Singapore’s main arts, design and heritage district is getting a makeover!
The Singapore Night Festival is set to transform Bras Basah.Bugis and make the night come alive. With the theme of “Myths and Legends,” the celebration will focus on stories associated with Bukit Larangan and the wider Southeast Asian region. Expect art exhibits, installations, and interactive zones that bring myths and legends to the spotlight.
“The festival reflects on how stories are passed down through generations, shaping our understanding of place, community and identity. Through experiences that reinterpret folklore for contemporary audiences, we invite visitors to uncover the narratives embedded within Bras Basah.Bugis and consider how these shared stories continue to connect us across time, cultures and spaces,” said Festival Director Qazim Karim on the official website.
The event features several locations divided into zones: the Museum Zone (National Museum of Singapore), Zone 1 (Funan to CHIJMES), Zone 2 (Cathay Green to Waterloo Centre), and Zone 3 (Bras Basah Complex and Stamford Arts Centre). Each location has a unique activity or art installation that retells a story in accordance with the theme. The Museum Zone focuses on interactive programs inspired by the precinct’s heritage; Zone 1 houses a creative craft market at Capitol Singapore and installation art spread throughout the venue; Zone 2 has performances, exhibitions and participatory experiences that celebrate creativity and vibrancy of the precinct’s arts groups and educational institutions; and Zone 3has a range of cultural experiences, from xinyao performances and traditional arts to community-led activities celebrating Singapore’s living heritage.
The MALAM Projection Mapping Competition is also part of the festivities, inviting Southeast Asian artists, students and collectives to showcase their work. The 20 chosen entries will be shown as a façade of The Cathay during the first week of SNF 2026, while the top 5 chosen works will become staple projections on The Cathay throughout the festival.
Alongside this is the introduction of ALIGHT 2.0, a thought leadership platform for projection mapping and light-based art. The conference brings together leading artists and creative practitioners from across the region to explore the intersecting characteristics of art, technology and public space through keynote presentations and panel discussions.
Witness the beauty of the Lion City at night and join the fun activities at the Singapore Night Festival happening in various spots around Singapore until September 5. For more information, visit www.heritage.sg/sgnightfest.