Singapore Heritage Fest (SHF) has returned — from 1 to 24 May 2026 — celebrating Singapore’s rich maritime heritage with over 100 programmes across the island.
Now in its 23rd edition and organised for the first time by HeritageSG (HSG), a subsidiary of the National Heritage Board (NHB), the festival brings to life the stories, trades, and communities that shaped the island nation’s historic waterways and continue to define its island identity today.
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.”
SHF 2026 comes alive through the passion and creativity of over 100 community partners and heritage practitioners, presenting programmes that range from innovative reimagining of port life to hands-on encounters with age-old seafaring traditions.
Returning supporters include YHS Singapore (Yeo’s) as SHF’s Official Partner for the third consecutive year; and Stellar Ace, marking their sixth consecutive year as Official Sponsor.
New community partners, including Aroma Nostalgia, Kebon Dapor, Thong Siek Global, Singapore Navy Museum and more, add fresh perspectives to the line-up, offering festival-goers even more ways to explore Singapore’s maritime heritage and its continued relevance.
A festival highlight, HOMEGROUND @ ACM Green, brings visitors closer to Singapore’s maritime heritage through exhibitions, performances, and workshops celebrating the importance of the nation’s roots. In conjunction with its 30th anniversary, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is presenting a series of programmes, including guided tours, vessel visits, and maritime-themed trails.
This year, festival-goers can embark on a captivating journey through Singapore’s maritime past, exploring how trade, migration, beliefs and practices, and naval history have shaped the island everyone knows today.
Return of festival favourites
A signature SHF offering, HOMEGROUND returns as a vibrant marketplace reflecting how early migrants and their journeys shaped the nation. Set against the historic waterfront at the ACM, HOMEGROUND @ ACM Green brings together exhibitions, workshops, craft showcases and performances taking place on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the festival period.
Anchoring the festival’s highlight experience is the HOMEGROUND exhibition on maritime and migration. The exhibition is designed by local illustrator and visual artist HAFl. Festival-goers can expect new experiences at HOMEGROUND @ ACM Green each weekend, and can follow SHF’s social channels to discover the latest offerings and plan their next visit.
Another signature SHF programme, Ride & Discover, returns to bring maritime heritage into the rhythms of daily life, transforming daily commutes into moments of discovery. By turning MRT stations and transit spaces into accessible heritage touchpoints, the activation meets people where they are, offering interactive panels, immersive displays, and bite-sized insights revealing the journeys, exchanges, and connections behind Singapore’s maritime story.
SHF 2026 mascot, Pitta the migratory bird, will also make surprise appearances across the island. Festival-goers are invited to keep their eyes peeled on their commute and snap a photo to share on Instagram with @sgheritagefest, #SGHeritageFest, #SHF2026 and #ISeaYou for a chance to win and redeem a limited-edition SHF keepsake at HOMEGROUND.
