Indie Bookshop Day 2026: Celebrate all things literature at local bookstores anchoring the reading community

Indie Bookshop Day 2026 is spotlighting the local bookstores we love, bringing back the joy of browsing, lingering, and discovering through the written word

If you’re looking for things to do in Singapore in October, consider checking out the full list of programmes for the upcoming Indie Bookshop Day! This inaugural literary festival celebrates the diverse local bookstores in Singapore. We’re prepared to see Singapore’s reading community come to life with activities, talks, and initiatives happening this weekend. Read on for all the details and what to expect at a bookshop near you!

Singapore Indie Bookshop Day 2026: Details at a glance

Best for: Book lovers; people looking to explore the city in a new way
When: 3 October 2026
How much: Free and ticketed events available
Where: Indie Bookshop Day, various bookstores in Singapore

1. Bookshop Bus Tour & Bookshop Crawls

If you haven’t been introduced to the beautiful bookstores in Singapore, this is the perfect time to get acquainted! The bookshop bus tours will take you to various stores around the island at select time slots (we’re hoping more will open up!). Alternatively, you can explore neighbourhoods at your own pace with curated routes for Chinatown, Joo Chiat, and Kampong Glam.

When: 3 October 2026; 9.15am to 1.30pm & 12.30pm to 4.45pm
How much: Bus tour starts from $20 per person; bookshop crawls are free
Where: Bookshop Bus Tour & Bookshop Crawls, multiple precincts including Tai Seng, Chinatown, Joo Chiat, Bras Basah, and more

2. Bommoi

Bommoi is the bookstore in Singapore if you’re looking to pick up any Korean literature. The store is bursting at the seams with books by Korean and Korean-heritage authors, ranging from best-selling authors and timeless classics to non-fiction books and children’s stories.

Sentence Scribing Contest

Join the handwriting showcase where you’ll write either a Korean or English sentence in your own style and display your card on a community wall. If yours wins the community vote, you get a special bookstore gift!
How much: Free admission
When: 2 to 4 October 2026, 11am to 7pm

Portraits by Lee Sangmi

Buy three or more books and you’ll get a complimentary hand-drawn portrait done by passionate urban sketcher Lee Sangmi.
How much: Free with any purchase of three or more titles
When: 3 October 2026, 11am to 1pm & 5pm to 7pm

Virtual Author Visit: Ryujin Jang

Drop by Bommoi for a hybrid author talk with Ryujin Jang, one of contemporary Korean literature’s most vital voices.
How much: Tickets start from $28; includes a signed copy of To the Moon
When: 3 October 2026, 3pm to 5pm

Korean Picture Book Storytelling

Led by veteran performer and drama educator Inya Kang, she’ll bring characters to life in this interactive picture book storytelling performance.
How much: Free admission; recommended for children aged 5 to 9 years old
When: 4 October 2026, 2pm to 2.30pm & 4pm to 4.30pm

Address: Bommoi, 61A Neil Road, Singapore 088895

3. Maha Yu Yi

This independent, family-run Chinese book store is known for having one of the most extensive collections of Chinese children’s books in Singapore. Beyond the children’s books, you can also find literature, philosophy, and TCM books.

The Great Maha Yu Yi Book Hunt

Grab a card and get five clues to a book scavenger hunt within Maha Yu Yi! Find books that match each club, snap a picture of each book, show it to the staff, and you’ll get a sticker and $5 book voucher.
How much: Free admission
When: 2 to 4 October 2026, 2pm to 5pm

Children’s Day Chinese Storytelling Marathon

Celebrate Children’s Day with lively Chinese storytelling adventures about a king who’s feeling down, the owner of unusual bicycles, and a hungry wolf entering a town full of surprises
How much: Tickets start from $5 per child; one accompanying adult included in each registration
When: 3 October 2026, 2pm to 4.30pm

Address: Maha Yu Yi, Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain Street, Singapore 180231

4. Woods in the Books

This beloved independent bookstore in Singapore specialises in picture books and illustrated books – perfect for children! Enter the store and be greeted by the whimsical world of Woods in the Books.

