There’s something about the sea that feels inseparable from Singapore. Maybe it’s the hum of ships on the horizon, the stories tucked into old piers, or the flavours and cultures that arrived on these shores over centuries. This May, that connection takes centre stage as the Singapore HeritageFest 2026 returns with a sweeping, islandwide celebration of maritime life: past, present, and still unfolding.

Running from 1 to 24 May, the festival, now in its 23rd edition, offers more than 100 programmes that invite you to experience Singapore’s seafaring story not as history, but as something alive, sensory, and deeply personal.

Organised by HeritageSG, a subsidiary of the National Heritage Board, this year’s festival leans into a simple idea: Singapore didn’t just grow by the sea; it grew because of it. From bustling ports to quiet kampongs, from spice traders to naval fleets, the festival traces how maritime life shaped everything from what we eat to how we worship, move, and gather. And instead of static exhibits, expect immersive experiences—think theatre on water, hands-on workshops, and guided journeys through spaces you thought you already knew.

Some of the most exciting programmes blur the line between storytelling and adventure. Imagine drifting along the Singapore River on a theatrical bumboat ride in A Bump Through Time, SHF’s first-ever theatrical bumboat experience, where festival-goers discover the Singapore River anew through interactive encounters along Clarke Quay and Marina Bay, revealing how trade, migration and storytelling shaped this vibrant crossroads of cultures. Or stepping into a roving performance set against the elegant backdrop of The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore and the historic Clifford Pier, where the past feels just within reach. For those drawn to hidden histories, maritime archaeology takes the spotlight in exhibitions that reveal submerged treasures and forgotten trade routes, reminding us that some of Singapore’s stories quite literally lie beneath the surface.

If there’s one place maritime heritage truly lingers, it’s in the kitchen. Festival trails and workshops explore how trade routes shaped Singapore’s food culture—from spice-making traditions passed down through generations to the evolution of hawker fare. You might find yourself crafting popiah by hand, blending perfumes inspired by Southeast Asian trade goods, or tracing the journey of cocoa beans across oceans.

At institutions like the Changi Chapel and Museum and Children’s Museum Singapore, even the youngest visitors can engage all five senses, through food, craft, and storytelling that connects them to coastal life of the past.

Beyond trade and travel, the sea also shaped spiritual life. One standout experience is a heritage trail beginning at Thian Hock Keng Temple, dedicated to Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea. It’s a reminder that for early migrants, the ocean was as unpredictable as it was essential, and faith often guided the journey.

Elsewhere, you can explore folklore and supernatural tales on Pulau Ubin, or witness traditional art forms like Kathakali retelling ancient sea voyages. These programmes reveal a quieter truth: maritime heritage isn’t just about movement, it’s about meaning.

Exclusive tours offer rare access into modern port operations, including visits to terminals operated by PSA Singapore and insights from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. With some city terminals set to be decommissioned by 2027, these experiences feel especially timely, a glimpse into a changing chapter of the nation’s port legacy.

Not all experiences require a ticket or a plan. Some will find you along the way. Through installations in MRT stations and transit spaces, the festival turns everyday commutes into moments of discovery. You might stumble upon bite-sized stories, interactive displays, or even the festival’s playful mascot, Pitta, appearing unexpectedly across the island.

And then there’s HOMEGROUND, set against the waterfront at the Asian Civilisations Museum, a vibrant weekend marketplace of performances, workshops, and exhibitions that captures the spirit of migration and exchange that defines Singapore. In conjunction with its 30th anniversary, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will present a series of programmes including guided tours, vessel visits, and maritime-themed trails.

In a fast-moving city, it’s easy to forget how much of Singapore’s identity is anchored in the sea. Singapore HeritageFest offers a chance to slow down and reconnect—with stories of movement, resilience, and shared heritage.

Qazim Karim, SHF 2026 Festival Director said, “Singapore’s story is inseparable from the sea. From bustling ports and thriving trades to the communities who lived and worked along our shores, our maritime heritage is a living legacy that continues to shape our identity today. As a steward of Singapore’s cultural and heritage ecosystem, SHF brings together partners across communities to present collaborative programmes that explore maritime heritage from multiple perspectives, deepening public engagement with our shared histories. Through these experiences, we invite everyone to journey through our maritime past and celebrate the shared heritage that connects us all.”

Whether you’re hopping on a boat, tasting your way through history, or simply noticing your surroundings differently on your daily commute, this year’s festival invites you to see Singapore not just as a city by the water—but as one shaped by it. And once you start looking, you might realise: the sea is still everywhere.

Singapore HeritageFest 2026 runs from 1st to 24th May 2026. More information available here