Singapore’s largest nocturnal experience runs until 5 September 2026, transforming the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct into a mythical district that uncovers the stories of Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Ms Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State for Culture, Community & Youth and Trade & Industry, meets the artists of Singapore Night Festival 2026. Image courtesy of MCCY.
Singapore Night Festival (SNF) 2026 was launched yesterday evening by Senior Minister of State for Culture, Community & Youth and Trade & Industry, Ms Low Yen Ling, marking the start of three exciting weekends offering over 70 spectacular after-dark experiences across the Bras Basah.Bugis (BBB) precinct.
Themed Myths and Legends, the 17th edition of Singapore’s largest nocturnal experience transforms BBB into a vibrant canvas of stories where legends awaken, and tales from Singapore and Southeast Asia come to life. From projection mapping artworks and installations to immersive nocturnal experiences, SNF 2026 invites festival-goers to discover hidden stories and old myths. As they journey through familiar landmarks and unexpected spaces, visitors can revel in the rich heritage, storytelling traditions, and creative talent of Singapore and the region.
The festival opened spectacularly at the National Museum of Singapore (NMS), where projection mapping and street theatre converged in one of SNF 2026’s signature experiences. Tales of Earth and Sea, by The Fox, The Folk, transformed the museum’s iconic façade through a vivid reinterpretation of local folklore. Adding to the spectacle over SNF 2026’s opening weekend is Birdmen by renowned Dutch group Close-Act Theatre, an interactive street theatre performance featuring giant, illuminated, stilt-walking pterodactyl puppets, making its Southeast Asian debut at the festival.
Other festival highlights include the inaugural MALAM Projection Mapping Competition, which puts emerging Southeast Asian talent centre stage at The Cathay. 18 entries will illuminate its façade until 28 August, with a live judging happening on 28 August, where a panel of judges will select the top five works to be announced at an award ceremony on 29 August. These five works will continue lighting up the rest of the festival throughout its run.
This year’s festival offers three Festival Villages that present installations, performances, and hands-on activities that bring myths and legends to life. For two nights only at Canning Rise, visitors can make their own wayang kulit puppets, enjoy local food, and visit after-hours museum programmes at Party on the Rise!. Maker’s Emporium transforms Capitol Singapore Outdoor Plaza into a marketplace of creativity where visitors can browse handcrafted items, take part in upcycling workshops, and connect with Singapore’s creative community. elsewhere livens up Armenian Street with performances, activities, and installations including The Great Mythical Stampede by CHUNKIE Filmhouse.
SNF 2026 runs from 21 August to 5 September 2026, inviting festival-goers to wander through the BBB precinct and discover how myths and legends continue to shape the places, communities and traditions around us. For more information on the festival or to purchase tickets, please visit heritage.sg/sgnightfest.
