, you'll receive a $10 cashback voucher from Zalora for each clothing drop you make. How does it work? It's pretty simple:

Pack your clothes, shoes, bags and more-basically any fabric item.

Snap a photo of your bag of unwanted fabric items in front of the collection box at any of these drop-off locations.

Drop your items into the collection box. You'll also want to note down the collection box number (SG0XXX) on the front of the box.

Fill in this form to get your cashback! You can only redeem this once a month, and the cashback expires in 1 month.

For this initiative, Zalora is partnering with Life Line Clothing, a Malaysia-based zero waste textile collector. They'll sort the donated items and resell the apparel in good condition while refurbishing, upcycling, recycling, or even reprocessing the poorer condition items into fuels.

Free learning, skill upgrading, and self-improvement events in Singapore

1. Free toastmasters clubs

If you've always wanted to upgrade your public speaking skills but don't know where to start, there are a number of toastmaster clubs that offer free sessions once or twice a month. These supportive spaces are perfect for you to practise speeches and impromptu dialogue, and are suitable for both beginners and experienced public speakers.

2. Uncle Chris Walking Tours (various dates)

Uncle Chris is a self-described "everyday Singapore uncle" who's seen a lot of Singapore over the years, and now loves showing it to others. Join Uncle Chris on his free walking tours to be entertained and even educated on the hidden heritage, culture and history behind various areas in Singapore.

I love how Uncle Chris always comes up with interesting itineraries and angles. He spills all he knows, and isn't afraid to touch on the darker parts of history; for this reason, do look out for tours that are adult only-Geylang Red-Light District Walking Tour, anyone?

Do note that while Uncle Chris Walking Tours are not ticketed, you're strongly encouraged to tip at the end of the tour. Their tipping guidelines are $20 for a satisfactory guide, $20+ for a guide who exceeds expectations, and $30 for an outstanding guide.

3. My Community Heritage Tours (weekends)

If you're keen on tours in Singapore, another great option for you is the heritage tours conducted by My Community, a non-profit organisation that showcases and celebrates the community, culture and heritage in locales like Queenstown, Bukit Merah and Tiong Bahru. Off the mainland, they also conduct tours to St John Island, Sentosa, and Pulau Ubin. These tend to be pretty popular, so be sure to reserve your slot early!

Check out the My Community Heritage Tours line-up for the month. But be warned that at the time of writing, many are already fully booked!

4. Get Professional by NLB (various dates)

Whether you're looking around for a new job or just want to upgrade your skills at work, these next few programmes will be useful for you.

Thanks to the National Library Board (NLB) and their Get Professional series, you can access professional advice on resume writing, personal branding, public speaking, and EQ at work-all for free this month. Get guidance from industry experts who've coached hundreds before you and know all the tips and tricks to play the game.

View the various NLB Get Professional series sessions lined up for you this month. Do note that the events that are labelled as part of their Get Professional X TOYL series are for participants aged 50 years old and up.

5. Future of Work by NLB (various dates)

Is ChatGPT taking over the world? Not quite yet, but it's certainly had a huge impact on the way many of us work. In the Future of Work series organised by the National Library Board, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are embraced as, well, the future of work. These workshops will equip you with the relevant skills and knowledge in our digital age to prepare you for the quickly evolving office landscape.

For more details, view this month's Future of Work sessions. Like NLB's Get Professional series, some of the Future of Work events are only for participants aged 50 years old and up. These are again labelled as Future of Work X TOYL on their page.

Free fitness, dance, and wellness events in Singapore

1. Puma Run Club (Saturdays)

Whether you're a seasoned runner or just getting started, the Puma Run Club is a great community to help you meet your running goals.

Remember how in 2.4km runs in school, you'd pick a fit person ahead of you to try to keep up with? Well for this run sesh, there'll be pacers from Singapore Runners Club who'll run alongside you at 7min/km, 6min/km, and 5.30min/km or less.

After you're done, the pacers will also lead you in a cool down to end off the session. So really all you need to do is to show up for yourself and give it your best shot!

Puma Run Club

• Date and time: Saturdays, 7 - 10pm
• Venue: Esplanade Park
• Address: Raffles Avenue, Esplanade Mall, Singapore, 039802

2. New Balance Run Club (Tuesdays)

If you need an extra push to hit your fitness goals, Singapore's New Balance Run Club (NBRC) may be the community you've been looking for.

NBRC meets every Tuesday evening at Suntec City's New Balance outlet to work out together. They run (of course), do some HIIT (a classic!), and even do Fartlek — that's Swedish for "speed play". As the name suggests, it involves switching between fast and slow running to boost metabolism.

New Balance Run Club

• Dates and times: Tuesdays, 7 - 10pm
• Venue: New Balance (Suntec City #01-325), 3 Temasek Blvd, Singapore 038983

This article was first published in MoneySmart.