SIFA 2026 – the exciting arts festival returns!

It’s time to let loose and dive into the joy of the arts! The Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) returns next month with a spirited theme – Let’s Play! Running from 15 to 30 May 2026, the annual arts festival will transform theatres, lawns and corners of the city into vibrant playgrounds of creativity. Not to mention, there’s a plethora of powerful arts performances from Singapore and around the world you won’t want to miss. Let’s get into all that’s lined up!

5 standout local commissions to catch during the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) 2026

Strangely Familiar

This fascinating work by T.H.E Dance Company brings five dancers into an otherworldly space, where they encounter a shifting digital being, moving at the threshold between instinct and invention. Rooted in the company’s signature HollowBody methodology, it explores concepts of coexistence, healing and our capacity to live with what we create.

Directed and choreographed by T.H.E’s Founding Artistic Director Kuik Swee Boon, this work is co-commissioned with Hong Kong’s Asia+ Festival. Don’t miss the post-show talk with the artists after the 22 May and 23 May performances.

Victoria Theatre | 22 to 24 May | book your tickets here

Lush Life

This new documentary-style work directed by the internationally acclaimed Ong Keng Sen centres on Singapore’s beloved jazz singer Jacintha, with a special appearance by pop icon Dick Lee.

Through personal stories, archival material and live music, you’ll get a rare glimpse into Jacintha’s personal and professional journey, as well as what it means to live a creative life in Singapore, as you sink into Jacintha’s lush music and Lee’s well-known classics.

Victoria Theatre | 29 to 30 May | book your tickets here

Makan Culture

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind theatre experience at SIFA 2026 as award-winning writer and actor Jo Tan hosts this lively, interactive arts performance.

Expect music, theatre, puppetry, a huge serving of humour and even bites of Singapore’s local dishes. There are multiple showings (6pm, 8pm and 10pm slots) so you can easily slot it into a night out. Bonus tip: the show is currently offering a “4+1” deal where you get one free ticket with every four purchased. Time to round up your makan kakis (food buddies)!

Festival Village | 15 to 30 May (multiple timings) | book your tickets here

Salesman 之死

Inspired by a real-life moment in 1983, when American playwright Arthur Miller travelled to Beijing to direct Death of a Salesman with an all-Chinese cast, this funny multilingual production dives into the chaos and comedy of cross-cultural collaboration.

At the centre of it all is a young university professor tasked with interpreting for Miller. As the story unfolds, so do moments of cultural confusion and surprising connections. Bonus tip: don’t miss the post-show talk with the artists after the 15 May performance.

Victoria Theatre | 15 to 16 May | book your tickets here

Last Rites

Five venerable performance artists from across Asia – with an average age of 74 – are asked one soul-searching question: “If you could envision your last performance, what would it look like?”

Drawing from in-depth conversations with these artists, the cross-disciplinary theatrical experience directed by Liu Xiaoyi traces their beginnings, their struggles and their personal philosophies on art and life.

SOTA Studio Theatre | 22 to 23 May | book your tickets here

International arts performances at SIFA 2026

Beyond its strong local line-up, the international productions at SIFA 2026 offer diverse perspectives for local and international audiences. Here are two that caught our attention.

Hamlet

From Peru comes a bold reimagining of Hamlet, performed by a cast of actors with Down syndrome. Built between Shakespeare’s text and the actors’ own lives, the piece asks: what does it mean “to be” in a world where you too often feel not fully considered or valued? It’s a thought-provoking take on a classic and one of the highlight arts performances in Singapore during SIFA 2026.

Drama Centre Theatre | 21 to 23 May | book your tickets here

The Lighthouse

You’ll want to bring the whole family along for this one! Presented by Australian company Patch Theatre, The Lighthouse is an immersive experience blending installation, performance and hands-on exploration, inviting audiences to journey through a series of rooms dedicated to the wonders of light. Part installation, part scientific quest, part rave, it’s designed for curious minds of all ages.

The Arts House at the Old Parliament | 15 to 24 May (multiple timings) | book your tickets here

You can see the full SIFA 2026 (Singapore International Festival of Arts) schedule and also find out more about these performances in Singapore from 15 to 30 May 2026 here.

Concession tickets are available for seniors from 55 years onwards and also local and overseas students. Selected programmes can be redeemed with the SG Culture Pass.

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