Top 37 free things to do in Singapore (November 2023): Deepavali celebrations, Purple Parade, Good Pet Fair
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Bored as well as broke? We've got good news for you. This November, there's a slew of markets, fairs, performances, talks and workshops to keep you entertained and informed at zero cost.
Look forward to Deepavali celebrations, a huge three-day pet fair, and Singapore's largest movement celebrating Persons with Disabilities. Here's your guide to the top 37 free things to do in November 2023.
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.
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On top of their usual Farmer’s Market, Crane’s also hosting a special edition at Furama Hotel in November. This event will feature not just farm produce, but also baked goods, plants, and pet food and supplies for sale.
Farmers and Bakers' Market at Furama Riverfront
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Everything is going or has gone digital, making digital skills a must-have in today’s modern society. That’s why the Digital for Life Festival invites everyone to learn about new digital technologies and play their part in building a digital inclusive Singapore.
Organised by IMDA with over 120 partners the likes of Google, Meta, Microsoft, Singtel, and DBS Bank, the festival will take place in different heartlands over three weekends:
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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!
Crane Living Home & Decor Fair
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:
Visit LISHA's Deepavali celebrations page for more information.
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From beauty and wellness to fashion and home, Crane’s flagship weekend market is guaranteed to have something for everyone.
The two-day event is about all things art, and this November is going festive! From home decor to crafty trinkets, you’ll get the best of Singapore’s handmade artists and creators.
Secondhand stores are like a box of chocolates — you never know what you’re going to get. And at a fraction of regular prices too!
At the Thryft Weekend Garden in Peace Centre every weekend, you’ll find a wide range of secondhand books, clothes, music and more. Enjoy one free item from their Giveaway section of books and clothes when you RSVP, or with every $10 spent!
Whether you have a cat, dog, or any other pet, the Good Pet Fair welcomes you to their 100% pet-friendly event this November.
Think of it as a one-stop market for all things pet-related, from accessories and lifestyle, to food and treats, and even cleaning products. You’ll be surprised at the pet products out there these days — from pet-friendly kimbap and macarons to therapeutic toys for cats made with dried herbs and flowers.
There’ll also be food trucks with yummies for the two-legged folks — we hear classic chicken rice and dry-aged beef smash burgers are on the menu!
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 |
9 Nov 2023, 7pm | Leisure Park Kallang (Growth Circle @ Mental Health Film Fest Singapore) | Register here |
14 Nov 2023, 7.30pm | Online | Register here |
15 Nov 2023, 10am | Caregiver Resource Centre, Blk 839, Yishun St 81, #01-298 Singapore, 760839 | Register here |
28 Nov 2023, 7.30pm | Online | Register here |
Do you ever listen to the grooviest 80s bops and think to yourself, I need a whole night of this kind of music?
I do. And that’s why Back To The Groove sounds like a great idea to me. Sign yourself up for a night of retro nostalgia, music, and dancing — for free! Soak in live performances by Amy Singer of Style and dance your heart out as DJ Bernie Soiree drops the retro beats. Don’t forget to come dressed in your favourite retro look to really get your groove on!
On Nov 11, have yourself a sporting good time with your family at the Families for Life (FFL) Sports Fiesta Picnic in Gardens by the Bay.
Look forward to various sports-related activities, including a family fitness challenge with parent-child teams. On top of attractive prizes for the winning teams, there’ll also be complimentary picnic essentials — snacks for all, and picnic mats for the first 200 families.
Families for Life (FFL) Sports Fiesta Picnic
Re:ground @ Dungeon may not sound the friendliest, but it’s actually a space for youths to slow down, take a step back from the stress of daily life, and support their mental well-being.
This November, they’re hosting an event called Dreaminisce. It’s a workshop on how to sculpt air-dry clay and use this as a medium to build a physical token of your most special, cherished memories.It’ll also serve as a reminder to hold on to your dreams and aspirations for the future!
Re:ground @ Dungeon – Dreaminisce
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 // Bedok South & Bayshore For young adults (18-30 years old) in the areas above |
Nov 14, 2023, 8pm | Pavilion @ Bedok South Neighborhood Park, 15 Bedok South Road Singapore, 460015 |
@me_v2023 // Nanyang For young adults (18-30 years old) in the area above |
Nov 16, 2023, 8pm | Pavilion between 859, 860 & 861 Jurong West St 81, Singapore, 640859 |
Myth: Crochet is only for old grannys.
Fact: Crochet is for people of all ages, and has made something of a comeback in recent years. I daresay certain crochet amigurumi toys might even have been trending this year.
If you’re a crochet hobbyist, this Crochet Interest Group Meetup is your chance to meet like-minded folks. There’s no dedicated teacher, but you’ll meet fellow crocheters you can explore the craft with and learn from. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or if you’ve been doing this for decades, all skill levels are welcome!
