November in Singapore: Your Ultimate Guide to Design Workshops & Creative Events

Published on November 1, 2024 | by DSGN arcHive

Curious to dive deeper into Singapore’s buzzing design scene? We’ve got the perfect spots lined up just for you.

Get ready for a design extravaganza this November in Singapore! The city’s design scene is absolutely buzzing, and it’s the perfect time to soak up all the creativity. With Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, there are loads of fairs and exhibitions happening that’ll really kick off the festive fun. If you’re planning a visit to this vibrant city, you definitely don’t want to miss out on the exciting events lined up this month.

Dive into hands-on workshops where you can unleash your creativity and pick up some cool new skills. Plus, discover fascinating urban stories that showcase the heart of the city, and don’t forget to taste your way through some amazing culinary experiences! There’s so much going on, so check out our top picks for the must-see events that highlight Singapore’s unique design scene. Keep scrolling for all the juicy details!

Scroll down for the full scoop or jump straight to these highlights:

Must-Visit Fairs for Unique Finds

1. The Affordable Arts Fair

Kicking off its 15th year this November, Affordable Art Fair Singapore is back and ready to impress as the longest-running international art fair in the city! With all artworks priced under S$15,000, it’s the perfect chance to find accessible art from around the world. Last year’s fair attracted 16,000 visitors and raked in S$5 million in sales, and this year is set to be even better. Don’t miss the fun Arty-Licious Evening on 8 November, where art lovers can unwind after work while mingling over great art. There’ll also be Silkscreen Printing demos, hands-on workshops, talks, and guided tours by Objectifs. With over 80 galleries—from Singapore to Brooklyn, Brighton, San Francisco, and Seoul—there’s something for everyone, whether you’re an art pro or just starting your collection!

Price: Starts at $12 per person, Click here for the full fair guide and to buy your tickets

When: 7 to10 November 2024

Where: F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Boulevard, Singapore 038975

2. Boutique Fairs: The Gifting Edition 2024

Boutiques Singapore is making a splash at the F1 Pit Building this November with an awesome shopping experience you won’t want to miss! Featuring over 200 exclusive launches and curated collections from 300 fabulous designers and brand owners, it’s the perfect place to find that special gift while supporting local talent. This edition is all about giving back to the artisans and creators in our community, so you can shop with a purpose. Families can join in on the fun with a bunch of activities and an expanded parents’ area. Plus, this year’s collaboration with DesignSingapore Council brings three visionary designers, like Studio Gin&G and Studio Kallang, showcasing their amazing works—and the best part? You can actually buy their designs! Come out and enjoy a fantastic day of shopping, creativity, and community!

Price: Single ticket $6 per person; Grab your tickets here!

When: 22 to 24 November 2024

Where: 1 Republic Boulevard, Singapore 038975

3. The Christmas Atelier

Singapore’s favourite holiday market is back and it’s bigger and better than ever! Get ready to visit The Christmas Atelier 2024, a vibrant Christmas Village right in the heart of the CBD at Asia Square, featuring over 80 amazing homegrown brands handpicked by The Atelier & Co. Dive into a uniquely wonderful holiday shopping experience where you can check off your gifting list, indulge in exclusive festive treats, and join in on the fun festivities! You won’t want to miss The Floral Atelier’s stunningly designed village, complete with a show-stopping 40ft Christmas tree and loads of opportunities for customised gifts and memorable photos. It’s the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit!

Price: Tickets and time slots are limited. Book your free tickets here!

When: 27 – 30 November 2024

Where: The Cube, Asia Square, 8 Marina View Singapore, 018960

Hands-On Workshops

4. Blue Bottle Coffee: Exclusive Workshops and Coffee Seminars

Get ready to dive into the world of pour-over brewing at The Coffee Seminar, where Blue Bottle Coffee pros will show you the ropes! In this fun 30 to 45-minute session, you’ll discover the unique flavours that make Blue Bottle so special, all while soaking up their 20-year history. After that, enjoy some cool hand-drip brewing demos and get to taste the freshly brewed coffee.

