Singapore HeritageFest is back from 1 to 24 May 2026 and this time around, it is a celebration of Singapore’s rich maritime heritage. The festival brings to life stories about Singapore’s past and the communities that shaped our waterways with over 100 programmes across the island.
Singapore HeritageFest 2026 is its 23rd edition and being organised for the first time by HeritageSG (HSG), a subsidiary of the National Heritage Board (NHB).
Over 100 community partners and heritage practitioners are presenting programmes that range from innovative reimaginings of port life to hands-on encounters with age-old seafaring traditions. These include returning supporters such as YHS Singapore and Stellar Ace, as well as new community partners such as Aroma Nostalgia, Kebon Dapor, Thong Siek Global and Singapore Navy Museum.
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Here is a look at the some of the festival highlights of Singapore HeritageFest 2026.
Singapore HeritageFest 2026: HOMEGROUND @ ACM Green
HOMEGROUND is a signature Singapore HeritageFest offering and this year, it will be held in front of the Asian Civilisations Museum. HOMEGROUND @ ACM Green brings visitors closer to Singapore’s maritime heritage through exhibitions, performances and workshops on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the festival period.
Anchoring the festival’s highlight experience is the HOMEGROUND exhibition on maritime and migration. The exhibition is designed by local illustrator and visual artist HAFl, and opens on 24 April 2026. See Singapore through the eyes of Pitta, a small but fearless migratory bird, symbolising the generations who crossed oceans in search of new beginnings and eventually made Singapore home.
Families can also look forward to a colouring contest that celebrates Singapore’s coastal roots on 23 May.
Tours & Trails at SHF 2026
A Bump Through Time
This is Singapore HeritageFest’s first-ever theatrical bumboat experience. Take a cruise down Singapore River and discover how trade and migration shaped Singapore’s fortunes through interactive encounters along Clarke Quay and Marina Bay.
When:
9, 16, 23 May, 3.30 pm
9, 16, 23 May, 5.00 pm
9, 16, 23 May, 7.00pm
9, 16, 23 May, 8.30 pm
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Unlocking Singapore’s Port Legacy: A Behind-the-Scenes Maritime Journey
Go on an exclusive experience that starts at MPA’s Singapore Maritime Gallery and features a rare bus tour into PSA Singapore’s container terminals, including those in the city centre that will be decommissioned by 2027, and the Pasir Panjang Terminals.
When:
16, 23 May, 9 am
16 May, 11 am
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A Lighter Side of History Our Trading Port
Explore Singapore’s maritime heritage from a trading post to busy waterway. Experience a curator-led tour of the “Once Upon a Tide” exhibition before going on an exclusive Singapore Strait expedition and a visit to Sisters’ Islands Marine Park.
When: 23 May, 9.30 am
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Maritime Heritage Trail
Embark on an 2.5-hour Maritime Heritage Trail, unveiling Singapore’s captivating maritime history. Wander through historic Fort Canning Park and vibrant Singapore River, discovering iconic landmarks like the Fullerton Hotel and Clifford Pier. Participants take home an exclusive gift!
When: 2, 9, 16, 23 May, 10 am
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Fish to Port – Fishery Port Tour by Pasar Fish
Curious about what goes on late at night at a fishery port? Go on a behind-the-scenes tour of Singapore’s last remaining fishery port in Jurong and learn how fresh seafood makes its way from dock to table.
When: 1 – 2, 8 – 9, 15 – 16, 16, 16 May, 2 am
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Mazu Heritage Tour: Goddess of the Sea An ICH Journey Through Singapore’s Maritime Past
Go on an immersive trail from Thian Hock Keng Temple to traditional wooden vessels, uncovering how maritime beliefs anchored early settlers and continue to shape Singapore today.
When: 1 – 2, 8 – 9, 15 – 16, 22 – 23 May, 10 am
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Battleships and Bunkers by Hidden Heritage
Embark on a guided walk and explore Sembawang’s coastal and naval history, from kampong life and long-lost shorelines to wartime defences and naval life.
When: 3, 9, 17, 23 May, 3 pm
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Workshops, Experiences & Talks
Port of Dreams
Be immersed into the lively tales of the 1930s to today with a roving theatrical experience set against the backdrop of The Fullerton Bay Hotel and historic Clifford Pier.
When:
9 – 10, 16 – 17, 23 – 24 May, 2 pm
9 – 10, 16 – 17, 23 – 24 May, 3.30 pm
9 – 10, 16 – 17, 23 – 24 May, 5 pm
Find out more about Port of Dreams
Nanyang Tea Experiential Tour (Maritime)
Embark on a ninety-minute maritime journey through the world of Nanyang tea. This guided experience uses storytelling, tasting, and hands-on craft to trace how regional trade routes shaped local tea culture. You will discover the maritime origins of traditional tea ingredients, learn the art of tea wrapping, and participate in a guided brewing session.
When:
Wednesday (13 & 20 May): 11 – 12.30 pm
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Spice to Meet You! Stories from The Spice Maker
Discover the craft of spice-making as Anthony The Spice Maker shares how his family’s spice trade began and evolved across generations.
