Sketch Up 2026 at Asian Civilisations Museum: Slow Down, Sketch & Rediscover the Civic District

Hi Huneybees,

There are places in Singapore that we walk past so often, we eventually stop really looking at them.

The Civic District is probably one of those places for many of us. We recognise the grand buildings, know the museums and have probably photographed them countless times. But when was the last time we actually slowed down and noticed the little details?

That is exactly what Sketch Up 2026 is inviting us to do.

Returning to the Civic District on 12 September 2026, Arts House Group's Sketch Up turns the precinct into an open-air drawing room once again, bringing artists, sketching enthusiasts and curious beginners together to capture one of Singapore's cultural landmarks from their own perspectives.

This time, all eyes, and sketchbooks, are turning towards the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM).

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Seeing the Asian Civilisations Museum Differently

Since its launch in 2024, Sketch Up has been encouraging people to experience the Civic District through art rather than simply walking from one attraction to another.

The idea is refreshingly simple: pick a spot, sit down, observe and sketch what you see.
And no, you don't have to be an artist.

What I like about the concept is that everyone can be looking at exactly the same building, yet walk away with completely different interpretations of it. One person might be drawn to ACM's architecture, another to its windows and columns, while someone else might capture the people, trees or everyday activity happening around it.

For the 2026 edition, Arts House Group is taking that idea a little further with a new artist-led workshop.

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New for 2026: The Art of Noticing

Before the mass sketching session begins, a limited group of participants can join The Art of Noticing, led by Ying of Ying In Art.

Rather than focusing solely on drawing techniques, the workshop encourages participants to slow down and pay closer attention to the architecture, details and stories hidden within familiar surroundings.

Instead of looking at ACM and simply thinking, "I've seen this building before", you might start noticing the shapes, textures, shadows and tiny architectural details that normally disappear into the background when you're rushing somewhere.

And perhaps that's the more interesting takeaway from Sketch Up. It's not necessarily about creating the perfect drawing. It's about learning to look at familiar spaces differently.

The workshop is beginner-friendly, so you don't need any previous sketching experience to take part.

Then Find Your Own View of ACM

From 4pm to 6pm, Sketch Up opens up for its signature mass sketching session.

Participants can find their own vantage point around ACM and the surrounding Civic District before translating what catches their attention onto paper. 

There isn't one "correct" view to draw. You could focus on the museum's distinctive façade, zoom in on an architectural detail or step further back and capture ACM as part of the wider cityscape.

In a world where we're so used to snapping a photo and moving on, there's something rather lovely about spending time in one place long enough to actually study it. Maybe you'll notice something you've walked past a dozen times without ever seeing.

A Few Perks for Sketchers

Participants should bring their own preferred sketching materials and tools, but early birds can look forward to a few extras.

The first 200 mass sketching participants who check in on event day will receive a Sketch Up bucket hat and Pencil Sketching Set goodie bag, while participants attending The Art of Noticing workshop will receive a Watercolour Set goodie bag.

*All participants can also enjoy 15% off dining at Baker & Cook at ACM on 12 September.

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Your Sketch Could Win You Prizes Too

The experience doesn't end when everyone puts down their pencils. Participants can upload their completed works to a digital Sketch Up showcase, allowing the public to see the different interpretations of ACM and vote for their favourites.

The Grand Prize winner will receive a Creative Art Station worth S$280, a S$50 UmiStrong voucher and ACM exhibition tickets.

Two runners-up will each receive a Desktop Creative Station worth S$160, a S$50 UmiStrong voucher and ACM exhibition tickets.

Even voters get a little something to look forward too, with two lucky voters walking away with exclusive gift cards.

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Maybe We Should Look at Singapore a Little Slower

What draws me to Sketch Up isn't really the competition or even the sketching itself.
It's the idea of noticing.

Singapore changes so quickly that we're always looking for what's new, what's opening next and where we should go this weekend. Sometimes, though, there's something equally interesting about returning to somewhere familiar and asking ourselves: What haven't I noticed before?

You might arrive at ACM thinking you're there to draw a building, but perhaps you'll leave having discovered a side of the Civic District you've never really paid attention to. So what if your sketch isn't museum-worthy, that's perfectly fine.

Sometimes the best souvenir isn't the prettiest drawing. It's simply proof that, for an afternoon, you stopped long enough to really look.

Sketch Up 2026 Event Details

Sketch Up 2026 at Asian Civilisations Museum
Date: Saturday, 12 September 2026
Venue: Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555

Mass Sketching Session
Time: 4pm – 6pm
Registration: 4pm – 5.30pm
Price: S$5 refundable deposit

Bookings: https://bookmyshow.sg/en/e/SKETCH26

The Art of Noticing Workshop
Time: 3pm – 4.30pm
Price: S$15
Capacity: Limited to 35 participants

Bookings: https://sketch-up-2026-the-art-of-noticing.peatix.com

For more information on Sketch Up 2026, visit:
https://www.artshousegroup.sg/civic-district/sketch-up-2026.

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Peppa Pig Fun Day Out at Baia: A Family Brunch Overlooking Marina Bay

Hi Huneybees,

If Sunday brunch with a Marina Bay view already sounds like a good way to spend the weekend, Baia is adding a little Peppa Pig fun into the mix too!

