Singapore International Festival of Arts 2026: Let’s Play!

The Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) 2026 returns from 15 to 30 May with the theme 'Let’s Play!', featuring a more family-friendly lineup than previous editions. The festival includes a mix of free and ticketed programmes across multiple venues, with a focus on interactive and accessible experiences.

A major highlight is the free Festival Village at Empress Lawn, designed as an open-access arts playground with a nostalgic pasar malam atmosphere. Key free performances here include 'Noli Timere', an aerial dance and sculpture spectacle; 'A Light Between Rains', a theatrical procession; and interactive works like 'Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming' and 'We Live Here'. The Festival Play!Ground at Nexus in Punggol Digital District offers similar free, kid-friendly programmes, including repeated showings of 'Noli Timere' and 'A Light Between Rains'.

For ticketed experiences, families can explore 'The Lighthouse', an immersive promenade performance about light at The Arts House, priced at $28. Selected stage shows like 'Lush Life' at Victoria Theatre cater to older audiences, with tickets ranging from $48 to $88. Early bird discounts and various concessions are available. The festival emphasizes participation, with many events encouraging audience movement and interaction, making it a suitable introduction to the arts for children in a relaxed, engaging environment.