From the Singapore Grand Prix and Halloween scares to a Butterbear walk and Marc Jacobs Daisy Mist’s coffee collab, here’s what to do this October
October is shaping up to be one of Singapore’s busiest months yet, with the return of Formula 1, Halloween season in full swing and plenty of side attractions too.
Spend a weekend trackside, stay out late at the museum, browse a neighbourhood market, start Saturday with an adorable 3km walk or stop by Big Short Coffee for Marc Jacobs Daisy Mist’s playful new collaboration. Here are some of the events worth making time for this October.
Planning where to eat as well? Explore new gourmet options with our guide to the latest restaurants and new menus in Singapore.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian OUD Velvet Mood Pop-Up at Ngee Ann City, Now Until 20 October
Make a stop at Ngee Ann City this October as Maison Francis Kurkdjian unveils its new OUD Velvet Mood Extrait de Parfum at a limited-time pop-up. The experience puts the latest addition to the French fragrance house's OUD Mood collection in the spotlight, offering visitors a chance to explore its rich, luxurious character in person. Beyond the new launch, visitors can also discover the maison's best-selling fragrances and scented body care, making this a perfect opportunity to explore the collection ahead of the Christmas gifting season.
For something a little different, shoppers who spend over S$800 on 9 or 10 October can enjoy a sculpted desert art experience, creating an edible keepsake inspired by the pop-up.
The new OUD Velvet Mood takes a softer approach to oud, pairing its deep, woody warmth with a velvety peach accord and supple suede. Inspired by the warmth and texture of desert sands, the extrait de parfum has a fruity, woody character that feels both sensual and enveloping.
The pop-up also offers an opportunity to revisit the maison's much-loved fragrances, including Baccarat Rouge 540 and OUD Satin Mood, alongside its scented body care collection. With the festive gifting season approaching, it is a perfect excuse to explore something new or find a fragrance for someone special.
When: Now until 20 October 2026; sculpted dessert art experience on 9 and 10 October with purchases over S$800
Where: Ngee Ann City, Basement 1 Event Space, Orchard Road
Why go: Experience the new OUD Velvet Mood, explore Maison Francis Kurkdjian's fragrance and body care collections, and enjoy an exclusive desert art experience with qualifying purchases.
Sephora x Olive Young K-Beauty Edit Pop-Up at ION Orchard, 8 to 14 October
K-beauty fans, there is another reason to head to ION Orchard this October. Following the launch of Olive Young’s K-Beauty Edit at Sephora Singapore in September, the two beauty retailers are bringing the collaboration to life with a seven-day pop-up at ION Orchard’s B4 Atrium. Running from 8 to 14 October, the experience offers a closer look at some of Korea’s most talked-about skincare brands, complete with personalised recommendations, interactive activities and product sampling.
The pop-up features 24 products from eight Korean beauty brands, including beplain, BIOHEAL BOH, Cell Fusion C, Dr. Althea, HEVEBLUE, make p:rem, ma:nyo and REJURAN Cosmetics. Products are organised into four skincare categories: Slow-Aging, Barrier-Support, Pores/Blemishes and Hydration, making it easier to find formulas suited to your skin concerns.
Start with a self-guided skin assessment or sign up for an on-site SKIN SCAN for more personalised recommendations. From there, explore the different skincare zones, learn about ingredients and product benefits, and take part in mission-based activities. There are also opportunities to receive product samples to try at home. The wider Olive Young K-Beauty Edit remains available at Sephora stores across Singapore and online.
When: 8 to 14 October 2026, 10am to 10pm daily
Where: ION Orchard, B4 Atrium
Why go: Explore eight Korean skincare brands, get personalised recommendations through a skin scan and enjoy interactive K-beauty experiences and product sampling.
Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2026, 9–11 October
Every year, the Singapore Grand Prix rolls back into town, and never fails to take center stage. The Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix returns to the Marina Bay Street Circuit from 9 to 11 October, bringing three days of racing, entertainment and the unmistakable buzz that takes over the city.
Even if you are not keeping track of every lap, there is still plenty happening off the track, with a packed music line-up running across the weekend. JJ Lin and CORTIS perform on Friday, The Killers, Goo Goo Dolls and Zara Larsson take over Saturday, while Sunday brings Lana Del Rey, Janet Jackson and James Arthur. DJ Snake, Major Lazer Soundsystem, Mark Ronson, ZHU and more are also spread across the weekend.
