OVER 100 PROGRAMMES CELEBRATE SINGAPORE’S DEEP CONNECTION TO THE SEA
Singapore HeritageFest (SHF) will return from 1 to 24 May 2026, presenting over 100 programmes across the island that highlight Singapore’s rich maritime heritage and evolution as a global port city.
Now in its 23rd edition and organised for the first time by HeritageSG, a subsidiary of the National Heritage Board, the festival brings together more than 100 community partners and heritage practitioners. The initiative aims to deepen public engagement with the stories, trades and communities that have shaped Singapore’s waterways and coastal identity.
According to Qazim Karim, Festival Director of SHF 2026, the programme reflects Singapore’s enduring relationship with the sea, from its historic ports to the diverse communities that contributed to its development. He noted that the festival invites visitors to explore these shared histories through collaborative and multi-perspective experiences.
Highlights include new immersive programmes such as Port of Dreams, a roving theatrical experience set around Clifford Pier and The Fullerton Bay area, and A Bump Through Time, the festival’s first theatrical bumboat journey along the Singapore River. Visitors can also explore maritime archaeology in SHIPPED: Memoirs from Our Maritime World, alongside music showcases, workshops and lecture series developed in collaboration with the National Library Board.
The festival further offers behind-the-scenes access to Singapore’s port operations through guided tours, including visits organised with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and PSA Singapore. These experiences provide insights into one of the world’s busiest ports and its ongoing transformation.
Cultural and community programmes also feature prominently, with activities ranging from spice-making workshops and hawker heritage trails to traditional craft sessions and performances inspired by maritime folklore. Visitors can explore Singapore’s coastal beliefs and practices through curated tours, including heritage trails linked to historic temples and island communities.
A key highlight is HOMEGROUND @ ACM Green, a returning signature programme that brings together exhibitions, performances and workshops along the historic waterfront near the Asian Civilisations Museum. The festival will also activate public transport spaces through the Ride & Discover initiative, integrating heritage storytelling into daily commutes.
Programmes for SHF 2026 will open for registration from 22 April 2026, 12pm. Members of the public may visit https://www.heritage.sg/sgheritagefest for more information on the programmes, and how to register. Visit bit.ly/SHF-2026-MediaKit for full programme details.
