October Events in Singapore: Festivals, Food, and Frights – A Complete Guide

As October unfolds, Singapore is set to burst with vibrant celebrations and thrilling activities. While the rainy season approaches, fear not—the enthusiasm of the Singapore crowd remains unshakeable!

This month promises a delightful mix of cultural festivities and spine-chilling fun with Deepavali and Halloween just around the corner. Here’s a guide to the most exciting events that will captivate both residents and tourists alike.

Singapore Food Festival 2024

Dates: October 1–31
Ticketed: Varies by event
Location: Various venues across Singapore
Highlights: This festival showcases over 20 gastronomic events celebrating Singapore’s rich culinary heritage. Signature events include Future Food at Marquee Singapore on October 10, featuring chefs Emmanuel Stroobant and Zor Tan, and The Long Table on October 17–18, offering a multi-course meal by Damian D’Silva, Marvas Ng, and Cheryl Koh at Chijmes Hall, paired with a ballet recital.

Singapore Zoo & River Wonders: Free Entry for Kids

Dates: October 1–27
Ticketed: Free entry for kids with every paying adult ($49/adult)
Location: Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Singapore
Highlights: Part of the “Kid-ventures” campaign, this WildPass Exclusive allows families to explore the wonders of wildlife together, complete with interactive activities and animal encounters that promise a fun and educational experience.

[Get tickets here].

The World of Studio Ghibli

Dates: All of October (till Feb’25)
Ticketed: Yes (from $29 onwards, varying between peak and off-peak prices)
Location: ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands
Highlights: Dive into the enchanting realm of Studio Ghibli across 2,400 square metres and 11 galleries. Experience beloved films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away through 16 large-scale interactive sets.

[Purchase tickets here].

Singapore Comic Con 2024

Dates: October 7–8
Ticketed: Yes (from $38 for a single day)
Location: Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre
Highlights: SGCC 2024 spans two levels with over 400 exhibiting companies and 480 brands, featuring favourites like Mighty Jaxx and Lego, as well as new entries like Three Zero and Joy Toy. Each ticket grants free access for two kids under eight.

[Get tickets here].

Baybeats 2024 Music Festival

Dates: October 11–13
Ticketed: Free
Location: Esplanade – Theatres by the Bay
Highlights: Celebrate local music talent with performances from 39 bands across various genres, offering a fantastic platform for emerging artists to showcase their creativity.

Free event but please pre-register here. 

Deepavali Light-Up and Festivities

Dates: September 30 – December 3
Ticketed: Free
Location: Little India, Singapore
Highlights: Experience the magic of Deepavali with dazzling displays, cultural performances, and festive bazaars, transforming Little India into a breathtaking spectacle! We’re especially looking forward to good Indian food and snacks that’ll keep your belly full as you walk around the heritage lanes of Little India!

Halloween Horror Nights 12 

Dates:*October 6 – November 5
Ticketed: Yes (starting from SGD 80, with adult tickets at SGD 255)
Location: Universal Studios Singapore, Sentosa
Highlights: Come face your darkest fears in four terrifying haunted houses, three sinister scare zones, and exhilarating rides, crafted by Jackson Wang and his team and featuring Netflix’s Sweet Home theme.

[Purchase tickets here].

Sentosa Ghost Ship Dining Cruise

Dates: October 26 – 31
Ticketed: Yes (from $225)
Location: Sentosa Gateway, Singapore
Highlights: Set sail for a haunting 2.5-hour dining experience aboard the Ghost Ship, complete with cobwebs, flickering lanterns, and a Halloween-themed four-course dinner.

Bring your furry friend on the 31st of October and they get to enjoy a 3 course meal, too!

[Get tickets here].

Gardens by the Bay: Carnival of Flowers

Dates: Until November 17
Ticketed: Yes (adult tickets from $15)
Location: Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
Highlights: Immerse yourself in an Australian-themed floral wonderland, with complimentary entry to Impressions of Monet: The Experience, a multi-sensory exhibition celebrating the art and life of Claude Monet.

[Purchase tickets here].

Haw Ror Villa Halloween Experience

Dates: October 18, 19, 25, and 26
Ticketed: Yes
Location: Haw Ror Villa, Singapore
Highlights: Did you know that the 10 gates of Hell are in Singapore, and they’re open for thrills?

Over two weekends, face puzzles and quizzes while navigating Hell’s Museum and the 10 Courts of Hell. After escaping, solve a murder mystery at The Villa Has Eyes, and enjoy Halloween-themed snacks at the bazaar!

Buy tickets here.

Rain, Rain, it’s Okay if You Want to Stay

These October events promise a blend of cultural richness and thrilling entertainment, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your umbrellas, and don’t let the rain dampen your spirits—mark your calendars for a month filled with unforgettable experiences in Singapore!