Set sail on a meaningful journey through Singaporeās maritime roots with over 100 family-friendly immersive experiences, islandwide trails, and family-friendly programmes this May.
Photo Credit: Singapore HeritageFest
Venue:Ā Various locations island-wide
Date: 1 to 24 May 2026
Fee: Mix of free and ticketed programmes | Ticket Sales from 22 Apr 2026, 12pm
Discover Singaporeās Maritime Story
This May, Singapore HeritageFest (SHF) 2026 invites families to explore the currents that have shaped Singaporeās identity as a global maritime hub. Whether your kids are obsessed with big ships, curious about underwater treasures, or love a good boat ride, there are over 100 programmes designed to get families out and about. From exploring restricted naval bases to theatrical bumboats, this is the perfect excuse to rediscover our shores.
Active Adventures & Tours
If your little ones have energy to burn, these guided trails and outdoor tours are the best way to see the city from a new perspective.
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A Bump Through Time: Experience the Singapore River like never before on SHFās first-ever theatrical bumboat. Itās an interactive journey through Clarke Quay and Marina Bay where history comes to life on the water.
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Unlocking Singapore's Port Legacy: This is a rare treat! Take a behind-the-scenes bus tour into the PSA container terminals. Youāll get to see the inner workings of one of the worldās busiest ports before the city terminals are decommissioned.
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Navy Day 2026: Celebrate the Republic of Singapore Navy's 59th anniversary with base tours, museum visits, and live performances. Itās a fantastic chance for kids to see massive vessels up close.
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Fish to Port Tour: Set your alarms for a trip to the Jurong Fishery Port. This tour shows families exactly how seafood gets from the massive fishing boats to your dinner table.
Creative Workshops & Shows
For the budding artists and foodies, the festival offers plenty of "sit-down" fun that explores cultural traditions.
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Woven Waves (Batik Printing): Head to the Childrenās Museum Singapore to learn about maritime batik motifs (like clouds and waves) and let the kids stamp their own story-cloth to take home.
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Popiah Making at Joo Chiat: Get hands-on at the Kway Guan Huat workshop. Kids can learn the art of making popiah skin and understand how this dish represents Singaporeās mix of cultures.
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Scents of the Nusantara: A unique workshop where families can blend perfumes using spices and resins that were once traded across Southeast Asian ports.
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Culture Beats @ CapitaLand: If your kids love music, catch these high-energy percussion and dance performances at Bugis+ and CQ @ Clarke Quay.
The Festival Hub: HOMEGROUND @ ACM Green
If you only have one afternoon, make a bee-line for HOMEGROUND. Located at the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) Green, this is the festivalās main "village."
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Weekly Rotation: Every weekend (Fridays and Saturdays), there will be new workshops, craft showcases, and performances.
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Maritime Exhibition: Walk through an immersive exhibition designed by local artist HAFI that tells the story of migration and the sea.
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Mascot Hunt: Keep an eye out for Pitta, the migratory bird mascot! If you spot him, snap a photo for Instagram for a chance to win limited-edition festival keepsakes.Ā
BYKidO Pro-Tip: Many of the best tours (especially the Navy Base and PSA Port tours) are incredibly popular and fill up within minutes. Registration opens on 22 April at 12pm sharp. We recommend setting a calendar alert to avoid disappointment!
Plan Your Festival Adventure
The festival will take place from 1 to 24 May 2026 at various locations across Singapore including ACM Green, Jurong Fishery Port, PSA Terminals, and Clarke Quay. Admission varies by programme; many exhibitions and station displays are free, while guided tours and workshops may require a nominal fee.
With so many programmes happening, itās worth planning ahead to make the most of your experience. Just remember that registration opens from 22 April at 12 pm atĀ www.heritage.sg/sgheritagefest.
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