This Sunday, 6 September, Baia, the rooftop dining lounge bar by the ilLido Group, is bringing back its Sunday Family Brunch with a special Peppa Pig Fun Day Out. Get to spend a leisurely afternoon of food for the grown-ups, plenty of activities to keep the little ones entertained, and that gorgeous Marina Bay skyline as your backdrop.

The ilLido Group is also behind familiar dining spots including Sospiri, Les Canons and Southbridge, but this particular Sunday at Baia is all about creating a brunch that the whole family can enjoy together.

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Brunch With a Side of Peppa Pig Fun

Running from 11am to 3pm, the Sunday Family Brunch comes with a generous buffet spread, a choice of à la carte mains and, perhaps most importantly for parents, complimentary entertainment happening throughout the afternoon.

On the buffet, look out for Live Oysters, Bluefin Tuna with Corn Salsa and Smoked Salmon with Cotija Cream, while the live stations will be serving up freshly prepared Tacos, Caserecce Pasta Cacio e Pepe and Chocolate Churros.

And yes, there’s definitely sweet treats include Mexican Flan Brûlé, Mango Tres Leche Trifle and Tiramisù!

You can also choose from à la carte mains such as Chicken Asado with Chipotle Crema, Grilled Wagyu Bavette Steak with Chimichurri, or Roasted Pacific Cod with Calabaza Bisque. Each main is served with Mexican Sprouts, Waffle Fries and Baby Spinach.

Basically, while the kids are busy looking out for Peppa Pig-inspired fun, the adults have plenty to look forward to on the table too.

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Keeping the Little Ones Busy

Of course, a family brunch isn't just about the food, especially when you have little ones who probably aren't planning to sit quietly at the table for four hours!

From 11am to 3pm, Joseph Balloons will be bringing complimentary face painting and balloon sculpting to the brunch. Face painting will take place at Baia's outdoor patio, while the balloon sculptor will be moving around the venue creating balloon sculptures right at the tables, both indoors and outdoors.

Adding a little more magic to the afternoon, Singapore-based magician and illusionist Jerryl Tan will also be making his rounds from 11.30am to 3pm.

Instead of a sit-down magic performance, he'll be bringing his signature close-up magic directly to the tables, making it a much more interactive experience for families while they enjoy brunch.

Between Peppa Pig-inspired activities, colourful balloons, face painting and tableside magic, it sounds like there's enough happening to keep the little Huneybees occupied while the grown-ups enjoy a more leisurely Sunday afternoon.

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Peppa Pig Fun Day Out at Baia

• Date: Sunday, 6 September 2026

• Time: 11am – 3pm

• Adults: $68++

• Children aged 4 to 12: $28++

• Children aged 3 and below: Dine free

The brunch includes the buffet spread and choice of à la carte mains, together with the Peppa Pig-inspired family activities. Face painting and balloon sculpting run from 11am to 3pm, while Jerryl Tan's tableside magic takes place from 11.30am to 3pm.

Reservations: Booking is available online.

And for the grown-ups who want to stretch the Sunday fun a little longer, Baia's Sunday All-Day Happy Hour (Aperitivo Day) will also be running alongside the family brunch.

Spritzes and spirits are available at $15++, while wines and beer on tap start from $12++ each.

So if you're looking for a Sunday brunch where the kids get their own dose of fun without the adults having to sacrifice good food and a nice view, Baia's Peppa Pig Fun Day Out could be one to add to the family weekend list.

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Sip, Stamp & Explore! Starbucks Singapore Turns Its 30th Anniversary Into an Islandwide Adventure

Hi Huneybees,

I’m always up for a little adventure around Singapore, especially when there are stamps to collect AND blind bags involved, suddenly you have my full attention. 😂

This year marks 30 years of Starbucks in Singapore, and instead of simply celebrating over another cup of coffee, Starbucks Singapore is inviting us to get out there and rediscover some of its most interesting stores around the island.

Starting 4 September, the new Starbucks Singapore adventure combines café hopping, stamp collecting and Singapore-exclusive collectible pins. Basically, your usual coffee run now has side quests!

And considering some of these Starbucks stores are located at places we might already visit for a weekend date or day out, this could be a rather fun excuse to explore Singapore differently.

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Turn Your Starbucks Coffee Run Into a Stamp-Collecting Adventure

Stamp journalling has always been one of those little things I enjoy whenever I travel. There’s something satisfying about hunting down a stamp and adding it to my journal as a tiny souvenir of where I’ve been. And now that stamp collecting seems to be making a comeback, I’m definitely ready to bring out my journal again!

This time, I don’t even have to travel far.

The Starbucks Adventure Journal turns Singapore into a little treasure hunt, with eight unique stamps to collect from iconic Starbucks stores around the island. Each stop has its own story, giving us another reason to rediscover familiar corners of Singapore while adding a new stamp to the journal.

The adventure takes you from Liat Towers, home to Singapore’s very first Starbucks, to the heritage surroundings of Chinatown and Katong. You can make a nature day out of Gardens by the Bay and Bird Paradise, or head to Jewel Changi Airport to visit the iconic Starbucks flagship there.

To start your adventure, simply pick up a Starbucks Adventure Journal and collect your first stamp at any of the eight participating stores. Then it’s up to you to hunt down the rest and complete your collection.

