Showing posts with label Peranakan Museum. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peranakan Museum. Show all posts

Armenian Street Party 2026: A Peranakan Gathering of Food, Culture and Stories

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Hi Huneybees,


If you love food, culture, music, and a little bit of mystery, Armenian Street is about to become one of the most exciting places to be this March.

The beloved Armenian Street Party is returning for its 10th edition from 13 to 15 March 2026, and this year’s celebration promises to be bigger, livelier, and more immersive than ever. Organised by the Peranakan Museum, the annual festival transforms the historic street into a vibrant cultural playground filled with performances, art, workshops, games, and of course... delicious Peranakan food!

It will be a giant Peranakan gathering where stories, flavours, and traditions come together for three festive nights!


Threads of Gathering by Dawn Koh
(Image Credit: Dawn Koh)

A Festival Where Culture Comes Alive

Walking along Armenian Street during the festival will feel like stepping into a colourful living tapestry of Peranakan heritage. You can expect lively performances, interactive experiences, and community collaborations that celebrate the many influences that shape Peranakan culture today.

According to Clement Onn, Director of the Asian Civilisations Museum and Peranakan Museum, the Armenian Street Party is designed to bring people together through shared experiences - from food and fashion to storytelling and craft workshops.

One of the most eye-catching highlights this year is “Threads of Gathering,” a striking 3.5-metre art installation by Singapore mixed-media artist Dawn Koh. Set right in front of the museum façade, the installation features colourful motifs of butterflies, birds and peacocks that are symbols of transformation and connection. You can even contribute to the artwork, turning it into a collaborative piece that evolves throughout the festival!



Aunty Lee’s Deadly Delights
(Image Credit: Mediacorp)

A Delicious Mystery Inspired by Aunty Lee

One of the most playful highlights this year takes inspiration from Mediacorp’s English drama “Aunty Lee’s Deadly Delights.”

Fans of the show will get the chance to step into the world of Rosie “Aunty” Lee - the Peranakan restaurant owner and amateur sleuth who solves neighbourhood mysteries. Step inside the museum’s Ixora Room, where you can test your detective instincts through a mystery-solving pop-up experience. Crack the clues and you might even walk away with an exclusive blind box!

Adding to the excitement, the show’s cast - Vernetta Lopez, Pierre Png, Norman Ishak, Alawdin Ali, Sheryl Ang and Erika Maguicay, will be making appearances throughout the festival.

And because this is a Peranakan celebration after all, there will also be live cooking demonstrations, including a special session where the cast teams up with Peranakan chef Nyonya Shirley Tay of Dapor Diva to cook the iconic dish ayam buah keluak.

Now that’s a cooking show worth watching ~~~



Kueh & Kopi: A Kueh Picnic!
(Image Credit: Istock Chee Siong Teh)

Food, Kueh, and More Food

No Peranakan celebration would be complete without incredible food.

Throughout the festival, Armenian Street will be filled with tempting aromas from culinary pop-ups and live demonstrations.  Youcan catch renowned chefs and community cooks sharing recipes and stories behind traditional dishes passed down through generations.

One of the most charming food experiences this year is “Kueh & Kopi: A Kueh Picnic.” Guests can gather with friends to enjoy a specially curated box of colourful kueh created by chefs from the Allspice Institute, paired with drinks from suns Living Room. The picnic set even comes with exclusive Peranakan Museum merchandise which makes a sweet little souvenir from the celebration.

O’ My Darling Food Truck
(Image Credit: Peranakan Museum)


Elsewhere along the street, food trucks and dessert stalls will keep hungry visitors happy. Old Chang Kee’s “O’ My Darling” food truck will be serving up local favourites, while the Sweet Spot dessert pop-up offers traditional Peranakan sweets that bring back nostalgic flavours of home.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also join cooking demonstrations featuring dishes from different cultural communities - from Arab okra stew to banana-tree inspired culinary creations.