The Easties Book & Craft Market

Woods in the Books is bringing the energy to Chin Mee Chin Confectionery in Katong with the Book & Craft Market. Shop from homegrown creatives, grab some CMC buns and toasts, and soak in the vibe.
How much: Free admission
When: 2 to 3 October 2026, 4pm to 9pm

Over Your Head Poetry by Joshua Ip

Join this artificial illumination (AI) poetry workshop at Woods in the Books New Bahru where you’ll spend 45 minutes inputting your favourite poem into this AI-powered paradigm using small language modelling tools.
How much: Free with registration
When: 2 October 2026, 6pm to 8pm

Relaunch of The Invisible Manuscript by Alfian Sa’at

The Invisible Manuscript is a collection first composed and circulated privately when poet Alfian Sa’at was just 22 years old. It’s now in print once again, celebrating a work that remains an uncompromising contribution from one of Singapore’s most distinctive literary voices. Join the relaunch and meet the author at Woods in the Books East Coast!
How much: Free with registration
When: 3 October 2026, 5pm to 6pm

“What’s Fact, What’s Fiction?” A conversation with Kasan Goh

Gather at Woods in the Books New Bahru to join Kasan Goh discuss his semi-autobiographical first novel, Billy, Seetoh & Co – a story about immigrants seeking home and belonging.
How much: Free with registration
When: 4 October 2026, 5pm to 7pm

Address: Woods in the Books, multiple locations including East Coast Road and New Bahru

5. Book Bar

Founded by a bookseller and a book lover, this eclectic bookstore and cafe aims to foster a culture of reading. Stop by for a coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, a snack, and enjoy a read.

President’s Book Picks

If you ever wondered what kind of books a politician reads, Book Bar will be doing a 10-book spotlight on recommendations from our very own President Tharman for a whole month. Drop by to catch Book Bar’s owners too if you have any burning questions!
How much: Free admission
When: 3 October to 3 November 2026, 9.30am to 10pm

Stranger Than Fiction: A Creative Non-Fiction Reading

Join poets-turned-essayists Mok Zining and Theophilus Kwek, arts writer Akanksha Raja, urban planner Samantha Chia, and playwright Nabilah Said as they share more about their latest non-fiction projects.
How much: Free admission
When: 3 October 2026, 5.30pm to 7pm

Address: Book Bar, 57 Duxton Road, Singapore 089521

6. Epigram Books

One of Singapore’s best-known publishing houses, Epigram Books champions Singaporean literature. You’ll find fiction and non-fiction novels, picture books, memoirs, cookbooks, and graphic novels on its shelves, with titles that have won both local and international awards.

“What’s Your Bookshop Story?” Wall

Every reader has a bookshop memory, and Epigram Books is looking to collect these stories! Pick up a pen and add your story to the community wall while enjoying everyone else’s beautiful tales.
How much: Free admission
When: 3 to 4 October 2026, 10am to 6pm

Indie Blind Book Swap

Our favourite activity as readers is exchanging books with fellow book lovers. In this book swap, bring a novel that you think is underrated! Wrap it up, write some clues on the outside, talk about how much you love it, and let this gathering do the rest.
How much: Free with registration
When: 3 October 2026, 3pm to 4.30pm

Address: Epigram Books, #03-08, 1008 Toa Payoh North, Singapore 318996

7. Eliko Picture Books & Things

Eliko Picture Books & Things is Singapore’s smallest bookstore, but boy, is it mighty. It houses over 600 curated, vintage, and out-of-print children’s books and graphic novels.

