This March, one of Singapore’s most vibrant heritage celebrations returns to the city centre. From 13 to 15 March 2026, the Peranakan Museum will transform Armenian Street into a lively cultural playground as the Armenian Street Party marks its 10th edition with three evenings of performances, food, art, and interactive experiences.

Running daily from 5pm to 10pm, the festival invites visitors to wander through a joyful gathering of colour, music, and flavour as Peranakan culture spills out from the museum and onto the street. Most programmes are free, making it an accessible way for visitors to experience the traditions, stories, and creativity of Peranakan communities in Singapore and across the region.

Organised in partnership with the Peranakan Association Singapore, Gunong Sayang Association, Peranakan Indian (Chitty Melaka) Association of Singapore, and Arab Network@Singapore, this year’s festival highlights the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Peranakan heritage.

“Armenian Street Party invites everyone to share in the joy of Peranakan culture through food, fashion, performance, and craft workshops,” says Clement Onn, Director of the Asian Civilisations Museum and Peranakan Museum. “Together with our community partners, we look forward to welcoming visitors to experience and celebrate Peranakan culture in new and meaningful ways.”

Be sure to check out Threads of Gathering, a striking 3.5-by-3 metre installation by Singapore-based mixed media artist Dawn Koh, displayed in front of the Peranakan Museum façade.

Inspired by motifs found in the museum’s collection and its special exhibition Peacock Power: Beauty and Symbolism Across Cultures, the installation features butterflies, peacocks, birds, and other symbols associated with transformation, continuity, and community. Running from 13 to 31 March, the artwork is designed as a participatory installation where visitors can contribute to the evolving tapestry, turning the piece into a shared expression of heritage and memory.

Storytelling continues on stage with A Tapestry of Peranakan Stories, a three-night theatre programme that reimagines heritage narratives for contemporary audiences. Performances include a wedding procession inspired by modern cross-cultural marriages, a playful debate between neighbours over whose kueh is superior, and a poignant story about a Peranakan woman confronting tradition and personal freedom.

One of the festival’s most exciting collaborations brings visitors into the world of Mediacorp’s English drama Aunty Lee’s Deadly Delights, based on Ovidia Yu’s beloved mystery novels.

The museum’s Ixora Room will be transformed into a mystery-themed pop-up where visitors can test their detective skills, solve clues, and win exclusive prizes. Fans will also have the opportunity to meet members of the cast, including Vernetta Lopez, Pierre Png, Norman Ishak, Alawdin Ali, Sheryl Ang, and Erika Maguicay.

The stars will also take part in a live cooking demonstration alongside renowned Peranakan chef Nyonya Shirley Tay, preparing the iconic dish ayam buah keluak while sharing stories about Peranakan cuisine and culture.

Food plays a central role in the celebrations, with culinary experiences ranging from street snacks to hands-on demonstrations.

A festival highlight is Kueh & Kopi: A Kueh Picnic, where visitors can gather with friends for a colourful picnic featuring a curated box of kueh created with chefs from Allspice Institute. Developed in collaboration with community partners, each set is paired with a special drink by suns Living Room and comes with exclusive Peranakan Museum merchandise.

Elsewhere along Armenian Street, visitors can follow the irresistible aroma of the O’ My Darling food truck by Old Chang Kee, serving familiar local favourites, or stop by Sweet Spot, a dessert pop-up offering traditional sweets inspired by Peranakan flavours.

Visitors can also catch live cooking demonstrations throughout the festival. Culinary pioneer Aziza Ali will demonstrate how to prepare bamia, a comforting okra stew flavoured with aromatic spices commonly used in Arab kitchens. Community chef Merlin Pillay will also showcase the versatility of the banana tree in cooking, revealing how every part of the plant can be used in traditional dishes.

Beyond the food and performances, the festival offers plenty of opportunities for visitors to get hands-on. Creative workshops include crafting delicate paper peonies inspired by Peranakan floral motifs, assembling vibrant hand-tied bouquets, and creating edible kokedama using herbs commonly found in Peranakan kitchens.

Language enthusiasts can also discover Baba Malay through ChakapBot, a playful digital experience that teaches everyday phrases through interactive conversations.

Members of Baba Gabra, a community group dedicated to preserving the Baba Malay language, will also compose personalised pantuns—traditional poetic verses—on the spot, complete with English translations.

Meanwhile, visitors can immerse themselves in Peranakan fashion by slipping into colourful kebaya and batik outfits at the Baba Nyonya Dress Up! booth, where they can pose for photos and print a keepsake snapshot.

Interactive activities keep the festival buzzing throughout the evening. Visitors can pick up a bingo card and take part in the Armenian Street Party Bingo Challenge, collecting stamps as they explore different activities around the festival in exchange for rewards such as desserts or curry puffs.

Board game enthusiasts can join Mari Main! sessions featuring Peranakan: Tiles & Tactics!, a strategy game inspired by traditional kueh and Peranakan motifs.

As the evening winds down, the festival’s main stage comes alive with community performances and sing-alongs led by Peranakan cultural groups. With lively joget rhythms and familiar tunes filling the air, visitors may find themselves clapping, singing, and even dancing along.

For those who want to explore further, the museum’s reading corner will feature a literary showcase of books on Peranakan culture, while visitors can also enjoy discounted evening admission to the special exhibition Peacock Power: Beauty and Symbolism Across Cultures.

Now in its 10th year, the Armenian Street Party continues to highlight how Peranakan culture remains vibrant and evolving through community participation, storytelling, and shared experiences.

Whether you come for the food, the performances, or simply to soak in the festive atmosphere, the Armenian Street Party offers a joyful reminder that heritage is not just preserved—it is lived, celebrated, and continually reimagined.

Armenian Street Party: A Peranakan Gathering takes place from 13th to 15th March 2026 at the Peranakan Museum and Armenian Street. Most programmes are free, with selected workshops and activities requiring registration. More information available here