I can already see myself turning this into a weekend challenge. Coffee, stamp hunting and rediscovering Singapore along the way? Sounds like a pretty cute date idea to me. 🐝☕️

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And Then They Added Blind Bags...

Okay Starbucks, you know us collectors too well.

Besides the Adventure Journal, Starbucks is also launching the Starbucks Blind Bag Adventure Pin Set, featuring Singapore-exclusive Bearista and Starbucks characters against illustrated local backdrops.

And yes, they are blind bags, so you won't know which design you're getting until you open it.

Among the designs are a Merlion Bearista and Lion Dance Bearista, together with characters and details inspired by everyday Singapore life.

These feel less like regular Starbucks merchandise and more like tiny souvenirs celebrating Starbucks' three decades here. For tourists, they're cute Singapore keepsakes. For us locals... well, good luck telling the collector brain that we only need one. 😂

How to Get a Starbucks Blind Bag Adventure Pin

Spend a minimum of $30 in a single receipt at any of the 20 selected Starbucks stores and you'll receive a free Starbucks Blind Bag Adventure Pin, while stocks last.

The participating stores are:

Central Singapore:
37 Smith Street, Gardens by the Bay, ION Orchard, Liat Towers, Marina Bay Sands, One Fullerton, Paragon, Plaza Singapura and Takashimaya.

East Singapore:
Changi Airport Jewel, Terminal 2 Departure Hall, Terminal 2 Transit Hall, Terminal 3 Departure Hall, Terminal 4 and Katong Square.

South Singapore:
Universal Studios Singapore, VivoCity and WEAVE at Resorts World Sentosa.

North Singapore:
Bird Paradise and River Safari.

There are actually quite a few ways to work these into an existing day out instead of deliberately travelling across Singapore just for a pin. A Gardens by the Bay date, an afternoon at Sentosa or even a Jewel visit could become part of the adventure.

Although knowing collectors, I'm sure someone out there is already planning the most efficient route. 👀

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There’s Also 25% Off From 7 to 13 September

If all this exploring is making your Starbucks cravings worse, there's another reason to drop by this September.

From 7 to 13 September, customers can enjoy 25% off with a minimum purchase of any two eligible items in-store. Simply flash the digital voucher at checkout to redeem the promotion. 🠉

*The offer is valid for in-store purchases only and excludes Mobile Order & Pay.
*Exclusions also include Starbucks Reserve™, WEAVE-exclusive beverages, merchandise with engraving services, Mooncake Gift Boxes, brand collaboration merchandise such as Mofusand, and already discounted items. Terms and conditions apply.

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30 Years of Starbucks Singapore, One Coffee Stop at a Time

There’s something quite nostalgic about seeing Starbucks celebrate its 30th anniversary this way.

Many of us probably remember Starbucks stores as places where we met friends, studied, went on dates, hid from Singapore's weather or simply sat down with a Frappuccino after a long day.

So instead of just releasing another anniversary collection, I like that this adventure encourages us to revisit different corners of Singapore and create a few new memories along the way.

The Starbucks Adventure Journal and stamp collection begins from 4 September, while the Blind Bag Adventure Pins are available at selected stores while stocks last.

Now comes the important question...

Are you going for the stamps, the Bearista pins, or are you about to convince yourself that you need BOTH? 🐝☕️

For the latest Starbucks Singapore launches and Starbucks Rewards Member exclusives, follow @starbuckssg on Instagram.

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No Flight Needed! Eat Your Way Around Asia at Eastpoint Mall This September

Hi Huneybees,

If travelling around Asia isn’t quite on the September school holiday plans, how about eating your way around it instead?

From 31 August to 13 September 2026, Eastpoint Mall is bringing flavours from Thailand, Japan, Korea and Taiwan together under one roof with A Taste of Asia at Simei Food Fair @ Eastpoint Mall.

Held at the Level 1 Main Atrium, the food fair takes a little inspiration from Simei itself.
* Fun fact: the name “Simei” is associated with the neighbourhood’s four beauties, and the fair turns that idea into four different food zones, each representing one of their preferred cuisines.

So yes, you can technically go from Thailand to Japan, Korea and Taiwan without leaving Simei. Not quite a holiday flight, but definitely easier on the passport. 😂

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Four Asian Food Zones to Explore

As mentioned, the fair is divided into four key zones featuring Thailand, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, giving families and foodies plenty of flavours to discover during the school holidays.

Whether you’re craving Thai favourites, Japanese treats, Korean specialities or Taiwanese delights, there’s something different to look out for as you make your way around the fair.

AND! The food journey doesn’t stop with the four destinations.

Uncle Lee Confectionery Haus, Cinnabon and Hang Heung will also be setting up booths at Eastpoint Mall during the activation, adding even more sweet and savoury finds to the mix.

Personally, food fairs like this are always dangerous for me because I’ll walk in thinking, “I’m just going to take a look,” and somehow leave carrying tons of snacks home. 😅

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Spend Rewards

How can you not do some shopping while you’re there right?
There are a few rewards worth knowing about...

From 31 August to 13 September 2026, spend $50 in a single transaction at participating FRx stores and you can redeem a $10 food fair voucher to use during the event.