Storytelling & Craft session with Josef Lee

Picture book author and illustrator Josef Lee has created Eco Seeds Story Prompt cards especially for Indie Bookshop Day. Kids who join his storytelling session will get a card, which they can use to build their own eco story.
How much: Free with registration
When: 3 October 2026, 10am to 11am

Threshold

After inviting Singapore illustrators to create images between the known and unknown, these images are now the starting point for children to build a new fairytale. And from that brainstorming session, comes a puppet show screened on a closed shop shutter.
How much: Free with registration
When: 3 October 2026, 7.30pm to 9.30pm

Address: Eliko Picture Books & Things, #01-079, Chinatown Complex, 335 Smith Street, Singapore 050335

8. Hungry Traveller Bookstore

Combine a love for food and books, and you get the Hungry Traveller Bookstore, where the collection is rich with hard-to-find books about food and travel that will inspire your inner chef. Here you’ll find vintage cookbooks from renowned chefs, vintage travel guides, maps, and more.

What's On

Things to do in Singapore in October

The Discovery Desk: Live Appraisals

Do you have some old, vintage books at home and aren’t sure how to care for them? Swing by the Hungry Traveller Bookstore during Indie Bookshop Day and get them inspected for free! The shop’s proprietor will give you an assessment of the book’s origin, age, and condition, and you’ll walk away with a preservation kit and tips on how to care for your old books.
How much: Free admission
When: 3 October 2026, 10am to 6pm

Address: Hungry Traveller Bookstore, #01-31, Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain Street, Singapore 180231

9. Natventure

Natventure started as a passion project before blossoming into an online store stocking books for children and creating a community for adventurers and nature enthusiasts.

Tapir’s New Colours with Mellissa Saw

Join author Mellissa Saw for a rhyming read-aloud session through the rainforest, following the adventures of Little Tapir.
How much: Free with registration
When: 3 October 2026, 11am to 11.45am

Little Explorers, Big Adventures

Let the tots run wild, exploring picture books and children’s stories that’ll spark curiosity and wonder. They may even find a new read to obsess over.
How much: Free admission
When: 3 to 4 October 2026, 11am to 6pm

Nature Storytelling

Let the kids slow down with a storytelling session with Gentle Seeds, where they’ll go on a nature walk and observe their surroundings.
How much: Free with registration
When: 3 October 2026, 1pm to 1.45pm

Lily’s Magic Pockets

Author Linda Yew will be hosting a read-along for her debut picture book about Lily, – a special girl who can see the magic in her neighbourhood.
How much: Free with registration
When: 4 October 2026, 11am to 11.45am

Address: Natventure, shop online; Natventure will host events at BreadTalk IHQ, Tai Seng Street, Singapore 534013

10. Closetful of Books

You might have seen this roaming bookstore at least once, popping up in community spaces, book fairs, and more! You’ll find its collection bursting with children’s books, ideal for kids from toddlers to pre-teens.

How To Be A Bookseller Mini Workshop

Ever wondered what it takes to run your own bookstore? Settle in for this dialogue with Closetful of Books co-founder Denise Tan, who will show you the ins and outs of running a book business.
How much: Free admission
When: 3 October 2026, 11am to 12pm

Address: Closetful of Books, #10-60, Lobby 5, Oxley Bizhub, 73 Ubi Road 1, Singapore 408733

11. Basheer Graphic Books

Considered one of Singapore’s most iconic bookstores, readers flock to Basheer Graphic Books for its collection of books and magazines on fine art, design, architecture, typography, and visual culture. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some rare vintage comics, zines, and more!

The Art of Quick Sketch Demonstration

Join international author David Tsnen’s creative techniques come to life in this engaging and inspiring live demonstration. Beginners and art enthusiasts alike are welcome!
How much: Free admission
When: 3 October 2026, 2pm to 3pm

Address: Basheer Graphic Books, #04-19, Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain Street, Singapore 180231

12. Dakota Dreams

Opened by five retirees, Dakota Dreams is a non-profit bookstore with a plethora of pre-loved titles and best-sellers at affordable prices. You might even catch a sight of seniors chatting, ukulele sessions, workshops, and more.

