Singapore Writers Festival 2026: Must-See Highlights, Authors & Ticket Info

Hi Huneybees,

Festival Director Yong Shu Hoong speaking at SWF 2026 Festival Reveal.
(Image Credit: Moonrise Studio, Courtesy of Arts House Group)

Singapore Writers Festival (SWF) 2026 returns from 13 to 22 November 2026 for its 29th edition, and this year's theme, Hidden in Plain Sight, feels especially intriguing.

What if some of the most interesting stories are the ones that have been right in front of us all along? The festival invites us to look closer at the stories we encounter, question the assumptions we carry and discover perspectives that might change the way we understand the world around us.

Organised by Arts House Group and commissioned by the National Arts Council, SWF 2026 brings together more than 300 writers, speakers and moderators across over 200 programmes, covering everything from fiction and crime mysteries to journalism, documentary filmmaking, games, architecture and more.

Making this year's Festival even more special is that it marks Festival Director Yong Shu Hoong's final edition at the helm, bringing another chapter of SWF's journey to a close.

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(Image Credit: Moonrise Studio, Courtesy of Arts House Group)

Who's Coming To SWF 2026?

This year's line-up brings together some pretty exciting Singaporean, regional and international voices, including Amitav Ghosh, Tan Twan Eng, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Ruha Benjamin, Rachel Smythe, Robin Stevens, Shuang Xuetao, Kamala Chandrakirana, Yuvan Chandrasekar, Jeremy Tiang and Jemimah Wei.

There are also conversations that venture beyond literature into some very current issues.

Amitav Ghosh will look at the stories societies tell about our planet's future, while Stephen Witt dives into Nvidia and the making of an AI powerhouse. Ruha Benjamin, meanwhile, examines the hidden biases shaping technology and society.

But one of the biggest additions this year has to be...

 Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Ovidia Yu and Seo Mi-ae
(Image Credit: Martin Dee & Arts House Group)

🔎 NEW: Crime & Mystery Takes The Spotlight

Okay, mystery lovers, this one immediately caught my attention.

For the first time, SWF is introducing a dedicated Crime & Mystery Spotlight, and honestly, what genre could fit Hidden in Plain Sight better?

The programme looks at how clues, assumptions, history and shifting perspectives can reveal what lies beneath the surface.

Old Crimes, Fresh Takes brings together Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Jean Tay and Ovidia Yu to explore how historical events and archival material can be transformed into crime fiction.

If you're fascinated by what goes into creating a convincing villain, The Making of a Serial Killer sees Seo Mi-ae, Rueben Dass and Jocelyn Suarez unpack how they create compelling killer characters on the page.

Agatha Christie fans can check out Still Killing It: Agatha Christie's Enduring Legacy, where Robin Stevens and Louise Hegarty discuss why the Queen of Crime continues to influence mystery writing today.

Meanwhile, Crime, Memory and Moral Ambiguity brings Shuang Xuetao and Jeremy Tiang together to explore how crime and thriller conventions can open conversations about memory, precarity and contemporary life. Definitely one section I'll be keeping an eye on! 👀

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My SWF 2026 Must-Go Pick: Step Inside The House Of Tan Yeok Nee

If I had to pick one experience that immediately stood out to me, it would probably be The Last Mansion Standing: Uncovering the House of Tan Yeok Nee.

Instead of simply hearing about history inside a theatre, you'll actually get to explore the restored House of Tan Yeok Nee, with architectural historian and author Yeo Kang Shua leading participants through the historic Teochew mansion and uncovering the people and stories that shaped it.

I love experiences like this because you're not just listening to a story. You're physically stepping into the place where part of that story unfolded. It also feels so perfectly aligned with Hidden in Plain Sight. How many of us have passed historic buildings around Singapore without knowing the stories hiding behind their walls?

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Off the Record with Janet Tay and Tan Twan Eng
(Image Credit: The Photo Lab & Lloyd Smith)

Stories We Don't Always Talk About

Some of the Festival's most interesting conversations also look at the stories that aren't always openly discussed.

In What the Family Doesn't Say, Amitav Ghosh, Jemimah Wei and Balli Kaur Jaswal explore the sacrifices, memories and histories carried across generations.

Then there's Off the Record with Janet Tay and Tan Twan Eng, which brings the longtime friends and former lawyers together for a more candid conversation about writing and life beyond their public personas.

These are the kinds of sessions I think fit this year's theme particularly well because sometimes what is "hidden" isn't a mystery waiting to be solved. It can simply be the experiences and conversations we don't usually see.

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Chatchavan Suwansawat & Caris Avendaño Cruz
(Image Credit: Room Magazine Issue191 & Jett Cruz)

Exploring Southeast Asia Through Stories

SEA xChange returns to put Southeast Asian stories and perspectives in focus, bringing together literature with architecture, folklore, migration and everyday life.

Featured voices include architect and writer Chatchavan Suwansawat from Thailand and author Caris Avendaño Cruz from the Philippines.

