The best things to do in Singapore in October 2023

Step into the world of hit Korean horror series All of Us Are Dead at this year's Halloween Horror Nights. One of five haunted houses and scare zones at the annual spooky event, the Netflix series-inspired house brings you into the zombie-infested Hyosan High. Elsewhere, wander through the corridors of The Weeknd's night club, stumble through a creepy forest straight from a twisted Grimm fairytale, or go on a journey into hell. Hot tip: enjoy all the rollercoaster rides first before queuing for the haunted houses to make the most of your time. 

You still have time to enjoy Bavarian food and drinks for Oktoberfest at Crossroads Cafe. Until October 31, feast and revel in this alfresco dining spot located at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel. Indulge in Bavarian favourites, such as German Bavarian roast pork ($28) served with bacon mashed potato or Jagerschnitzel ($28), a crispy breaded veal chop with bacon and served with cabbage mashed potato. Quench your thirst with Erdinger beers on tap and take your pick between Weissbier and Dunkel ($32 for two pints). There is also happy hour from 11am to 6pm from Mondays to Thursdays from $13.50 for draft beer, red or white wine, house spirits, sangria, mojito and lychee martini. For more information on promotions, click here.

If you enjoy scaring yourself silly, here’s one place to do that – Harrowing Halloween 3 at the Singapore Discovery Centre from September 30 to October 29 from 7pm to 11pm. In its third annual scarefest, this year’s event will feature even more terrifying Haunted Houses, as well as an Interactive Scare Zone, all themed around a school. Remember all the haunted stories we used to tell each other about our schools? We do! Now you can experience it live. Get your tickets online at $35 for the event pass, $60 for the D.I.E. Pass that includes a guided tour and exclusive event merchandise and $55 for a day-to-night pass. For 10 percent off, use the promo code TIMEOUT10.

This might be one of the biggest experiential exhibitions ever to commemorate the life and times of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. Spread across a whopping 17,000 square feet within a three-storey building, this exhibition takes you on a captivating journey through each chapter of his remarkable life. Experience less well-known aspects of our founding father's life – his childhood, life as a student, and his role as a father – and pivotal moments of his political leadership through interactive installations, multimedia exhibits, and hands-on activities. One highlight is the gamified adventure entitled The Beliefs, inspired by Mr. Lee's life experiences, ideas, and principles. Roll up your sleeves and take on challenging obstacle courses designed to test your reflexes and skills.

Embodying the theme ‘Sound WAVE’ to celebrate the power of sound is Perspectives Film Festival (PPF)’s 16th edition. Presenting nine groundbreaking films, the festival will take place at the Oldham Theatre from October 29 to 29.

Visitors can look forward to catching the Southeast Asian premiere of Perfect Days by filmmaker Wim Wenders, as well as Blue and Trances by the late filmmaker and artist Derek Jarman. There will also be a late-night screening of the horror film The Shout, The Klezmer Project and Smoke Sauna Sisterhood and Paco.