Featured Events in Singapore in November, 2025 (July Updated)

In commemoration of Singapore’s 60th year of independence, the National Museum’s special exhibition Once Upon a Tide invites you to embark on a voyage through the ebbs and flows of the island’s transformation from a bustling port to a global powerhouse. Journey through Singapore’s 700-year history and discover how the sea and river have shaped Singapore’s evolution, witnessing the constant flows of people, goods, and ideas that have together woven the fabric of the nation. Uncover the many connections that have positioned Singapore at the crossroads of the world, and play your part in envisioning Singapore’s future!

After a popular exhibition in 15 cities including Sydney, Amsterdam, Berlin, Budapest, Vienna, Warsaw, Seoul, Miami, Seattle, etc., Banksy Art: No Limits is finally coming to Singapore in December 2024! When the topic is street art, there is no way around him: Banksy is probably the most famous and mysterious graffiti artist in the world. Banksy's Art: No Limits showcases more than 200 works of the artist, such as his original art, prints in different materials, photographs, sculptures, etc.

Singapore Biennale 2025: pure intention presents contemporary art in multiple venues and public spaces, inviting audiences of all walks of life to experience Singapore’s many layers built by all of those who have been a part of its history, collectively creating a city that is as planned as it is full of discovery, surprises and interesting juxtapositions. Through an exploration of art in everyday environments, audiences will be engaged to see familiar spaces in Singapore with fresh eyes and new perspectives, paying attention to the rituals, histories, lived experiences and aspirations that have shaped our environments and urban lives.

This exhibition offers a new, revealing look at the world-class Portland Collection of art. The museum will be filled to the brim with fascinating art and objects, a giant cabinet of curiosities. There will be silver and tapestry, paintings and jewels; art that has come home after a long loan to a prestigious national gallery, and stunning star items that visitors know and love – such as Michelangelo’s ‘Madonna of Silence’ or the pearl earring worn by Charles I at his execution. A highlight of the display is a Picture Gallery, stacked with Tudor and Jacobean portraits – many of which have never been seen publicly before.

Angin Cloud imagines the rural industrialisation of a hill side from Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Pairing Jrai wood sculptures and suspended pillars that recall farming structures for growing pepper vine, the installation references ‘angin’, a Jrai concept for the dynamic potential for change found in water and air.

Diplomacy and Desire: Basoeki Abdullah in Singapore is an exhibition of artworks by Indonesian painter, Basoeki Abdullah (1915-1993) who is known for his paintings of stalwart statesmen and attractive women. The highlights of the exhibition are two paintings that the artist gifted to Singapore. Diplomacy and Desire focuses on the artist’s relationship to Singapore and his time living in Singapore when it achieved self-government in 1959. The exhibition considers the relationship between Basoeki as a high-society painter and his agency as a regional cultural producer who was keenly aware of the geopolitical value of his artworks. The exhibition encourages audiences to see this prominent portraitist anew and reflect upon the ‘power’ of beauty and art in post-colonial Southeast Asia.

Fernando Zóbel: Order is Essential is National Gallery Singapore's first solo exhibition on the transcontinental artist, thinker and art patron who was active in Asia, North America and Europe. Born in the Philippines to Spanish parents, Zóbel shaped a language in international abstraction that instilled the vital beauty of order in the unpredictable creative process. Running from 9 May – 30 November 2025, the exhibition highlights Zóbel’s unique artistic practice and contribution to modernism globally. The exhibition is an iteration expanding on the Zóbel: The Future of the Past exhibition, which was held at the Prado Museum, Madrid, Spain (2022) and in Ayala Museum, Manila, Philippines (2024).

British singer-songwriter Passenger has announced his headline tour in Asia. Passenger will kick off his highly anticipated Asia tour this November in Singapore, followed by Shanghai and Beijing. Passenger is set to perform in Singapore on 26 November at Capitol Theatre.