If you want to get a bit more hands-on, don’t miss the Pour Over Workshop! This 75-minute experience is limited to just eight participants, so you’ll get plenty of attention. You’ll use Blue Bottle’s brewing tools to master their signature hand-drip process, whipping up two different coffee profiles, including their classic blend and a seasonal holiday single origin—then you get to taste what you made! Plus, they’ll be launching a fresh range of new merchandise just in time for the holidays, perfect for any coffee lover.

Price: Coffee Seminar is $42 per person, inclusive of a $40 voucher that can be redeemed at Blue Bottle Coffee’s retail concept store at Lumine Singapore on the day of the seminar.

The Pour Over Workshop is available for a workshop fee of $100, which comes with a complimentary pour over kit (worth $66) and a 200g bag of coffee beans (worth $30-$33) selected by Blue Bottle Coffee’s coffee professionals.

When: 11 to 19 November 2024

Where: LUMINE SINGAPORE RAFFLES CITY, 252 North Bridge Road #01-01 Singapore 059817

5. Crafting a Season of Style: Festive Décor & Tableware Workshop

This event is perfect if you’re looking to add a bit of luxury, creativity, and festive cheer to your home this season! You’ll kick things off with a fun intro to table styling and flower color pairing, plus get the lowdown on preserved, dried, and solar flowers. After prepping the materials, watch a live flower arrangement demo with plenty of tips on keeping your blooms fresh. Then, it’s your turn to get hands-on, arranging your own beautiful display in a custom pitcher. Once you’ve created your masterpiece, there’s a chance for a mini photoshoot before you package it up to take home!

Price: $128/person; Click here to book your ticket

When: 16 November 2024

Where: Cellini – The Centrepoint, 176 Orchard Road #03-38 Singapore, 238843

6. DIY Chocolate Bar Making + Asian Chocolate Tasting Workshop

Get ready for a deliciously fun experience with the DIY Chocolate Bar Making and Asian Chocolate Tasting Workshop! Kick things off with an Asia Chocolate Express Tasting Set and a cozy hot drink, then dive into creating three custom single-origin chocolate bars. You’ll get a tour around the chocolate factory led by one of the in-house experts, learning all about how chocolate goes from bean to bar and how to spot quality cacao. Once it’s time to get hands-on, you’ll decorate your own chocolate mold, try your hand at painting with cacao butter, and load up your bars with your choice of toppings. By the end, you’ll have your very own Mr Bucket chocolate bars to take home and enjoy!

Price: $75 per person, Book your spot here

When: Subject to availability

Where: Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie, Dempsey Factory

7. Workshop: Fresh Christmas Wreath

This hands-on wreath-making workshop is perfect for adding a personal touch to your holiday decor! You’ll kick things off with a quick intro to wreath arrangement basics and the tools you’ll need to bring it all together. Then, it’s on to prepping fresh and dried flowers and foliage to make sure everything looks its best. With plenty of guidance, you’ll learn how to wire the wreath base and use a simple bundling technique to layer and build your design. Once your wreath is ready, you’ll get tips on how to hang or display it beautifully, along with easy care advice to keep it looking festive all season long. It’s a fun, creative way to get into the holiday spirit and bring a bit of handmade charm to your space!

Price: $135 per person; Book your spot here

When: 4pm – 5.30pm, 30 November 2024

Where: FRANKIE & FERN’S roof terrace cafe – 211 Holland Avenue Holland Road Shopping Centre #04-03 Singapore 278967

Top Exhibitions to Explore

8. Impressions of Monet: The Experience

Step into a world of color and light at Impressions of Monet: The Experience, a captivating exhibition at Gardens by the Bay, produced by Australia’s Grande Experiences. This immersive show invites you to journey through the sights and sounds of 19th-century Europe, celebrating the iconic works of Claude Monet and his fellow French Impressionists like Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, and Edgar Degas. Expect to be swept away by vibrant displays that bring these masterpieces to life with a dazzling mix of light, color, sound, and even fragrance—perfect for art lovers and anyone looking for a sensory escape into the heart of French Impressionism!

