We get it – Singapore isn’t exactly known for being a budget-friendly playground. But believe it or not, there’s a whole world of free events in Singapore that are just as exciting as the spendy stuff. Whether you’re a broke student, frugal fun-seeker or just someone who loves a good deal (hi-five!), here’s your go-to list of free things to do this weekend.
1. Take a scenic stroll at Singapore Botanic Gardens
The only tropical garden to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is your leafy, free escape from the urban grind. Wander through the sprawling lawns, rainforest patches, and sparkling Swan Lake. Time your visit to catch the free weekend concerts at the Symphony Stage – think jazz, classical, and even the occasional K-pop tribute band. My favourite way to enjoy it? With a picnic mat, a well-packed basket, and my beloved pet by my side.
Highlights: Rainforest Trail, Heritage Trees, free open-air concerts
Address: 1 Cluny Road, S(259569)
2. Catch free light shows at Marina Bay
Spoiler: You don’t need to book a room at Marina Bay Sands to soak up its sparkles. Head down to the Event Plaza at Marina Bay Sands to catch Spectra, a nightly free light and water show featuring lasers, fountains and epic music. This weekend is extra special as the light show will be synchronised with popular Lady Gaga songs such as Poker Face, Bad Romance and Abracadabra. The skyline? Just a bonus.
Highlights: 8-minute light & sound show over the bay (stand at the upper deck to avoid getting wet!)
Address: 2 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay Sands, S(018956)
Showtimes:
Mon – Thur, Sun: 8pm, 9pm
Fri – Sat: 8pm, 9pm, 10pm
3. Wander beneath the Supertree Grove
Yes, you’ve probably seen the iconic Supertree Grove all over Instagram, but did you know you can roam around it without paying a cent? While the OCBC Skyway and Cloud Forest require tickets, the Grove itself is completely free to explore. What I’d do is rent a bike and do a night cycle from MBS down to the Supertree Grove – witness the Garden Rhapsody light show, a dazzling display of glowing trees dancing in sync to music.
Highlights: Light shows, towering vertical gardens, ethereal vibes
Address: Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive. S(018953)
Showtimes: Daily, 7.45pm and 8.45pm
4. Get lost in the buzz at Chinatown
For a cultural dive that’s easy on your wallet, visiting Chinatown is one of the best free things to do this weekend. Take a self-guided cultural crawl through the area, where old-world charm meets chaotic fun. Admire ornate temples like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, snap photos of vibrant shophouses, and window-shop through the markets. Don’t miss the Chinatown Heritage Centre’s open courtyard, which occasionally hosts free storytelling sessions and performances.
Highlights: Temples, street murals, cultural exploration
Address: Chinatown MRT (Exit A)
Optional: Paid museum entries, cafe-hopping around the Maxwell area
5. Marvel at the Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi Airport
No, you don’t need a plane ticket to do things at the Changi Airport. Just roll up and stare in awe at the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, the 40-metre HSBC Rain Vortex, cascading through a futuristic dome. Pair that with the Shiseido Forest Valley, complete with misty trails and art installations, and you’ve got a mini jungle adventure inside a mall.
Psst… for my fellow fitspos, there are also Pilates and spin classes conducted here (though they come at a cost – I remember paying around $28 for a session). So if you’re looking for a change of scenery from your usual 24-hour gyms, this could be a fun option!
Highlights: Rain Vortex light shows (hourly), lush indoor forest, free seating areas for your catch-up sessions with friends
Address: Jewel Changi Airport, 78 Airport Boulevard, S(819666)
6. Chill out with free performances at Esplanade Outdoor Theatre
Not sure where to go this weekend for free events? Head to the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre. In the evening, this place comes alive with a rotating lineup of free performances, and for the month of May, you can expect to walk down memory lane with Songs We Grew Up With. Experience the nostalgia of timeless classics with various local talents while you sit along the waterfront with the city skyline behind you.
Highlights: Free live music and cultural performances
Address: 1 Esplanade Drive, S(038981)
Show timings: Mostly Friday – Sunday evenings
7. Go full zen at the Mandai Boardwalk
This peaceful, lesser-known boardwalk is ideal if you’re after free things to do this weekend away from the crowds. The Mandai Boardwalk traces the edge of River Wonders and the Singapore Zoo, thoughtfully designed as an elevated structure above the reservoir banks, allowing native wildlife to move freely beneath. You can expect calm waters, forest sounds and the occasional monitor lizard sighting. Whether you’re bird-watching or just in need of a walk, this is one hidden gem we’d recommend.
Highlights: Iora’s Nest, Lizard’s Lounge, Eagle’s Perch, Damselfly’s Wing, Kingfisher’s Cave
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road, S(729826)
8. Play Pickleball with your kakis
If you haven’t tried playing Pickleball, you must be living under a rock. It’s the racquet sport lovechild of tennis and ping-pong, and it’s been trending for months in Singapore. Plenty of community centres and neighbourhoods now offer free public courts (though paddle rentals aren’t included). So, if you want to keep it completely free, borrow a paddle from a friend!
