The Purple Parade, Singapore’s largest movement celebrating persons with disabilities, has postponed its 2026 event to the first half of 2027 because of the haze. The parade had been set for Saturday 24 October at Suntec City, and on 16 October the in-person Beyond the Label Fest at Bayfront Event Space was cancelled as well.
“In view of the current unpredictable and unhealthy haze situation, The Purple Parade 2026 will be postponed to the first half of 2027,” the organisers said in a Facebook post reported by The Straits Times. “The safety and well-being of our participants, especially persons with disabilities and their caregivers, remain our top priority.” A new date will be announced once it is confirmed.
Coupons carry over to 2027
According to the organisers’ FAQ, reported by The Straits Times, carnival coupons bought for this year’s parade stay valid for the 2027 edition. Anyone who cannot attend next year can ask AXS for a refund on unused e-coupons by emailing [email protected] or calling 6560 2727, and AXS will take requests until 31 December. Merchandise bought for the 2026 parade cannot be refunded.
The organisers told The Straits Times they had looked at moving indoors, but given the size of the event, venue availability and logistics, a safe indoor version could not be confirmed in time. This would have been the 14th parade since the first in 2013. Last year’s drew more than 15,000 people, with over 60 live performances, 60 carnival booths and more than 130 marching contingents.
Chairman Rachel Ong said the team began planning straight after the 2025 parade. “None of that effort is lost,” she wrote, The Straits Times reported. “It simply carries us forward to an even stronger celebration of inclusion next year.”
Beyond the Label Fest moves online
Beyond the Label Fest 2026, the mental health festival from the National Council of Social Service, led by TOUCH Community Services, will not go ahead at Bayfront Event Space from 23 to 25 October. “In light of the current haze conditions, the in-person Beyond the Label (BTL) Fest 2026 happening at the Bayfront Event Space from 23 to 25 October will be cancelled,” the organisers said.
The festival is moving online instead, with updated plans to follow on its website and social media channels. Beyond the Label is a nationwide movement against the stigma faced by people with mental health conditions.
Other community events off this weekend
The Straits Times reported three more cancellations and closures:
- Singapore Botanic Gardens has cancelled its free guided tours on Saturday 17 October.
- The Singapore Civil Defence Force has called off its weekly Fire Station Open House on 17 October.
- Science Centre Singapore closed its observatory from 16 October.
At 5am on Saturday, the 24-hour PSI ranged from 145 in the north to 194 in the central region, all in the unhealthy band.
