Historically a day to commemorate the dearly departed, Halloween (31 October) has evolved to be an evening of trick-or-treating and merry-making. While for many years it was largely viewed as an American tradition, the ghoulish holiday has been gaining popularity in Singapore, with restaurants, museums and other entertainment venues all jumping on the bandwagon.
Here are eight ideas for a spook-tastic weekend.
1. Catch horror comedies at The Projector
What: What better way to mark Halloween than with a series of horror comedies from everybody’s favourite indie cinema? After all, everyone knows the best way to dispel the tension from a scary movie is to have a good laugh. The Projector has curated a series of films that is part horror part comedy and will be available either on-site or on its video streaming platform, The Projector Plus. Book your tickets for What We Do in the Shadows (2014), which follows three vampires struggling to cope with the complexities of modern life in New York.
If you prefer curling up under your blankets, catch online exclusives Extra Ordinary (2019) and A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014). The former sees a driving instructor using her supernatural talents to save a girl from a Satanic pact, while the latter features a feminist skateboarding vampire who preys on men who disrespect women in an Iranian city. Visit their website for a full list of films.
When: Varies
2. Meet a monster (or three) at Universal Studios Singapore
What: Round up your kids and head to the sprawling theme park where you’ll find Illumination’s Minion Monsters dressed up as Frankenstein, Dracula and The Mummy. Other characters including the DreamWorks Animation cast from the film Madagascar (2005), friends from Sesame Street and even a ferocious Jurassic World Velociraptor will also be roaming the park decked out in Halloween costumes. Look out for Candy Ambassadors, clad in orange aprons or pumpkin hats, who will be giving out sweet treats to all the young ones.
When: 17 September to 1 November
3. Go for a Halloween-themed horse ride at Gallop Stable
What: Located within the leafy confines of Pasir Ris Park, this stable is home to five horses and nine ponies, and offers family-friendly activities such as joy rides, pony and bunny feeding as well as arts and crafts. To mark the occasion, the equine creatures and their minders will be dressed up in Halloween-themed costumes while the stables will be fully decked out with pumpkin and ghost-themed decor.
When: 30 and 31 October
4. Discover ancient myths with the Asian Civilisations Museum
What: Even if you’re too lazy to leave your house this weekend, don’t worry. The 27-year-old museum is bringing a series of Halloween-themed experiences straight to your home with the ACM After Dark experience. Go on a trail to uncover ancient stories and secrets of Asian civilisations. Get crafty with a video tutorial, join an exclusive virtual tour with our docents, and whip up a “spooky” bento set. Also tune in to ACM’s Facebook page for a music and drama performance about the fall of Bukit Larangan.
When: 31 October
5. Sup on Halloween-themed food and drinks at KOMA
What: This acclaimed Japanese restaurant at Marina Bay Sands will be serving up a series of Halloween-themed concoctions, including KOMA Raven, a darkly delicious cocktail made with Patrón XO Cafe, Plantation Original Dark Rum, Luxardo Cherry Liqueur and Kahlúa. Prefer something sweet? Indulge your inner Morticia Addams with Murder Was The Case, a gothic-inspired dessert of black sesame gelato served in a crunchy black sesame waffle cone, and topped with chocolate praline and raspberry sauce.
When: 26 October – 1 November
6. Dive into the Deep Boo Sea at S.E.A. Aquarium
What: Here’s another one for families with young children. Get up close and personal with some of nature’s scariest-looking marine creatures such as the Japanese warbonnet, recognised by the prominent Native American chieftain’s headdress-like cirri on top of its head, and the menacing wolf eel, known for its voracious appetite which can probably rival the mythical werewolf. Older children will also love the treasure hunt where they solve riddles and uncover lost pearls hidden within five habitats in the aquarium.
When: 19 September to 1 November
7. Take part in a gruesome money heist at The Alkaff Mansion
What: Inspired by the wildly popular Spanish Netflix series Money Heist, the multi-concept lifestyle and dining destination will be rolling out a themed Halloween dining experience. Expect service staff to be dressed as “bank robbers” (think red jumpsuits and Salvador Dalí masks) while diners – who will be playing the role of the “hostages” – tuck into Halloween specials like the The Professor’s Bloodshot Eggs and Bella Ciao Spider Roquefort Cream.
While waiting for your order to be served, feel free to request for red origami paper and fold an origami bird just like the Professor did during calls with the police in the drama series. Come dressed in your most frightful attire (pets included), and get ready to take part in a crazy lucky dip.
When: 30 October to 1 November
8. Enjoy a screamfest at the ArtScience Museum
What: As part of its flagship ArtScience on Screen programme, the museum will be running limited screenings of the iconic 1920 German Expressionist silent horror film, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, in its full restored glory. Marking its 100th anniversary this year, this haunting film has been widely considered to be the first masterpiece in the horror genre. Other spine-tingling surrealist films to be screened at the museum include a curated series of David Lynch’s early short films from 1967 to 1995. Due to the limited capacity at ArtScience Museum’s Level 4 Gallery, visitors are strongly encouraged to pre-book their tickets to each screening.
In the digital realm of ArtScience At Home, local musician and producer Fauxe will be channeling the ghoulish energies of Dr. Caligari into a musical performance as part of the monthly ArtScience Late at Home presentation. Also, don’t miss out on the museum’s virtual tour, Scream Scenes, which will be uncovering the hair-raising tales behind some of its biggest past exhibitions.
When: 10 October to 6 November
SEE ALSO: Six Halloween-like traditions around the world