Programmes explore everything from beliefs and superstitions in regional fiction to Southeast Asian architecture, journalism in the Malay world and how migrant and local writers experience the cities they live in.

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At the SWF 2026 Festival Reveal
(Image Credit: Moonrise Studio, Courtesy of Arts House Group)

Celebrating Singapore's Multilingual Literary Landscape

Another important part of SWF is its celebration of Singapore's different languages and literary traditions.

This year's Chinese, Malay and Tamil programmes are shaped by guest curators Chan Cheow Thia, Muhammad Ilyia Kamsani and Neelakandan Sivanantham, connecting Singapore writers and audiences with voices from the wider region.

Among the programmes is the Mandarin-language Writing Fiction to Remember and Heal, featuring Teoh Hee La, Wang Zhanhei and Hon Lai Chu, exploring how fiction can preserve memories and help us make sense of change.

Royal Syair and Journalism in the Malay World looks at the intersection between classical Malay poetry and contemporary journalism, while Echoes in Art and Ink: Rediscovering Little India's Hidden Stories brings writers Uma Kathir and Krishnasamy Subramaniam together to explore stories from the communities of Little India.

There's also Yuvan – The Essence of Poetry, where Indian writer Yuvan Chandrasekar explores how poetry can resonate across time, countries and languages.

Selected sessions will offer live interpretation and digital translation, opening up more opportunities for us to join conversations beyond the languages we're most familiar with.

SWF 2025 Stories Across Generations x SMRT Trains Launch - Festival Director, Yong Shu Hoong (Image Credit: Moonrise Studio, courtesy of Arts House Group)

SWF Homage Looks At How Singapore Stories Travel

At the heart of this multilingual focus is SWF Homage, which turns its attention to literary translation for 2026.

The programme traces how Singapore literature has travelled across languages and borders, from the 18th and early 19th centuries right up to the present day.

Beyond translation-focused programmes, there will also be an interactive microsite and public installation travelling to libraries and community spaces beyond the Festival's main venues.

It's an interesting reminder that Sing Lit doesn't exist within just one language or even within Singapore. Our stories can take on completely new lives when they're translated and discovered by readers elsewhere.

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At the SWF 2026 Festival Reveal.
(Image Credit: Moonrise Studio, Courtesy of Arts House Group)

📚 SWF Isn't Just About Sitting Through Talks

This is probably the part I'd highlight for anyone thinking, "But I'm not really a literary festival person..." There's quite a bit happening beyond the usual author panels!

Festivalgoers can take part in literary walks, mystery-themed experiences, games, interactive storytelling, salon nights, pop-up presentations and writing challenges around the city.

There's Poetry Game Night with Ella Frears, where chance-based prompts become part of the writing experience, while The Salon with Pooja Nansi at COMO Cuisine pairs an intimate literary conversation with a culinary setting.

Reading by the River sounds like one of the more chill options, inviting us to slow down, browse, read and connect by the Singapore River.

And through SWF Encounters, there will also be Book Doctor sessions, book clubs and pop-up activities leading up to the Festival itself.

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SWF 2025 Lawn in front of The Arts House.
(Image Credit: Moonrise Studio, courtesy of Arts House Group)

Something For Families & Young Readers Too

SWF isn't leaving the younger bookworms behind either.

At SWF Playground, Robin Stevens and Jessica Townsend come together for Girls Who Don't Follow the Rules, discussing the rebellious heroines at the heart of their stories.

Families can get hands-on with Bring Your 'Chou Chou' Day!, where children create illustrated stories with Singapore author and illustrator Quek Hong Shin.

There's even Treasure Hunting in Dunhuang, a parent-child treasure hunt presented together with the Asian Civilisations Museum.

For those aged 13 to 25, Youth Fringe gives young participants opportunities to develop skills in curation, moderation and marketing.

One programme that sounds especially fun is Storytelling Shiok!: The Value of Humour, led by Suffian Hakim and developed by Youth Curator Lim Yuxuan, exploring how our distinctly Singaporean sense of humour can shape storytelling.

Meanwhile, SWF Classroom's The Ending Is Yours: An Exhibition invites students aged 10 to 18 to follow a trail of clues and write their own ending to a mystery. Selected works will then be showcased for the public to vote on.

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Festival Director Yong Shu Hoong
(Image Credit: Arts House Group)

Yong Shu Hoong's Final Chapter At SWF

SWF 2026 also marks the end of Yong Shu Hoong's tenure as Festival Director, making Hidden in Plain Sight quite a fitting theme for his final edition.

As a writer himself, Yong describes literature as having the ability to help us look beyond the façade and discover deeper meanings and perspectives. He also connects this year's theme to the world we're living in now, where AI and scams can increasingly blur the line between what appears true and what actually is.

And I think that gives Hidden in Plain Sight an interesting relevance beyond books.

It's about questioning what we see, looking at familiar things differently and perhaps noticing stories and perspectives we've overlooked before.