Between the concerts, late nights and race-week buzz spilling into the city, the Grand Prix weekend has become an event in its own right, even for those who barely follow Formula 1.
When: 9–11 October 2026
Where: Marina Bay Street Circuit
Why go: Night racing, major international acts and one of Singapore’s biggest weekends of the year.
Marc Jacobs Daisy Mist Meets Big Short Coffee, 7 to 20 October
Marc Jacobs Beauty is giving its new Daisy Hair & Body Mists a caffeine-fuelled Singapore launch with a limited-time collaboration at Big Short Coffee. From 7 to 20 October, the Beach Road café will serve Oopsie DAISY, a special drink inspired by the fruity freshness of Daisy Mist Mandarin Fizz.
There is more happening from 9 to 11 October, 2pm to 5pm, when Marc Jacobs Fragrances pops up outside the café. Visitors can discover and shop all four Daisy Mists, Lemon Spritz, Mandarin Fizz, Vanilla Gourmand and Tropical Glow, with every mist purchased at the pop-up coming with a voucher for a complimentary Oopsie DAISY.*
The treats work both ways. Buy any speciality coffee at Big Short Coffee during the collaboration and you can redeem a complimentary Marc Jacobs Fragrances sample, while stocks last. Daisy Mist purchases at Metro Paragon, BHG Bugis, Takashimaya, TANGS Orchard and Lazada also come with a voucher for three complimentary speciality coffees at Big Short Coffee, including Oopsie DAISY.*
*while stocks last.
When: 7 to 20 October 2026; Daisy Mist pop-up 9 to 11 October, 2pm to 5pm
Where: Big Short Coffee, 273 Beach Road, #01-01
Why go: Try the limited-edition Oopsie DAISY coffee, sample the new Daisy scents and catch the three-day Marc Jacobs Fragrances pop-up.
Halloween Horror Nights 14 at Universal Studios Singapore, Selected Nights Till 1 November
Halloween in Singapore would not feel complete without a trip to Halloween Horror Nights, and this year the scares are getting particularly close to home.
At the centre of Halloween Horror Nights 14 (HHN14) is the Karang Guni Man, reimagined as the figure behind a cursed collection of forgotten objects and evil entities. The Singapore-inspired storyline runs through an event featuring four haunted houses, two scare zones and three live shows, promising a night of spooks and thrills.
HHN14 takes place on selected nights from now to 1 November, with most of its dates falling throughout October. The event runs from 7.30pm to 12.30am, so prepare for a late night and probably a few moments spent hiding behind whoever you came with.
When: Selected nights from now to 1 November 2026, 7.30pm–12.30am
Where: Universal Studios Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa
Why go: A distinctly Singaporean horror storyline, four haunted houses and a thrilling night with friends.
Central Singapore Market, 10 & 24 October
For those who wish to take October a little slower, spend an afternoon browsing the Central Singapore Market, a travelling community market that brings together local farmers, entrepreneurs and artists.
The market shifts the focus from shopping and puts healthy and sustainable living at its heart. Expect home-grown produce and food, eco-friendly products and experiences, while also providing a platform for persons with disabilities to showcase their work and talents.
There are two editions to look out for this October: 10 October at Zhongshan Park, running from 3pm to 7pm, followed by 24 October at Thomson Community Club from 10am to 3pm.
When: 10 October, 3pm–7pm; 24 October, 10am–3pm
Where: Zhongshan Park and Thomson Community Club
Why go: Shop local, pick up fresh produce and discover smaller home-grown makers while spending a relaxed weekend out.
Butterbear Happy Walk 2026, 17 October
Butterbear fans, you are in luck this October! The Butterbear Happy Walk 2026 is bringing the much-loved character to Orchard Road for a leisurely 3km interactive walk on 17 October.
Starting at Singapore Management University’s U-Square and finishing at orchardgateway, the route includes checkpoints and simple challenges designed more for having fun with friends and family than beating a personal best. Flag-off times are available at 8.30am, 9am, 9.30am and 10am.
Every participant also receives an event pack, including a race tee, event bag, wristband and fan, with finishers collecting a medal at the end of the route. The whole experience takes roughly 1.5 hours, leaving plenty of time to spend the rest of your day.
When: 17 October 2026; flag-offs from 8.30am
Where: Singapore Management University U-Square to orchardgateway
Why go: A leisurely 3km walk, Butterbear collectibles and an early start to a Saturday morning.
