With National Day just around the corner, what better way to show your love for your nation and your partner by rediscovering the birthplace of modern Singapore together, in fresh and exciting ways.

Held this August for the very first time, the Civic District Outdoor Festival is a celebration of the arts across four museums at the Civic District precinct, notably housed in the country’s most historic buildings such as the former Supreme Court building and the City Hall that is now National Gallery Singapore.

Themed “When Time Stood Still”, the event is presented by the National Gallery Singapore and brings together for the first time four of Singapore’s arts and culture institutions, including The Arts House, Asian Civilisations Museum, and Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall.

So, instead of retreating to the usual dinner-movie routine, show off the cultured side in you at the Civic District Outdoor Festival. Here are some highlights you can look forward to:

1) Get trippy with 3D Projections

The outdoor projection trail at the Civic District Outdoor Festival, the largest of its kind in Singapore, is a perfect opportunity to take a hand-in-hand stroll with your partner.

In line with the theme of time, the trail will explore the tale of Hemera and her brother’s efforts in keeping the Cosmic Clock running and the eventualities that take place when time stands still.

The multimedia projections will be mapped onto the front façade of National Gallery Singapore and The Arts House, the façade and interior of the Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall, and the annexe wing façade of the Asian Civilisations Museum.

2) Have a picnic at the Padang

It’s not every day that you get to have a picnic on the Padang, the home of many iconic National Day Parades in Singapore’s brief history. To make the experience even more special, the open field will also play host to beautiful light art installations in the shape of rabbits, by Australian artist Amanda Parer.

Besides the Padang, there will also be a host of outdoor booths and food trucks throughout the festival, operated by notable eateries such as The Lab, Cocoloco, Satayboy, Coffee Bandits and Kerbside Gourmet.

3) Never have a dull moment with Roving Acts

If you and your partner need to take a break from all the wandering, rest assured that there’ll never be a dull moment by staying at one spot.

Roving acts will be taking to the streets, roaming around the Civic District precinct throughout the two weekends for all to enjoy.

These acts include gypsy flamenco band The Lost Hat, nine-piece brass ensemble Brass Nation and the Singapore School of Samba with Bantus Batucada.

Australia’s “The Illuminated Angels” will also be making an appearance, ensuing playfulness, hilarity and awe as they rove around the district. Trust us when we say that their act, which has travelled the world over, is simply not to be missed.

4) Chill with Live Music

Besides the roving acts, there will also be live music performances at the Padang Atrium and Empress Lawn for you and your partner to enjoy.

From indie rock and mellow acoustic to hip hop and funk, there will be a variety of acts throughout the two weekends with something for everyone.

53A’s Sara, Naz and Alvin will be taking to the stage, departing from their usual cover acts, and instead showcasing their licks as a jazz trio.

Acoustic duo Jack and Rai will also be there, as well as YouTube sensation Joie Tan, vocal group MiCappella, singer-songwriter Inch Chua and indie pop band HubbaBubbas.

If you’re looking for something a little more exotic, the Empress Lawn will be hosting various Dance x Music Nights, including a Swing Night on August 4, Latin Tropical Night on August 5, a Hip Hop Ska Night on August 11 and a Funk Disco Boogie Night on August 12.

5) Take a piece home with you from the Art Market

Some of Singapore’s most creative artists and makers will be on deck at the Aether’s Art Market on Empress Lawn.

With over 20 vendors, pick out a one-of-a-kind gift for your date while you’re there, with a slew of popular and up-and-coming designers to choose from.

Also at the Art Market are workshops where you can learn a skill or two such as candle making, arts & craft, sewing and calligraphy. The workshops will be hosted by the likes of Hush Candle, Art Nouveau Studio, Jelly Bean Attic and dora. prints and paper goods.

6) Entry is FREE!

To top it all of, while some programmes and workshops are chargeable, the festival is free to enter! So, you have no excuse not to make this a date night spot this August.

Held over two weekends on 4-5 August and 11-12 August 2017, the inaugural Civic District Outdoor Festival will take place from 5pm to midnight.

Additionally, the National Gallery Singapore and Asian Civilisations Museum will be extending their hours till midnight.

For more information, head over to http://www.civicdistrictoutdoor.sg/.

Brought to you by National Gallery Singapore.

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