Event Reviews & Practical Information
1. Rituals of Perception at Tanoto Art Foundation
Location: New Bahru School Hall, 46 Kim Yan Road, Singapore 239351
Dates: Now till March 1, 2028
Admission: Free (RSVP required for opening reception)
Event Overview
Tanoto Art Foundation’s inaugural exhibition brings together over twenty international artists exploring slow, embodied processes. The curatorial vision by Xiaoyu Weng examines how materials like clay, cement, paper, and fiber carry memory through iterative techniques such as kneading, weaving, casting, and stitching.
How to Reach by Public Transport
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning MRT Station (DT20)
Option 1 – MRT + Bus:
From Fort Canning MRT (DT20), take bus 32, 54, 139, or 195 from the bus stop at Fort Canning Station Exit B. Alight at the first bus stop, which is just outside New Bahru.
Option 2 – Walking:
Enjoy a pleasant 10-minute walk from Fort Canning MRT station directly to New Bahru.
Other bus services: 32, 51, 54, 64, 123, 139, 186, 195
Weekend Shuttle Bus:
Free daily shuttle bus between Somerset and New Bahru, departing every 30 minutes (check current availability)
Activity & Learning Opportunities
Workshops & Classes at New Bahru:
The venue is part of New Bahru, which offers various creative workshops:
– Crafune: leather-craft workshops blending sustainability with artistry
– MAKE by GINLEE: sustainability and on-demand fashion products
– Soilboy: plant design studio with curated plants and handmade ceramics workshops
Free Exhibition Programs:
– Performances
– Panel discussions
– Docent-led tours
– Closing conversation with artists (Feb 28)
Values to Learn
Material Consciousness: The exhibition teaches appreciation for slow, intentional creation. Each artist’s practice demonstrates how physical materials carry inherent memory and meaning.
Embodied Presence: Against digital acceleration, the works encourage visitors to slow down and experience art through tactile, sensory engagement rather than quick visual consumption.
Global Artistic Exchange: With artists from Southeast Asia, South America, and other regions, the exhibition models cross-cultural dialogue and shared artistic language.
Sustainability Through Craft: The focus on traditional techniques and material honesty offers lessons in sustainable creative practice.
Dining Options at New Bahru
Upscale Dining:
– Le Clos: French restaurant with bar area, main dining room, alfresco terrasse, and private wine room, featuring over 2000 labels of fine wines
– Kotuwa: Sri Lankan cuisine by chef Rishi Naleendra, featuring Jaffna-style crab curry and hoppers
– Somma: Italian restaurant by Chef Mirko Febbrile with a 36-seater fine dining restaurant, cocktail and pasta bar
Casual Dining:
– The Coconut Club: Michelin Bib Gourmand regular known for excellent ayam goreng berempah and flavourful coconut rice
– Huevos: Popular Mexican joint with loaded tacos, wallet-friendly fare
– One Fattened Calf (OFC): Popular burger joint known for high-quality, grass-fed beef patties and freshly made potato buns
– Artichoke: Contemporary Middle Eastern restaurant by chef Bjorn Shen with bold flavours
Cafés:
– PPP Coffee: Specialty coffee with coffee omakase experience and pastry selection by Sandra Lee
– Dearborn: Renowned bakery specialising in high-quality, freshly made breakfast staples
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2. Spring Blossoms at Gardens by the Bay
Location: Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
Dates: Now till March 1, 2026, 9am-9pm
Admission: Flower Dome admission applies
Event Overview
Gardens by the Bay marks the Year of the Horse with a contemplative display blending Tang Dynasty lantern-making techniques with classical Chinese garden aesthetics. Eight life-sized horse lanterns anchor the exhibition among seasonal blooms.
How to Reach by Public Transport
Option 1 – Bayfront MRT (Most Direct):
The closest MRT Station to Gardens by the Bay is Bayfront Station (CE1/DT16). Take Exit B and keep walking along the underground linkway.
Option 2 – Gardens by the Bay MRT:
Gardens by the Bay station (TE22) on the Thomson–East Coast Line, between Marina Bay and Tanjong Rhu stations
Note: Despite its name, this station requires a longer walk to the actual gardens.