Singapore Writers Festival 2026 Ticket Prices

Singapore Writers Festival 2026
📅 13 – 22 November 2026
Festival Pass: $30
Youth Pass: $15

Festivalgoers can enjoy 20% Early Bird Savings from 29 September to 18 October 2026 or use their SG Culture Pass credits to experience the Festival. Festival Passes and single-ticket programmes are available at the Festival website, with admission to all Festival Pass programmes on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Students, seniors and NSFs can also enjoy 20% concession savings from 19 October to 22 November 2026. Separately ticketed programmes start from $15, with Festival Pass holders enjoying 20% savings on selected programmes.

Do note that admission to Festival Pass programmes is on a first-come, first-served basis.

More information on the authors and programmes can be found at https://www.singaporewritersfestival.com/. You can also follow the festival's social media @sgwritersfest on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Telegram, and use our hashtags #sgwritersfest and #SWF2026. 

What Will You Uncover At SWF 2026?

With more than 300 voices and 200 programmes, SWF 2026 isn't just about meeting famous writers or listening to people talk about books.

You could uncover the secrets of a historic mansion, dive into the mind of a crime writer, discover Southeast Asian folklore, hear stories in another language, play literary games, bring the kids on a treasure hunt or simply sit beside the Singapore River with a good book.

Because sometimes the most interesting stories aren't hidden somewhere far away.

We just need to look a little closer at what's been Hidden in Plain Sight.

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Singapore History Gallery Reopens with Stoney: 700 Years of History, Nostalgia & New Experiences!

Hi Huneybees,

When was the last time you visited the National Museum of Singapore? Well, here's a good reason to make another trip! After its first full revamp, the museum's flagship Singapore History Gallery is officially reopening on 10 October 2026, just in time for the museum's 139th anniversary celebrations.

And this isn't simply a history lesson filled with old photographs and artefacts. With seven immersive zones, never-before-seen historical treasures and interactive multimedia experiences, the revamped gallery takes us on a journey through more than 700 years of Singapore's history, from our early maritime beginnings to the bustling city we call home today.

From Zubir Said’s piano to the Great Singapore Workout and our favourite nightlife memories, the revamped Singapore History Gallery brings Singapore’s past to life through the stories of the people who shaped our nation, including everyday Singaporeans like you and me! And the best part? We even get to share our own reflections and imagine what Singapore’s future could look like, because our stories are part of its history too!

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Seven Zones, 700 Years and Plenty of Stories to Discover

The Singapore History Gallery continues the journey that begins at Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time in the Shaw Foundation Glass Rotunda. From there, visitors can explore seven chronological zones, each revealing a different chapter of our nation's story.

Fluid Beginnings (1300s–1800s) takes us back to Singapore's early maritime history, when our island was already connected to a bustling regional trading network. Look out for treasures recovered from a 14th-century shipwreck, a newly commissioned jongkong boat model and, of course, the mysterious Singapore Stone!

Moving into Colonial City (1800s–1930s), discover how Singapore developed into a thriving port city as merchants, migrants and labourers arrived from across Asia. There is even an interactive experience where you can try lifting and pulling a recreated rickshaw. Time to find out just how tough life was for our forefathers!

The mood takes a more sombre turn in Fall of the Fortress (Late 1930s–1940s), which explores the Japanese Occupation and the experiences of those who lived through the war. Through personal belongings, historical photographs and interactive installations, we get a glimpse of the struggles, sacrifices and resilience of that generation.

One artefact I'm particularly excited about is in Towards a New Identity (1950s–1960s). For the first time, visitors can see the actual piano on which Zubir Said composed our national anthem, Majulah Singapura! The gallery also recreates Lee Kuan Yew's televised press conference announcing Singapore's separation from Malaysia, offering an opportunity to reflect on this defining moment in our history.

Next, Becoming Singapore (1960s–1980s) brings us into the era of rapid industrialisation, public housing and changing lifestyles. From factory workers' everyday belongings to a restored HDB lift and a recreated void deck, this section shows how Singaporeans adapted to a rapidly transforming nation.

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OMG, Are Our Childhood Memories Museum-Worthy Already?!

Now, this is where things get especially nostalgic!

Being Singaporean (1980s–1990s) celebrates the food, fashion, films, sports and nightlife that shaped our growing national identity. Walk through an Orchard Road-inspired passageway, explore Singapore's hawker culture through an interactive Hawker Table and relive some iconic moments from our younger days.

Remember the Great Singapore Workout? There is even a station featuring archival footage where you can join in!

It's funny how the things we grew up with have now become part of Singapore's history. Suddenly, we're not just visiting a museum. We're seeing bits and pieces of our own lives on display!

Finally, Looking Global (2000s–Present) brings us back to modern Singapore. Catch photographer Keith Loutit's spectacular timelapse, The Lion City 2012–2026, which compresses nearly 15 years of Singapore's transformation into just two and a half minutes.

The gallery also explores Singapore's global connections, technological achievements and the changing meaning of belonging in a city that never stops evolving.

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Your Voice Becomes Part of Singapore's Story

One of the most meaningful additions to the revamped gallery is its new voice input stations.

