What does the month have in store? Read on for all the top things to do in Singapore this May!
Keep up to date with all the best things to do in Singapore this May. We can’t believe we’re already five months into 2026! What’s on our agenda of things to do in Singapore for May, you ask? Immerse your artistic side with art exhibitions in Singapore, or rock out to upcoming concerts in Singapore.
Best things to do in Singapore: May 2026
1. What’s on: Celebrate Mother’s Day
Don’t give mum another mediocre present. Instead, have a scroll through our list of Mother’s Day gifts and Mother’s Day dining ideas for inspiration. We’ve also got a pretty fabulous Mother’s Day giveaway running until 3 May, with diamond studs, perfume oils and dining vouchers up for grabs.
When: 10 May 2026
How much: Costs vary
Where: Celebrate Mother’s Day, various locations including Fortuna Trattoria and The Plump Frenchman
2. Arts: Filmhouse & Trailer Bar Launch
Film and music buffs, gather round. Filmhouse and Trailer Bar are officially launching with a month-long series of events. Expect cult film screenings, live music, vinyl pop-ups and community events spilling into its adjoining Trailer Bar. The newly refreshed space now features plush lounges, beanbags, and a new stage built for post-show chats and intimate performances.
Kickstart the month with a music in film showcase featuring classics like La La Land, alongside movie trivia nights, DJ sets, and a Kopistan coffee pop-up.
When: 30 April – 30 May, 2026
How much: Costs vary
Where: Filmhouse & Trailer Bar Launch, Golden Mile Tower, Level 5, 6001 Beach Road, Singapore 199589
3. What’s on: Disney Store pop-up experience
If your inner Disney adult has been waiting for a sign, this is it in mouse ears. The Disney Store pop-up at Great World turns the mall atrium into a merch-filled wonderland with exclusive collectable cards, Japan-only finds, and adorable plushies to test your self-control.
You’ll find everything from Toy Story games and pastel sakura collections to Star Wars collectables timed for May the 4th. Beyond shopping, there are colouring stations, workshops and trading card sessions for kids and nostalgic grown-ups alike.
When: Until 17 May 2026
How much: Costs vary
Where: Disney Store pop-up experience, Level 1 Atrium, Great World, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, Singapore 237994
4. Arts: Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) 2026
Under the theme “Let’s Play!”, this year’s SIFA spills beyond theatre walls with dawn soundscapes by the river, immersive installations and aerial performers floating 25 feet above Punggol. It also marks the start of a new three-year vision exploring legacy, roots and reinvention in Singapore’s arts scene. At the heart of it all is the return of the Festival Village at Empress Lawn, with performances, music and late-night experiences.
When: 15 to 30 May 2026
How much: Various ticket deals from $28
Where: SIFA 2026, #03-05, Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199918
5. Exhibition: Tulipmania
Tulips are back in full bloom, and it’s officially your excuse to romanticise a walk indoors. Tulipmania returns for its 12th edition at Gardens by the Bay, turning the Flower Dome into a postcard from the Netherlands with a very aesthetic filter.
This year’s edition pays tribute to Dutch art history, from the dramatic shadows of Rembrandt and the quiet intimacy of Vermeer to the bold geometry of Mondrian. Walk through tulip fields styled alongside miniature recreations of landmarks like the Rijksmuseum, complete with famous works such as The Night Watch and Girl with a Pearl Earring turned into floral form.
When: Until 17 May 2026
How much: From $12 (adults) and $8 (children)
Where: Tulipmania at Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
6. Festival: Cloud 9
If your May social calendar needs one properly loud night, Mediacorp Cloud 9 turns up the volume with a bigger-than-expected line-up and plenty happening beyond the stage. New additions include Max, viral pop favourite Em Beihold, Malaysia’s K-Clique and Japanese indie act Rol3ert, joining an already stacked bill. The festival also comes with mirror selfie stations, a digital doodle wall, and a reactive runway that lights up as you walk.
When: 9 May 2026
How much: $28 for general admission (includes festival wrist band)
Where: Cloud 9, Arena @ Expo, 9 Somapah Road, Singapore 487370
7. Culture: Singapore HeritageFest 2026
Singapore HeritageFest sets sail across the island with a festival that traces the stories, people and places shaped by the sea. Expect waterfront walks, heritage trails, workshops, exhibitions, and performances that bring Singapore’s maritime past and present into sharper focus.
The main anchor point is Homeground @ ACM Green, an interactive hub where maritime traditions are reimagined through hands-on experiences and weekend programmes. Keep an eye out for Pitta, the festival mascot, popping up around the island like a cheerful little navigation guide. Snap a photo, tag your moment, and you might just walk away with a limited-edition keepsake.