This reward is limited to the first 200 redemptions, so I wouldn’t leave this until the final few days if you’re hoping to get one.

Bring Home an Exclusive Drink Tumbler

There’s another reward if you’re planning a bigger shopping or grocery run.

Shoppers who spend $150, or $200 for supermarket transactions, across three same-mall, same-day transactions can redeem an exclusive drink tumbler worth $19.90.
* There are 400 tumblers available for redemption, while stocks last.

More Rewards for FRx50+ Members

FRx50+ members have an additional perk to look out for too!

Spend $120 across three same-day, same-mall transactions and you can redeem a $5 FRx Gift Card.
*This promotion is limited to the first 700 redemptions.

Get F&B eDeals for Just 100 FRx Points

From 31 August to 13 September 2026, shoppers can access a Buffet of FRx eDeals for just 100 FRx Points at participating F&B tenants.

The offers range from 1-for-1 main courses to $5 and $10 eVouchers, which could make this a good opportunity to try somewhere new around Eastpoint Mall while stretching those dining dollars a little further.

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A School Holiday Food Adventure in Simei

With four Asian cuisines to explore, extra food booths and a line-up of shopping and dining rewards, A Taste of Asia at Simei Food Fair @ Eastpoint Mall could be an easy addition to the September school holiday itinerary, especially if you’re already heading to the east.

And perhaps that’s the fun part. You don’t always need an elaborate itinerary for a family day out. Sometimes, choosing a country, grabbing something delicious and seeing where your stomach takes you is enough.

Thailand first? Japan? Korea? Taiwan?

Knowing me, I’ll probably say, “Why choose?” 😂

A Taste of Asia at Simei Food Fair @ Eastpoint Mall
📍 Level 1 Main Atrium, Eastpoint Mall

📆 31 August to 13 September 2026

*Promotions and redemptions are subject to applicable terms and conditions and availability.
Check with Eastpoint Mall and FRx for the latest redemption details before heading down.

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Museum of Ice Cream Singapore Turns 5 With FREE Tickets for Past Visitors!

Hi Huneybees,

Wait! It's five years already?! 🍦💗

It feels like just yesterday that Museum of Ice Cream Singapore opened its super sweet pink doors at Dempsey, but MOIC is officially turning five this August!

And instead of keeping all the birthday presents for itself, MOIC is giving one back to some of the people who helped make those five years possible - past visitors.

If you visited Museum of Ice Cream Singapore between 1 August 2021 and 30 June 2026, you may be eligible to return with a complimentary General Admission ticket. Plus, there’s going to be a one-day birthday bash on 29 August 2026, complete with even more nostalgic birthday-party fun.

So yes! if you’ve been thinking about diving back into that famous Sprinkle Pool, this might be your excuse.

Museum of Ice Cream Singapore Is Turning 5!

Since opening in Singapore in 2021, MOIC has welcomed more than half a million guests through its pink doors.

Along the way, it has also picked up accolades including Klook’s Best in Experience Award 2023 and TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award, while welcoming famous faces including JJ Lin, Hannah Quinlivan, Drew Barrymore and Sandara Park.

But beyond the celebrity visits and awards, I think part of MOIC's charm has always been how unapologetically playful the whole place is. Where else can adults happily jump into a pool filled with sprinkles, pose in rooms drenched in pink and eat ice cream along the way without anyone questioning our life choices? 😂

And for its fifth birthday, MOIC is bringing some of that childhood birthday-party nostalgia back!

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Visited MOIC Before? You Could Return for FREE

Here’s probably the sweetest part of the anniversary celebration.

Guests who visited Museum of Ice Cream Singapore between 1 August 2021 and 30 June 2026, and purchased their tickets through MOIC Singapore's official ticketing website, can redeem one complimentary General Admission ticket per verified booking email.

To redeem the complimentary ticket, eligible past visitors will need to submit the email address used for their original booking through MOIC's redemption form.

Once your booking has been verified, you’ll receive a unique promotional code via email which can then be used to book your complimentary visit.

A few important dates to take note of:

• Redemption/booking deadline: 27 August 2026
• Complimentary ticket validity: Until 30 September 2026
• Eligibility period: Visits made between 1 August 2021 and 30 June 2026

Do note that each eligible booking email is entitled to only one complimentary ticket, regardless of how many tickets were originally purchased under that booking.

Submitting the redemption form also does not automatically guarantee a free ticket, as all submissions are subject to verification.

Still have that old MOIC booking sitting somewhere in your inbox? Time to dig it out!

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MOIC's 5th Birthday Bash Happens on 29 August

Want to join the actual birthday celebrations?

On Saturday, 29 August 2026, MOIC's Dempsey home will be turning into an all-day birthday party from 10am to 6pm. And they’re leaning right into those nostalgic birthday-party vibes we grew up with.

Visitors can look forward to complimentary activities including:

• Face painting
• Glitter tattoos
• A roaming balloon sculptor
• Unlimited ice cream treats with up to 19 flavours throughout the museum

There will also be a complimentary live storytelling session by a local children's author from 4pm to 5pm in MOIC's private events room.

Slots for the storytelling session are limited, so do take note if you're planning to bring the little ones along.