As we travel through the different zones, we're invited to share our thoughts and personal reflections on the stories presented. These contributions come together in a cinematic finale, where visitors' voices help create a collective vision of Singapore's future.

Imagine seeing a skyline of tomorrow shaped by the hopes, beliefs and aspirations of everyday Singaporeans! It's a lovely reminder that history isn't just something we read about. We're all part of Singapore's ongoing story, and the decisions we make today will shape what future generations remember.

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Meet Stoney, the National Museum's Adorable New Mascot!

Of course, a major reopening calls for a new friend, and the National Museum has a rather charming one waiting for us!

Meet Stoney, the museum's new mascot inspired by the Singapore Stone.

His story begins when he awakens along the Singapore River without any memory of where he came from. Determined to find his true kin, he sets off on an adventure around modern Singapore before finally finding his way home to the National Museum.

How cute is that?!

During the reopening celebrations, visitors can look forward to meet-and-greets with Stoney and snap photographs with his larger-than-life installation on the museum's lawn. And if you love collecting cute souvenirs, there's even a Stoney keychain plush available at Museum Martket by Abry for $13.90 from 10 October onwards.

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Celebrate the Museum's 139th Anniversary with Stories of Everyday

The reopening also kicks off Stories of Everyday, the National Museum's 139th anniversary celebrations, happening from 10 to 18 October 2026.

Beyond exploring the revamped gallery, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities inspired by the everyday experiences of Singaporeans across generations.

Browse ceramics, stationery, accessories and food at The Living Archive: A Living & Design Market by Of Wonder Wander, or step into The National Living Room, an interactive installation featuring nostalgic household objects and personal stories that transform a house into a home.

There will also be performances, heritage talks, roving historical characters and community music jamming, along with contemporary dance performance Searching Blue《寻蓝》 by T.H.E Dance Company.

With so much happening, the anniversary celebrations make a great excuse to plan a museum date or spend a nostalgic afternoon with family and friends.

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A New Chapter for the National Museum of Singapore

The Singapore History Gallery's reopening also marks the completion of the National Museum's three-year restoration works. But there's still more to look forward to!

The Level 2 Life in Singapore Galleries are scheduled to reopen in early 2027, in time for the museum's 140th anniversary.

What I love about the revamped Singapore History Gallery is how it reminds us that our nation's identity isn't shaped only by major historical events or famous figures. It's also found in our everyday experiences, the places we grew up in, the food we share and the memories we create together.

As Singapore continues to evolve, so do our stories. Whether you're revisiting familiar childhood memories or discovering something new about our history, there's a little piece of Singapore waiting for everyone here.

So, Huneybees, come take a journey through time, share your reflections and discover how we're all part of Singapore's ever-evolving story. And don't forget to say hi to Stoney!

Singapore History Gallery Reopening 
📍 National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897
📅 Gallery reopening: 10 October 2026
🎉 Stories of Everyday anniversary celebrations: 10–18 October 2026
🌐 National Museum of Singapore

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Lights by the Lake 2026: A Magical Mid-Autumn Date at Jurong Lake Gardens

Hi Huneybees,

I just came back from a preview of Lights by the Lake 2026 at Jurong Lake Gardens, and if you’re looking for somewhere to take a little Mid-Autumn date, an evening stroll with the family, or simply an excuse to get out after dark, this is one to add to your plans.

Running from 19 to 27 September 2026, this year’s festival transforms Jurong Lake Gardens with lantern displays, light installations, performances, activities and a food market. The lantern displays will also stay on a little longer, until 4 October 2026.

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The Legend of the White Snake Comes to Life

Instead of simply walking from lantern to lantern, this year you can actually follow a story through the gardens.

The main lantern displays this year draw inspiration from the Chinese folklore Legend of the White Snake, following the love story between Bai Suzhen, a white snake spirit who takes human form, and the mortal Xu Xian.

Across Lakeside Garden, five lantern scenes unfold like chapters of their story. It begins with The Spirit Awakens, as Bai Suzhen enters the human world, followed by Fateful Encounter on the Bridge, where a shared umbrella sparks her romance with Xu Xian.

Under the rain, Xu Xian shares his umbrella with Bai Suzhen and that tiny act of kindness becomes the beginning of their love story. Seeing that moment recreated as a lantern display feels especially fitting for a little date night, don't you think?

Their story continues with A Mortal Life Together, depicting the couple’s peaceful life in Hangzhou, before taking a darker turn in The Realgar Wine Revelation, when Bai Suzhen’s true identity as a white snake spirit is revealed.

The journey culminates in The Battle at Jinshan Temple, where a desperate Bai Suzhen confronts Fa Hai in an attempt to reunite with Xu Xian. She summons her powers and floods the temple, but is ultimately defeated by Fa Hai, leaving the lovers separated.

It’s quite a dramatic love story to follow as you make your way through the gardens, and knowing what each scene represents definitely adds another layer to the lantern displays. And these aren't all static lanterns either. Look out for interactive details including dynamic waterfall lighting effects and even the swinging tail of the White Snake.