Price: Starts at $8/person, Click here to book your tickets

When: Until 18 February 2025

Where: Flower Field Hall, Gardens By The Bay

9. Worlds Around You: A Think! Contemporary Primary School Exhibition

Step into the shoes of a 10-year-old and check out Worlds Around You: A Think! Contemporary Primary School Exhibition! This exciting exhibition gives you a peek into the imaginations of young students who uncover the stories hidden in everyday life. Hosted by the Singapore Art Museum (SAM), this year’s edition features six primary schools, including CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace and Geylang Methodist School (Primary). You’ll see 19 creative artworks made by these talented kids using clay, plaster, fabric, and prints, all reflecting their thoughts on their surroundings. Plus, there’s a take-home sticker activity and a special edition of SAM’s RE-Material collection, where you can explore the materials the students used.

Price: Free admission

When: 10am – 7pm, Until 1 January 2025

Where: Level 1, The Engine Room , SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark

10. School of Tomorrow Sustainability Exhibition

This exhibition is back and better than ever, bringing its beloved ‘classes’ to life while tackling environmental issues in creative and engaging ways. With a fresh take on eleven familiar school subjects, you’ll get to paint with natural inks made from fallen leaves in art class and even calculate your carbon footprint in math class! A standout addition this year is a new History Class that offers an immersive journey through Singapore’s evolution, from rickshaws to electric cars. Plus, don’t miss the chance to join a free fireside chat on 7 November for deeper insights. It’s a fantastic way to learn and connect with the pressing environmental challenges we face today!

Price: Free Admission, Click here for more information

When: Open daily from 12pm to 8pm; Now till 28 November 2024

Where: New Bahru, 46 Kim Yam Road Singapore, 239351

11. The Art of the Brick LEGO

Get ready for some fun because Art of the Brick has landed in Singapore! After wowing crowds in over 100 cities across 24 countries and making it onto CNN’s “Must-See” list, this colourful exhibition is here to brighten your day. With over 150+ amazing artworks made from more than a million LEGO bricks, there’s something to make everyone smile—adults and kids alike! Check out the creative spins on iconic pieces like Michelangelo’s David, Van Gogh’s Starry Night, and Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. And you can’t miss the massive 6-metre-long T. rex skeleton! Plus, there’s a multimedia LEGO photography collection by award-winning photographer Dean West that’s just brilliant. Swing by the Expo to unleash your inner artist in the play and build area or grab some exclusive LEGO goodies at the gift shop. This exhibition has already amazed over 10 million people worldwide, so come on down and get inspired!

Price: Starting $14.90 onwards

When: ongoing

Where: Hall 8B, 9 Somapah Road, Singapore Expo, 487370

12. OPEN END: Resonate, Re-Read and Re-Trace The Substation Archive

OPEN END: Resonate, Re-Read and Re-Trace The Substation Archive celebrates the legacy of Singapore’s first independent contemporary arts space, The Substation. Featuring artists Chong Li-Chuan and Urich Lau, along with curator Adrian Tan, this exhibition adds a fresh vibe to the usually quiet Rotunda Library & Archive. With text-based pieces, video installations, and soundscapes, it dives into The Substation’s history and mixes in archival materials for new perspectives on its rich past and vibrant communities. Exciting public programmes include curator-led tours, an artist panel, and a lively public art performance in the Rotunda Archive. Presented by the National Gallery Singapore and supported by the Platform Projects Curatorial Award, this exhibition is a fantastic way to kick off The Substation’s Anniversary Events 2024!

When: 4 Oct – 4 Dec 2024, Monday to Friday | 10 am – 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm – 5 pm (closed on public holidays)

Where: Supreme Court Wing, Level 3, UOB Southeast Asia Gallery, Rotunda Library & Archive

13. The World of Studio Ghibli

Get ready to step into the magical world of Studio Ghibli at the ArtScience Museum this October! It’s the first-ever Ghibli exhibition in Singapore, and it’s going to be huge. You’ll meet your favourite characters from classics like My Neighbour Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Princess Mononoke. Expect stunning theatrical sets, interactive art installations, and fun activities that bring these beloved stories to life. Studio Ghibli, founded by legends like Hayao Miyazaki, has been enchanting audiences since 1985. Over the years, their films have racked up awards, including the 96th Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature this year for The Boy and the Heron. And if that’s not enough, they even made history by winning an Honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes! So, it’s the perfect chance to explore the magic and design behind these iconic films.