Although... who says the grown-ups can't get a glitter tattoo too? Five-year-old me would approve. 💖

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Share Your MOIC Memories and You Could Win a Birthday Party

MOIC is also inviting visitors to look back at their favourite memories from the past five years with its #MOICTURNS5 social campaign.

From 17 to 28 August 2026, share your MOIC memories on Instagram, follow and tag @museumoficecreamsg, and include the official anniversary hashtag for a chance to be one of five winners.

Prizes include a complimentary birthday party package for up to 15 guests or 10 VIP tickets, with prizes worth up to $900 each.

Now THAT sounds like a birthday present!

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Ready for Another Scoop?

This anniversary is definitely a pretty cute reason to go back and see whether the Sprinkle Pool is just as fun as you remember it.

And if you've somehow never stepped through those famous pink doors? The fifth birthday celebrations might just be the perfect time to finally see what all that pink, ice cream and sprinkle-filled madness is about.

Happy 5th birthday, Museum of Ice Cream Singapore! 🍦🎂💗

Museum of Ice Cream Singapore 5th Anniversary

Birthday Celebration: 29 August 2026
Time: 10am – 6pm
Venue: Museum of Ice Cream Singapore
Address: 100 Loewen Road, Dempsey, Singapore 248837

Complimentary Return Ticket Eligibility:
Past visitors who visited between 1 August 2021 and 30 June 2026, subject to booking verification and the campaign's redemption terms.

Complimentary Ticket Booking Deadline: 27 August 2026
Ticket Valid Until: 30 September 2026

For the latest ticketing, redemption and anniversary information, check Museum of Ice Cream Singapore's website before making your visit.

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Singapore Night Festival 2026: Highlights to Catch for Myths & Legends

Hi Huneybees,

Singapore Night Festival 2026
(Image Credit: HeritageSG)

One of my favourite things about Singapore at night is seeing familiar places completely transform after dark. And if there’s one event that does this particularly well, it has to be the Singapore Night Festival.

This year, Singapore Night Festival (SNF) returns from 21 August to 5 September 2026, bringing projection mappings, illuminated installations, performances and after-dark experiences back to the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct. And the theme this time feels especially intriguing: Myths and Legends.

Instead of simply lighting up buildings and public spaces, SNF 2026 digs into the folklore, stories and traditions that have shaped Singapore and our Southeast Asian neighbours. Expect everything from the legend of the Sisters’ Islands and tales surrounding the Singapore Stone to seafaring folklore, mythical creatures and even some familiar superstitions.

Basically, we're walking through stories we might have grown up hearing, except now they're glowing, moving and sometimes towering over us.

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Artist Impression of Tales of Earth and Sea.
 (Image Credit: The Fox, The Folks)

Singapore Night Festival 2026 Highlights

This year, the festival is spread across several areas, with a dedicated Museum Zone centred around the National Museum of Singapore, Children’s Museum Singapore and surrounding heritage spaces.

Beyond that, there are three other zones stretching from Funan and CHIJMES to Cathay Green, Waterloo Centre, Bras Basah Complex and Stamford Arts Centre. So yes, comfortable shoes are going to be very important!

1. Tales of Earth and Sea

This is the one staple I look forward to every year, seeing how different artists tell their stories and display their works on such a big "canvas". And this year, the façade of the National Museum of Singapore once again becomes transforms to bring multiple legends from our local folklore to life across land and sea.

Created by internationally acclaimed Bandung-based multimedia artist team The Fox, The Folks, Tales of Earth and Sea reinterprets familiar stories through striking visuals accompanied by an original cross-border soundtrack created by Singapore multi-ethnic music collective Artusik in collaboration with UiTM Malaysia.

And if you're heading down during the opening weekend, there's another reason to make this your first stop. The luminous Birdmen from Dutch theatre group Close-Act Theatre will make a special appearance alongside the projection on 21 August, turning the museum grounds into an almost otherworldly experience.

Date: 21 August to 5 September 2026
Time: Daily, 7.30pm to 11pm; until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays
Admission: Free
Location: National Museum of Singapore

The Lost Legacy of Fort Canning: The Forbidden Hill
(Image Credit: Sight Lines Co. & The Urbanist Singapore)

2. The Lost Legacy of Fort Canning: The Forbidden Hill

We may know Fort Canning Park as a familiar green space in the middle of the city, but how much do we actually know about the stories buried beneath it?

The Lost Legacy of Fort Canning: The Forbidden Hill takes visitors on a 70-minute nocturnal walking trail exploring the dramatic rise and fall of an ancient kingdom. Along the way, you'll encounter stories of buried gold, discover the historic freshwater spring that once sustained early settlements and learn about a sacred shrine whose true identity remains a mystery. This sounds like one for those who prefer their history with a little mystery thrown in.

Date: 21, 22, 27, 28 & 29 August; 3 to 5 September 2026
Time: 8pm to 9.10pm & 10pm to 11.10pm
Admission: $60
Location: Fort Canning Hill

(Image Credit: HeritageSG)

3. MALAM Projection Mapping Competition

Projection mapping has always been one of the biggest draws of Singapore Night Festival, but this year, we're getting a whole competition dedicated to it.

The inaugural MALAM Projection Mapping Competition invited artists, students and collectives from around Southeast Asia to transform The Cathay's façade into their digital canvas. Close to 50 submissions were received from across the region, with the top 20 artworks being projected during the first week of the festival.

