Top 28 free things to do in Singapore (October 2023): Horror Fest, Planters Market, Food Japan
PHOTO: Instagram/Victoria Rose
PUBLISHED ONOctober 09, 2023 5:45 AMByVanessa Nah
Bored as well as broke? We've got good news for you. This October, there's a slew of markets, fairs, performances, talks and workshops to keep you entertained and informed at zero cost.
Look forward to a spooktacular Horror Fest and the longest Planters' Market in Singapore at Gardens by the Bay. Here's your guide to the top 35 free things to do in October 2023.
Festivals, fairs and markets
1. Joo Chiat Farmers' Market (Oct 7-8, 21-22)
Thought farmers’ markets could only be found overseas? We’re happy to correct you on that one. Singapore has its very own farmers’ markets — yes, more than one!
The Joo Chiat Farmers’ Market happens every other weekend at Crane Joo Chiat. You’ll get to shop foods and produce from local farmers, bakers, gardeners and artisans.
- Dates: Oct 7–8, 21–22
- Time: 9am – 1.30pm
- Venue: Crane Joo Chiat, 285 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore, 427962
2. Crane Living Pop-Up (Oct 9–15)
New month, new home? Deck out your living spaces in new furnishings from the Crane Living Pop-Up. This event brings together local homegrown brands selling home decor, accessories, dinnerware and more. Time to spruce up your home!
- Date: Oct 9 – 15, 2023
- Venue: Millenia Walk, Main Atrium
- Address: 9 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039596
3. Hex & Grudge Horror Fest 2023 (Oct 14)
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/CwUVGCBBKCa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]
We all have that friend — or we ARE that friend — who is big on horror. If that sounds like you or your pal, October is your month! Don’t miss out on the Hex & Grudge Horror Fest 2023 this month, where there’ll be pop-up booths, photo booths, music performances, a costume contest, live horror stories, and a horror confession segment.
- Date and time: Oct 14, 2023, 2pm to 10pm
- Venue: Ultra Super New Gallery
- Address: 168 Tyrwhitt Road Singapore, Singapore 207572
4. Planters Market @ Gardens by the Bay (Oct 20 – 22)
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/CwyryXkyYOC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]
Calling all plant-lovers and gardening hobbyists! The longest planter’s market is happening in Singapore from 20 to 22 Oct 2023. Take the opportunity to check out local exhibitors like Gardens Plantsman’s Fair, as well as international exhibitors from Thailand, Taiwan, Ecuador and Malaysia. You’ll be able to browse and buy a wide range of plants, including Aroids and Orchids, plus stock up on gardening supplies, substrates and media, grow lights, handcrafted artisan ceramic ware, terrariums, and more!
Planters Market @ Gardens by the Bay
- Date and time: Oct 20–22, 2023
- Venue: Gardens by the Bay
- Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
5. Cosmos Creatives Art Market (Oct 28)
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/CyFOvMWMNgL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]
This is an art market with a cause. Cosmos Creatives Art Market will feature myriad handcrafted goods and customised art pieces from talented local artists. In commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a portion of the sales will be donated to the Oncology Academic Clinical Programme (ONCO ACP) to advance breast cancer research and education. This programme helps doctors and researchers improve breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
- Date and time: Oct 28, 11am–7pm
- Address: Room To Imagine, 57 Ubi Avenue 1, Ubi Centre #07-04 Singapore, Singapore 408936
6. Archifest (now till Oct 28)
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/CxJ5IQ0yBIK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]
I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty proud of Singapore’s architecture. Call it weird (a boat balanced on 3 buildings?), call it edgy (literally — a durian?), but you can’t deny that this city’s architecture is memorable.
At Archifest, an annual architecture festival commissioned by the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA), both professionals and the everyday Singaporean come together to celebrate Singapore’s architecture and built environment. Join the celebration and discourse from now till Oct 28, 2023. Here’s a summary of their line-up:
7. Deepavali Celebrations at Little India (now till Nov 11)
There’s no better place to celebrate Deepavali than in Little India. The Little India Shop Owners and Heritage Association (LISHA) has lined up a whole bunch of events, including:
- Deepavali Food Bazaar: Now till Nov 11, 2–10pm
- Fashion Show: Oct 21, 6.30 – 8pm
- Little India Treasure Hunt: Oct 14 and 28, 10am to 12pm (Register here)
- Rangoli/Kolam Workshop: Oct 7, 11am to 12pm
- Deepavali Festival Village along Campbell Lane: Now till Nov 11
Visit LISHA’s Deepavali celebrations page for more information.