Option 3 – Bus Services:
Bus routes 106 and 502 are reliably double deck. Route 400 is a loop shuttle service that runs from the CBD to Gardens by the Bay to the Cruise Terminal and back, and is the only public bus that has a stop at the main entrance to Gardens by the Bay.
Alternative Walking Routes:
If walking from Marina Bay Sands Hotel, get across Lions Bridge at the hotel and walk towards the entrance gate.
Activity & Learning Opportunities
Cultural Education:
– Tang Dynasty lantern-making techniques
– Jiangnan garden aesthetics
– Chinese symbolism through “The Four Gentlemen” (plum blossoms, orchids, chrysanthemums, bamboo)
– Ba Jun Tu ink painting tradition
Botanical Learning:
– Seasonal bloom identification (dahlias, azaleas)
– Garden design principles
– Moon gate architecture
Values to Learn
Cultural Preservation: The exhibition demonstrates how traditional crafts like Tang Dynasty lantern-making can be preserved and adapted for contemporary audiences.
Symbolism in Nature: Understanding how classical Chinese culture reads nature through symbolic meaning—vitality, renewal, and quiet strength represented through plants and animals.
Contemplative Experience: The Jiangnan garden aesthetic encourages slow wandering, pause, and mindful observation rather than rushed tourism.
Dining Options
At Gardens by the Bay:
– Satay by the Bay (outdoor hawker center)
– Various cafés within the conservatories
Nearby at Marina Bay Sands:
– Extensive dining options from food court to celebrity chef restaurants
– Walking distance via overhead bridge or underground linkway
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3. Classics at Capitol Theatre
Location: Capitol Theatre, 17 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178907
Dates: Feb 22 – April 28, 2026
Admission: Check capitol-theatre.sg for pricing
Event Overview
For the first time since its 2015 restoration, films return to Singapore’s oldest theatre (built 1930). The programme features restored classics with expert introductions in a grand heritage setting.
February Screening:
– Singin’ in the Rain (1952) – Gene Kelly’s Technicolor masterpiece
How to Reach by Public Transport
MRT (Most Convenient):
City Hall MRT Estimated walk time: 1 Mins
Exit B from City Hall MRT (NS25/EW13) leads directly to the theatre.
Bus Options:
Bus Stop 04111 (Along Stamford Road): 7, 14, 16, 36, 77, 106, 111, 128, 131, 162, 162M, 167, 171, 175, 700, 700A, 857
Bus Stop 04167 (Along North Bridge Road): 61, 124, 145, 166, 174, 197
Activity & Learning Opportunities
Film Education:
– Expert introductions before each screening
– Understanding film restoration techniques
– Learning about cinema history and Hollywood’s golden age
Architectural Appreciation:
The Capitol Theatre itself is a lesson in neoclassical architecture and heritage preservation, originally designed by British architects Keys and Dowdeswell.
Values to Learn
Cultural Heritage: The Capitol Theatre represents Singapore’s entertainment history. Built in 1930, it was considered one of the finest theatres in the Far East during the 1930s.
Film Preservation: Understanding why classic film restoration and screening in proper theatrical settings matters for cultural memory.
Shared Experience: Experiencing cinema as communal art form in a grand theatre setting, different from home streaming.
Historical Context: Each film comes with context about its era, production, and cultural significance.
