Five things to do this weekend (Aug 25-27)

Get ready to be amazed by the unique food items and showcases set up all across Singapore as the week comes to a close.

Here are five things to do this weekend (Aug 25-27):

The bi-annual GIFFEST is coming to an end soon after its three month-long run this year, and what better way to see it off than to drop by the showcase one last time?

Titled GIFFEST III: IMPERFECT, the interactive showcase is held at the National Design Centre until Aug 26. It hosts Asia’s largest collection of GIFs from over 80 artists worldwide, including works from artists like Saeko Ehara and Michelle Sherrina.

Visitors can walk through the showcase grounds and be immersed in the colourful artworks and their supported audios – which is something typical GIFs are not capable of doing!

GIFFEST III: IMPERFECT is free to enter and is open from 9am to 9pm.

A total of 30 rare orchid species from Peru will be on full display at Gardens by the Bay’s Cloud Forest from now to Feb 18, 2024.

Named Orchids of Machu Picchu, the floral display is a collaboration between Gardens by the Bay and the Embassy of Peru.

Aside from the 30 live orchid species, another 80 preserved orchid species will be showcased in a five-metre orchidarium. 

This is a rare opportunity for visitors to admire the flowers in person outside of Peru. Due to the flowers’ conservation status, exporting them is prohibited, though this preserved collection was allowed out of its home country through the support of eco-tourism company Inkaterra.

The floral display will be open from 9am to 9pm. Admission charges to Cloud Forest apply.

Lenovo’s brand new line of x80 Yoga Series laptops have arrived in Singapore, and are being showcased at the brand’s flagship store at Funan Mall from Aug 26 to 27.

Visitors can drop by the store and Lenovo’s Creators Zone to test out the new devices, which include the Yoga Pro, Yoga Slim and Yoga Convertible.

On top of getting hands-on with the Yoga Series laptops, visitors can also get a free pre-drawn artwork by local digital illustrator Tan Zi Xi (also known as MessyMsxi) at the showcase. They may also opt for creating their own artworks and getting them printed at the Zone, as part of a collaboration between Lenovo and cutting machine brand Cricut.

After attending the showcase, visitors can stand to win a Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i laptop worth $1,999 by joining a social media contest on the brand’s Instagram.

It is time for a little fun in the sun at Hangout SG, where visitors can let loose with the event’s various activities and live performances.

Located at Our Tampines Hub’s Town Square, the event introduces members of the community to youth entrepreneurs at its featured Youth Entrepreneur Marketplace. Over 20 small businesses will set up booths and put goods like jewellery, stickers and bath bombs on sale.

Hangout SG also offers visitors the space to jam out to local music, painting activities and games galore.

On top of the activities and marketplace, visitors can watch an e-sports tournament live at the event on Aug 26, and a band jamming competition on Aug 27.

The two-day event will run from Aug 26 to 27 from 11am to 9pm. Admission is free of charge.

Although the Mid-Autumn Festival is still a month away, it is not too early to start shopping for mooncakes and other celebratory goods!

From now to Sep 29, Takashimaya is holding its annual Mid-Autumn Fair. This year’s rendition hosts over 50 brands selling tea sets and all things mooncakes, from snow skin ones to even durian-flavoured ones.

Visitors can not only browse through the varieties of mooncakes available at the Fair, but also enjoy early bird special discounts of up to 30 per cent off mooncakes.

Admission to Takashimaya’s Mid-Autumn Fair is free.