Pet events
1. SPCA Adoption Drive (Oct 14)
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/CxuTQ1drmmL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]
SPCA’s shelter animals are usually only available for viewing by appointment only. But every once in a while, they open their doors to the public for walk-ins. This October, that day is Oct 14, Saturday, from 11am to 3pm. Head on down to SPCA between these hours to meet the friendly cattos, doggos and more up for adoption!
Alternatively, you can also get a sneak peek of the furry friends over at SPCA’s Adoption Gallery.
SPCA Adoption Drive
- Date and time: Oct 14, 2023, 11am – 3pm
- Venue: SPCA Singapore
- Address: 50 Sungei Tengah Road, S699012
2. Green Pet Fair (Oct 14–15)
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/CxaUMGZN94c/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]
Homegrown, human-grade pet food brand is hosting a Green Pet Fair this October, complete with sunset picnics, pack walks, and sustainable products. There’ll also be tons of talks and workshops to keep both human and pet informed and entertained.
Green Pet Fair
- Date: Oct 14 and 15, 2023
- Venue: Next to Punggol East Container Park
- Address: 50 Punggol E, Singapore 828826
3. Pets Weekend (Oct 14–15)
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/CyIYQ28pu57/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]
Calling all furry and feathered friends! Crane at Joo Chiat is opening up their doors to you on Oct 14 and 15, 2023 for a weekend of yummy treats, fun playtime, and cute pet accessories. Like many of the other weekend fairs on this list, all vendors at Pets Weekend will be small businesses in Singapore so you can #supportlocal. Visit the link below for the full list!
- Dates: Oct 14 and 15, 2023
- Time: 10am – 6pm
- Venue: Crane Joo Chiat, 281 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore, 427962
4. Howl-O-Ween Night (Oct 21 and 22)
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx-QaqXiVJv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]
Organised by animal advocacy group Hope for Animals, Howl-O-Ween Night is back this year for its second edition. Looking forward to a trick or treat event (pretty literally), games, workshops, pet merchant booths, and even a moonlit picnic with Funan’s specially curated picnic bundle. It’s going to be a howling good time!
Howl-O-Ween Night
- Date and time: Oct 21 and 22, 5–10pm
- Venue: Funan roof garden
- Address: 107 North Bridge Rd, Funan Mall Level 7, Singapore 179105
Community events
1. Ugly Food Workshop (Oct 8 and 22)
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/CyDsjprLXCF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]
Did you know that about 817,000 tonnes of food is wasted in Singapore every year? To put things into perspective, that’s the weight of 100,000 cars!
Needless to day, food wastage is a huge problem in this garden city. One solution could be embracing ugly food — food that looks cosmetically blemished, but is perfectly edible and nutritious.
At this biweekly Ugly Food Workshop, learn more about our food waste problem and the benefits of eating ugly foods — beyond reducing food waste, it can also save you money and support sustainable agriculture!
- Date and time: Oct 8 and 22, 2 – 5pm
- Venue: Crane Arab Street
- Address: 148 Arab Street Singapore, 199831
2. Vivifriends Meet & Make For Adults: Fake Food Felt + Felting (Oct 14)
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpo1dsuuAHB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]
Vivifriends Meet & Make for Adults is an initiative that brings people together as a community of budding makers. Through different activities and themes each month, the sessions aim to get participants to get creative, pick up new skills, and make connections with like-minded people.
This month, the theme is fake food! You’ll be guided on how to make any fake food of your choice (come with an idea, or just follow a sample!) using needle felting or handsewing felt techniques. Plus, learn how to turn your adorable felted fake foods into wearable accessories.
Vivifriends Meet & Make For Adults: Fake Food Felt + Felting
- Date and time: Oct 14, 2.30 – 5.30pm
- Venue: Heartbeat @ Bedok, Level 3, Classroom 1
- Address: 11 Bedok North Street 1 Singapore, Singapore 469662
3. Growth Circles (Oct 10, 24, 28)
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, two-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 this month:
| Date and time | Venue | Registration |
| 10 Oct 2023, 7.30pm | Online | Register here |
| 24 Oct 2023, 7.30pm | Online | Register here |
| 28 Oct 2023, 10am | Caregiver Resource Centre, Blk 839, Yishun St 81, #01-298 Singapore, 760839 | Register here |
4. Make friends with Friendzone (Oct 6, 10, 24, 27)
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.