Pantun Pinch! with Baba Gabra
(Image Credit: Baba Gabra)

Dress Up, Play Games and Learn Baba Malay

Beyond food and performances, the Armenian Street Party also offers plenty of interactive experiences that make the festival feel like a giant cultural playground.

You can slip into colourful kebayas and batik outfits at the Baba Nyonya Dress-Up booth, strike a pose, and print out the photo as a keepsake.

If you’re curious about language and poetry, members of Baba Gabra will be creating personalised pantuns — traditional Baba Malay poems — on the spot, complete with English translations.

Mari Chakap Baba! with ChakapBot
(Image Credit: Chakap Bot)

There’s even a digital language teacher called ChakapBot, where visitors can try speaking Baba Malay through playful conversations.

ASP Bingo Challenge!
(Image Credit: Peranakan Museum)

And for those who enjoy a little challenge, the Armenian Street Party Bingo Challenge encourages visitors to explore different activities across the festival. Complete the tasks and you might win delicious rewards like curry puffs or desserts.


Edible Kokedama: Growing Peranakan Kitchen Herbs at Home.
(Image Credit: Crafted Identity)
Petals & Paper: Crafting Peonies. 
(Image Credit: flowersbyfour)

Workshops Inspired by Peranakan Traditions

If you enjoy hands-on creative experiences, several workshops during the festival allow visitors to bring a piece of Peranakan culture home.

You can craft delicate paper peonies, create an edible kokedama herb plant inspired by Peranakan kitchens, or design a beautiful hand-tied bouquet inspired by Peranakan florals.

Each workshop offers a chance to slow down, get creative, and learn more about the traditions that shape Peranakan culture.

Bunga Peranakan: Hand-Tied Bouquet. 
Image Credit: Na-Bee & Flower

Petals & Paper: Crafting Peonies
Friday, 13 March, 5pm
Armenian Street

$35/per pax* Register on Peatix
*SG Culture Pass eligible

Edible Kokedama: Growing Peranakan Kitchen Herbs at Home
Saturday, 14 March, 5pm
Armenian Street

$35/pax Register on Peatix

Bunga Peranakan: Hand-Tied Bouquet
Sunday, 15 March, 5pm
Armenian Street

$35/pax* Register on Peatix
*SG Culture Pass eligible



A Tapestry of Peranakan Stories.
Image Credit: Tapestry

Stories, Theatre and Music Under the Night Sky

As evening falls, Armenian Street transforms into an open-air stage for storytelling and performances.

Led by Cultural Medallion recipient Alvin Tan, theatre company The Necessary Stage will present “Tapestry,” a new production that reimagines Peranakan stories for modern audiences.

Across three evenings, the performances explore themes of love, rivalry, tradition, and identity, reminding us that heritage is not just history, but something that continues to evolve with every generation.

Singgah & Sing Along!
Image Credit: Suara Sayang & Peranakan Museum

Later in the night, the atmosphere turns festive with Singgah & Sing Along, where community groups take the stage with lively songs celebrating Peranakan culture. Don’t be surprised if the crowd starts dancing along.



A Peranakan Gathering: Literary Showcase.
Image Creedit: Peranakan Museum

A Celebration of Community

What makes the Armenian Street Party truly special is how many different communities come together to make it happen.

This year’s festival is presented in partnership with organisations such as the Peranakan Association Singapore, Gunong Sayang Association, the Peranakan Indian (Chitty Melaka) Association of Singapore, and Arab Network @ SingaporeThe result is a celebration that reflects the beautifully diverse cultural influences that shape Peranakan heritage.

Whether you come for the food, the performances, the crafts, or simply the festive atmosphere, this annual celebration offers a rare chance to experience Peranakan culture in a lively and interactive way. And if you happen to leave with a box of kueh in one hand and a personalised pantun in the other… well, that’s just part of the Armenian Street Party magic!



Joget Jukebox
Image Credit: Peranakan Museum

The Armenian Street Party: A Peranakan Gathering runs from 13 to 15 March 2026, with most activities taking place from 5pm to 10pm along Armenian Street and inside the Peranakan Museum.

