If your idea of a perfect weekend includes good food, open-air vibes, and a little sporting buzz, Dempsey Hill has something special lined up. On 31 January and 1 February 2026, the leafy heritage enclave transforms into a playful, pitch-side playground with The Dempsey PALATE: Pitchside Plates — a two-day lifestyle pop-up celebrating rugby culture, community, and crowd-pleasing bites.

Timed to coincide with the HSBC Rugby SVNS Singapore, the event brings a fresh, family-friendly energy to the historic barracks between Blocks 8 and 9, inviting everyone from die-hard rugby fans to brunch-loving parents to soak up the atmosphere. Best of all, entry is free.

Set against Dempsey Hill’s lush greenery and colonial-era architecture, Pitchside Plates blends the relaxed charm of the precinct with the excitement of an international sporting weekend. Expect a casual festival feel — live music drifting through the trees, kids darting between activity stations, and the irresistible smell of good food in the air.

The event is part of The Dempsey PALATE, a collaborative initiative by the Dempsey Precinct Partnership together with HSBC Bank (Singapore) Limited and the Singapore Tourism Board, aimed at spotlighting the precinct as one of Singapore’s most loved lifestyle destinations.

Food is front and centre at Pitchside Plates, with pop-ups from some of Dempsey Hill’s most popular names. Expect crowd-pleasers from Burnt Ends, Margarita’s, Park Bench Deli x The Pantry, RedDot BrewHouse, and the ever-Instagrammable Museum of Ice Cream — perfect for grazing your way through the day or fuelling up before an evening jam session.

HSBC credit and debit cardholders can enjoy exclusive perks, including 10% off food and drinks, special workshop rates, and 1-for-1 VIP tickets to the Museum of Ice Cream.

One of the weekend’s standout moments happens on Saturday evening, when fans get the rare chance to meet two international rugby icons up close.

Alicia Lucas (née Quirk), Olympic gold medallist with Australia’s Rugby Sevens team at Rio 2016, and Danny Care, England international and Rugby World Cup veteran, will be on-site for a casual meet-and-greet. Whether you’re a longtime follower of the sport or simply curious, it’s a chance to hear stories from the global rugby stage, without the stadium crowds.

Pitchside Plates is designed to be as welcoming for families as it is for sports fans. Throughout the weekend, kids can enjoy balloon sculpting, face and hand painting, and rugby-themed games where prizes are up for grabs.

Creative workshops add a hands-on element to the programme. Little ones can paint dessert-inspired squishies with the Museum of Ice Cream or craft rugby-themed keepsakes with Kids Space, from mini medals to personalised pouches.

As the sun sets on Saturday, the mood shifts into something more communal with Ann Siang Sounds hosting live, open jam sessions. Anyone from seasoned musicians to curious first-timers is welcome to join in, while others can simply relax, listen, and enjoy the spontaneous energy that unfolds.

With morning and evening sessions across both days, Pitchside Plates is easy to slot into your weekend plans, whether you’re stopping by for brunch, entertaining the kids, or lingering into the evening for music and bites. HSBC cardholders can also “spend and win”, with rewards ranging from GrabGifts vouchers to Category 1 tickets for the HSBC SVNS Singapore.

At its heart, The Dempsey PALATE: Pitchside Plates is about bringing people together over food, music, play, and a shared love of sport, in one of Singapore’s most charming outdoor settings.

The Dempsey PALATE: Pitchside Plates runs from 31st January to 1st February 2026. More information available here

HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026 returns to The Kallang from 31st January to 1st February 2026. Ticketing info here.