From forest bathing at the Singapore Botanic Gardens to the highly anticipated Grand Prix, discover the newest ways to enjoy Singapore's great outdoors
Step outside and explore Singapore‘s parks, beaches and historic streets. Whether you’re seeking a meditative nature trail at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a heritage walk through the city’s legal landmarks or the highly anticipated concert at the FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX 2026, there’s no shortage of reasons to get outdoors this weekend.
Take over Joo Chiat Road for a car-free street party
Joo Chiat is going car-free for an evening on 3 October, when the Land Transport Authority (LTA) closes a 530m stretch of Joo Chiat Road between Dunman Road and East Coast Road from 3.30pm to 9.30pm.
Held in conjunction with LTA’s World Car-Free Day activities, the inaugural Joo Chiat Street Social will see the Katong-Joo Chiat Business Association (KJCBA) bring up to 90 neighbourhood businesses out onto the street. Spartans Boxing Club will set up a boxing ring with championship bouts and free trials, while Ojas Yoga & Wellness and other fitness studios will lead yoga, pilates and wellness sessions. Kaboodle is also planning a large-scale children’s play area, alongside complimentary pet checks and other activities.
There’s plenty to eat and drink along the way, with a cafe-and-bar trail spotlighting signature coffees and craft beers from businesses around the precinct.
It also marks the first time Singapore’s annual car-free initiative has ventured beyond the CBD, giving visitors a rare chance to explore Joo Chiat Road without cars for the evening.
Joo Chiat Street Social takes place on 3 October 2026, from 3.30pm to 9.30pm.
Catch some of the world’s biggest music acts at the Singapore Grand Prix
The FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX returns to the Marina Bay Street Circuit from 9 to 11 October, bringing three nights of racing and live music to the city.
Over at the outdoor Padang Stage, home-grown Mandopop star JJ Lin headlines on 9 October, followed by American rock band The Killers on 10 October. Lana Del Rey closes out the weekend on 11 October with her first full concert in Singapore, having last performed here at a promotional showcase in 2012.
Elsewhere around the circuit, the line-up spans K-pop, rock, pop and electronic music, with Cortis, DJ Snake, Zara Larsson, Goo Goo Dolls, Janet Jackson, Mark Ronson and James Arthur among the acts taking the stage across the three days.
All race tickets include access to performances in Zone 4, including the Padang Stage, while a Zone 1 ticket is required for shows at the Wharf and Barge stages.
The FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX runs from 9 to 11 October 2026. More information and tickets are available via the Singapore Grand Prix website.
Play padel beneath the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay
If you’ve been curious about trying padel, head to Gardens by the Bay, where new custom-built courts have popped up on the West Lawn until 11 October.
Part of UBS’ regional Padel Series, Padel at the Gardens brings the fast-growing racquet sport to Singapore following previous editions in Hong Kong and Sydney. The game is typically played in doubles on an enclosed glass court, combining elements of tennis and squash, with the surrounding walls also used during play.
Set against the Supertrees, the courts are open to players of all ages and sporting abilities, including complete beginners. Best of all, court bookings are complimentary and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s an easy opportunity to pick up a racket and give the sport a go. Padel equipment is also available for rental.
Padel at the Gardens runs until 11 October 2026. Court bookings are complimentary. More information and bookings available here.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens launches a new nature immersion trail
Take a break and recharge at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, where the National Parks Board (NParks) launched its new nature immersion trail at Saraca Stream, near Tanglin Gate, last month.
Far from being just another walk in the park, the 150m trail was “specially curated to encourage visitors to engage with natural light, sounds, colours and other stimuli for a gentle, multi-sensory journey”, according to NParks.
Earlier this year, it became the first nature immersion trail in Asia to receive certification from the US-based Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. NParks is also conducting a study to investigate the effects of mindful immersion in primary and secondary forests, as well as urban parks.
The wheelchair-accessible trail is conveniently located near amenities such as restrooms and shelters. Along the way, interpretive signs invite visitors to slow down and engage in mindful activities, from taking deep breaths and observing the colours around them to simply pausing to touch a leaf.
More information available here.
Glamping with nature at Mandai Wildlife Reserve
If waking up surrounded by nature sounds like your idea of a perfect escape, consider a stay at the Reservoir Retreat or Crocodile Lodge glamping sites at Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Both offer two-day, one-night all-inclusive experiences, but cater to different kinds of travellers.
Located within Rainforest Wild Adventure East, Asia’s first adventure-based wildlife park, Crocodile Lodge is designed for thrill-seekers, with access to all Adventure+ activities, guided forest trekking and exclusive after-dark experiences under the stars.
Reservoir Retreat offers a more family-friendly experience, designed for guests looking to reconnect with nature and wildlife. Set against scenic reservoir views, the all-inclusive stay includes admission to the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, curated dining, guided tours, animal encounters and an overnight stay surrounded by nature.
Prices start from $550 for two persons. More information available here.
Learn about Singapore’s legal history at this walking tour
While it’s not strictly an outdoor experience, this new heritage trail takes visitors through some of Singapore’s most significant legal landmarks, from the former Supreme Court building and The Arts House at the Old Parliament to Hong Lim Park, which housed key law enforcement institutions until 1975.
Titled In Place and Progress: Tracing the Rule of Law Through Singapore’s Legal Landmarks, the trail was launched to commemorate SGLaw200, marking the bicentennial of Singapore’s modern judicial system, established through the Second Charter of Justice in 1826.
Along the way, visitors can delve into Singapore’s legal history through immersive experiences, including sitting in the original seats of the former Cabinet while learning how the building has, at different points in its history, housed all three branches of government: the legislature, which makes the law; the executive, which administers it; and the judiciary, which interprets it through the courts.
The free guided walking tour runs from 11 July until the end of the year. More information available here.
Additional reporting by Syed Zulfadhli