From there, five finalists will be selected, with their works continuing to illuminate The Cathay throughout the remainder of SNF 2026. So if you're visiting on different weekends, you might actually get a slightly different experience.

Date: 21 August to 5 September 2026
Top 20: 21 to 28 August
Top 5: 29 August to 5 September
Time: Daily, 7.30pm to 11pm; until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays
Admission: Free
Location: The Cathay

Vikings of the Tropics.
(Image Credit: TELL YOUR CHILDREN)

4. Vikings of the Tropics

Vikings... in Singapore?

Local creative studio TELL YOUR CHILDREN takes over Armenian Street Lawn with Vikings of the Tropics, a nautical installation inspired by the myths and legends of La Galigo and the maritime history of the Bugis and Buginese traders.

The installation presents a stylised interpretation of traditional vessel construction and regional seafaring folklore while shining a spotlight on ancient commercial routes and Singapore's historical role as an important port hub.

It's an interesting reminder that long before our modern skyline existed, these waters were already connecting people, cultures and stories.

Date: 21 August to 5 September 2026
Time: Daily, 7.30pm to 11pm; until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays
Admission: Free
Location: Armenian Street

Artist impression of The Dragon’s Tooth: A Legend of Becoming Light.
(Image Credit: Starlight Alchemy)

5. The Dragon's Tooth: A Legend of Becoming Light

This is another one I'm particularly curious about because it sounds less like something you simply look at and more like a space you actually enter.

Created by Starlight Alchemy, The Dragon's Tooth: A Legend of Becoming Light transforms SMU Campus Green into a luminous bamboo sanctuary centred around a guardian artefact said to contain the elemental memories of early seafaring protectors.

Visitors will navigate an interactive landscape of light and shadow while exploring ideas of courage, memory and belonging. Through bamboo structures, refracted light, participatory elements and performance, the work also connects these mythical ideas with Singapore's history as a coastal settlement.

Date: 21 August to 5 September 2026
Time: Daily, 7.30pm to 11pm; until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays
Admission: Free
Location: SMU Campus Green

Artist Impression of You and I, Believing.
(Image Credit: Yellow Ribbon Community Arts Festival Committee 2026)

6. You and I, Believing…

Not every story at SNF is about mythical creatures.

Created by the Yellow Ribbon Community Arts Festival Committee 2026, You and I, Believing… draws inspiration from the Bras Basah convict jail that existed in the area during the 19th century.

The public sculpture features a reflective core on one side and intimate photographs on the other, surrounded by the form of a blossoming flower. It feels like one of the quieter installations this year, but perhaps also one that deserves a closer look rather than a quick photo before moving on.

Date: 21 August to 5 September 2026
Time: Daily, 7.30pm to 11pm; until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays
Admission: Free
Location: SMU Campus Green

Artist Impression of Traces.
(Image Credit: Isaiah Cacnio)

7. Traces

Here's one inspired by a piece of Singapore history we've probably all heard about at some point: the Singapore Stone!

Filipino artist Isaiah Cacnio takes inspiration from the mysterious, undeciphered inscriptions found on the historic stone to explore something much less tangible: the emotional traces left behind as cultures move, meet and exchange ideas.

Rather than trying to solve the mystery of the inscriptions themselves, Traces looks at what remains when parts of our history can no longer be completely understood.

Date: 21 August to 5 September 2026
Time: Daily, 7.30pm to 11pm; until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays
Admission: Free
Location: SMU Campus Green (Sunken Amphitheatre)

Horror Nights @ Oldham Theatre.
(Image Credit: HeritageSG)

8. Horror Nights @ Oldham Theatre

Okay, horror fans, here's your stop. This could make for a rather fun alternative SNF night if you've already explored the outdoor installations.

Presented by the Asian Film Archive, Horror Nights @ Oldham Theatre turns the spotlight onto local and regional horror cinema through film screenings and a panel discussion. And because simply watching horror movies apparently isn't enough, you're encouraged to turn up dressed in your favourite horror or fantastical costume too.

Date: 22, 23, 29 & 30 August 2026
Time: 7.30pm to 9pm
Admission: $10
Location: Oldham Theatre, National Archives of Singapore

Legends in Motion.
(Image courtesy of The Artist Village)

9. Legends in Motion – Invisible City

Want to experience the Civic District differently?

Presented by The Artists Village, Invisible City is a walking trail that takes participants through selected historical sites while bringing together senior artists and younger creators.

Instead of conventional historical storytelling, expect site-specific works incorporating contemporary movement, spoken word, drag and live installation.

The result is a rather different way of exploring familiar spaces and discovering the stories attached to them.

Date: 21 & 28 August and 4 September 2026
Time: 6pm to 7.30pm & 8.30pm to 10pm
Admission: $25
Meeting point: Handy Road Stamford Canal

Legends in Motion.
(Image courtesy of The Artist Village)

10. Birdmen

Remember those glowing creatures I mentioned earlier? They're getting their own moment too.

Making their Southeast Asian debut, Birdmen by renowned Dutch group Close-Act Theatre brings enormous illuminated, pterodactyl-like creatures to the National Museum of Singapore. Operated by mysterious figures, these fantastical creatures roam through the festival grounds seemingly unaware of the humans around them.