Admission to the festival is free, though some workshops and special programmes require registration.

For more information, visit https://www.nhb.gov.sg/peranakanmuseum/whatson/programmes/a-peranakan-gathering or follow the museum on Facebook (@PeranakanMuseumSingapore) and Instagram (@peranakanmuseum). 






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Weekend Family Outing: Discover Peranakan Indian Culture at the Peranakan Museum (15–16 Nov 2025)

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Hi Huneybees,


If you’re still thinking of where to bring the family this weekend, here’s a colourful, culture-rich idea - head over to the Peranakan Museum for Community Voices: Peranakan Indian Kaleidoscope, happening only on 15–16 November 2025!

This special weekend programme, presented together with the Peranakan Indian Chitty Melaka Association, is packed with hands-on activities, storytelling, food demos, dance, craft, and music; and most of it is completely free. Whether you’ve got little ones in tow, teens to entertain, or grandparents joining in, there’s truly something for everyone.


Drop-In Activities (No Registration Needed!)

Craft It! Peacock Sand Art
15–16 Nov | 10am–3pm | Lobby, Level 1 | Free | Ages 5+

Let the kids unleash their creativity with vibrant peacock-themed sand art, inspired by the museum’s special exhibition Peacock Power: Beauty and Symbolism Across Cultures. Fun, colourful, and perfect for tiny hands. Just be sure to go early as materials are while stocks last!


Let’s Sing! Hati Kampong Chorus
15–16 Nov | 4:30pm–5pm | Lobby, Level 1 | Free

Wind down your afternoon with a wholesome sing-along session. The Hati Kampong Chorus will be performing a selection of well-loved tunes which is a great way to soak in the warm, communal spirit of the museum.

Let’s Dance! Joget Pahang Duet
15–16 Nov | 3:30pm–4pm | Lobby, Level 1 | Free

Catch a lively Joget Pahang duet performance celebrating the rich heritage of Singapore’s Peranakan Indian community. A beautiful display of rhythm, colour, and cultural pride.


Registered Programmes (Free With Sign-Up)

Other than the above, there's also guided, interactive experiences and workshops that are perfect for families:

Let’s Cook: Exciting Dhal Moments
15 Nov | 10:30am–12pm | Ages 7+

Discover the flavourful world of dhal with Mdm Merlin from the Peranakan Indian (Chetti Melaka) community. Learn how this humble ingredient transforms into delicious savoury dishes.
Register: dhalmomentscvnov2025.peatix.com

Let’s Cook: Pengat Perfection
16 Nov | 10:30am–12pm | Ages 7+

If your family has a sweet tooth, don’t miss this! Learn how to prepare traditional pengat - creamy, comforting, and perfect as an afternoon treat.
Register: pengatperfectioncvnov2025.peatix.com

Let’s Learn to Joget
16 Nov | 2pm–3:30pm | Ages 7+

A fun and energetic workshop for beginners! Pick up the basic steps and rhythms of traditional joget in a lively, family-friendly dance session.
Register: jogetworkshopcvnov20225.peatix.com

Peacock Tales: Storytelling Session
15 Nov | 2:30pm–3:30pm | Ages 5+

Step into a magical world of peacocks through enchanting stories inspired by the Peacock Power exhibition. Perfect for curious young minds.
Register: cvpeacocktalesnov2025.peatix.com

Our Stories: Community-Guided Tour
15–16 Nov | 5pm–6pm | Ages 12+

Explore the galleries with community guides who share personal insights, heritage stories, and the significance of iconic motifs like the majestic peacock.
Register: ourstoriescvnov2025.peatix.com


Bonus Perks for Families

Planning to visit the Peacock Power: Beauty and Symbolism Across Cultures exhibition while you're there? Good news!

