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One of Singapore's biggest excuses to stay out past bedtime is back. Singapore Night Festival’s 17th edition will transform Bras Basah.Bugis precinct into one giant after-dark fantasy book.
Running from August 21 to September 5, 2026, this year's festival takes on the theme Myths and Legends, digging into the stories we've grown up hearing – from mysterious forbidden hills and legendary sea creatures to folklore that's been passed down for generations.
Expect immersive installations, projection mapping, roaming performances and interactive experiences spread across four festival zones. That's right – there's a brand-new Museum Zone centred around the National Museum of Singapore alongside three returning zones spanning Funan and CHIJMES, Cathay Green and Waterloo Centre, and Bras Basah Complex and Stamford Arts Centre. Best of all, most programmes are free.
The headline act has to be Tales of Earth and Sea, which transforms the façade of the National Museum into a larger-than-life projection spectacle inspired by regional folklore. The digital art will be paired with the Southeast Asian debut of Birdmen by the renowned Dutch group Close-Act Theatre – featuring actual, giant ‘birdmen’ on stilts roaming the grounds in a cool bit of street theatre.
If wandering through the woods at night sounds up your alley, get in on The Lost Legacy of Fort Canning: The Forbidden Hill – a 70-minute guided night trail through Fort Canning Park that dives into the ancient myths surrounding Bukit Larangan. Expect atmospheric soundscapes, live traditional Malay dance performances and a journey back to the world of 14th-century Singapore.
Meanwhile, keep an eye on The Cathay, where the inaugural MALAM Projection Mapping Competition shines a spotlight on Southeast Asia's next generation of digital artists. The top 20 entries will illuminate the iconic building during the festival's opening week, before the five winning works remain on display for the rest of the festival.
The rest of the precinct will be peppered with folklore-inspired easter eggs, including a towering Sang Kancil installation, glowing bamboo sculptures inspired by Dragon's Tooth Gate, and a recycled-plastic Merlion designed to challenge recycling myths. There are also immersive maritime-themed alleyways and whimsical artworks celebrating the endangered Raffles' Banded Langur.
Time Out Tip: Don't make a beeline for just the National Museum. Some of the festival's most delightful surprises are tucked away in shopping malls, side alleys and heritage buildings – so wear comfortable shoes and start exploring the quieter territories.
More artwork reveals and ticketed programme details will be announced from August 3, while the festival's interactive map and personalised trails will go live during the event.
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