What’s New In May: Exciting Arts Festivals, Revamped Artground, New Drifting Arena & More

This May, Singapore International Festival of Arts returns with two weeks’ worth of performances and activities! There’s also a new nature-themed indoor playspace and a bathhouse to bookmark for your next self-care day.

New month, new finds! There are plenty of new and exciting things to look forward to this month, including a whimsical nature-themed indoor playspace and the return of the Singapore International Festival of Arts. There’s also a new indoor drifting arena that the kids will love, and a new bathhouse in Tanjong Pagar that’s worth checking out.

Click here for past What’s New Mama finds!

Disclaimer: These are external events not owned or managed by Sassy Mama. Always check with the organiser for changes or cancellations.

Singapore International Festival of Arts: Live music, theatre, dance performances

This May, the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) invites you to step into a world of theatre, music, dance, film and visual arts in one of the city’s biggest celebrations of arts and culture! Expect a vibrant mix of Singaporean and international works taking place across the Civic District, including Victoria Theatre, Victoria Concert Hall, The Arts House at The Old Parliament, and Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. At the heart of it all is the Festival Village at Empress Lawn, where you can pack a picnic and enjoy free interactive performances and installations.

From there, explore festival highlights like The Lighthouse at The Arts House at The Old Parliament and Strangely Familiar《熟悉的陌生》at Victoria Theatre. We also recommend the highlight show, Noli Timere at SIFA Festival Village, which is free to watch! What makes this year’s festival extra special is the free Civic District Shuttle Bus, which runs from Raffles City and connects key festival venues, and provides a fuss-free way to hop between performances and make the most of the arts-filled day.

Purchase two tickets to The Lighthouse to enjoy 20% off! Promotion is valid till 30 May 2026.

Deets: Singapore International Festival of Arts, various venues across the Civic District, www.sifa.sg

Wildlings @ Dempsey: Massive outdoor playspace with plenty of nature-play activities

Wildlings @ Dempsey is perfect if you’re up for some nature play fun. This huge outdoor space offers plenty of activities designed for kids of all ages, set in a forest-like environment that encourages free exploration and movement. Whether it’s jungle trails and obstacle courses that challenge their climbing and balancing skills, or more gentle, hands-on play like mud kitchens and water play areas, there’s plenty to keep the little ones engaged. Some highlights include the big tembusu tree where kids can swing and jump from, a water-and-gravel play area, and even a space where kids can try their hand at basic survival skills by building their own shelters!

Deets: Wildlings @ Dempsey, 27A Loewen Road Wildlings, Nature Space, 248839, www.wildlings.sg

CHEESE WONDER: Viral Japanese cheesecake now in Singapore

Cheesecake lovers, this one’s for you. Japan-viral CHEESE WONDER is landing in Singapore with its first-ever pop-up at ION Orchard, and it’s only here for two months! This famed no-bake, two-layer cheesecake, often dubbed a “fantasy dessert,” has drawn hours-long queues in Japan. There are three options to choose from: the original CHEESE WONDER, made with pasture-raised milk, cream, butter and free-range eggs from Hokkaido, featuring fresh cheese mousse and soufflé piped into a crunchy crust; the WONDER SAND, a cheese sandwich cookie; and the CHEESE WONDER RED, a seasonal special that elevates the original with strawberries.

CHEESE WONDER, 8 May – 30 June 2026, ION Station, Level B4, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801, www.instagram.com/cheesewondersg

D23 Asia: The ultimate Disney fan event

Disney fans, keep your eyes peeled, because the ultimate Disney fan event is coming to Singapore in 2027! At D23 Asia, you will get exclusive, first access to the latest in Disney storytelling and fandom through an immersive, multi-day event. Look forward to live stage presentations, interactive experiences, exclusive merchandise and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks. Discover the Disney magic behind some of your favourite stories in this one-of-a-kind experience.

Deets: Singapore 2027, more details to be confirmed later, www.d23.com

The Artground @ One Holland Village: New indoor playspace

The Artground has just revamped its indoor playground, and it’s now a whimsical, nature-themed wonderland filled with bugs, treehouses, sensory play and more. There’s plenty for little ones to climb, slide and explore, with nature-inspired elements at every turn that make the space as fun to look at as it is to play in. The vibrant colours also make for a perfect backdrop for photos!

Deets: The Artground @ One Holland Village, 7 Holland Village Way, #01-20, Singapore 275748, www.theartground.com.sg

MINISO FRIENDS: Singapore’s first MINISO experience store

The blind box and collectable craze is here to stay, especially with the arrival of Singapore’s first MINISO FRIENDS store at VivoCity! Unlike the usual product-heavy MINISO outlets, this one offers a more immersive experience, with over 10 themed zones to explore. You’ll also find more than 3,000 plushies and collectable, plus plenty of photo spots to take great photos!

Deets: MINISO FRIENDS, 1 HarbourFront Walk, B1-02/03 VivoCity, Singapore 098585, www.instagram.com

Singapore HeritageFest 2026: Over 100 programmes islandwide

The popular Singapore HeritageFest returns from 1 to 24 May 2026 for its 23rd edition! This year, they’re highlighting Singapore’s rich maritime heritage with over 100 programmes across the island. Expect everything from cultural performances and guided trails to immersive tours, workshops and exhibitions that explore Singapore’s connection to the sea and its evolution as a global port city. Highlights include roving theatrical experiences, a first-of-its-kind bumboat journey along the Singapore River, maritime archaeology showcases as well as music and dance events inspired by the rhythms of the sea.

Deets: Singapore HeritageFest 2026, 1 – 24 May, multiple locations in Singapore, www.heritage.sg

Read more: Kid-Friendly Exhibitions & Museums In Singapore

Polène: Popular French label opening first Singapore store

If you’re a fan of Parisian luxury brand Polène, you’re in luck. The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands will soon welcome Singapore’s first Polène store, where you can shop its signature timeless bags in person. Known for clean, sculptural designs like the Cyme and Numéro Neuf Mini, the brand also keeps prices largely in line with its online store!

Deets: Polène, opening in Q3 2026 at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, www.eng.polene-paris.com

Dorifto!: New indoor drifting arena

If there’s one thing Singapore could use more of, it’s go-karting circuits! High-adrenaline yet safe and kid-friendly, go-karting lets you channel your inner F1 driver without the risk. Dorifto! is a new indoor go-karting spot that takes things up a notch with Japan-inspired aesthetics, making it feel like you’re drifting through the streets of Tokyo. Best of all, anyone above 1.2 metres can get behind the wheel.

Deets: Dorifto!, Velocity@Novena Square, Carpark Level 6A, Singapore 307683, www.instagram.com

Capybara Bathing: New bathhouse in Tanjong Pagar

If you’re looking for an excuse for a self-care day—not that you need one!—this new bathhouse in Tanjong Pagar is worth a visit. Capybara Bathing is a boutique space with a stunning, light-filled interior inspired by communal bathing traditions. We recommend the Flow & Soak package, which begins with a 45-minute vinyasa flow yoga class, followed by 75 minutes of bathing. Expect a soothing sound bath in a hot mineral pool and an Aufguss sauna ritual, all designed to leave you feeling refreshed and fully recharged.

Deets: Capybara Bathing, 77 Tras Street, Tanjong Pagar, 079016, www.instagram.com

Read more: Massage Spas In Singapore For A Relaxing Pamper Session