Wormhole Dreams: A pop-up at Dakota Dreams

This is a double whammy event because online bookstore Wormhole will be taking over Dakota Dreams for the weekend! Browse its selection of merch and challenge yourself to a slew of literary mini-games.
How much: Free admission
When: 3 to 4 October 2026, 12pm to 9pm

Comics Creation in Singapore

Creator and comic artist Joshua Chiang of Ronin Rat and Ninja Cat will be at Dakota Dreams to host a talk about how to create comics. Drop by and you’ll even get to score his graphic novels at a special discount!
How much: Free admission
When: 3 October 2026, 2pm to 3.30pm

Book Sharing

Moderated by Jason Wee, meet the contributors of the SQ21: Singapore Queer Families in the 21st Century book, who will shed light on a side of Singapore that’s seldom mentioned.
How much: Free admission
When: 3 October 2026, 4pm to 5.30pm

PowerPoint Parties

While Wormhole pops up at Dakota Dreams, it’ll host a PowerPoint partywith fellow readers giving presentations on books they love, hate, and everything in between. And you’ll catch eight presenters taking you on a behind-the-scenes journey into their roles in the literary ecosystem.
How much: Free admission
When: 3 & 4 October 2026, 7pm to 9pm

Address: Dakota Dreams, #02-55, 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051

13. Nurul Anwar Bookstore

Established in 2017, Nurul Anwar Bookstore was created with a deep desire to share the aspirations and worldview of luminary Nusantaran scholars. You’ll find intellectual works, classic and contemporary writing, and rare publications of the past and present.

Poetry Clinic: Your Sorrow is My Sorrow

If you’re a fan of live poetry, stop by to meet Madi, the founder of S.U.R., who will type up some personalised Malay poetry for you through a consultation-style experience.
How much: Each 30-minute session costs $15
When: 3 October 2026, 1pm to 6pm

Keris Dan Penanda

Explore the diverse range of warangka (keris sheaths) with the team from Nur Pusaka SG. You can also stamp pre-cut bookmarks with your choice of Nusantaran warangka design for $2 each.
How much: Free admission; $2 for a bookmark
When: 4 October 2026, 12pm to 6pm

Address: Nurul Anwar Bookstore, Level 2, 58 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199474

14. City Book Room

This independent Chinese publisher and bookstore is all about local literature, history, and social commentary that encourage discourse. The space also hosts author talks, book launches, and other gatherings.

Her Zine: The Story Behind the Scene

Have you ever wanted to print your own zine? Ever wondered what exactly a zine is, or why zine makers even print zines? Join Beyond The Hijab and Shuxia for a sharing session about their journeys in zine-making.
How much: Free with registration
When: 3 October 2026, 2pm to 3pm

Address: City Book Room, #03-02, 387 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427623

15. Wardah Books

Wardah Books specialises in Islamic books translated into English, boasting an inventory with over 4,000 titles ranging from arts and philosophy to Quranic studies and fiction.

Batik Librarian Consultation

Meet batik expert Hafiz Rashid, who will offer you a batik pattern or a book depending on what you bring. Bring a batik, and Hafiz will “read” the pattern to share a book recommendation. Alternatively, bring a book, and he’ll pair it with a batik textile, picking motifs that would complement your book the best.
How much: Free admission
When: 3 October 2026, 2pm to 8pm

Poetic Consultation: Therapy for Lost Souls

Poetry can be incredibly healing if you’re willing to be vulnerable. Take the opportunity to sit with a poet and share memories, give prompts, or bring something sentimental to you. After some follow-up questions, you’ll get a typewritten poem as a keepsake.
How much: $15 per poem
When: 4 October 2026, 1pm to 6pm

Address: Wardah Books, 58 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199474

16. Sea Breeze Books

You won’t find as many bestsellers at Sea Breeze Books. But what you will discover is a range of hard-to-find titles, poetry, graphic novels, and social science books about arts, humanities, culture, and local literature.

BLBL: Boys, Boots & Everything Between

Meet author Beatrix Leow in this discussion of her latest BL (boy’s love) novel, Point of Information. Come find out what inspired the story and discuss what happens when old feelings, complicated relationships, and a high-stakes debate competition collide.
How much: Free admission
When: 3 October 2026, 2pm to 3pm

Address: Sea Breeze Books, #05-09, 37 Tannery Lane, Singapore 347790

Which of these Indie Bookshop Day events in Singapore are you headed to first?

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