The Sassy Mama Guide to Markets and Fairs in Singapore

There’s no denying that Singapore is a shopping addict’s dream – or Achilles heel depending on which way you look at it. But if you’re hankering for something a little different from the usual shopping malls, chain stores and big-name designer brands – don’t despair as we’ve got the ultimate guide to the most quirky, interesting and unique markets and fairs that Singapore has to offer. Let’s shop, mama!

*Scape Underground
We have to be honest, this place is so darn trendy you could easily be forgiven for forgetting what it’s really all about. Not so much a market as a movement, *SCAPE aims to encourage creativity and entrepreneurship in the youth of Singapore by providing a platform to showcase their retail prowess. Expect hand-printed t-shirts, cute phone cases and some J Crew-worthy jewellery. Just what you need to add a bit of “cool” to your mummy uniform!

Takes Place: Daily from 12pm to 9pm

2 Orchard Link #04-01, Singapore 237978
Tel: (+65) 6521 6565
www.scape.com.sg

Car Boot Flea Market
The average car boot sale is fun because it gives you the chance to pick up some pre-loved treasures, but the Car Boot Flea Market is even better because it gives you the chance to do all that and then head off for some beachside action with the kids or even lunch at the famed East Coast food court afterwards. Perfect!

Takes place: Monthly – check their website for upcoming dates.

East Coast Food Village, Car Park 2, Singapore 468960
www.forfleasake.com

Chillax Market
With the last event boasting a champagne bar, manicure stand and image consultant – if we were to dream up our perfect market – Chillax would be it. Having spent the past year or so as a pop up market near Tanglin Mall, these guys are taking their fab market and heading to The Grandstand instead where they’ll set up sticks as Singapore’s first permanent indoor market. As far from a flea market as you can get, you’ll be able to get your hands on the very best in high quality (and locally made) jewellery, art, homewares, clothes and so much more. Yippee!

Takes Place: 9am – 8pm daily (from October 2014)

200 Turf Club Road, #03-07 The Grandstand, Singapore 287994
Tel: (+65) 8180 0146
Check www.facebook.com/ChillaxMarket for more information

China Square Weekend Flea Market
We have to be honest, this really isn’t the biggest or the best market in town but China Square Weekend Flea Market makes our list because we have found some pretty cool things there in the past. Yes, you have to dig through the piles of tacky second hand toys and crockery, yes, you have to be patient and yes, more often than not you might come away empty handed, but the art deco clocks and amazing vintage pictures we have scored from there more than make up for all that. Not for the fainted hearted!

Takes Place: Sundays from 11am to 6pm

18 Cross Street, Singapore 048424
Tel: (+65) 6327 4473
www.chinasquarecentral.com

Clarke Quay Traders Market
The very best thing about the Clarke Quay Traders Market is that each one is completely different. With vendors changing every month, this popular event has showcased everything from local artists to blog shops and thanks to the super central location and surrounding bars and restaurants – this really is one worth setting your alarm clocks for and getting to nice and early.

Takes Place: Regularly

Clarke Quay Central Fountain Square, Singapore 179024
Check www.forfleasake.com/flea-markets for more information

Farmers’ Market at Loewen Gardens
Family friendly with a healthy dose of parent fun, why the Farmers’ Market at Loewen Gardens is the place to be on an early Saturday morning. Market stalls brimming with fresh produce, gourmet meats, wines, organic vegetables, cheeses, breads, and homemade baked goods make way for trampoline sessions for the kids and coffee sipping for mama. All in all, an enjoyable start to the weekend we think!

Takes Place: First and third Saturday of the month from 8:30am to 2pm

75E Loewen Gardens, Singapore 248844
Tel: (+65) 6474 0441
Check www.thepantrycookeryschool.com/farmers-market for more information

MAAD – Market of Artists And Designers
If a design school were to have a market, it would look a lot like MAAD. Showcasing the work of the very finest local artists, designers and craftmakers, the curators carefully select only the most original sellers to showcase. Taking over the whole of the Red Dot Design Museum, be prepared as MAAD is known to turn into quite the party thanks to the numerous makeshift bars and live bands. Oh, pets and kids are also allowed too – perfect!

Takes Place: Monthly on Friday evenings – see website for upcoming events

Red Dot Museum, 28 Maxwell Road, Singapore 069120
Tel: (+65) 6534 7194
Check www.facebook.com/goMAAD for more information

Pasarbella
Because no Singapore round-up is complete without some mention of food, meet Pasarbella. Translated literally from Italian, pasarbella means beautiful market which is exactly what this 3000 square metre, 30-stall sensation is. Selling everything from seafood, craft beers, meat, dairy and wine – if you haven’t discovered this little foodie haven yet, you will soon be wondering how you survived without it.

Takes Place: Open daily, from 9:30am to 7pm

200 Turf Club, Singapore 287994
Tel: (+65) 6887 0077
www.pasarbella.com

Public Garden
Probably one of the best known markets in Singapore, Public Garden events sell everything from vintage clothes and crockery to handmade pillowcases and jewellery. One of our favourites, the size and quality of Public Garden events does vary so best check out the website for more info before heading down with the fam.

Takes Place: Regularly

Various locations across Singapore – check their website for full details 

 

Underground Market
What would you do if we said we could give you access to the wardrobes of some of Singapore’s most stylish bloggers wardrobes? Of course we can’t see you through the screen, but we imagine you are doing a virtual happy dance at the moment as we introduce you to Underground Market – a sale brought to you by some of the biggest stars of this island’s blogging scene. Expect second hand clothes, shoes and jewellery, oh and of course queues – this event is garnering quite the cult following (thus perfect for updating your wardrobe with something on trend, mama).

Takes Place: Regularly

Various locations across Singapore – check their Facebook page for details

Keep an eye out for these ones, mama…

Boutiques
Typically held twice a year, this massive curated fair is home to an interesting and diverse range of homewares, women’s clothing, jewellery and accessories, and stunning children’s products (that’s only really the tip of the iceberg, mama — there’s always so much more to see!). The last few sessions have been held at the F1 Pit Building, and with a glass of wine to greet you at the door, their sip-n-shop concept is a real winner in our books.

Takes Place: Twice per year

Check www.facebook.com/BoutiquesSingapore for dates and times

Artisan UpMarket
On the grounds of 22 Dempsey, Artisan Upmarket is just as much a parent’s haunt as it is a pleasant morning out with the kids. As Singapore’s only artisan marketplace, kiddos will be enthralled with balloon sculpting and face painting, while mama indulges in a cheeky wine and a spot of shopping.

Takes Place: On weekends from 9am to 6pm

Check www.facebook.com/22dempsey for dates and times