Ready to experience the best of SIFA 2026? From captivating aerial displays to interactive theatre shows, here are six highlights in this year’s line-up.
Clear your calendars ‘cos Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) 2026 is back for its annual run! Organised by Arts House Group, SIFA 2026 is the city’s pinnacle performing arts festival with diverse works across theatre, music, dance, film and visual arts. Themed ‘Let’s Play’, this edition welcomes all ages to explore, engage and be inspired by art from 15 to 30 May 2026.
This year, the free-for-all Festival Village is also back at Empress Lawn! Make a date with your friends and family under the stars, as you catch free outdoor performances, marvel at interactive installations, and soak in the festive atmosphere over light bites and drinks. We know there’s a lot in store, so we’ve rounded up six highlights to get started with. Scroll on for the must-see shows at SIFA 2026!
6 must-see shows at SIFA 2026
1. Noli Timere
SIFA 2026 is off to a flying start with a captivating aerial showcase on opening weekend. A five-year work of art by director-choreographer Rebecca Lazier and world renowned sculptor Janet Echelman, Noli Timere is a fusion of contemporary dance and avant-garde circus.
Choreographed to an original score by famed Quebecois composer Jorane, the performance will involve performers suspended 25 feet above ground and within an awe-inspiring sculpture. Noli Timere, which means ‘be not afraid’ in Latin, is a tangible showcase of the butterfly effect – and delivers a powerful message about the fragility of our eco-system and the need for innovative action.
Date & time: 15 – 17 May, 7.15pm & 9.15pm daily
Duration: 30 minutes
Price: Free entry
Venue: Noli Timere, Festival Village at Empress Lawn, 10 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
2. Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming
Gather around Wayang Stage and get cosy on the lawn as an immersive show unfolds in front of you. Happening throughout the opening weekend, Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming invites you to be part of a celebration of Singapore’s artistic heritage.
Watch and listen to a live conversation with an artist, before it gradually evolves into a riveting soundscape that’ll tug at your heartstrings. With local artists Tan Kheng Hua, Ivan Heng and Yeo Yann Yann taking turns to helm the stage each night, it’s a show not to be missed.
Date & time: 15 – 17 May, 8pm daily
Duration: 1 hour
Price: Free entry
Venue: Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming, Festival Village, Wayang Stage at Empress Lawn, 10 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
3. Strangely Familiar
The digital world meets contemporary life in this mesmerising showcase by Singapore’s leading dance group, T.H.E Dance Company. In collaboration with regional artists and designers, this transcultural dance production centres around an evolving presence that is part human and part machine. Through interactions with five dancers, it is a reflection on coexistence, fragility and living with our modern creations.
Date & time: 22 & 23 May, 8pm (with a post-show talk); 24 May, 2pm
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Price: $38 – $48 (eligible for SG Culture Pass credits)
Venue: Strangely Familiar, Victoria Theatre, 9 Empress Place, Singapore 179556
4. Makan Culture
What happens when our love of food meets theatre? You’ll get Makan Culture, a riotous interactive experience that blends music, theatre, puppetry and well-loved local eats! Staged by local performers including Jo Tan, Fahim Murshed and Ellison Tan, this entertaining show will spark a lively debate on what elevates food and art. Come ready to laugh, ponder, and savour halal-friendly local eats and drinks such as rojak, pandan cake, kaya toast and dry laksa.
Perk alert: from now till 30 May 2026, buy four tickets to Makan Culture and get an additional ticket for free.
Date & time: 15 – 17, 20 – 24 & 28 – 30 May, 6pm, 8pm & 10pm daily
Duration: 40 minutes
Price: $20 (SG Culture Pass eligible)
Venue: Makan Culture, Festival Village at Empress Lawn, 10 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
5. The Lighthouse
Ready for a theatrical adventure? Step into The Lighthouse, an award-winning performance and visual spectacle by Australia’s Patch Theatre. A treat for little ones and the young-at-heart, this house of marvels features intimate vignettes, grand lighting and hands-on experiences across interconnected rooms. Held in 50-minute sessions, take your time to explore, engage and experiment with the wonders of light.
Perk alert: from now till 30 May 2026, enjoy a 20% discount on every pair of tickets purchased.
Date & time: 15 – 17 & 20 – 24 May, various timings
Duration: 50 minutes
Price: $28
Venue: The Lighthouse, The Arts House at the Old Parliament, 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429
6. Hamlet
Shakespeare is for everyone, and this bold reimagining of Hamlet by Teatro La Plaza makes a strong case for that. Performed in Spanish by actors with Down syndrome, the play interweaves Shakespeare’s text and the performers’ lives to share their desires and frustrations.
It pushes glaring and important questions into the spotlight, such as the value and meaning of people with Down syndrome in a world that strives on efficiency and unattainable beauty. If you’re up for a conversation with the artists and director, come by for the post-show talk on 22 May.
Date & time: 21 May, 8pm; 22 May, 8pm (with a post-show talk); 23 May, 2pm
Duration: 1 hour 35 minutes
Price: $38 – $48
Venue: Hamlet, Drama Centre Theatre, #03-01, National Library, 100 Victoria Street, Singapore 188064
Your art-filled date awaits at SIFA 2026
Now, these opening week highlights and must-see performances barely scratch the surface of what SIFA 2026 has to offer. Head to SIFA 2026’s website to browse the full list of thought-provoking theatre performances, spellbinding light showcases, dazzling dances and programmes for all ages and interests.
And here’s a final sweet tip: there are SG Culture Pass-eligible performances at SIFA 2026! Put your credits to use at eligible performances, including Salesman Zhi Si, Strangely Familiar, Last Rites, Lush Life and Makan Culture.
Mark your calendars from 15 to 30 May, ‘cos it’s a date at SIFA 2026!
This post is in partnership with Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA).