Prices: Starts from $24 onwards

When: 4 Oct 2024 – 2 Feb 2025

Where: 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018974

14. Batik Nyonyas: Three Generations of Art and Entrepreneurship, Peranakan Museum

Get ready to dive into the vibrant world of Batik Nyonyas: Three Generations of Art and Entrepreneurship! This exciting exhibition showcases the incredible story of three Peranakan women from Indonesia: Nyonya Oeij Soen King, her daughter-in-law Nyonya Oeij Kok Sing, and granddaughter Jane Hendromartono. From the 1890s to the 1980s, they made their mark in the batik scene. You’ll discover around 200 stunning batik textiles and other fascinating items that share their journey. As you explore, you’ll see how these talented women adapted to the changes around them, turning batik into both an art form and a successful business. Plus, you can join hands-on workshops, enjoy lively performances, and take part in guided tours. Don’t miss the contemporary art piece by Aiko Tezuka, which beautifully connects fabric and art. It’s a fantastic way to experience Indonesian batik through the vibrant lens of Peranakan culture!

Admission charges apply

When: 11 October 2024 to 31 August 2025; Daily, 10am–7pm | Fridays, 10am–9pm

Where: Peranakan Museum

15. Cheong Soo Pieng: Layer by Layer at the National Gallery Singapore

Step into a world where art and science collide at National Gallery Singapore’s latest exhibition, Layer by Layer. Opened on 5 April 2024, this exciting show is the first of four celebrating Singaporean artists, and it’s all about the incredible work of Cheong Soo Pieng. The exhibition features over 30 of his pieces and dives deep into his techniques and the materials he used. Best of all, it’s free and perfect for all ages! With interactive stations that let you feel the textures of his work, plus hands-on activities that show off the magic of art conservation—from infrared photography to x-ray scanning—it’s a fun and fascinating experience for anyone curious about how art really comes to life.

Admission is Free, Click here for more information

When: ongoing; Extended until 24 November 2024

Where: Ngee Ann Kongsi Concourse Gallery, National Gallery Singapore.

Inspiring Installations

16. Rattan Eco Sprawl: Manifesting the Forest by Zen Teh

This exciting installation, Rattan Eco Sprawl, launches on 6 October 2024 in a peaceful corner of Spottiswoode Park! Made mainly from rattan, it draws inspiration from nature—think mountains and insect homes—while also paying tribute to the sacred structures of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. With Singapore’s urban landscape changing so quickly, this piece beautifully highlights our delicate connection with the natural world. The launch will feature a fun programme, including a short film about how the installation was created and a talk by the artist sharing her cool, interdisciplinary approach. Plus, you’ll get to meet the talented rattan artisans from Cambodia and learn some of their weaving techniques! And the best part? Registration is free! So, mark your calendar and get ready to explore this amazing blend of nature and design!

Price: Free Registration, Click here for more information

When: Now till 31 December 2025

Where: Spottiswoode Park Forest (access path opposite Spottiswoode Residences)

17. Illumi

Looking for a dazzling night out that’s as magical as it is eco-friendly? Illumi is here, and it’s lighting up the city like never before! This jaw-dropping light, sound, and multimedia event has already begun, and you won’t want to miss a second of it. With energy-efficient LED lighting and a schedule that runs for just four hours each night to conserve energy, Illumi is proof that spectacular design can also be sustainable. Step into The Magical Forest, where a kaleidoscope of multi-coloured trees, glowing mushrooms, and even giant snails will enchant you. Then, be sure to catch the 47-metre Illumi Tree, towering over the skyline and visible for kilometres. It’s a breathtaking fusion of design, sustainability, and pure wonder—so grab your friends and head over now!

Price: $15 onwards, Click here to book your tickets

When: Now till 2 February 2025

Where: Bayfront Event Space next to Marina Bay Sands

And there you have it! A listicle to indulge your November design cravings. Stay tuned for more exciting design events and workshops headed your way!

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About DSGN arcHive

DSGN arcHive is your exclusive key to unveiling the enigmatic essence of a city, all filtered through the prism of design. Far from the ordinary tourist paths. We reveal the city’s architectural marvels, urban intricacies, cultural tapestry, and eco-conscious revolutions that mold its distinctive soul. With us, you’re invited to savor the metropolis in an entirely chic and sophisticated light, a city that’s far more than what meets the eye.