More to this year’s Grand Prix Season

SINGAPORE — The city is again abuzz with anticipation of the Formula 1’s only night race. And like before, this year’s Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS) will be showcasing the best of the city’s vibrant lifestyle experiences, ranging from exciting parties to world-class shopping and dining.

Themed One Stop Non Stop, GPSS 2015 will be held across major precincts, offering various lifestyle events, activities and promotions. There is much to enjoy — from inspired Peranakan dining at Candlenut (Sept 11 to 19) to an interactive feast via STORIES, a pop up, theatrical five-course dinner at the Customs House Terrace (Sept 11 and 12), complete with storytellers and actors who will tell the story of the Singapore River and monuments in the vicinity. There is even a week’s worth of bro-friendly cooking (Sept 15 to 20) to be had at Artichoke — a creative Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant committed to using locally farmed ingredients wherever possible.

Of course, whether you are planning to splurge on an indulgent dinner or grabbing a casual lunch a short hop away from the race weekend crowd, Where To Eat? (available at http://www.hungrydeals.sg/) is a guide to pre- and post-event dining with a list of top bookable restaurant recommendations around the Marina Bay Street Circuit across a range of budgets.

There is also the option to party the night away at a number of exclusive bashes. In celebration of SG50, race weekend kicks off with the Amber Lounge Fashion Show choreographed by Daniel Boey, with celebrities, star athletes and international DJs in attendance. Or join Fox Sports Asia commentator and former Formula 1 driver Alex Yoong for a night of partying and an auction of rare race memorabilia at The Podium Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore; Kristian Nairn (Hodor from Game Of Thrones) will be headlining the opening night on Sept 18, followed by Mark Doyle (creator of HED KANDI) and his Fierce Angels on Sept 19, with Sky Blu of LMFAO turning the heat up on Sept 20. And for a bit of fun under the sun, Sentosa Fun Festival (Sept 6 to 13) will transform the hippest beach in Singapore into a mega beach playground comprising giant inflatable slides, foam action and water-based activities.

But that is not to say those looking to soak up a little culture are left behind. Opportunities to do just that can be found at Singapore Pinacotheque de Paris (where race ticket-holders are entitled to a 10 per cent discount on the all-access entry from Sept 18 to 20), Little India (for a potpourri of cultural performances by local ethnic groups to mark the start of the Deepavali celebrations, from Sept 19 to 22) and various museums. At the heart of Orchard Road at KEEPERS Singapore, Life In The Slow Lane (Sept 9 to 20) will showcase crafts and stories of works by more than 20 designers and artisans from various disciplines, such as food, fashion and design. While further east, Singaporean jeweller Choo Yilin will be presenting Joo Chiat’s Secrets — A Foodie and Fashionista Shopping Guide (Sept 7 to 20), which is a self-guided tour to rediscover one of Singapore’s most elusive and culturally rich districts filled with design-driven local businesses. Don Mendoza

Visit http://www.yoursingapore/gpss for the complete list of GPSS events.