Dining Options
Immediate Area (Civic District):
– Raffles Hotel dining options (5-minute walk)
– Chijmes dining cluster (5-minute walk)
– Capitol Piazza food options
– Nearby Clarke Quay and Boat Quay (10-15 minute walk)
Within Capitol Complex:
– Check Capitol Building for retail dining options
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4. Music & Nightlife Events
GrooveTop: Slow Jamz
Location: Temper Wine Room & Lounge, 83 Neil Road
Date: Feb 7, 2026, 2pm-7pm
Tickets: From $25
Nearest MRT: Outram Park or Tanjong Pagar (both 10-minute walk)
Values to Learn:
– Curation Over Volume: The daytime format teaches appreciation for intentional music selection
– Social Connection: Designed for conversation and community rather than loud clubbing
– Musical Heritage: Focus on slow jamz, neo-soul, and R&B spanning generations
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Equation Festival Takeover at RASA
Location: RASA, 9 Raffles Place 02-01
Date: Feb 20, 2026, 9pm onwards
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place MRT (direct connection)
Values to Learn:
– Regional Exchange: Collaboration between Vietnam’s Equation Festival and Singapore collectives
– Diverse Sounds: Experiencing house, electro, and techno with narrative precision
– Southeast Asian Music Culture: Understanding the region’s electronic music scene
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VeggieVille SG (Bad Times Disco)
Location: 98 Club Street
Date: Feb 21, 2026, 9pm-late
Tickets: From $30
Nearest MRT: Chinatown or Telok Ayer (both 5-7 minute walk)
Values to Learn:
– Underground Culture: Understanding community-driven party culture
– Record Digging: Appreciation for balearic-leaning, deep record culture
– Cross-Cultural Exchange: Hong Kong collective bringing their ethos to Singapore
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Ice Cream Sundays: Munir b2b Varumi
Location: Tanjong Pagar Distripark
Date: Feb 28, 2026, 3pm-10.30pm
Tickets: From $35
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar MRT
Values to Learn:
– Musical Exploration: Warm, exploratory sounds from funk, disco, boogie to jazz and electro
– Community Longevity: Celebrating 10 years of Ice Cream Sundays
– DIY Production: Singapore’s independent party scene and creative production
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5. Having Intentions (HI) Fair
Location: Alma House Lobby Lounge, New Bahru (03-03)
Dates: Feb 7-8, 2026, 11am-7pm
Admission: Free (RSVP encouraged)
Transport
Same as Rituals of Perception (Fort Canning MRT + bus or walk)
Values to Learn
Intentional Consumption: The fair’s entire concept encourages thoughtful purchasing over impulse buying.
Supporting Local: All 12 brands are homegrown Singapore businesses.
Sustainability: Focus on materials, processes, and pieces designed to last beyond a single season.
Direct Connection: Meeting founders and learning about their creative processes fosters appreciation for craft.
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6. 我爱你: New Year’s at SANTAi
Location: SANTAi, 697D E Coast Rd
Date: Feb 22, 2026, 2pm-late
Admission: Free (food/activities for purchase)
Nearest MRT: Dakota or Paya Lebar (then bus or 15-minute walk)
Values to Learn
Community Building: Neighborhood gathering model over festival spectacle
Cultural Celebration: Blending Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day in relaxed format
Skill Sharing: Hands-on activities like mahjong learning and screen printing
Local Creativity: Supporting independent makers, artists, food vendors, and creatives
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General Tips for All Events
Payment
Singapore uses contactless payment widely. MRT and buses accept:
– EZ-Link card, NETS FlashPay card, or Singapore Tourist Pass
– Visa/Mastercard contactless cards using SimplyGo
MRT Operating Hours
About 5:30 AM to midnight daily
Planning Your Visit
– Many events require RSVP or advance booking
– Popular dining spots at New Bahru see long queues during peak periods
– Weekend shuttle buses and free programs enhance accessibility
– Combine multiple events in the same area (e.g., New Bahru has both art exhibition and fair)
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Summary: What Makes February 2026 Special
These events collectively represent Singapore’s evolving cultural landscape:
1. Heritage Preservation: Capitol Theatre screenings and Gardens by the Bay demonstrate how Singapore honors history while remaining accessible
2. Contemporary Art: Tanoto Art Foundation brings international contemporary art to a free, public-facing space
3. Community Over Commerce: Events like HI Fair and SANTAi prioritize connection and intentionality
4. Regional Exchange: Music events showcase Southeast Asian and international collaboration
5. Accessible Culture: Most events are free or affordable, with excellent public transport access
6. Sustainability Focus: Multiple events emphasize slow processes, lasting quality, and environmental consciousness
Whether you’re interested in contemplative art experiences, heritage cinema, underground music culture, or community gatherings, February 2026 offers thoughtfully curated options that encourage meaningful engagement over superficial consumption.