  • Discounted admission during programme hours
    $5 (Singapore Citizens/PRs) | $12 (Foreign Residents/Tourists)

  • Free ice cream for the first 100 exhibition ticket holders per day
    (one per ticket, while stocks last)

That’s right! A cultural weekend and a sweet treat for the kids!

So, if you're looking for a meaningful, fuss-free way to spend the weekend with your family, this is one of those outings that beautifully blends learning, play, and culture - all in one cosy, welcoming space. With so many hands-on activities, performances, and workshops happening throughout the day, it’s easy to wander, explore, and just enjoy each other’s company. And with most programmes free, plus discounted exhibition entry and even a little ice-cream treat for early birds, it’s a lovely way to experience something new without stretching the weekend budget. Come make a date with the Peranakan Museum. See you there this weekend!



Community Voices at Peranakan Museum: Peranakan Indian Kaleidoscope
📍Peranakan Museum
📅 Saturday & Sunday, 15–16 November 2025
⏰ 10am–6pm
🎫 Free admission to most activities

🌐For more information, visit www.acm.org.sg or follow the museum on Facebook



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[SG60 Special] Gardens by the Bay Lights Up SG60 with Fireflies, Flowers & Free Concerts

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Hi Huneybees,

Last night was pure magic at Gardens by the Bay as they officially kicked off their SG60 celebrations with "SPARK", a mesmerising firefly-inspired light installation, and the return of the much-loved "Orchid Extravaganza" at Flower Dome!

And yes, I made it just in time to catch "SPARK" in action under the stars. Thousands of glowing, biodegradable light sparks rise and fall gently in the tropical air, like fireflies dancing in slow motion. It felt like I had stepped into a dreamy Studio Ghibli scene!

This is the first time "SPARK" has landed in Southeast Asia, and it's here for only four nights (until 3 August 2025!) at Supertree Grove Lawn. The installation is the brainchild of Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde and supported by GIC, the Tote Board, and the Embassy of the Netherlands, which also celebrates 60 years of diplomatic ties with Singapore this year. What a beautiful double celebration!

Each floating spark is a poetic reimagination of fireworks, but gentler and more sustainable. The kids around me were absolutely enchanted as they tried to “catch” them mid-air, and I had a blast experimenting with light photography. If you’re planning a romantic night out or a family date, this is one experience not to miss before the weekend ends.


(Photo Credits: Gardens by the Bay)

Orchid Extravaganza 2025(兰花盛事)

Over at the Flower Dome, "Orchid Extravaganza" is back with over 6,000 stunning orchids in full bloom! This year’s theme proudly celebrates our local heritage, with floral displays that weave in everything from Singapore's national flower, Vanda Miss Joaquim, to uniquely named hybrids like Papilionanda Chua Chu Kang and Vanda KK Women's and Children's Hospital.

(Photo Credits: Gardens by the Bay)

What stole the show? Three towering orchid-clad Supertrees right inside the dome where you can walk right into the tallest one for an immersive orchid wonderland experience! There’s also a beautiful tribute to Peranakan culture, complete with floral recreations of traditional interiors inspired by the iconic play "Emily of Emerald Hill". Cultural Medallion recipient Mr Lee Hock Moh’s intricate orchid paintings are also on display, including his SG60 piece "Dancing Petals, Joyful Laughter" (飞跃花丛送欢声), featuring six parrots symbolising six decades of Singapore’s unity and success. 
(Photo Credits: Gardens by the Bay)

Add to that stunning gold-plated orchid brooches by RISIS, authentic kebayas and beaded slippers from Rumah Kim Choo, and historical artefacts from the Peranakan Museum, and you have the perfect weekend plan for culture lovers!

In celebration of SG60, you also get to enjoy a complimentary all-access adult ticket to the Peranakan Museum with each Flower Dome ticket, Friends of the Gardens e-card, or SG60 Wonder Blooms pass.

(Photo Credits: Gardens by the Bay)

Orchid Extravaganza runs till 31 August 2025.
Admission to Flower Dome applies.
*Psst… there’s even a social media contest where you could win a RISIS gold orchid brooch! Visit www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/orchids for more information.


