Flipside 2026 returns to Esplanade from 29 May to 7 June, landing right as families begin looking for school-holiday plans that are not only mall-based.
Esplanade describes the festival as a playful line-up of circus, comedy, physical theatre and puppetry, with both ticketed productions and workshops listed on the official festival page.
What The Festival Is About
Flipside is built around physical risk, play and surprise. This year’s highlights include A Simple Space by Gravity & Other Myths, Snakes and Ladders! by Dwayne Lau, Der Lauf by Les Velocimanes Associes and several workshops around juggling and unicycling.
That mix makes it a good fit for families with older children, adults who enjoy offbeat theatre, and anyone who wants an arts event that feels more active than a seated concert.
It is also a useful entry point for readers who do not usually buy theatre tickets. Physical theatre and circus are easier to sample because the storytelling is carried by bodies, timing and visual comedy rather than dense dialogue.
How To Pick A Programme
A Simple Space is the obvious pick if you want athletic circus energy. Snakes and Ladders! has a stronger Singapore theatre hook. Der Lauf is the more absurdist choice, with a juggler navigating chaos while unable to see.
Workshops are better for children and adults who want to try a skill rather than only watch. They are also useful if you want a smaller activity around a main performance.
If you are booking for children, match the programme to attention span rather than only age. A high-energy circus piece may work better for restless kids, while workshops suit children who like following instructions and trying a new skill.
Ticket And Timing Notes
The festival runs across 10 days, so check dates before building the rest of your school-holiday schedule. Some programmes run only across one weekend, while others have limited workshop capacity.
Families planning multiple arts stops can pair this with LBRD’s Children’s Season 2026 guide, but avoid crowding the same day with too many timed activities.
Esplanade is also an easy location for a lighter plan: book one ticketed show, leave time for dinner around Marina Bay, then add any free outdoor or concourse activity if energy levels hold.
Location
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is at 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981. Nearest MRT: Esplanade or City Hall. Maps: Google Maps | Apple Maps.