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Don't Stop at Lakeside Garden

One thing I would recommend is giving yourself enough time to explore beyond the main White Snake displays. Head over to Chinese Garden, where you'll find more familiar Mid-Autumn imagery around the Cleansing Biotope Ponds.

There’s Moonlit Reunion, where Chang’e looks down upon the mortal world surrounded by lotus flowers, followed by the adorable Whispers of the Jade Rabbit, with the Jade Rabbit and its friends gathering under the moonlight.

Then continue into Japanese Garden, because the mood changes again.

Kaguya's Moon Garden draws inspiration from the Japanese folktale The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, creating a dreamy moonlit scene of Princess Kaguya surrounded by flowers, rabbits and drifting clouds.

Nearby, Waters of Abundance is a much more tranquil display, with colourful koi seemingly gliding beneath floating lanterns. This was one of those spots that made me want to slow down for a moment instead of rushing off to the next photo opportunity.

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Wait for the Cloud Pagoda to Light Up

The highlight every year is definitely the Cloud Pagoda at Chinese Garden. And this year, Legend of the White Snake: The Reunion takes the familiar tale in a slightly different direction. Rather than leaving Bai Suzhen, Xu Xian, Xiao Qing and Fa Hai divided by everything that has happened, this reimagined ending brings the four characters together again with a message of forgiveness, harmony and hope.

Their story is projected onto the Cloud Pagoda in a light show running every 30 minutes from 7:30pm to 10pm during the festival. It makes a nice finale if you've been following the White Snake story from the beginning of your walk.

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Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival Merge

There’s actually a lot more happening at Chinese Garden beyond the lantern displays this year.

For the first time, Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall’s Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival is joining Lights by the Lake, bringing its cultural activities into the Chinese Garden from 19 to 27 September 2026.

One that immediately caught my attention is Xiao Qing’s Special Delivery: Chinese Garden Stamp Rally. Inspired by the Legend of the White Snake, the self-guided trail takes you around different landmarks in Chinese Garden to collect stamps while following Xiao Qing on her special delivery mission.

Complete the trail and you can redeem an additional special keepsake on 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27 September, from 6.30pm to 9.30pm at the Bonsai Garden.

Over at the Bonsai Garden, there are also plenty of free drop-in activities happening on selected festival nights, including lantern making, Hanfu dress-up and photography, heritage activities and multi-layered stamp printing.

The Hanfu experience sounds particularly fun for photos. You can dress up in traditional Hanfu, pose for a complimentary photo and even bring home a printed keepsake from your visit.

Or if you prefer something crafty, make your own lantern before taking it along for your night-time stroll. There’s also a multi-layered stamp printing activity where you can create a postcard featuring a scene from Legend of the White Snake or the iconic Wan Qing Yuan.

There are also Mid-Autumn storytelling sessions at the Tea Pavilion, conducted in Mandarin on 20 September and English on 27 September, as well as two travelling exhibitions at the Grand Arch exploring Mid-Autumn traditions and the history of Wan Qing Yuan.

Most of these activities are free, so I would definitely factor in some extra time at Chinese Garden instead of only passing through for the lanterns.

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There’s More Than Lanterns This Year

While the lanterns may be the main attraction, there’s actually plenty happening around Jurong Lake Gardens throughout the nine-day festival.

Depending on when you visit, you can catch everything from live performances and outdoor movie screenings to art activities, heritage experiences, lantern riddles and hands-on workshops.

Science Centre Singapore returns with Celestial Nights: Mid-Autumn Edition, where you can take a self-guided walk past illuminated planetary panels and a giant inflatable moon. There are also additional programmes such as a Silent Disco on 26 September and Moon Legends: From Myth to Mission, a 20-minute planetarium show happening on 25 and 26 September. Selected programmes require registration.

Here's something rather different: night dragon boating.

For the first time, PAssion Wave @ Jurong Lake Gardens is introducing Light Up Jurong Lake: A Night Dragon Boating Experience on 26 September. Participants will get to glide across Jurong Lake after dark aboard an illuminated dragon boat, while hearing stories about the heritage of the area.

There are also concerts and performances happening across the festival, including Music Oasis by Singapore Chinese Orchestra, LED lion dances and Moonstruck 2026 – Watermarks of the Moon at Japanese Garden.

With different programmes happening on different nights, here's the programme highlights below so you can plan which evening to visit.

Click to expand for more programme details.

Some activities require registration or separate tickets, so do check the individual programme details before heading down. This will definitely make it more of an evening-out situation than simply coming down, taking a few lantern photos and leaving.

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Make a Night of It

And because walking around Jurong Lake Gardens is inevitably going to make someone say, "I'm hungry," there is also a Food Market at Lakeside Field throughout the festival. It runs from 6:30pm to 11pm daily, so you can grab something to eat before continuing your lantern walk or end the evening there.

Grab a bite, have a drink break and don't rush through the event trying to tick off every installation.

