Singapore Night Festival 2026 transforms the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct into a mythical after-dark playground, bringing more than 70 experiences inspired by the stories, folklore and traditions of Singapore and Southeast Asia. Running until 5 September, the festival invites visitors to discover legends through light, performance, art and immersive experiences.
Singapore’s Bras Basah.Bugis precinct has taken on a magical new character as the Singapore Night Festival (SNF) 2026 returns for its 17th edition. Launched on 21 August by Senior Minister of State for Culture, Community & Youth and Trade & Industry, Ms Low Yen Ling, the festival is bringing three weekends of after-dark entertainment to one of the city’s most culturally rich districts. With more than 70 experiences, this year’s edition explores the theme “Myths and Legends”, turning familiar landmarks and hidden corners into stages for stories from Singapore and Southeast Asia.
One of the festival’s headline experiences is Tales of Earth and Sea by The Fox, The Folk at the National Museum of Singapore. Through projection mapping, the museum’s iconic façade is transformed into a vivid visual journey inspired by local folklore, accompanied by street theatre. Adding to the opening weekend is Birdmen, an interactive performance by renowned Dutch theatre group Close-Act Theatre. Making its Southeast Asian debut at the festival, the spectacle features giant illuminated pterodactyl puppets carried by performers on stilts, creating an unforgettable encounter for visitors.
SNF 2026 is also providing a platform for emerging creative talent through the inaugural MALAM Projection Mapping Competition at The Cathay. Eighteen entries from Southeast Asian artists will illuminate the building’s façade until 28 August, before live judging takes place on 28 August. The top five works will be announced at an awards ceremony on 29 August and will continue to be showcased throughout the remainder of the festival.
Beyond large-scale light displays, three Festival Villages offer opportunities to experience the festival through creativity, culture and community. At Canning Rise, Party on the Rise! invites visitors to create their own wayang kulit puppets, sample local food and enjoy after-hours museum programmes. Meanwhile, Maker’s Emporium at Capitol Singapore Outdoor Plaza brings together handcrafted products, upcycling workshops and members of Singapore’s creative community. Over on Armenian Street, elsewhere comes alive with performances, activities and installations, including The Great Mythical Stampede by CHUNKIE Filmhouse.
Running until 5 September 2026, Singapore Night Festival offers an opportunity to see Singapore’s heritage through a different lens. By blending projection mapping, street theatre, installations, craft activities and contemporary creativity, the festival demonstrates how myths and legends can continue to connect places, communities and traditions across generations. Visitors can explore the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct after dark while discovering the stories that have helped shape Singapore and the wider region.
Source: Singapore Night Festival