It's weird. It's theatrical. It's glowing.
Naturally, I want to see it.

Date: 21 to 23 August 2026
Time: 7.30pm to 11pm, with two 45-minute sessions
Admission: Free
Starting point: National Museum of Singapore

Once Upon A Time.
(Image Credit: Natalia Tan)

11. Once Upon A Time

Think back to the folktales we grew up hearing and you'll probably realise just how many featured animals.

The mousedeer. The crocodile. Tigers. Even tapirs.

Local weaver and upcycling artist Natalia Tan revisits these familiar creatures in Once Upon A Time, a community installation created together with students from local schools. Thirty unique animal sculptures have been painstakingly created using textile waste, retired uniforms and discarded everyday fabrics.

Inspired by regional folktales such as Sang Kancil and Sang Buaya as well as the historic William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings, the animals are arranged into a dramatic 3D hourglass, symbolising the urgency of biodiversity conservation.

And this isn't just something to admire from afar. Visitors can contribute to the ground-based artworks by adding their own stitches, paillettes and buttons, turning the installation into an evolving collective work.

Date: 21 August to 5 September 2026
Time: Daily, 7.30pm to 11pm; until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays
Admission: Free
Location: Capitol Singapore Outdoor Plaza

Artist impression of Inter-Light.
(Image Credit: Ching Kai)

12. Inter-Light

This year's installation at Raffles City sounds especially photogenic. Created by local artist Ching Kai, Inter-Light is inspired by Singapore's multicultural landscape and traditions of street performance.

The participatory installation combines shifting light, shadow, sound and projection, meaning what you see can change depending on when and how you encounter it. At certain moments, it appears as a colourful reflective structure. At others, moving images and animated shadows transform it into something completely different.

Definitely one I'll be getting my camera ready for.

Date: 21 August to 5 September 2026
Time: Daily, 7.30pm to 11pm; until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays
Admission: Free
Location: Raffles City Singapore

Artist impression of Rising of Sister Islands.
(Image Credit: SERIAL CO__)

13. Rising of Sister Islands

Most Singaporeans probably know the legend of the Sisters' Islands, but Rising of Sister Islands gives the familiar story an interactive spin.

Presented by Singapore-based SERIAL CO_, the speech-activated installation retells the tragic folklore of Minah and Linah, two devoted sisters who braved a violent monsoon while trying to escape pirate abduction before eventually becoming the islands we know today. The work also looks at the way myths and legends survive through generations, particularly through oral storytelling.

Date: 21 August to 5 September 2026
Time: Daily, 7.30pm to 11pm; until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays
Admission: Free
Location: Funan Kinetic Wall

Artist impression of Textures Through Time.
(Image Credit: Race Krehel)

14. Textures Through Time

CHIJMES is already beautiful on a regular night, but during Singapore Night Festival, its historic façade
becomes a canvas of its own.

Created by Southeast Asia-based creative Race Krehel, Textures Through Time transforms the iconic CHIJMES Hall façade through projection mapping, taking us on a visual journey through Singapore's changing architectural and material landscape.

Instead of simply showing us different periods in history, the artwork tells that story through textures. Watch as the façade shifts from the woven earth associated with early kampongs to colonial marble, before moving into the half-tone prints and CRT displays of the post-war years. Eventually, the past gives way to digital pixel grids and a futuristic bioluminescent pulse, almost as though we're watching CHIJMES travel through time right before our eyes.

Date: 21 August to 5 September 2026
Time: Sunday to Thursday, 7.30pm to 11pm; Friday & Saturday, 7.30pm to midnight
Admission: Free
Location: CHIJMES

Artist impression of THE BLOOMING HEARTS FORTUNE MERLION.
(Image Credit: UNIPLAY)

15. The Blooming Hearts Fortune Merlion

Stepping out of its collectible form, standing at 2.8 metres tall, The Blooming Hearts Fortune Merlion by UNIPLAY combines Singapore's national identity with a message about sustainability and recycling.

The interactive sculpture features animated movements in its arm and head and is made using fibreglass together with recycled plastic bottle flakes. There's also a bottle-collection machine that turns clean bottles into recyclable PET flakes, helping the installation tackle some of the common myths surrounding plastic recycling.

Come for the giant Merlion, leave thinking a little more about what happens to the bottle you just threw into the recycling bin...

Date: 21 August to 5 September 2026
Time: Daily, 7.30pm to 11pm; until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays
Admission: Free
Location: Plaza Singapura

Legends in Motion.
(Image Credit: The Artist Village)

16. Legends in Motion – When the Water Rose

For its second walking trail, The Artists Village asks us to look beneath the roads we're walking on. When the Water Rose traces Sungai Bras Basah, a river that is now concealed beneath modern roads and civic structures.

Over two hours, participants move through four different sections, with each stop revealing a site-specific live performance, hidden mythology and even a specially created non-alcoholic ritual drink. It's probably one of the more immersive ways of experiencing this year's theme, especially if you're interested in discovering the histories hiding underneath modern Singapore.

Date: 22 & 29 August and 5 September 2026
Time: 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Admission: $35
Meeting point: Outside National Archives of Singapore

Artist impression of Stormy Straits.
(Image Credit: Melting Po(r)t Collective)

17. Stormy Straits

Over at Bugis Street Art Lane, things get stormy.

