September is over, and that means we’ve almost done another lap around the Sun. Yay, us! We still have time before big papa Santa comes to town, why not spend it doing the latest and greatest activities in town? This October is jam-packed with exciting events, and most of them are free entry! If you need some suggestions, we have 9 vibrant activities you can do with family and friends all lined up for your perusal 💙
01 • Octoburst! A Children’s Festival 👶 (2 October)
I long for the days when I could skip school because of Children’s Day. Or maybe I just really wanted another day that was all about me 🤪
If you’re looking to pamper your kids this year with something that isn’t an iPad, Octoburst is your best option. Esplanade has prepared exciting and educational programmes for children of all ages. Explore interactive stories from children across Singapore, or bust a move on the Groovers 645 dance floor with other families🕺
📍 Address: Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, 1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981
⏰ Event hours: 10am – 8pm
💸 Cost of entry: Free
🌐 Website: esplanade.com/octoburst
02 • Peranakan Fest 2026 👗 (3 October)
When I was younger, I had a lovely blue tingkat that I would bring to school with all my delicious homemade snacks. I haven’t had one of those in a long time, so I thought to myself, why not buy a new one at Singapore’s biggest Peranakan bazaar? And maybe I’ll buy a kebaya while I’m at it, and some jewellery for my Mum, and some kueh for my Dad, and a pair of beaded shoes for myself, and— (cut for time)
📍 Address: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, Level 7, 1 Straits Blvd, Singapore 018906
⏰ Event hours: 11am – 9pm
💸 Cost of entry: Free entry, workshop events and concerts are ticketed
🌐 Website: peranakan.org.sg/events/peranakan-fest-2026
03 • Haw Ror Villa 5 👹 (8 October – 15 November)
On select dates from October to November, the gates of hell in Haw Par Villa will be opened for all the poor and unfortunate souls. Trek through a labyrinth of horrors, fight off a nightmarish cult, and overcome the trials and tribulations that threaten to drag you to the deepest pits of sin. Costumes are allowed for this event, so if you see a crying Pontianak when you’re there, that’s just me trying (and failing) to be brave 🥺
📍 Address: Haw Par Villa, 262 Pasir Panjang Rd, Singapore 118628
⏰ Event hours: Daily, 6.30pm – 12am
💸 Cost of entry: Adults ($50), Children ($40)
🌐 Website: hawrorvilla.com
04 • Born to Play: A Family Playdate 🪁 (10 October – 11 October)
If you weren’t able to go out for Children’s Day, head over to Fernvale Community Club for a cosy parent-child play experience. The programme aims to support families and help them understand the value of parent-child interactions by using play as a medium. Make use of the materials available in the open areas to create and explore imaginative structures; there are no limits!
📍 Address: Fernvale Community Club Multi-purpose Hall, Level 4, 21 Sengkang West Avenue, Singapore 797650
⏰ Event hours: Thu, 6.45pm – 10.30pm | Fri, 6pm – 11pm
💸 Cost of entry: Free
🌐 Website: eventbrite.sg/born-to-play-a-family-playdate
05 • Diwali NRI BuZZar 🪔 (16 October)
Deepavali is the last public holiday before Christmas, so start getting into the festive mood with a shopping trip at the NRI BuZZar. Check out handmade sarees and trinkets from local creators, or buy fresh produce and treats for all your snacking needs. Culture and community are what Singapore is all about, so join me in celebrating Deepavali with our Hindu friends this October 😊
📍 Address: Suntec Convention Centre, Level 3, Room 321 & Summit 1, 1 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039593
⏰ Event hours: 10.30am – 8pm
💸 Cost of entry: Free
🌐 Website: facebook.com/NRIBuzzar
06 • Makers Quest 🧙♂️ (17 October)
Halt, traveller! It’s dangerous to go alone, so take this: an invite to this year’s Maker’s Quest SG. This artist alley is all about embracing your inner nerd and celebrating what you love with art. You’ll find original and fanmade works of RPG, TCG, and general gaming culture all in one place. Stock up on gold before coming, lest you arrive unprepared for the final boss (expensive merchandise).
📍 Address: Suntec Convention Centre, Concourse Level 3, 1 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039593
⏰ Event hours: 10am – 7pm
💸 Cost of entry: Free
🌐 Website: makersquestsg.com
07 • Hallyu Con 🇰🇷 (17 October – 18 October)
Celebrate a smorgasbord of Korean culture with Hallyucon at Suntec City. Get on the floor for the iconic Random Play Dance, or munch on Korean street food while watching live dance performances by local talents. Sunny Kim, CEO of World Star Entertainment, will be judging the idol competition, so if you’re performing, remember to give it your all! Shoot for the stars to become a star ⭐️
📍 Address: Suntec Convention Centre, Hall 405, 1 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039593
⏰ Event hours: Daily, 12pm – 8pm
💸 Cost of entry: Free, workshop events are ticketed
🌐 Website: eventbrite.sg/hallyucon
08 • Art Riot 2026: Villains & Ne’er Do Wells 😈 (17 October – 18 October)
If you love all things evil and villainous in fiction, this year’s Art Riot is right up your dark and twisted alley. Attend panels and yap about favourite bad guys, or buy something from the 300+ artists boothing at the event. Finish the day with your best evil grin in the free photobooth with your closest scoundrels. It’s only fitting that this gathering of evildoers would take place in Halloween month, don’t you think?
📍 Address: Singapore Expo Hall 6, 1 Expo Drive, Singapore 486150
⏰ Event hours: Sat, 12pm – 8pm | Sun, 11am – 7pm
💸 Cost of entry: $11.58 per pax
🌐 Website: eventbrite.sg/art-riot-2026
09 • The Purple Parade👩🦽 (24 October)
I don’t have many purple outfits in my wardrobe, so this event seems like the perfect excuse to get some! The Purple Parade was created to spread awareness and celebrate the lives of People with Disabilities (PWD), so rally your friends and walk in solidarity with the disabled community. There will be concerts, yummy carnival food, and fun games to play, so you get to enjoy a perfect day out and support a meaningful cause 💟
📍 Address: Suntec City, 3 Temasek Blvd, Singapore 038983
⏰ Event hours: 2pm – 7pm
💸 Cost of entry: Free
🌐 Website: purpleparade.sg
(Featured photo: Singapore Tourism Board)