So, grab your favourite person, arrive as the sun goes down, follow Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian's story through the lanterns, wander into Chinese and Japanese Gardens, stop for photos, catch the Cloud Pagoda light show and get something to eat before heading home.

A simple little Mid-Autumn date under the lights. 🏮🌕✨

Lights by the Lake 2026

📍 Jurong Lake Gardens
📆 19 – 27 September 2026
(Lantern displays till 4 October 2026)
⏰ 6:30pm – 10:30pm daily
🎫 Free, although selected programmes and workshops require registration.

❗❗❗ Do note that Jurong Lake Gardens is smoke-free, and while battery-operated lanterns are welcome, candlelit lanterns, sparklers and other open flames are not permitted. Visitors are also encouraged to take public transport, especially with larger crowds expected during the festival.

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Where to Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival 2026 in Singapore: PAssionArts Heartland Guide

Hi Huneybees,

Celebrating Mid-Auntumn Festival with Canberra Community Club back in 2024.

Mid-Autumn Festival always brings back a certain kind of nostalgia for me. Lanterns glowing after sunset, mooncakes on the table and families heading downstairs to celebrate together. And honestly, some of the nicest celebrations aren't necessarily the big-ticket ones. Sometimes, they're happening right in our own neighbourhoods.

From Ang Mo Kio and Tampines to Woodlands, Bedok and Bukit Panjang, there are plenty of neighbourhood celebrations happening across Singapore this September.

This year, PAssionArts Festival 2026 is bringing the Mid-Autumn festivities into the heartlands with lantern-making, DIY mooncakes, art installations, cultural performances, lantern walks and plenty of hands-on activities for families.

So if you're wondering where to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival in Singapore this year, here's where you can join the festivities. The list might be a little lengthy, so go ahead and CTRL+F for the community club near your area.

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Celebrating Mid-Auntumn Festival with Canberra Community Club back in 2024.

PAssionArts Festival 2026: Our Neighbourhood Gems

Running from August to September 2026, PAssionArts Festival returns with the theme “Our Neighbourhood Gems” for its second year.

The idea is a lovely one: to rediscover the people, places, stories and everyday objects that make each Singapore neighbourhood special.

Building on last year's edition, the 2026 festival digs a little deeper into the histories and personal stories behind these neighbourhood “gems”. Residents aren't simply spectators either. Many of the installations, workshops and performances have been designed or created together with the communities themselves.

And with Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, several neighbourhoods are giving the festival a seasonal spin. Expect everything from giant lantern installations and traditional performances to clay art, mooncake-making and mass lantern walks.

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Mid-Autumn PAssionArts Festivals to Check Out

Kolam Ayer Mid-Autumn Festival x PAssionArts Festival

19 September 2026, 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Block 64 HDB Kallang Bahru

Kolam Ayer's Mid-Autumn celebration brings neighbours together for an evening of arts and cultural activities. Get creative at booths featuring Chinese calligraphy, henna art, sand art and lantern painting, before settling in for performances and cultural displays. There will also be a lucky draw during the evening.

Eunos PAssionArts Festival Mid-Autumn Celebration

19 September 2026, 9am – 12pm
Eunos Community Club

There's an interesting neighbourhood storytelling element at Eunos this year. Its featured art installation takes inspiration from the Singapore Flyer, combining batik art panels and kinetic wind elements with a diorama showing kampong houses alongside modern Eunos HDB estates.

It's a little visual journey through how the neighbourhood has evolved while celebrating the different cultures of the people who call Eunos home. You can also catch community performances, explore interactive art booths, join a lantern procession and even dress up for the Best Dressed Competition.

Cashew PAssionArts Festival 2026

19 September 2026, 2pm – 5.30pm
Senja-Cashew Community Club

Starting a little earlier in the day, Cashew's celebration is one for families looking for an afternoon of arts and community fun.

There will be colourful arts and craft booths and hands-on creative activities where you can make something of your own to bring home. The stage will also feature performances by Cashew residents, giving local talents their moment in the spotlight.  And here's a bonus if you're planning to stay through the afternoon: the celebration includes a bento dinner too!

Cheng San PAssionARTs Festival 2026: A Lamp of Dreams

19 September 2026, 5pm – 9pm
Cheng San Community Club

With a name like “A Lamp of Dreams”, you already know this one's going to be big on creativity, with quite a selection of hands-on activities to try, including painting wooden cars, planes, dinosaurs, birds and flowers, marbling art on fans, creating lighted gems and canvas art.

The stage programme is equally packed, bringing together different generations of performers from the community. Look out for children's performances by local schools and preschools, Chinese orchestra and guzheng ensembles, violin and dance performances, choirs and seniors' percussion.

Students from ITE College Central and Nanyang Polytechnic will also take to the stage with song and dance performances.

Kaki Bukit Mid-Autumn & PAssionArts Festival 2026

19 September 2026, 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Kaki Bukit Neighbourhood Park

Kaki Bukit is going for an evening of food, performances and hands-on fun.