When: 1 to 24 May 2026
How much: Prices TBC
Where: Singapore HeritageFest 2026, various locations including Asian Civilisations Museum, Clifford Pier and Singapore River Cruise Fullerton Jetty
8. Exhibition: Van Gogh Inside
Step inside a painting instead of just standing politely in front of it at the Van Gogh Inside sensory experience. From Starry Night swirling overhead to sunflowers scaled up into floor-to-ceiling immersion, the experience blends cinematic projection, storytelling and sound to pull you straight into 19th-century Europe. You’ll also get little windows into Van Gogh’s life, his struggles, his obsessions, and the way he saw the world through colour that never really behaved itself.
When: 25 April – 31 May 2026
How much: From $28 (adults) and $18 (children)
Where: Van Gogh Inside, GroundSeesaw Singapore at Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188778
9. F&B: Heineken Afterwork: First Sip House
After its popular event last year, Heineken is back with Heineken Afterwork: First Sip House, a three-storey Keong Saik takeover. Think of it as after-work, upgraded and slightly reimagined, stepping straight into your 6 to 9. Across the floors, there’s a First Sip Bar pairing Pure Malt creations with inventive bites by Chef Justin Hammond and mixology by June Baek, an Art Jam corner where you can literally collage your post-work feelings into existence, and a Pourfection Lounge teaching you how to pour.
When: 7 to 16 May 2026
How much: Free general admission (includes a pint of Heineken); Pure Malt Beertail & Bites Ticket, from $18 (includes Beertail & Bar Bite Pairing Set and one Heineken Beer)
Where: Heineken Afterwork: First Sip House, 36 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089143
10. Concert: Laufey: A Matter of Time Tour
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Laufey is set to perform in Singapore, and this concert might have you emotionally unwell in the best way. Known for blending jazz, classical textures and soft pop storytelling, Laufey sits in that rare sweet spot where vintage romance meets modern-day TikTok virality.
When: 19 May 2026
How much: Tickets selling fast
Where: Laufey: A Matter of Time Tour, Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, Singapore 397691
11. Exhibition: Flesh and Bones: The Art of Anatomy
If you’ve ever found yourself oddly fascinated by what’s going on under the skin, this one’s worth a detour. Flesh and Bones: The Art of Anatomy is an immersive deep dive into how humans have tried to make sense of the body across centuries, where art, science and culture quietly collide.
Expect everything from beautifully precise anatomical sketches and rare old medical texts to contemporary works and real scientific specimens that feel part museum, part curiosity cabinet. This edition also leans more into Asian perspectives, weaving in ideas from Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda.
When: Until 16 August 2026
How much: From $19.50 (Singapore residents) and $22 (tourists)
Where: Flesh and Bones: The Art of Anatomy, Level 3, ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018974
12. What’s on: Pokemon Pokopia Truck
Who’s that Pokémon? It’s not just a guess anymore; it’s a full-on gaming pit stop rolling into town. The Pokémon Pokopia truck has landed, turning a 24-foot vehicle into a travelling play zone.
Step inside and it’s game time: you’ll enter a cool, air-conditioned mini arena where fans can settle in for a 20-minute hands-on session of Pokémon Pokopia. While you wait your turn, kids (and honestly, adults too) can zone out at the colouring station or strike a pose at the themed photo backdrop. If luck is on your side, keep your Pokédex on standby, because Pikachu is rumoured to make surprise appearances on select weekends.
When: Every weekend until 4 June 2026; 10am to 10pm
How much: Free admission
Where: Pokemon Pokopia Truck, various malls, check the Pokemon official page for where the truck is headed!
May’s looking mighty fine with loads of things to do in Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Singapore in May?
Some of the best things to do in Singapore in May include attending cultural festivals, indie cinema screenings, concerts, and pop-ups. This list highlights a mix of entertainment, food, and lifestyle experiences across the city.
Are there any major events or festivals?
Yes, May in Singapore often features events like Singapore HeritageFest, international concerts, cultural showcases, and themed festivals, making it a vibrant month for activities.
What can I do for Mother’s Day?
Mother’s Day in Singapore is usually celebrated with special dining experiences, brunches, and events. Many restaurants and cafes offer themed menus and promotions for the occasion.
Are there concerts and live performances?
Yes, May typically includes concerts, international tours, and live performances across different venues in Singapore.
Is May a good time to visit Singapore?
May is a good time to visit Singapore if you enjoy cultural festivals, food events, and live entertainment. The city has a packed calendar of activities during this period.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book tickets early for popular events like concerts, dining experiences, and festivals, as they can sell out quickly.