Created by Melting Po(r)t Collective, comprising Matlr Creative, StrawberryWasabi and LiteWerkz, Stormy Straits draws inspiration from Singapore's maritime history and the Bugis seafarers who braved the region's waters during the early 1800s. Scaffolding sculptures form billowing, cloud-like structures while moving shadows recreate the feeling of monsoon storms sweeping across the archipelago.

Visitors are invited to journey through the installation, seek refuge at glowing lighthouses and uncover stories from Singapore's seafaring past along the way.

Date: 21 August to 5 September 2026
Time: Daily, 7.30pm to 11pm; until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays
Admission: Free
Location: Bugis Street Art Lane

Artist impression of Lovebug.
(Image Credit: ART-ZOO)

18. Lovebug

Here's something cute and whimsical to end our list.

Local creative lifestyle brand ART-ZOO, in collaboration with the National Library Board, takes over the National Library Building Plaza with Lovebug.

The large-scale inflatable installation creates a playful world filled with mythical plants and creatures, while drawing inspiration from two very local symbols: the endangered Raffles' Banded Langur and the saga seed. Both are reimagined as nostalgic symbols of love within Singaporean stories.

There's also a nearby book kiosk featuring a selection of books and resources from NLB's collections, so you can dig a little deeper into the stories behind what you've just seen.

Date: 21 August to 5 September 2026
Time: Daily, 7.30pm to 11pm; until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays
Admission: Free
Location: National Library Building Plaza

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(Image Credit: HeritageSG)

Want to Dig Deeper Into Light Art? Check Out ALIGHT 2.0

If seeing all these projection mappings has ever made you wonder about what actually goes into creating them, ALIGHT 2.0 might be worth adding to your Singapore Night Festival plans too.

Unlike the installations happening after dark, ALIGHT 2.0 takes place during the day and serves as the festival's thought leadership platform, bringing together leading artists and creative practitioners from across the region to explore the evolving relationship between art, technology and public space.

Expect keynote presentations, expert panel discussions and networking opportunities, with conversations diving deeper into projection mapping and the future of light-based art in Southeast Asia.

It's definitely a more industry-focused side of SNF, but I think it'll be particularly interesting for fellow creatives, artists and anyone curious about the technology and creative thinking behind the spectacular works we see lighting up the festival every year.

Plus, admission is free with registration, so if you're really into digital and immersive art, why not?

Date: 29 August 2026
Time: 10am to 5pm
Admission: Free with registration
Location: Level 5, National Library Building
ALIGHT 2.0 is presented with special thanks to the National Library Board.

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(Image Credit: HeritageSG)

There's More Happening Around Bras Basah.Bugis

Beyond these highlights, Singapore Night Festival 2026 will also coincide with the inaugural Light Together Bras Basah.Bugis.

Held in conjunction with National Day, the new night-time experience continues the Myths and Legends theme but takes a cheekier look at the colloquial myths and superstitions many of us grew up hearing.

Tongue-in-cheek artworks will pop up across multiple locations around the precinct, giving familiar local beliefs a playful contemporary twist.

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[Guided Tour] Heritage Night Walk: Walking in the Footsteps of Our Foremothers.
(Image Credit: Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO)

Planning Your Singapore Night Festival 2026 Route

With installations stretching from the National Museum and Armenian Street all the way towards Funan, Raffles City, Plaza Singapura and Bugis, I definitely wouldn't recommend trying to randomly wander around and hope you somehow see everything.

(1) My suggestion? Pick your must-sees first and build your route around them.

For me, the National Museum area looks like an obvious starting point, especially if you're visiting during the opening weekend when Tales of Earth and Sea and Birdmen can be experienced together.

From there, you can gradually make your way through the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct depending on which installations catch your eye.

(2) Public transport is definitely the way to go. Bras Basah MRT on the Downtown Line and Bugis MRT on the East-West and Downtown Lines both provide convenient access to different parts of the festival.

(3) Go on a weekday if possible. Singapore Night Festival can get incredibly crowded on weekends, particularly around the major projection mapping locations. If photos and videos are your priority, a weekday night should give you a little more breathing room.

(4) Wear comfortable shoes. This is not the night to debut those gorgeous new heels. You're going to walk. A lot.

(5) Bring water and a portable fan. Singapore may look prettier illuminated at night, but unfortunately our humidity does not disappear with the sun.

(6)  Pack an umbrella or poncho. Because Singapore weather loves plot twists.

(7) Don't forget the food. Festival villages will offer F&B and retail options, while many restaurants and cafés around the precinct will also be within easy walking distance.

(8) Most importantly, don't feel like you have to finish everything in one night. Singapore Night Festival 2026 runs across three weekends, so I'm already thinking this might call for more than one night walk.

With glowing mythical creatures, forgotten waterways, local folklore and familiar landmarks being transformed after dark, this year's festival feels like an invitation to look at Singapore through the stories beneath the city we know today.

Now the bigger question is... Who will you be asking along?

Singapore Night Festival 2026
📍 Bras Basah.Bugis Precinct
📆 21 August to 5 September 2026
🎫 Free for most programmes; selected experiences are ticketed

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