Subdued Opens Its Second Singapore Store at Bugis+
Italian fashion label Subdued opens its second store in Singapore at Bugis+, just five months after making its local debut at Wheelock Place. The new 164-square-metre space sits right in the middle of Bugis’ youth shopping district, a fitting second home for a brand that has built much of its following among Gen Z shoppers. For those new to the brand, Subdued is an Italian fashion brand known for its effortless, vintage-inspired streetwear and strong connection to youth culture.
The opening of its second store in Singapore also marks the debut of Subdued’s new Back to the City collection, with everyday pieces in deep teal, plum and forest green. There is a Singapore exclusive too: the Tropical Girl Singapore T-shirt (S$39) will only be sold at the Bugis+ store, while stocks last.
Head down on opening day for a little extra. Customers who make a qualifying purchase can spin the in-store prize wheel, with every spin winning one of three limited-edition Subdued merchandise sets, while stocks last.
When: Opens 18 September 2026 at 3pm; thereafter daily, 10am to 10pm
Where: Subdued, Bugis+, #01-05, 201 Victoria Street
Why go: Shop Subdued’s new Back to the City collection, pick up the Bugis+-exclusive Singapore tee and catch the opening-day giveaways.
Gelato Messina Welcomes Hong Kong’s Butter Bake Shop, Now Until 30 September
If you missed the first few weeks of Butter’s Singapore debut, there is still time to get your hands on its freshly baked cookies. The Hong Kong-born American bake shop has extended its Messina pop-up until the end of September, following its original launch on 17 August. Butter is known for nostalgic American-style bakes, with cookies baked throughout the day for crisp edges and soft centres.
Alongside Butter favourites such as Classic, Chocolate Chunk, Lemon Crinkle and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin, the extended run brings two new flavours, Tiramisu and White Chocolate Macadamia. Singapore also gets its own exclusive, the MILO Dinosaur Cookie ($6), while the MILO Godzilla ($12) tops a warm MILO Dinosaur cookie with a scoop of Messina vanilla gelato.
The collaboration brings together Butter’s warm, freshly baked cookies and Messina’s gelato, making this an easy dessert stop to squeeze in before the pop-up disappears at the end of the month.
When: Now until 30 September 2026, walk-ins only.
Where: Messina, Club Street
Why go: Try Hong Kong favourite Butter’s freshly baked cookies, including new Tiramisu and White Chocolate Macadamia flavours and the Singapore-exclusive MILO Dinosaur.
Starbucks x Nespresso Vertuo – Four Starbucks Blends Now Available for Vertuo
Coffee lovers can now recreate familiar Starbucks flavours at home with the arrival of Starbucks coffees for Nespresso Vertuo in Singapore. The launch marks the latest chapter in the long-running partnership between the two coffee brands, bringing four Starbucks blends to the Vertuo system for the first time locally.
The collection includes Espresso Roast, with molasses and caramel notes; the smooth and balanced Pike Place Roast; dark-roasted Caffè Verona with cocoa and caramelised sugar; and the full-bodied Single-Origin Sumatra, known for its herbal and spicy character. Prices range from S$11 to S$15.80 for a sleeve of 10 capsules.
Nespresso has also introduced bundles for those looking to recreate Starbucks-style drinks at home, including a S$299 Vertuo Barista Bundle with mugs, a NanoFoamer and 30 capsules, as well as a S$67 Café Creations Bundle.
When: Available for a limited time
Where: Nespresso boutiques across Singapore and online
Why go: Try Starbucks coffee in the Vertuo format for the first time in Singapore, with four familiar blends designed for everything from espresso to iced café-style creations.
REINVENTION: ALLPLAY at Singapore Science Park, now to 22 November
Singapore Science Park is turning into a giant playground for the next three months, but this one is as much about design and creativity as it is about having fun. REINVENTION: ALLPLAY, presented by Singapore Science Park with support from the DesignSingapore Council, brings together more than 30 designers, artists and partners for installations, workshops and experiences exploring how play can encourage movement, experimentation and connection.
There is plenty for families to get involved with. PlayLab at The Canopy at Geneo features interactive exhibits, mechanical puzzles, playground installations and hands-on workshops, while the PlayCourt at 7 Science Park Drive reworks familiar sports such as basketball, football and pickleball and invites visitors to contribute to Singapore Science Park's first co-created community mural. From 29 August to 13 September, Mandai X's Ranger Buddies: The Planet Cup adds physical and AR missions that get children thinking about how everyday choices can help the environment.
