CHIJMES and Capitol Singapore will transform their heritage spaces into vibrant centres of art, culture and creativity when the Singapore Night Festival 2026 returns this August.
Inspired by this year’s theme, “Myths & Legends”, both destinations will present a curated line-up of exhibitions, performances and interactive activities from 21 August to 5 September 2026. The programmes combine heritage, technology, sustainability and community participation across the two iconic locations.
At CHIJMES, visitors can look forward to large-scale projection mapping, including Singapore’s first large-scale indoor projection mapping experience at CHIJMES Hall. The historic building will also feature exterior facade projections, creating a visual journey through different periods of local history.
The returning “Textures through Time” projection mapping experience will run daily from 7pm to 11.30pm on the exterior facade of CHIJMES Hall and Main Lawn. The presentation explores Singapore’s changing cultural and material landscape, moving from the woven textures of ancient kampongs and colonial-era materials to post-war print, CRT imagery, modern pixels and an imagined future.
Inside CHIJMES Hall, the indoor projection mapping experience will be available on 21 August as a free opening night programme, followed by ticketed sessions on 3 and 4 September. The 360-degree audiovisual experience combines digital art, lighting, sound and live performances. An opening performance featuring five movement artists will begin at 8pm, followed by a vinyl music showcase by local DJs.
Fitness enthusiasts can also take part in the adidas Hyperboost Run Experience at the CHIJMES Main Lawn from 21 August to 5 September. Adidas Runners Singapore, together with run clubs The High Panters and Happy Pace Club, will host a gamified community run covering approximately 5 to 5.5km through the festival grounds. Participants will also have the opportunity to try adidas’ Hyperboost Edge running shoe, subject to availability.
For those looking for a more creative evening activity, Neon Glow Art Jamming will take place on selected nights at the CHIJMES Mini Lawn. Presented by Visual Arts Centre, the experience uses UV lighting and fluorescent paints, allowing participants to create their own artwork on a 30 by 40cm canvas or mini sling bag. Complimentary neon face painting will also be available, while drinks from Cellarbration can be purchased during the sessions.
Over at Capitol Singapore, the Outdoor Plaza will become a creative enclave featuring a night market, community art and hands-on workshops. The programme is designed to bring together local makers, artists, families and visitors through activities centred on creativity, sustainability and community.
Pasar Ma(d)lam, a creative night market by MAD, will run on selected nights from 21 August to 5 September. Visitors can browse handcrafted products, artisanal creations and lifestyle finds while taking part in activities including live caricature sketches, henna art and gacha machines. The vendor line-up will rotate across the festival weekends, with participating names including Meet Mito and Sara Street. Selected Capitol Singapore tenants will also offer festival-inspired food and drinks.
A large-scale community tapestry by local artist Natalia Tan will also take shape at the Capitol Singapore Outdoor Plaza throughout the festival. Created using laundered recycled uniforms donated by Cora Environment, the modular artwork invites visitors to contribute fabric scraps and embellishments. The evolving installation will bring together schools, families and visitors while highlighting sustainability and collective creativity.
The installation will also feature upcycled sculptures inspired by Southeast Asia’s biodiversity and the mythical and natural creatures found in the region’s folklore.
Opening weekend at Capitol Singapore will feature Deep South Messenger, a nine-member ensemble from Thailand. The group will perform on 21 and 22 August, presenting a contemporary music showcase influenced by traditional cultural elements through rhythm, movement and storytelling.
Visitors can also join sustainability-focused bag charm workshops by Commenhers on selected nights. The drop-in sessions allow participants to turn upcycled materials into handmade bag charms in under 20 minutes. The workshops are designed for all ages and support Commenhers’ work in creating employment opportunities for underprivileged women through sustainable craftsmanship.
CHIJMES and Capitol Singapore will also run social media contests during the festival. Visitors at Capitol Singapore can photograph the Community Tapestry Artwork, post it on Instagram while following and tagging @capitolsingapore, and stand a chance to win S$50 worth of mall vouchers. At CHIJMES, visitors can similarly photograph the “Textures Through Time” projection mapping, follow and tag @CHIJMES.sg on Instagram, and enter for a chance to win S$50 worth of mall vouchers. Both contests run from 21 August to 5 September 2026.
There will also be shopping and dining rewards across both destinations. Visitors who spend a minimum of S$80 across a maximum of two same-day receipts at Capitol Singapore and/or CHIJMES can select an exclusive reward while stocks last. Options include an upcycled patchwork coin pouch, a four-piece coaster set created in collaboration with Commenhers, or one Neon Glow Art Jamming ticket.