This month, they have several free sessions you can attend. Remember to respect that these are friend-making events, not dating ones.
| Session | Date and time | Venue and address |
| @me_v2023 // Dawson, Tanglin & River Valley For young adults (18-30 years old) in the areas above |
6 Oct 2023, 7.30 – 9.30pm | Pavilion @ 96A Dawson Road, 96A Dawson Road Singapore, 143062 |
| @me_v2023 // Choa Chu Kang & Keat Hong For young adults (18-30 years old) in the areas above |
10 Oct 2023, 7.30 – 9.30pm | Pavilion @ Choa Chu Kang Mega Playground, 411 Choa Chu Kang Ave 3 Singapore, 680411 |
| Un(i)filtered // SUSS
For SUSS students aged 19 to 30 years old |
24 Oct 2023, 7.30 – 9.30pm | C1. 05 Fishtank (Beside Starbucks), Singapore University of Social Sciences, 463 Clementi Road, Singapore, 599494 |
| @me_v2023 // West Coast
For Westie young adults (18-30 years old) |
27 Oct 2023, 7.30 – 9.30pm | Pavilion beside 731 Clementi West St 2, 731 Clementi West St 2 Singapore, 120731 |
5. Sunday Jam Session at The Jazz Loft (Every Sunday)
It feels almost like it should be a secret, but this is too good not to share. Every Sunday evening, tucked away in Bali Lane, you can get a taste of live jazz jams at The Jazz Loft @ Blu Jaz Café at no cover charge.
Called the Sunday Jam Sessions, each session opens with pianist Rachma Lim and her trio. Then, homegrown and international jazz stars take the stage — some familiar faces already well established in the jazz world, and some up and coming jazz musicians paving the way for a new wave of jazz.
You never really know exactly who you’ll get to hear (to our knowledge, they don’t publish this anywhere), but perhaps the mystery is part of the appeal. Just like jazz improv, every iteration is unique.
Sunday Jam Session at The Jazz Loft
- Date and time: Sundays, 7.30 – 11pm (Doors open at 7pm)
- Venue: The Jazz Loft @ Blu Jaz, 11 Bali Lane, Level 3, Singapore 189848
- Register here: 8 Oct, 15 Oct, 22 Oct, 29 Oct
Gastro guide
1. Food Japan 2023 (Oct 11-13)
Fact: Singaporeans love Japan and Japanese food.
If you nodded in agreement, listen up: Asean’s leading Japanese Food and Beverage (F&B) exhibition is here!
Food Japan 2023 will take place from Oct 11 to 13 at Suntec Singapore. It’s a mega fair, with over 180 exhibitors from 30 Japan prefectures. On the J-Studio Stage, learn about sake-food pairings, and premium Japanese Fish — with free sampling!
Registration for trade visitors (folks in the industry) is free until Oct 11, 2023, after which walk-ins will cost $50.
Tickets for the general public aren’t free, but are very affordable at $4 per pax. Entry is free for children under 12 years old.
- Date: Oct 11 – 13, 2023; Public day: Oct 13 , 2pm – 5.30pm
- Venue: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre
- Address: 1 Raffles Boulevard Singapore, 039593
Learning, skill upgrading, and self-improvement
1. Accelerate Your Career with Generative AI (Oct 13)
People these days are all talking about how AI is going to steal our jobs. But have you ever considered how generative AI can actually give your career a boost instead?
Find out at the Accelerate Your Career with Generative AI talk on 13 Oct at the Google Developer Space, where industry experts will share their insights and the latest AI trends. Speakers include Lavi Nigam, Machine Learning Advocate at Google Cloud, and Thu Ya Kyaw, Senior Developer Advocate at Google Cloud.
Accelerate Your Career with Generative AI
- Date and time: Oct 13, 2023, 6pm to 9pm
- Venue: Google Developer Space
- Address: 80 Pasir Panjang Road, Level 3, Singapore 117372
2. Edu Fair 2023 (Oct 28)
Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, there’s something for you at the Education Fair 2023.
Visit the fair on Oct 28, 2023 at Suntec Convention to connect with local and international universities, colleges, and training institutes. Make full use of their booths, seminars, and workshops to discover all you need to know about the various programmes, scholarships and visas available, plus ask questions to your heart’s content.
- Date and time: Oct 28, 2023, 1pm to 5pm
- Venue: Suntec Convention, Level 3, Room Number-327
- Address: 1 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore
3. Practise Public Speaking with Toastmasters (Oct 16)
Want to practise your public speaking skills, but don’t have a space you feel comfortable to do so? Join the Brilliant Advanced Toastmasters Club every third Monday of the month for their free public speaking sessions. Not only will you get to hone your own skills, but you’ll also get to hear from a different speaker each month with exceptional public speaking skill.
