Singapore's New Bahru Finally Complete: Two-Day Open House with Heritage Tours, Music & Creative Market (Aug 29-30)

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After two years of gradual development, New Bahru — the former Nan Chiau High School and Tai Wah Garment Factory turned lifestyle hub at 46 and 58 Kim Yam Road — has finally reached full capacity. As of August, more than 60 brands now call its School and Factory blocks home.

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To mark the milestone, New Bahru is kicking off with a creative marketplace on August 28, followed by a two-day Open House on August 29 and 30. The entire campus will transform into one massive weekend celebration featuring live music, outdoor parties, food pop-ups, exhibitions, workshops, heritage tours and limited-edition merchandise.

The Open House doesn't just celebrate the present — it also honours the site's rich past. Developed in partnership with The Urbanist, 'Assembly' is a two-hour guided heritage tour that traces the property's previous incarnations as Nan Chiau High School and Tai Wah Garment Factory. The route delves into stories from its classrooms, school hall, science labs and canteen, while spotlighting the brutalist architectural details that survived the transformation.

The Lawn will serve as the central social hub. On August 29, GrooveTop's Garden Party kicks off with a day-to-night soundtrack of funk, soul, R&B, house and disco, featuring Aurora, AKA Sounds, KFC and Ya5th on the decks. On August 30, Sing Song Social Club and Wild Pearl present 'Field Notes', bringing singer-DJ Haneri, a round of musical chairs, a DJ sing-along with KiDG, and a neighbourhood run with a roving DJ trailer in tow.

Those seeking something more zen can join 'The Joy Reset' on August 29, led by The Hummingbird Life's Laura and New Bahru's Head of Wellness Tracy Phillips. The session combines breathwork, choreography and free movement, culminating in a sound healing experience. Throughout the weekend, Part Thai and Ahimsa will serve Thai comfort food on the lawn.

From August 28 to 30, the school hall hosts 'In-Between', a three-day exhibition-marketplace organised by the Organisation of Illustrators Council, Peculiar Matter and Thirtytwocm. Over 50 artists, designers and makers will present performances, interactive installations and craft showcases.

New Bahru's own creative team is getting in on the action too. Head of Design Pat Law's 'Singapore Fools' turns the campus into a playful game of chance, borrowing the visual language of Singapore's national lottery and posing an existential dilemma: money or love? Find the tear-off posters scattered around the compound, make your choice, then head to a pop-up tattoo parlour to have your answer inked onto your skin for the day.

Head of Art Toby Tan (aka tobyato) joins forces with Jon Chan for a 'Stamp Buffet Party', where visitors can customise clothing and personal items with his original stamp designs.

The resident stores are naturally joining the festivities. Morning will launch its Tea Capsule collection with a Tea Bar offering both traditional guided tastings and playful iced tea and bubble tea-inspired creations. Ginlee will upcycle leftover T-shirt material into personalised bag tags, while Stacked Store invites visitors to customise homeware with character patches. Studio Yono presents '365 Days of Clutches' — a whimsical calendar installation of hand-knitted clutches, each representing a different birth date.

On the culinary front, Bar Bon Funk has booked overseas DJ talent: New York's Kush Jones takes over on August 29, followed by South Korean selector KIMGUNDI on August 30. Bar Somma teams up with Hideaway for a special cocktail collaboration, while Chalk N Pencils hosts painting and life-drawing sessions.

Don't leave without souvenirs: New Bahru is releasing limited-edition sticker packs, fabric fans, dad caps and tote bags. Spend S$100 in a single receipt at any New Bahru store over the weekend, present it at the event concierge, and you'll earn a spin on the gachapon machine.

The New Bahru Open House runs August 29 to 30, with selected programmes beginning August 28, at 46 and 58 Kim Yam Road, Singapore. Some events are free; ticketed experiences require advance registration via the official website, where the full programme lineup can also be found.