Five things to do this weekend (Mar 17-19)

Some say retail therapy is the fastest way to recover from a long and tiring week. 

From bustling bazaars to lively thrift events, there will be plenty of opportunities this weekend for you to spend your stress away – just make sure you keep to your budget! 

Here are five things to do this weekend (Mar 17-19):

If you love street food and night markets, you can head down to Geylang to enjoy Bazaar Raya Geylang Serai 2023.

The bazaar is to set up shop on Mar 17, boasting some 700 stalls; a dramatic increase from the 70 stalls set up in 2022.

The theme of the annual bazaar is Raya Gemilang, meaning ‘glorious feast’, and will feature two concept zones. 

You can expect a variety of halal food, drinks, and retail items at the first zone, Souq City.

The second concept is the Street Bazaar, which will stretch from Geylang Serai Market to the area beside Tanjong Katong Complex. This area will showcase three distinct themes as well as interactive art installations.

Shopaholics can look forward to exclusive shopping and workshops at the Spring Summer 2023 Edition of Boutique Fairs Singapore, located at the F1 Pit Building.

The event will be held from Mar 17 to 19, featuring over 250 brands and designers, including overseas brands that are new to the Singapore market.

This edition will also feature brand-led interactive workshops and children’s activities, including a Scavenger Hunt organised by VegThisCity, an alternative food, art, culture tour company, healthy bites at two cafes on the third floor, beverages, locally-made pantry essentials, condiments, fresh produce, and artisanal cheeses.

With a single ticket, shoppers can come and go as they please throughout all three days of the event. Children under 12 do not require a ticket, and can enter for free.

Tickets will be priced at $6 per pax, or $21 for five pax, inclusive of a $1 booking fee.

If you need some time to unwind, you can catch Nadi Singapura’s free concert from 6pm to 7pm at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage.

Traditional Malay music ensemble Nadi Singapura will perform at the Botanic Gardens on Sunday (Mar 19) as a part of the Arts@SBG NAC-ExxonMobil Concert in the Gardens series.

Called Istana Cinta, Palace of Love, the free concert at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage will feature exclusive and original compositions, expressing passion for Malay music, culture, and identity.

If you’re looking for both food and entertainment all in one place, you can explore the halal bazaar, Wow Raya! at Suntec City.

The bazaar will take place from Mar 17 to 19 – the weekend before Ramadan – in halls 404 to 406 from 11am to 10pm.

Visitors can expect food vendors such as homegrown beverage brand Rumi The Poet’s Cup, who are well known for its signature Caramel Macchiato and Rumicchino. Other local brands include Home Of Sushi and Brozky.

In addition, there will be live performances by local and regional artists throughout the three-day event. Some of these artists include local singer Sufi Rashid, Malaysian actress Zarina Zainuddin, and Malaysian actor Fahrin Ahmad.

If you love sustainable fashion, or if you’re simply on a budget, you can check out REFASH’s annual thrifting event from Mar 17 to 19.

The event will take place at REFASH’s newly opened Funan Mall outlet from 11am to 9pm.

Formerly called The Thrift Festival, this year’s disco-themed event is named ReFiesta: All in One Thrift Adventure and will feature 17 local influencers, 10 thrift shops, and 18 small businesses.

The thrifting event will feature numerous local influencers, including Noah Yap, Royce Lee, Sherri Ashlee, as well as popular TikTokers like Clara, Isabelle, and Sherrine.

Visitors will be able to shop directly from their favourite influencer’s closets, with their secondhand apparel starting from just $5.

REFASH’s Funan outlet is located at 107 North Bridge Road, #02-14, Singapore 179105.