There's a saying that goes, "Sometimes to move forward, you have to take a look back". And with 2018 being the 10th year of Singapore's annual LGBTQI rally/wholesome picnic Pink Dot, that's exactly what they'll be doing.

But of course, we don’t want to stumble into the pitfalls of moving one step forward and two steps back; it’s more of a reflection of how far we've come since the inception of Pink Dot in 2009. And while Pink Dot organizers always have a new challenge to overcome, thankfully this year's biggest hurdle isn't too dramatic. 

As usual, social media will be rife with people airing their unsolicited (and often baseless) opinions about the LGBTQI community, and questionable campaigns that are just wrought with lies, misconceptions and misdirection (we're looking at a certain ministry leader who urged his followers to "wear white until the pink is gone"). But that’s an issue for another day.

Once the dust has settled at Hong Lim Park, torchlights raised and trash cleared (by you, of course), what's next? You extend the celebrations with a little dancin’ and boozin’. This year’s options are a little less than last year’s, but hey, we’ve also had a whole bunch of activities during PinkFest in the lead up to this day to check out and indulge in; so we’re not complaining. Here we go.
 

Dorothy's #PINKADOR Equality Party

This is the only spot that will be hosting a day-to-night party, where they will be screening a live feed of Pink Dot 10 for any non-Singaporeans who aren't able to partake with their loved ones in supporting the freedom to love because... barricades (but if you’re heading to Hong Lim Park, you’re welcomed to join them on their big blue mat). At the party, besides trying their special Puetos de Indias straberry pink gin, you'll want to look out for their Holiday Contest Draw too.

Venue: Dorothy’s (13A Trengganu St.)
Time: 3pm
Admission: Free
 

Herstory Love Pink

Herstory is back with their monthly girls-only party to show support for Pink Dot. Come in your best pink outfit because you'll stand a chance to win a bottle of bubbly for the night. Also, there'll be an exciting number by Herstory's kick-ass resident performers to the soundtrack of The Greatest Showman. DJs Special K and Roy will be dishing out some of the hottest gay anthems and commercial Top 40s pop and dance hits all night long to dance to, once you've lubed up enough from all the night-long booze deals of course.

Venue: Canvas Club (#B1-01/06 The Riverwalk, 20 Upper Circular Rd.)
Time: 9pm
Admission: Free (students between 19-23 years old before 10pm, air crew before 11pm, birthday girls all night long), $5 (Herstory members), $10 (Non-Herstory members), $15 (men, subject to approval at door)
 

Kinkilicious x Eatmepoptarts present: One Love

Our favorite, dynamic Eatmepoptart duo Adrian Wee and KiDG are returning to the upper deck at the Kinki rooftop for another bout of indie-flavored everything to celebrate the freedom to love. On their feel-good repertoire, you can expect everything from Britpop, rock, electronic goodness and crowd favorites, ranging from The Strokes and The xx to Phoenix and Muse.

Venue: Kinki (#02-02 Customs House, 70 Collyer Quay)
Time: 8pm
Admission: Free
 

The Love Ball: Pink Dot Is Burning

The organizers being the ones behind campy and all-out fun party series Mismatch, which made the old Butter Factory at One Fullerton home, had made a huge comeback in April after three long years. They threw a huge disco drag ball to introduce "Ballroom Culture" to Singapore, which saw Drag Race Thailand's Pangina Heals on hosting duty and many talents from Singapore's LGBTQI community work the stage. They're back again for a second edition with the same host, in celebration of Pink Dot's 10th year. You can expect plenty of lip-syncing, voguing, dips and drama, with a side of fierce outfits and dance battles. The night will go on with DJs Steve Lush, Bobby Luo and Thorin Duffin on the decks.

Venue: Hard Rock Cafe Singapore (50 Cuscaden Rd.)
Time: 10pm
Admission: $10
 

Peaches & Cream (In Support of Pink Dot SG)

All-girls community Two Queens Asia is taking over Peaches for this month's edition of Peaches & Cream to celebrate the freedom to love and provide a safe partying space for all girls on the spectrum. DJs Fasha Anderson and Electrokat will be on turntable duty while MC Nara and Dancer Debbie will be on-site for a special performance.

Venue: Peaches Club Singapore (100 Orchard Rd.)
Time: 11pm
Admission: Free (first 100 girls in pink), $20 (11-11:59pm), $28 (midnight-4am)
 

Pink Ball 2018 by Hyper x Play

LGBTQI nightlife institution Play may have closed long ago, but every once in a while, they'll throw the occasional party here and there. They're partnering up once again with fellow LGBTQI party organizers Hypertainment (in what seems to become an annual tradition) to throw possibly the biggest Pink Dot afterparty. Happening at one of the halls in Suntec, this year's Pink Ball will see over 30 performers taking the various stages, two dance areas—a first for Pink Ball—with international guest DJ Head, resident Hyper DJ Lorri and Play residents Zack C, Auriezo and Clemo turning up the beat all night.

Venue: Suntec City Convention Centre (3/F Suntec City, 1 Raffles Blvd.)
Time: 10pm
Admission: $35-48 (door), or $100-152 (advanced sales for bundle of five tickets)