Get ready, arts lovers — the annual Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts is back in full force at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay from 27 February to 8 March 2026. This year’s festival brings together an exciting slate of performances from Singapore and around the world, celebrating Chinese heritage through powerful theatre, evocative music, imaginative dance, and engaging family experiences.
The festival opens with Deling and Cixi, a gripping theatrical drama set in the late Qing Dynasty that explores the intersecting lives of two strong-willed women navigating tradition, power, and change. This is followed by Le Père (The Father) by the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre, a deeply moving production that examines memory, love, and loss through the lens of a father gradually losing his grasp on reality.
Music takes centre stage with “BEING” The Freshman Concert 2026, celebrating 15 years of music and friendship by the beloved Singapore Mandopop duo. The Singapore Chinese Orchestra also presents Wukong’s 72 Transformations, a myth-inspired concert that brings the legendary Monkey King to life through dynamic orchestration and storytelling.
Fans of instrumental and contemporary music can look forward to post-rock veterans WANGWEN returning to Singapore for a night of soaring, cinematic soundscapes, alongside debut performances by rising artist YELLOW and heartfelt sets from newcomer Crispy “I Love You × 100”.
Theatre lovers will be drawn to imaginative productions such as The Sun, a post-apocalyptic story of conflict and survival, LauZone makes its return at Huayi as a multilingual Hong Kong–style cabaret, blending music, performance, and playful theatrical flair into one vibrant festival highlight. and Tall Tales: Bananas & Ang Ku Kuehs, a vibrant collaboration between Singapore and Taiwan that reimagines folk stories through puppetry and live performance.
Get drawn in by the allure of music and dance with Diary VII・The Story Of…… which is an intimate solo dance work by Hong Kong choreographer and dancer Mui Cheuk-yin.
Huayi also offers a rich lineup of family-friendly shows and participatory experiences. A Little Goes A Long Way brings timeless folktales of resilience to life, while interactive programmes like Parent-Child Workshop: Wiggle, Giggle, Make a Sound!, From Scratch to Hatch – A Movement Workshop, and other creative workshops invite audiences of all ages to explore theatre, movement, and storytelling together.
Most Huayi 2026 programmes are ticketed, with selected performances offering promotional pricing during designated sales periods. Ticket availability and prices vary by programme.
From 10 December, selected Huayi 2026 performances can also be paid for using SG Culture Pass credits. Eligible programmes include "BEING" The Freshman Concert 2026, Wukong’s 72 Transformations, and Tall Tales: Bananas & Ang Ku Kuehs. Additional concessions and special rates may apply for specific programmes, including school group bookings and selected children’s shows, subject to eligibility and availability.
From compelling drama and expansive music to playful workshops and family-friendly storytelling, Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts 2026 promises an immersive cultural experience that bridges tradition and contemporary creativity. Whether you’re a long-time arts lover or a first-time festival-goer, this year’s edition offers something to discover, feel, and remember.
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