Highlights: Social-friendly sport suitable for the young and old
Address: Community Centres and Sports Halls islandwide
9. Explore art in the wild with Public Art Trails
You need not put on your trekking shoes to see art in Singapore. If you frequent Tanjong Pagar, you’re likely familiar with the long lanes of Korean restaurants and chill cafes, but did you know that it also houses one of Singapore Art Museum’s new public art initiatives? Begin your walk at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, then head over to Everton Park, where you’ll find a series of miniature housing structures tucked among the blocks. Continue your stroll through Duxton Plain Park, where a quirky, neon-hued playground awaits. Finally, wrap up your artful walk at Tanjong Pagar Plaza. Check your Apple watch, and voilà, 10k steps easily clocked with this free activity in Singapore.
Highlights: Various art installations with photogenic spots available
Address: Tanjong Pagar
10. Hike the Southern Ridges Trail
If art isn’t quite your thing and you prefer the natural views, the Southern Ridges Trail offers the perfect way to break a sweat while soaking in the greens. Spanning a 10km green corridor, this scenic trail connects five parks, including the iconic Henderson Waves, Mount Faber, and Kent Ridge Park.
You can choose between the two main routes:
- Route A takes you from Mount Faber Park through Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, and ends at Kent Ridge Park.
- Route B also begins at Mount Faber Park but continues through Telok Blangah Hill Park and into Labrador Nature Reserve.
Both routes take around 3 to 5 hours to complete, so be sure to bring a water bottle and some light snacks to keep your energy up.
Highlights: Marang Trail, Faber Peak, Faber Point, Henderson Waves, Sembcorp Forest of Giants, Alkaff Mansion, Alexandra Arch, Berlayer Creek, Dragon’s Teeth Gate & Red Beacon
Address: Start at Mount Faber Park
11. Join free outdoor fitness classes
Feel like getting your stretch on without paying $30 for a yoga mat? Check out ActiveSG, HPB’s HealthHub, and community pop-ups for free outdoor yoga, Zumba, or HIIT classes. Most are held in scenic parks or outside heartland malls, complete with enthusiastic instructors and post-workout selfies.
Highlights: Group wellness energy, fun instructors
Address: Varies, check online schedules
12. Catch the sunset at Labrador Nature Reserve
K-drama queens might chase sunsets along the Han River, but here in Singapore, we’ve got our own scenic gem, the Labrador Nature Reserve. This peaceful coastal hideaway offers sea views, quiet trails and a slice of history with its old British WWII fort. Stroll along the boardwalk, spot herons fishing near the shore, or sit by the jetty and watch ships glide across the water. Come golden hour, the sunset over the sea is simply chef’s kiss.
Highlights: Bukit Chermin Boardwalk, Berlayer Creek, and Alexandra Garden Trail
Address: Labrador Villa Road, S(119187)
13. Pop into the National Gallery
If you’re a soon-to-be bride, you might know the National Gallery as one of Singapore’s top pre-wedding photoshoot spots. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend a fortune to scout the location. Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents get free admission to all permanent galleries! Explore the open-air atriums, check out the pop-up stores, or take in the rooftop views overlooking the Padang. Doesn’t it sound like the perfect classy, free thing to do this weekend?
Highlights: “Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art”, “Tails from the Coasts: Nature Stories of Singapore”
Address: 1 Saint Andrew’s Road, S(178958)
14. Hide away in a gorgeous library
Need an escape from the heat (or from your responsibilities)? While the library was once my refuge during O-Levels, it has now become my weekend getaway destination. Most would recommend the National Library, but my newest favourite is the one at Bishan. Not only does it have a design-forward interior and shelves stacked with books and magazines, but it also has a cafe nestled within where I got to enjoy a cup of Pandan Cold Brew while I read a romance novel for hours. It’s certainly a quiet but satisfying free thing to do this weekend, especially for introverts.
Highlights: Book browsing, peaceful vibes
Address: Various branches islandwide
15. Cycle the Park Connector Network (PCN)
Walking on two feet is not the only way to explore Singapore, you can also explore the island on two wheels. The Park Connector Network links parks, neighbourhoods and nature reserves, offering a scenic and accessible route for families. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a family of otters along the way! BYO bike to make this activity completely free, or otherwise, rent one for around $1 per 30 minutes of usage.
Highlights: Different thematic Park Connector Network (PCN) loops
Address: Island-wide routes available
Your cheat sheet to the best free things to do this weekend
Whether you’re ballin’ on a budget or just love a good freebie, these free things to do in Singapore this weekend prove you can have a blast without touching your wallet. From light shows and nature walks to free music gigs and sport sessions, there’s a little something for every personality. Not in the mood for the great outdoors? No problem, get tucked into bed and catch the latest Chinese dramas. And if I were you, I’d also throw on the best Korean face masks while you’re at it!
