Singapore HeritageFest (SHF) 2026 is in full swing, and this week is packed with hands-on workshops, guided heritage tours, and immersive cultural experiences that span our city’s rich maritime and multicultural past. Running until 24 May, the festival offers something for the whole family — whether you’re keen to learn a traditional craft, explore a lesser-known corner of Singapore’s history, or simply soak in the festive atmosphere.
Here’s a look at what’s on this week (15–23 May 2026) that you won’t want to miss.
Tea Appreciation Workshop: Bak Kut Teh with Song Fa & Pek Sin Choon
15 & 22 May, 3pm
Discover the art of pairing tea with one of Singapore’s most beloved dishes. This unique workshop, held in partnership with Song Fa Bak Kut Teh and heritage tea merchant Pek Sin Choon, explores the surprising harmony between Chinese tea traditions and the rich, herbal broth of bak kut teh. A sensory experience that connects food, culture, and craftsmanship in a single sitting.
Mazu Heritage Tour: Goddess of the Sea
15–16 & 22–23 May, 10am
Follow in the wake of Singapore’s seafaring ancestors on this guided tour dedicated to Mazu, the Chinese goddess revered by fishermen and sailors. Trace her enduring presence in our city’s temples and waterfront heritage sites, and learn how the maritime faith of Hokkien and Teochew immigrants shaped the communities that grew along Singapore’s shores.
Raffles Heritage Sunset Tour
15–16 & 22–23 May, 5pm
As the sun dips low over the civic district, join this guided evening walk through sites connected to Singapore’s early colonial history. Beyond the well-trodden Raffles narrative, the tour weaves in lesser-known stories of the communities, merchants, and tradespeople who shaped this stretch of the island in the 19th century. A golden-hour stroll with genuine historical depth.
The Winding River of History: Maritime Past & Eurasian Contributions
16 May, 10am
This guided walk along the Singapore River illuminates the Eurasian community’s often-overlooked role in our maritime history. From early traders and ship chandlers to interpreters and colonial officials, the Eurasian community wove itself into the fabric of Singapore’s waterfront from the very earliest days of the modern port. A thoughtful and richly layered tour.
The Voyage of the Rice Peach: Heritage & Hope Experience
16 May, 10:30am
Embark on a storytelling journey inspired by the vessels that carried early migrants across the South China Sea. The Voyage of the Rice Peach reimagines the courage and hardship of those who left home seeking a better life, drawing on oral histories and archival research to bring these personal stories to the fore. Moving, immersive, and beautifully told.
Sendok Rakyat Cooking Club: Celok Boyan
16 & 17 May, 2pm
Get your hands into the Boyan (Bawean) culinary tradition with this community cooking workshop. Celok Boyan refers to a distinctive style of deep-frying passed down through the Bawean community, one of Singapore’s lesser-known Malay sub-groups. Learn the techniques, hear the stories behind the recipes, and walk away with new skills — and a delicious meal.
Silambam Workshop (Kalari Academy)
17 May, 2pm / 3pm / 4pm
Silambam is an ancient South Indian martial art that uses a long bamboo staff, and it has been practised in Singapore for generations within the Tamil community. This hands-on workshop by Kalari Academy introduces participants to the basic stances, footwork, and stick movements of this living tradition. No prior experience needed — just a willingness to give it a go.
HOMEGROUND @ ACM Green
Ongoing: 1–24 May | Festival Village: Fri–Sat, 5–10pm
The HOMEGROUND activation at the Asian Civilisations Museum Green is the heart of this year’s festival. Community artisans, heritage food vendors, and cultural practitioners set up shop in a vibrant outdoor village along the riverfront. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the atmosphere comes alive with performances, demonstrations, and the warm hum of community. It’s the kind of gathering that reminds you what Singapore’s public spaces are truly for.
WAVES x RAVE (RASA Space)
23 May, 4pm
WAVES x RAVE brings heritage into the realm of contemporary performance. Hosted at RASA Space, this event fuses traditional Southeast Asian musical traditions with modern electronic sounds, creating a unique sonic experience that honours cultural roots while pushing them forward. A fitting way to close out the festival week.
MY MARITIME SINGAPORE: Colouring Competition
23 May, 9am
Designed for the younger festival-goers, the MY MARITIME SINGAPORE Colouring Competition invites children to bring Singapore’s maritime heritage to life through colour and imagination. A lovely, low-key way to introduce the littles to the stories of our seas — and a keepsake they’ll be proud of.
Plan Your Visit
Singapore HeritageFest 2026 runs until 24 May. Most programmes are free, though registration may be required. Visit heritage.sg/singaporeheritagefest for the full programme listing and to secure your spot before they fill up.