(Photo Credits: Gardens by the Bay and MediaCorp)

What Else is Happening This August? 

The SG60 vibes don’t stop here. Gardens by the Bay has lined up more free events in August to keep the celebrations going:

National Day Concert – Ties That Bloom
📍The Meadow | 3 August 2025 | 4.30pm fringe activities, 7.30pm concert

Celebrate our Singaporean spirit with performances by Kit Chan, Taufik Batisah, Hady Mirza and Charlie Lim. Adding a special touch to the evening are performances by local family duos: JJ Neo and her mother Lucy Neo; Rahimah Rahim, her sister Rozie Rahim and granddaughter Alyaa; siblings Tay Kewei and Tay Kexin; and husband-and-wife duo Mark Sara and Annetha Ayyavoo

The Purple Symphony (TPS) – Singapore’s largest inclusive orchestra of musicians with and without disabilities – will also bring audiences a heartfelt medley of familiar local tunes, blending Eastern and Western instruments in a moving tribute to Singapore’s 60th birthday. 
So, don’t forget your picnic mats!

(Photo Credits: Gardens by the Bay)

NDP 2025 Bay Celebrations
📍The Meadow | 9 August 2025 | 4.15pm – 9.00pm

Catch a live telecast of the National Day Parade right at Gardens by the Bay, with live performances happening on-site too. This is the first time the Marina Bay area is an official satellite site for the NDP, and Gardens by the Bay is the perfect place if you want to soak up the patriotic vibes without the crowds at the Padang!


From floating sparks to blooming orchids, Gardens by the Bay is pulling out all the stops for SG60, and I’m loving every second of it! Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night idea, an educational family outing, or just a magical way to soak up Singapore’s birthday month, this is the place to be! Don’t forget to bring your camera, wear comfy shoes, and catch the fireflies before they flutter away!



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Grab Your Kebayas and Batik Shirts For this Weekend At The Inaugural Armenian Street Party 2016

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Hi Huneybees,


Come out to the streets to play this weekend as Armenian Street comes alive on 11th and 12th March 2016 with a Peranakan touch.

Fusing cultural and contemporary, this colourful street that is part of the Bras Brasah - Bugis precinct will feature spectacular street decorations and lightings with pop-up performances and food.


Anchored by the Peranakan Museum and Singapore Management University, not only will you get to explore the rich history of these Straits-born Chinese, descendants of Chinese immigrants who came to the Malay archipelago including British Malaya known as Baba-Nyonya, you will also get a feel of what's it like to be partying with them, back in those days!

Xtend Barre is a ballet and Pilates based workout designed to sculpt the body with fast paced music.
Can't wait to see how the gona shift the studio to street...

But of course, taking it out to the streets, you will get to picnic anywhere along the streets, enjoy the music performances, poetry reading or even join in the Hollywood's hottest fitness trend - Xtend Barre workout under the stars, with Upside Motion guiding along.

You can register for the free workout here: 
Session 1 (11 Mar): http://goo.gl/FQTQxP (Sold Out)
Session 2 (12 Mar): http://goo.gl/9CJecv
*Participants are reminded to bring your own mat, and arrive 30 mins before the workout starts for registration.

Other key highlights include:

A Display of Drama - Baju Panjang, Si Wanggeh and Emily The Musical


Baju Panjang by Peranakan Siblings
Fri and Sat, 11 and 12 March 2016
7.30pm
Enjoy singing, dancing, and drama in “Baju Panjang”. This comical skit features three women discussing the history of the baju panjang (long tunic), a traditional Peranakan outfit.


Si Wanggeh by Peranakan Siblings
Fri and Sat, 11 and 12 March 2016
8.45pm
Catch this excerpt of the play before its official  debut in April!
In her quest to connect with the netherworld, a young nyonya invokes a deity called Si Wanggeh. With the help of female colleagues, she performs a séance in which the deity leads her into a deep trance. When she awakens, she shares her intriguing experience.
Peranakan Siblings was formed in 2003 by a group of Peranakan friends. They perform songs and sketches, primarily for charity. Past productions include “Taik Judi” (2012), “Oh Singapore…” (2013), and “Anak Mak Satu” (2014).

