
Singapore HeritageFest 2025 is set to return from 1 to 25 May with over 100 thoughtfully curated programmes across the island. As part of the SG60 celebrations, this year’s festival continues its focus on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), bringing Singapore’s living traditions to life through hands-on experiences, vibrant performances, and community-led activities.
Whether you’re rediscovering traditions from your childhood or introducing them to your children for the first time, Singapore HeritageFest 2025 offers something for every family.
HOMEGROUND: A Singapore HeritageFest 2025 Experience at Gardens by the Bay
A signature Singapore HeritageFest offering, HOMEGROUND, returns with a refreshed focus on our living heritage.
This year’s HOMEGROUND Village is set against the iconic backdrop of the Silver Garden at Gardens by the Bay, and brings together an exhibition that includes a pop-up hawker experience in partnership with the National Environment Agency and a heritage retail market co-presented with the Singapore Tourism Board.
Families visiting HOMEGROUND can look forward to an immersive experience that brings Singapore’s rich living heritage to life through a mix of exhibitions, cultural performances, and hands-on workshops.
Designed to highlight the six categories of Singapore’s Intangible Cultural Heritage—oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, festive events, rituals, and traditional craftsmanship — HOMEGROUND offers something meaningful and memorable for every age.
Makan Village and Makers Village at Singapore HeritageFest 2025 at the Silver Garden
The experience is anchored by two main zones: Makan Village and Makers Village. At Makan Village, families can sample heritage-inspired eats.
Enjoy crispy and flavourful vadai from The Original Vadai, or try the inventive vegetarian creations from Origanics, including dishes like Caramelised “Char Siew” and Buttermilk “Chicken”—both plant-based, hearty, and full of local flair.
Over at Makers Village, kids and parents can get learn more about traditional crafts, from batik printing to lantern making, demonstrated by local artisans with rich craft knowledge.
Don’t miss the live cultural performances, where heritage comes alive on stage. Highlights include Bhaskar’s Arts Academy on 17 and 18 May, from 7 pm to 7.30 pm — a rare opportunity to witness a stunning fusion of Indian classical, Malay, and Chinese musical traditions in a single performance. Also performing is the Shi Cheng Jin Yong Dragon & Lion Dance Centre bringing a high-energy performance as a celebration of culture.
Exhibition Dates: 25 April to 25 May 2025
Weekend Programmes: Saturdays and Sundays, 3 to 25 May 2025
Time: 5 pm to 10 pm
Venue: Silver Leaf Garden, Gardens by the Bay
Admission: Free, no registration required
More Programmes at Singapore HeritageFest 2025
Besides HOMEGROUND at Gardens by the Bay, there will many other events and activities taking place around the island as part of Singapore HeritageFest 2025.
Here are some of the upcoming family friendly Singapore Heritage Festival 2025 programmes that you can look forward to.
Ang Ku Kueh Making Workshop
By: Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan
3 to 4 May, 10 am
Discover the stories and skills behind the iconic Hokkien ang ku kueh in this immersive workshop. Participants will learn the symbolic meaning of the red tortoise cake and how it’s used in celebrations and rituals. Through hands-on shaping and filling, families can bond over preserving culinary tradition.
Arabic Attar Perfumery Workshop
Step into the world of Arabic attar and explore the traditions behind this ancient form of perfumery. Guided by Mr. Ali Alhadi, participants will learn about the origins and cultural significance of attar in Arab heritage. You’ll get hands-on with blending techniques and even create your own custom scent to bring home. It’s a richly fragrant experience that combines history, storytelling, and personal creativity.
By: Arab Network @ Singapore
10 May, 12 pm
Samrah Dance Workshop
Celebrate Arab culture through movement at the Samrah Dance Workshop. Learn the energetic Hadrami dance steps in a fun and welcoming setting, perfect for beginners and families alike. The session also includes a taste of tradition with Kopi Halia, lovingly brewed from a treasured family recipe. It’s part dance class, part cultural deep dive—and all-around engaging.
By: Arab Network @ Singapore
10 May, 10 am
Out of the Red Box
Where Getai flair meets the elegance of Teochew opera, this vibrant production blends old and new in unexpected ways. Set at Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre, the performance reimagines Singapore’s cultural mix through music, movement, and storytelling. Audiences can expect a lively fusion of contemporary beats and traditional stagecraft. It’s a bold, colourful tribute to the diversity of local performing arts.
By: Nam Hwa Opera and The ETCeteras
16 to 18 May, 6 pm
17 May, 3 pm
Uncle Hawker
Step into the bustling world of a veteran hawker in this intimate play. Set in a lively hawker centre, this performance captures the colourful sounds, scents, and emotions of the everyday food scene. Audiences will get a glimpse into the joys and struggles of a hawker’s life. It’s a touching tribute to the resilience and dedication behind Singapore’s beloved street food culture.
By: Gateway Theatre
24 to 25 May, 2 pm and 5 pm
Makan Jalan Bukit Merah
Join storytellers Nat Koh and Rino Jr on a walking journey through Bukit Merah Central. Discover the culinary roots of Redhill while meeting hawkers who are keeping traditional recipes alive. This tour blends historical insights with present-day practice, showing how food heritage continues in the heartlands.
By: Gateway Theatre
13, 15, 25 May, 2.30 pm
24 to 25 May, 9.30 am
Painting with Native Plant Pigments
Explore the natural colours of local plants in this creative workshop. Participants will paint on fabric using special heritage-themed stencils designed for SHF2025. This session combines sustainability and culture in a fun, hands-on format.
By: Marina Central and WithAutumn
10, 24 May, 2 pm
The Legend of Bukit Merah Kids Club Storytelling
Take the kids for an exciting retelling of the folktale that gave Bukit Merah its name. Through expressive storytelling, children will meet Nadim, the clever boy who saved his village from swordfish. This timeless tale introduces young ones to the magical roots of local places. It’s an engaging and educational way to pass down Singapore’s oral traditions.
By: Gateway Theatre
24 May, 10 am
Introduction to Hok San Style Lion Dance
Get a lively introduction to the Hok San style of lion dance, known for its unique flair and rhythmic energy. Participants will learn basic movements while understanding the cultural roots behind the tradition. It’s a great chance for families to try something new and connect with one of Singapore’s most iconic performing arts. Perfect for curious kids and active adults alike.
By: Hok San Association
18 May, 9.30 am and 11.30 am
Indian Wood Block Printing
Dive into the art of Indian wood block printing using designs inspired by Peranakan tiles. In this hands-on session, participants will print their own creations on recycled cotton fabric. Each piece becomes a wearable or functional artwork, such as a bandana or napkin. It’s a creative way to explore tradition through sustainable craft.
By: Marina Central and WithAutumn
3, 17 May, 2.30 pm
Painting with Yarn (Tingkat Edition)
This playful workshop invites you to “paint” using colourful yarn on canvas. Inspired by the textures and hues of heritage, the activity blends traditional motifs with modern technique. This is a great activities for families to bond over creating one-of-a-kind yarn art together.
By: Marina Central and WithAutumn
17 May, 10 am
The In-Kueh-Dible Rainbow Ondeh Ondeh Workshop
Get hands-on with this colourful and tasty workshop where children and parents create their own rainbow ondeh ondeh. It’s a fun introduction to traditional snacks with a twist. Participants will learn about the ingredients and process behind this chewy favourite. A sweet and memorable way to bond over food.
By: Children’s Museum Singapore
1 May, 10 am
3 to 4, 10 to 11 May, 11 am
For more details, visit the Singapore Heritage Festival 2025 website.