It may only be November, but Christmas cheer is already starting to fill the air. Head down to Gardens by the Bay on Nov 26 for live Christmas-themed music performances brought to you by the Nordic Embassies. It’s free to view the performances, but do note that admission charges to Flower Dome still apply.
Nordic Day at Gardens by the Bay
In celebration of Deepavali, Brahm Centre is organising an event tailored for Indian and Burmese domestic workers. Activities include a mindfulness practice session, games and entertainment, cultural exchange, work experience sharing, and of course refreshments.
Brahm Centre is encouraging employers to help their domestic workers register and give them time off to attend the event.
Deepavali Celebration for Migrant Domestic Workers
Every month, the librarians over at the Central Arts Library arrange a free movie screening for film-lovers in Singapore. This November, they’re screening The Duellists (1977) — a movie set in Napoleonic era France about two military officer rivals.
The Big Picture: Monthly Movie Screenings
If you’re an NUS student or staff member, head down to The Projector this November for a free film screening of Moonlit Winter. This film follows a mother and daughter who travel to the small town of Otaru after receiving a letter — and end up making discoveries about themselves.
This November, the theme for the Esplanade’s free programmes is Soundtracks — all your favourite songs both old and new from the most iconic shows on TV, film, and stage. Highlights include:
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
For the Easties out there, one good option for public speaking practice is with the Bedok Toastmasters Club. Like the other clubs, this is a supportive space for you to practise speeches and impromptu dialogue, suitable for both beginners and experienced public speakers.
Mastering Communication, Empowering Voices with Bedok Toastmasters
Another option to help you hone your public speaking skills is Speak Up and Stand Out. This toastmasters club meets once or twice a month at Jurong Green Community Club to deliver their prepared speeches, practise some impromptu speaking, and get constructive feedback.
Speak Up and Stand Out: Free Public Speaking Course @ Jurong Green CC
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Damaged wooden pallets get a new lease of life at Creuse’s workshop, where they get transformed into lifestyle products that are useful, sustainable, and aesthetic. Not only will you be able to learn about the process, but you’ll also be able to get hands-on experience!
Beer can be a lot more sustainable than you think. Solar energy, treating wastewater and reusing glass bottles are just some of the ways that Tiger does their part to make their beer with the planet in mind. Get up close and personal with what they do on their sustainability tour this November.
Tiger Brewery Tour: Sustainability Edition
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
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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:
Do note that while Uncle Chris Walking Tours are all free, you’re strongly encouraged to tip at the end of the tour.
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!
This month, here are some highlights from the My Community Heritage Tours line-up:
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:
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.
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:
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.
"I can’t do yoga, I can’t even stand up without falling down!"
No excuses now. This Chair Yoga session will get you stretching and working all those tight muscles — all while seated. It’s a great option for those with weakness in their legs, or who have other health conditions that make other types of yoga unsuitable. Organised by All Age Entrepreneurs, this session on Nov 7 is specially for females.
Ever walk past an Anytime Fitness outlet (obviously, there are so many it’s unavoidable) and think to yourself, "I wish I could exercise in there, but I don’t want to get a membership?"
We’ve got a suggestion for you. Join the trainers at Anytime Fitness Tampines East this November for free Muay Thai and Circuit Training classes — yes, open to the public!
Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)
Circuit Training
Sign up for free Anytime Fitness Tampines East classes.
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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!
Fitstop Fitness is organising what they’re declaring to be Singapore’s Biggest Bootcamp. Suitable for all fitness levels, the bootcamp will take you through a full body workout outdoors on The Lawn at Marina Bay.
All you need to bring is a towel, a water bottle, and a friend or 2 if you’d like them to join in the fun. You may even walk away with prizes at the end of the day from their brand partners!
Frame Running is a sport that involves the individual being seated on a specially designed three-wheeled frame while they use their foot/feet to propel themselves forward, and their hands or arms to steer.
It’s particularly suitable for individuals with limited mobility — those who have conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or arthritis, as well as those recovering from stroke, in physical therapy or rehab, or who have general muscle weakness. Frame running is a way they can get to experience the thrill and freedom of running.
This November, the Singapore Disability Sports Council is organising Parasport360, a free frame running event. Head on down to try out running frames, with proper safety equipment like helmets provided. They can’t guarantee they’ll have a frame that’s a perfect fit for you, but they’ll do their best to find one that works.
Parasport360: Discover Frame Running Fun
Before you go "eewwww", these ladies want you to know one thing: "Don't worry, we won't make you drink any weird green smoothies or eat anything that tastes like cardboard."
This event will teach you how to gently massage your lymph nodes to get them going, and other health and wellness tips such as how to stay hydrated. If you've been feeling sluggish or sloth-like, give this a shot to rejuvenate yourself!
Ladies Chit Chat and Learn: Detox Lymph Nodes
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!
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.
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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.
ALSO READ: What to expect at Singapore's first board sports and music festival
This article was first published in MoneySmart.