Practise Public Speaking with Toastmasters@CBD
- Date and time: Oct 16, 7.30—10pm
- Venue: High Street Centre #08-08
- Address: 1 North Bridge Road, High Street Centre Singapore, Singapore 079903
4. Uncle Chris Walking Tours (Oct 7–29)
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/CaJZUgdv5qz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]
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. Uncle Chris 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.
This month, the lineup for Uncle Chris Walking Tours includes:
- Au Kang and Japanese Cemetery Walking Tour (Oct 7, 9am)
- Peranakan Culture at Joo Chiat & Katong (Oct 22, 9am)
- Geylang Red-Light District Walking Tour (Oct 19 and 26, 7pm)
- Crime, Vice & Murder Walking Trail (Oct 28, 9am)
Do note that while Uncle Chris Walking Tours are all free, you’re strongly encouraged to tip at the end of the tour.
5. Get Professional by NLB (Oct 5–27)
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 NLB’s “Get Professional” page for the full line-up of programmes in July 2023. Some highlights include:
- Personal branding — Oct 12, 6.30pm at Bishan Public Library
- Dressing Tips for a Professional Image — Oct 26, 6.30pm at Sembawang Public Library
- Minute taking — Oct 27, 12pm via Zoom
Do note that some of the events are for participants aged 50 years old and up. These are part of their “Get Professional X TOYL” series, and are labelled accordingly on their page.
6. Future of Work by NLB (Oct 5-26)
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.
Here are some highlights this month:
- Generative AI for Sales and Marketing — Oct 21, Punggol Regional Library
- From Blockbusters to Masterclass: Unveiling the Art of Visual Effects — Oct 25, 7.30pm via Zoom
- Reducing Your Workload through Robotic Process Automation (RPA) — Oct 26, 6.30pm via Zoom
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.
Fitness, dance, and wellness
1. Puma Run Club (Oct 12 and 19)
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!
| Date and time | Venue | Registration |
| Oct 12, 2023, 7 – 10pm | OCBC Square, 4 Stadium Walk, Singapore Singapore, 397697 | Register here. |
| Oct 19, 2023, 7 – 10pm | Esplanade Park, 8 Raffles Avenue, Esplanade Mall, Singapore, 039802 | Register here. |
2. Pay What You Wish Yoga (Oct 8 and 15)
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu6Pa7MybR9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]
Exactly as it sounds. These yoga sessions from Pay As You Wish Yoga are all donation-based, meaning you only pay what you can and want to. All proceeds from these sessions go to Yoga Circle, a non-profit organisation that aims to promote diversity and inclusivity in yoga.
This October, there are 2 sessions, both of which are suitable for any experience level:
- Hatha Flow: Dynamic transitions and long holds for mind-body awareness.
- Yoga Foundations: Perfect for those just starting out doing yoga, or who need a refresher on basic fundamentals.
- Date and time: Oct 8 and 15, 2023, 10.30–11.30am (Arrive 10 minutes before class starts!)
- Venue: Mudita Yoga SG
- Address: 761A North Bridge Road Singapore, 198729
- Mat and props are provided.
3. Hatha Yoga at the Park (Oct 19)
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/CvND--lSMGG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]
Victoria Rose Activewear organises yoga events at the Singapore Botanical Gardens Eco Lake every month or so. Listen up, office/desk workers — this session will focus on opening up those tight chest areas and hunched over shoulders. Beginners are welcome!
- Date and time: Oct 19, 2023, 9.30–10.30am
- Venue: Singapore Botanical Gardens Eco Lake, near the Visitor’s Centre
- Address: 100 Cluny Park Road Singapore, 257494
4. 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.
- Dates and times: Tuesdays, 7pm – 10pm
- Venue: New Balance (Suntec City #01-325), 3 Temasek Blvd, Singapore 038983
5. HOKA Run Club Singapore (Fridays)
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr-BDpFRDJB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]
Everyone’s an athlete — that’s what the folks at HOKA Run Club Singapore believe, and what they want you to believe about yourself. Join them every Friday evening for a run session, no matter your age, background, or fitness level.
- Dates and times: Fridays, 7pm – 9pm
- Venue: Marina Square Level 1
- Address: 6 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039594
ALSO READ: Just opened October 2023: New restaurants, cafes and bars to check out this month
This article was first published in MoneySmart.