When: 2 – 30 May, 11 am
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SHIPPED: Memoirs from Our Maritime World
SHIPPED: Memoirs from Our Maritime World By ArCH Square is a special showcase of maritime archaeology featuring submerged treasures and underwater discoveries.
When:
1 – 24 May, 10 am
1 – 24 May, 11 am
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Bean-To-Bar Chocolate Factory Tour
Take part in an introductory, hands-on programme that explores the bean-to-bar chocolate-making process. Learn key ingredients, production techniques, and flavour development, followed by a hands-on session where participants create and customise their own dark chocolate bar.
When: 9 May, 1 pm
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From Port to Plate by Chewy Collective
Discover how port life shaped what we eat today and the rise of street hawkers on a family-friendly trail with From Port to Plate by Chewy Collective. Complete interactive missions, and finish with a hands-on craft experience inspired by Singapore’s enduring hawker culture.
When:
1 May, 4.30 pm – 5.30 pm, 6 pm – 7 pm
2 May: 4.30 pm – 5.30 pm, 6 pm – 7pm
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Roll with History: A Popiah Journey Through Joo Chiat by Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah
Craft your own popiah at the Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah Workshop, learning key techniques and ingredient secrets from local makers while exploring how this beloved delicacy reflects generations of cultural exchange and shared food traditions.
When: 5, 12, 19 May, 11 am
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Dragon Kiln Excursion and Pottery Workshop Experience
Explore Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle through a guided tour and hands-on workshop. Learn about the Dragon Kiln’s role in regional craft and maritime exchange, then create a batik-inspired cup to be fired and collected after 4–5 weeks.
When:
16, 23 May, 2 pm
23 May, 10 am
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Scents of the Nusantara: Perfume-Making Workshop by Aroma Nostalgia
Blend your own perfume using resins, woods, florals, and spices carried across Southeast Asian ports to craft a fragrance shaped by shared histories.
When: 9, 23 May, 2 pm
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Tastes of the Tides: Laksa Siglap by Changi Chapel and Museum
Discover Singapore’s coastal heritage through all five senses as you see, smell and touch traditional ingredients to recreate the rare, rich flavours of Singapore’s coastal kampongs.
When: 2 May, 11.15 am
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Navy Day 2026
This celebration of the 59th anniversary of the Republic of Singapore Navy will feature base windshield tours, guided museum visits, live performances, and interactive sharing sessions.
When: 1 & 2 May
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Singapore HeritageFest Programmes Especially for Families
WOVEN WAVES: Reading Stories in Batik by Aqilah Zailan
Discover maritime stories hidden in batik motifs in this hands-on family workshop. Learn to decode symbols once used by seafarers and create your own story-cloth using stamps inspired by clouds, waves and sea creatures from Southeast Asian maritime traditions.
When: 1 – 2 May, 9am
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COASTAL LIVES: Stories of the Sea – An Excursion to CMSG and RBC
COASTAL LIVES is a living heritage journey for families to discover Singapore’s maritime past. Starting at Children’s Museum Singapore with batik stamping, families continue by bus with audio stories to Reflections at Bukit Chandu for a hands-on fishing craft workshop.
When: 1 May, 9 am
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Tied to the Tides by Reflections at Bukit Chandu
Take part in a hands-on family adventure learning more about the coastal fishing traditions and the kelongs that once shaped life along our shores.
Led by community arts collective C.O.O.E., families will get hands-on with traditional fishing tools, examine a real fishing net and learn simple knotting techniques used by coastal fishermen. Discover fish commonly found in Singapore’s waters and hear stories of life at sea.
You can also build your own jong boat craft in a parent-child activity at Reflections at Bukit Chandu from 1 to 24 May 2026.
When: 1 May, 11.15 am
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COASTAL LIVES: Stories of the Sea – An Excursion to CMSG and CCM
This is a living heritage experience for families to discover Singapore’s maritime past. Starting at Children’s Museum Singapore with batik stamping, participants continue by bus with audio stories to Changi Chapel and Museum for a laksa heritage experience.
When: 2 May, 9 am
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Picture Book Reading & Art Contest: Jean Pierre Travels the Seven Seas
How does a cocoa bean travel across the globe to become the world’s finest chocolate? Join us for an engaging picture book reading of Jean-Pierre Travels the Seven Seas! Children will discover the fascinating world of container shipping and how it connects countries, goods, and people across the ocean. From the deep blue sea, Jean-Pierre’s adventure brings him to the sunny shores of Singapore! Young explorers will next participate in an art contest and illustrate Jean-Pierre’s stay with us. Attractive prizes and medals to be won!
When: 9 May, 10 am
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Registering for Singapore HeritageFest (SHF 2026) Programmes
SHF 2026 programmes will be open for registration from 22 April 2026, 12 pm.
Visit the Singapore HeritageFest 2026 website at https://www.heritage.sg/sgheritagefest for more information on the programmes, and how to register.
