Special Events in Changi Village

January
Mid-Late January: Huayi: Chinese Festival of Arts. This 12-day festival welcomes the Chinese New Year with outdoor cultural events and carnivals, including an 88-member lion dance and electronic, rock, punk and pop concerts by Chinese bands. Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, 1 Esplanade Drive. For information and tickets, call 6348-5555. Continues through early February

February
Early-Mid February: Chingay Parade of Dreams. Floats, marching bands, more than 4,000 performers, and lion and dragon dances in one of the grandest, multicultural street parades to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The route follows Orchard Road. For information, call 6736-6622. Concludes mid February

March
Early-Late March: Birthday of Lao Zi Celebrations. Taoists celebrate the birthday of the philosopher and author of the Tao Te Ching with prayers, rituals and musical performances. Sago Lane and Chinatown Complex. For information, call 841-3691.

April
Early-Mid April: ARTSingapore, The Contemporary Asian Art Fair. More than 40 art galleries from Asia and throughout the Pacific exhibit contemporary paintings, sculptures, ceramics and other works by established artists and new talent. Suntec Singapore. For information, call 6235-4113.

May
Mid May: Horse Races. One of the world's richest horse races, the Singapore International Airelines Cup takes place at the Turf Club, Kranji Course. For information, call 6879-1350.


Mid-Late May: Vesak Day. Public holiday. Lord Buddha's entry into Nirvana is commemorated with chants by monks and the release of captive birds at temples. Good places to watch the ceremonies include Buddhist Lodge on River Valley Road; Thai Buddhist Temple, Jalan Buakit Merah; and Lian Shan Shuang Lin Temple, Jalan Toa Payoh. Continues through early June

June
Early June: Vesak Day. Public holiday. Lord Buddha's entry into Nirvana is commemorated with chants by monks and the release of captive birds at temples. Good places to watch the ceremonies include Buddhist Lodge on River Valley Road; Thai Buddhist Temple, Jalan Buakit Merah; and Lian Shan Shuang Lin Temple, Jalan Toa Payoh.

Mid June: Dragon Boat Festival. In Marina Bay, boldly decorated dragon boats race to the sound of gongs and drums in this ancient Chinese watersport. The races and other festivities attract thousands. For information, call the Singapore Dragon Boat Association at 440-9763.

July
Late July: Concert. The Singapore Chinese Orchestra performs frequent concerts of traditional Chinese music. Singapore Conference Hall, 7 Shenton Way. For information, call 6440-3839. For tickets, call 6348-5555. Continues through late May.

August
Early August: Billed as the largest gay and lesbian pride celebration in Asia, this annual event features three nights of parties, theatrical performances and art exhibits. Musical Fountain Garden, Sentosa, and other venues.

September
Early-Late September: SeptFest. Singapore's first contemporary arts center hosts cutting-edge theater and dance performances by international companies, art exhibits, concerts and other activities. The Substation, 45 Armenian St. For information, call 337-7535. Continues through early October

October
Early October: SeptFest. Singapore's first contemporary arts center hosts cutting-edge theater and dance performances by international companies, art exhibits, concerts and other activities. The Substation, 45 Armenian St. For information, call 337-7535.

Mid-Late October: Theemidhi Festival. The highlight of this Hindu festival is watching devotees walk barefoot across a pit of hot embers. Daylong festivities. Sri Mariamman Temple, 244 S. Bridge Road.

November
Early-Mid November: Singapore Triatholon. Part of the Asia Cup series, this world-class, grueling athletic event requires competitors to swim 1 mi/1.5 km in the open sea, bike 25 mi/40 km and run 6.5 mi/10 km. Also other events geared toward different levels of ability. For information, call 6340-9631.

December
Early December : Singapore International Marathon. This annual event features a full marathon, half-marathon, 10K run and minimarathon. The full marathon route begins at the National Stadium, 15 Stadium Road, and ends at the Padang. For information, call 6340 9609.

Throughout December: Christmas Light-Up. The Orchard Road shopping district is transformed with lights. Hotels and shops vie for Best Decorated Building honors. For information, call 6736-6622. Continues through early January