Fistful of Colours: Moments of Chinese Cosmopolitanism brings together artworks from the late Qing Dynasty to the present moment to explore the social history of art, with a particular emphasis on the situatedness of Chinese ink works amidst its political milieus. With reference to the concept of Chinese cosmopolitanism as proposed by scholar Pheng Cheah, the exhibition connects the artistic and scholarly advocation embodied by the artists presented, telling a story of the social life between artists and society through both modern and contemporary experiences of the overseas Chinese intellectual and mercantile communities, their pursuits of Chinese modernity, and their collective cultural commitments at the dawn of globalisation.

Embark on an expedition through time as we celebrate 10 years of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum at the National University of Singapore. Since 2015, Singapore’s only natural history museum has been a vital institution for scientific research, education, and community engagement—uncovering the rich biodiversity of Southeast Asia and its historical connections. This milestone exhibition honours the curiosity that drives scientific exploration, celebrating the Museum’s origins, with its collections dating back to the 1840s, to its present-day role in preserving and showcasing the region’s natural heritage. Step into the past, explore the present, and catch a glimpse of the exciting future ahead. Be part of our next chapter in biodiversity research and conservation!

Prepare for an exciting night of stories and friendly competition at What’s Your Story Slam! This is where everyday people step up to the mic to share their personal, five- to six-minute tales, competing to win the audience’s votes. What to Expect: Storytelling Competition: Each storyteller will have a few minutes to wow you with their story. You’ll hear everything from heartfelt moments to hilarious anecdotes.Audience Voting: As part of the audience, you’ll vote for your top three favourite stories of the night. The storyteller with the most votes takes home the win!Fun, Welcoming Vibe: Whether you’re here to compete, support a friend, or enjoy a night out, our Story Slam community is warm, inclusive, and energetic.Come for the stories, stay for the connections. Grab a drink, sit back, and cheer on the night’s storytellers. We can’t wait to see you there! This Month's Theme: THANKFUL FOR THE MESS Share your story of finding beauty in life’s chaos. Tell us about a time things went sideways, a plan unraveled, or a mishap turned into an unexpected blessing. That moment when everything fell apart, but somehow, something good emerged. Recall the laughter, the surprises, the lessons hidden in the mess. Tell us a story that celebrates the silver linings and the magic that only comes from things going wrong. Other Prompts: Tell us about... …a time a disaster turned into a blessing …a mistake that led to something wonderful …a chaotic moment that made you laugh How it Works What’s Your Story Slam is a curated storytelling competition that brings together passionate storytellers, each coached by our creative director, Anna Ong. Every participant pitches their story idea to Anna at least a month before the show, allowing time to craft a compelling, engaging narrative. On the night, each storyteller takes the stage with a polished, unforgettable 5-6 minute tale, ready to wow the audience and compete for the top spot. It’s a unique, immersive storytelling experience designed to leave a lasting impression. Doors Open 7:45 PM Stories Start 8:00 PM Rating: Advisory Want to TELL a story? Here’s what to know! FIRST – Submit Your StoryApply here: Tips for Live StorytellingIt’s Your Story Make sure you’re one of the main characters and were part of the events as they unfolded. No journalism—this is personal storytelling.Told, Not Read What’s Your Story Slam is all about connection, so no notes or scripts on stage. Know your story by “heart” so you can engage directly with the audience.Stakes Matter Why does this story matter to you? What's at risk? Make us care and root for you! If there are no stakes, consider choosing a different story.How to Bring Your Story to LifeStart with Action Hook us with a bold opening line! No: “I thought about signing up for a marathon…” Yes: “I’m freezing in Shinjuku, surrounded by spandex, waiting for my first marathon to start…”Know Your Story, Have Fun! Memorise your bullet points, then let loose. Tell it like you’re at a dinner party with friends.What to AvoidNo Meandering Endings Know your last line before you start. Bring your audience along for the ride—don’t leave them lost!No Sales or Motivational Speeches This isn’t a pitch or a seminar. We want real, relatable stories, not life lessons.No Stand-Up Routines Funny is great, but tell funny stories—no punchline-driven routines.No Poetry or Essays Save written reflections for the page. Stories need action, stakes, and heart.No Rants Stories need resolution, not unresolved frustration. Share stories you’ve processed and moved through.NO Key Takeaways Let the audience find their own meaning. Avoid summarising or “teaching” at the end. Information Source: What's Your Story Slam | eventbrite