The programme keeps changing throughout its run, giving families a reason to return. Upcoming highlights include the Design Meets Play market on 22 and 23 August, alongside workshops and creative collaborations that will continue to appear through November. General admission is free, although selected activities and workshops are ticketed.
When 11 August to 22 November 2026
Where Geneo, Singapore Science Park
Why go Interactive installations, puzzles, creative workshops, reinvented sports and family-friendly play experiences spread across three months.
Discover the New shu uemura Flagship at ION Orchard - Now Open
Beauty lovers have a new reason to stop by ION Orchard. shu uemura has unveiled its refreshed flagship boutique (at B3), reimagining the beauty journey through a space that blends Japanese artistry, innovation and personalised consultation.
Designed around a seamless customer experience, the store takes visitors through the brand's world of cleansing oils, skincare and makeup in one continuous journey. Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of omotenashi hospitality, dedicated zones spotlight shu uemura's expertise in complexion, colour artistry and skincare, while personalised consultations help shoppers discover products and shades tailored to their features.
The boutique itself is worth exploring with its key elements and design philosophy. The exterior takes inspiration from shu uemura's iconic makeup box and the brand's Omotesando flagship in Tokyo, while inside, visitors will find a striking kinetic art installation featuring Global Artistic Director Uchiide-san's hand-painted Kanji calligraphy, "Xin" (Heart), a tribute to founder Mr Shu Uemura's belief in beauty as an art form.
Another beautiful feature is the suspended Cleansing Oil sculpture, bringing to life one of the brand's best-known philosophies: "Makeup starts and ends with cleansing." Whether you are booking a consultation, exploring their 3D brow pro service, or simply browsing the newly designed space, this is one beauty destinations to visit on Orchard Road right now.
When Now open
Where ION Orchard, #B3-42/43
Why go Explore shu uemura's newly redesigned flagship, discover personalised beauty services and experience the brand's artistry-led approach to skincare and makeup.
Sephora x Olive Young Brings 20 K-Beauty Brands to Singapore
K-beauty just got a lot easier to shop in Singapore. Sephora and Olive Young have joined forces in Southeast Asia, bringing a curated edit of 20 Korean beauty brands and more than 180 products to shoppers in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Come September, shoppers in Singapore can find the collection across Sephora stores, as well as on the Sephora app and online.
The line-up includes brands such as BIOHEAL BOH, Torhop, beplain, ongredients, make p:rem, Cell Fusion C, REJURAN and Dr Althea, with the edit curated by Olive Young around the products, formulas and names currently gaining traction in Korea. For beauty shoppers who usually save these finds for a Seoul trip, this partnership brings that discovery much closer to home.
To mark the regional launch, Sephora is also introducing limited-time Sephora x Olive Young K-Beauty Discovery Launchpads at three flagship locations across Southeast Asia, with ION Orchard representing Singapore. The Launchpad goes beyond a standard product display, with trend edits, hero routines, K-beauty education, sampling and interactive experiences designed to help visitors explore what is new and next from Korea.
Visitors can discover emerging brands, sought-after formulas and new launches, including products and names that are not widely available across the region. Selected purchases also unlock an exclusive Olive Young pouch and charms, while stocks last.
When From 2 September 2026
Where Sephora stores across Singapore, Sephora app and online. K-Beauty Discovery Launchpad at Sephora ION Orchard
Why go Get hands-on with the Sephora x Olive Young K-beauty edit, featuring 20 brands, 180+ products, sampling and interactive experiences
Singapore always has something happening, from pop-ups and festivals to exhibitions, dining experiences and easy family outings. This guide rounds up the best picks in one place.
Some do, especially ticketed shows, limited-time performances, and popular hotel collaborations like afternoon teas. Booking ahead is recommended for weekends and school holidays.
Indoor-friendly options include museum exhibitions, immersive gallery experiences, theatre shows, and hotel dining plans, all ideal when the weather turns.
Yes. Many events are suitable for families, including seasonal garden showcases, interactive exhibitions, and themed attractions that work for all ages.
Several exhibitions and public programmes offer free entry or low-cost admission, making it easy to plan a fun day out without overspending.
Vanilla Luxury
Vanilla Luxury is a Singapore-based digital lifestyle publication covering beauty, food and drink, travel, family, and modern living. We create practical, service-led stories and curated roundups designed to help you discover what is worth your time, attention, and spend.
Vanilla Luxury began as a luxury marketing agency and has since evolved into an editorial platform with a clear point of view on lifestyle in Singapore. Today, we continue to guide you towards the best of the city, alongside fresh ideas for experiences beyond.
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