Even the nights are better

Singapore's entertainment landscape has witnessed a dramatic transformation in recent times. Visitors to Singapore today are spoilt for choice with the variety of quality entertainment offerings which includes world-class shows and musicals, dusk-till-dawn dance parties, acclaimed arts performances and brand new nightspots.

Every Saturday, locals and visitors can enjoy a spot of retail therapy till late along Orchard Road. The Shop.Eat.Chill initiative, which was launched in September last year, not only features shopping but also encompasses a host of dining and entertainment experiences that enliven the entire Orchard Road, Singapore's premier shopping street. Shopaholics can also visit the colourful and bustling street bazaars at Bugis Village for value-for-money buys, even in the wee hours of the night.

In July, self-confessed night owls can look forward to even more after-dark activities in the Bras Basah and Stamford Road area with the first ever Night Festival held over the last two weekends in July. To complement the programme, many surrounding museums and retail and F&B operators will be extending their business hours. Event highlights for Night Festival include an exciting line up of spectacular aerial dance performances, invigorating street theatre, party and live music by Zouk's DJs and other interactive programmes.

The Singapore Garden Festival , a premier international garden and flower show in the tropics by the National Parks Board, returns from 25 July to 1 August. The Festival will be open to visitors till 10pm every night, showcasing the creations of award-winning garden and floral designers from the world-over, a Singapore Orchid Show and a marketplace amongst many highlights.

Food lovers can also look forward to mouth-watering suppers and late-night snacks at various locations island-wide, especially with the Singapore Food Festival (4 to 27 July 2008) which will offer delectable local delights with various food-related events and festivities in July. At the Lau Pa Sat, a national monument that once housed Singapore's first wet-market 150 years ago, foodies can talk a walk down memory lane with a 50s and 60s nostalgic hawker experience as they tuck into their late night suppers. On 11 and 12 July, Robertson Quay along the Singapore River will also offer a unique seafood weekend with a signature menu by each of the restaurants, bars and cafés al fresco style under the stars. With street buskers, magicians, artists and culinary displays and demonstrations, this is an event for all the family.

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