Emily The Musical by Musical Theatre Ltd
Fri and Sat, 11 and 12 March 2016
9pm, 10pm
Nyonya matriarch Emily Gan has been a winner since she appeared 30 years ago in Stella Kon’s acclaimed play, Emily of Emerald Hill. Well-loved by audiences in Singapore and Malaysia, Emily returns as a musical, with songs by award-winning composer Desmond Moey 
Set against the glory days of a bygone Peranakan era, this is the story of one woman’s fight to hold onto love. No longer performed by just one actress (or actor), now we see nyonyas and babas of the 1930s come to life. Through their songs, their pains and passions are revealed, tribute to the colourful Peranakan love of life. 

Dance The Night Away - Motifs Traces and Peranakan Song & Dance



Motifs Traces by Dance Ensemble Singapore
Sat, 12 March 2016
9pm
DES Arts explores the beauty of Peranakan ceramics in this colourful contemporary dance. From dragon kilns to porcelain pieces, marvel at the transformation of plain clay into resplendent objects. The key message of this dance? Life begins in simplicity and, through complexities, leads to experience over the passage.
DES Arts is a contemporary-Chinese dance company founded by Mdm Yan Choong Lian in 2004. The group marries the swift dynamism of Wushu techniques with classical Chinese dance practices in its performances for both local and foreign communities.

Peranakan Song & Dance by The Main Wayang Company
Fri & Sat, 11 and 12 March 2016
8pm (Peranakan Museum Facade) | 8.15pm (Stage)
Joget to Peranakan tunes with Main Wayang!

Music Fans - Uber Duber and Johan & Jerome 

Fri, 11 March 2016
9.30pm, 10.30pm
Who says you need a group to form a band? Uber Duber started as an unlikely partnership between two very different musicians. Huimin trained classically in voice and piano from a young age. Luke started later, as a mostly self-taught drummer who dabbled in guitar. Uber Duber packs big, full sound into a small format band, while the varied backgrounds of its musicians lead to a wide range of genres and sounds.

Sat, 12 March 2016
9.30pm, 10.30pm
Two solo performers, Johan and Jerome, crossed paths in 2014, and things have never been the same.
The chemistry of the duo’s vocals and instruments will wow you. Their witty (and sometimes crude) jokes add to their unique act. Johan and Jerome are intensely passionate about music, and having fun on stage is second nature to them. Hear them play a huge range of genres, from the 80s and 90s to the current top 40s.

Literary Night - My Literary Heroes

My Literary Heroes 
by Singapore Writers Festival and Singapore Management University
Fri, 11 March 2016
7pm, SMU Labs

Poets and fiction writers discuss their literary heroes and how they have influenced them in their own writing. Featuring Ng Yi-Sheng, Robert Yeo, Clara Chow, Nirosette, and others.



Eat, Drink and be Merry



The Urban Garden
the alley between Substation and the museum will be transformed into a garden complete with festoon lighting, swings and park benches,


Highlight tour of Great Peranakans: Fifty Remarkable Livesby Museum Volunteers
6pm, 8.30pm
Peranakan Museum Lobby
#ArmenianStreetParty Instant Photo Prints
by Vividsnaps
7 to 11pm
Peranakan Museum Level 2
Express Gel Manicureby Vilara Nails
7 to 11pm
Peranakan Museum Level 2
Eat, Drink and Be Merry7pm till late
Check out our F&B partners along Armenian Street and the food trucks, including: 
  • Timbre
  • Redbull bar
  • Travelling C.O.W
  • Kerbside Gourmet
  • Old Chang Kee



For more information, go to: 
Put on your best kebayas and batik shirts and see you there this weekend! :)



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