There will be live food stations, a traditional face-changing performance, magic show and four arts and craft booths. And here's something a little different: a Guess the Pomelo Weight Challenge with prizes to be won. Because apparently even the pomelo gets its moment during Mid-Autumn. 😂

Teck Ghee Lantern Night 2026 x PAssionArts Festival

19 September 2026, 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Ficus Green

If your idea of Mid-Autumn is spending the evening outdoors under the stars, Teck Ghee's Lantern Night 2026 sounds like a lovely one to check out.

Bringing “My Neighbourhood Gems 2.0” to life, the celebration explores what makes the community special while weaving inclusivity and sustainability into its art and activities. There will be fringe activities and hands-on art workshops for different ages, but what makes this one a little different is the community picnic.

Grab a spot on the grass, slow things down for the evening and enjoy Mid-Autumn outdoors with family, friends and neighbours.

Marine Parade PAssionArts Festival 2026

20 September 2026, 5pm – 8pm
Marine Drive 75A Communal Hall

Over in the East, Marine Parade is celebrating its own neighbourhood gems through an evening centred on community creativity. Residents can explore a selection of interactive art booths, get hands-on with different creative activities and catch stage performances featuring talents from within the neighbourhood.

It may be a simpler programme compared to some of the larger celebrations, but that's also part of the charm of PAssionArts Festival. Not every neighbourhood gathering needs to be huge. Sometimes it's simply about bringing everyone downstairs, making something together and celebrating the community you call home.

Toa Payoh Central Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration x PAssionArts Festival

19 September 2026, 5pm – 9pm
South Plaza, open area in front of COURTS Toa Payoh

If you're someone who prefers doing rather than just watching, Toa Payoh Central has quite a few hands-on activities lined up.

Try lantern making and painting, fan decorating, clay painting and DIY mooncake-making, accompanied by Chinese drumming and singing performances. Also look out for “Neighbourhood Gems: Home in Every Corner”, a mosaic-inspired art installation featuring the neighbourhood's name surrounded by values shared by its residents.

Kampong Glam Mid-Autumn Festival x PAssionArts Festival

19 September 2026, 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Zhongshan Park

Kampong Glam's edition transforms Zhongshan Park into a carnival-themed PAssionArts village. There will be hands-on activities such as jumping clay art and lantern painting, alongside face-changing, Chinese dance and storytelling performances.

And of course, it wouldn't quite feel like Mid-Autumn without lanterns, so the evening also includes a festive lantern walk around the neighbourhood.

Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng Mid-Autumn x PAssionArts Festival Carnival 2026

19 September 2026, 5.30pm – 9pm
Kreta Ayer Square

Over at Kreta Ayer Square, the neighbourhood will celebrate with a mix of performances, interactive art activities and community showcases. Expect music and dance performances, hands-on workshops and activity booths, while local artists and community groups get their chance to take the stage.

Admiralty Mid-Autumn PAssionArts Festival 2026

20 September 2026, 6pm – 9pm
Vista Park, 583 Woodlands Drive 16

This might be one of the more visually interesting ones to look out for.

A large-scale fish lantern installation will light up Vista Park for the evening, accompanied by cultural performances, carnival games, lion dance and light displays by the water.

There are plenty of activities for crafty hands too, including Wooden Mandala Coaster Painting, Home Sweet Home – Build a Mini Pop-Up World, DIY Shrink Art Keychain and DIY Lantern Making.

Bukit Panjang PAssionArts Festival 2026

19 September 2026, 9am – 12pm
Open Space next to Blk 259 Bangkit Road

Starting the day bright and early, Bukit Panjang's PAssionArts Festival packs quite a variety of creative activities into one morning. Try your hand at mosaic tile coaster making, wooden keychain painting, Nagomi painting, traditional Chinese ink art and digital street art, alongside activities by Zhenghua Primary School and Artemis Preschool. There will even be balloon sculpting for something a little more playful.

The performances are just as diverse, ranging from Indian and Malay dance to festive drumming, violin, choir, Eurasian dance, ukulele, percussion and Silat. It's a colourful mix that reflects the different cultures, ages and talents found within the Bukit Panjang community.

Taman Jurong PAssionArts Festival: Neighbourhood Ink

19 September 2026, 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Taman Jurong Community Club

Titled “Neighbourhood Ink”, the celebration brings together the stories, creativity and perspectives of Taman Jurong residents through an Art Village spanning Taman Jurong Community Club and Beacon.

Get hands-on with art booths, live illustration and printmaking, or join interactive storytelling and puppetry sessions by Karya Kulture.

Over at Beacon, you can catch locally made short films and live music, but perhaps the most interesting activity is the community zine-making session. Residents can contribute their own stories and perspectives, which will eventually become part of a growing visual display documenting life in Taman Jurong.

It's almost like creating a scrapbook of the neighbourhood together, one story at a time.

Woodgrove PAssionArts Festival 2026

19 September 2026, 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Fuchun Community Club

Over at Woodgrove, the theme of co-existence takes centre stage with activities celebrating different cultures while slipping a little sustainability into the mix too.

You can make your own Peranakan-inspired fridge magnet and lantern, or try some of the more unusual sustainable crafts, including upcycling bottle caps into potpourri bowls and making hand soap together with ITE College East.

The multicultural theme continues on stage with Malay and Chinese cultural dances, an Indian singing performance and a magic show, bringing together the different talents and cultures within the Woodgrove community.

I especially like that sustainability isn't treated as a separate lesson here. Instead, it's worked naturally into something fun you can make and bring home.

Tampines East PAssionArts Festival

19 September 2026, 5pm – 8pm
Basketball Court @ Tampines Blk 209

Tampines East is bringing art right into the neighbourhood with a selection of hands-on activities created by community volunteers together with artists and groups. Try your hand at Puffy Art, fan marbling, Prosperity Ang Bao Fishes and lantern painting, with plenty of opportunities for residents to sit down, get creative and make something of their own.

It's a simple way to celebrate Mid-Autumn while seeing what can happen when artists and residents create together.

Tampines Changkat PAssionArts Festival

19 September 2026, 7pm – 9pm
Tampines Changkat Community Club

Over at Tampines Changkat, the neighbourhood gems are getting a playful interpretation through a series of family-friendly arts and crafts.

Make your own Neighbourhood Gems fidget keychain, create a mini bouquet, decorate butterfly wings or light up the evening with a constellation lamp. With activities that little hands can easily get involved in, this could be a fun one for families looking for a creative way to spend their Mid-Autumn evening together.

Chua Chu Kang PAssionArts Festival

20 September 2026, 6.30pm – 9pm
Chua Chu Kang Park

If lanterns, crafts and performances are your idea of a classic Mid-Autumn night out, Chua Chu Kang is packing all three into its celebration at Chua Chu Kang Park.

At the arts and crafts booths, you can make a bunny coaster, stamp your own personalised tote bag or create a soft clay mooncake keychain, with activities by Sasha & Lulu Atelier. Once you're done crafting, stick around for a rather eclectic line-up of entertainment, including a magic show, Sichuan face-changing performance, 新谣 singalong and bubble show. And to complete the Mid-Autumn experience, grab your lantern and join the lantern procession through the park.

Bedok PAssionArts Festival

20 September 2026, 6.30pm – 9.30pm
16 Bedok South Market & Food Centre

Bedok's celebration is another one for those who like getting hands-on. There are plenty of crafts to choose from, including fan marbling, clay mooncake magnets, tote bag printing, lantern cup painting and Chinese calligraphy.

Between activities, catch a mix of drumming, ethnic dances, Chinese dance and live musical performances, turning a familiar neighbourhood space into an evening of art, culture and Mid-Autumn festivities.

Bukit Gombak Mid-Autumn Festival x PAssionArts Festival

26 September 2026, 6pm – 9pm
CMPB, 91 Hillview Link, Singapore 669723

Bukit Gombak's annual Mid-Autumn celebrations have long been about bringing the neighbourhood together through lanterns and shared traditions.

This year, PAssionArts Festival joins the celebration with stage performances, art activities, games and a Mass Lantern Parade. There's also a Best Dressed Costume Competition, so this might be the occasion to bring out something creative or traditional for the evening.

Henderson-Dawson PAssionArts Festival

26 September 2026, 6pm – 9pm
Bukit Merah View

Over at Henderson-Dawson, the Mid-Autumn celebration is getting an artsy twist with plenty of opportunities to create something together.

Explore interactive art booths and works by local interest groups, or get involved in the mass art activities, including digital art jamming and canvas painting. I especially like the idea of everyone contributing to an artwork together, turning the creative process itself into part of the community celebration.

The evening continues with performances by community talents, artists, bands and interest groups, with a mix of music, song and dance bringing Bukit Merah View to life. If you'd rather get hands-on than simply watch the festivities, this is one celebration where you can actually become part of the art.

Mid-Autumn Festival at Kebun Baru Bestari x PAssionArts Festival

27 September 2026, 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Block 246A HDB Ang Mo Kio

Rounding off the September celebrations is Kebun Baru Bestari, with an evening geared towards families. One activity that immediately caught my attention is the Mooncake Making Booth. Because yes, eating mooncakes is great, but making your own sounds even more fun.

There will also be games, lanterns, festive displays, snacks and live performances, together with a special art installation where families can stop for photos.

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Rediscovering Our Neighbourhoods Through Art

With Mid-Autumn Festival adding lanterns, traditions and plenty of nostalgic touches into the mix, September might just be a good excuse to head downstairs, explore another neighbourhood and rediscover a little bit of that old-school community spirit.

That's also what I like about the PAssionArts Festival. It brings art into places we're already familiar with: our community clubs, HDB estates, neighbourhood parks and public spaces. We can walk past the same places every day without thinking much about them, until art, stories and the people living there give us a reason to see them differently.

So... which PAssionArts Mid-Autumn celebration will you be checking out?

For the latest event details and any registration or ticketing requirements, check the respective organisers' official social media pages before heading down.

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