From November 13 to 22, Singapore Writers Festival 2026 will be bringing literature, creativity and public art to Singapore. Designed under the theme “Hidden in Plain Sight”, the 29th edition will be accompanied by over 200 programmes: author discussions, literary performances and interactive experiences. The Festival is also open to families, book fans and curious road trippers with a number of free activities.
Writers Fest Free Events Include Interactive Art Installations
The Arts House at the Old Parliament offers visitors the chance to visit a number of free installations. Features include the AHG Text-presso Machine that creates poems in English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil, and Clay|Words, a creative interaction between writers and clay artists.
The Verdict is Yours pokes questions at a bogus mystery and lets you decide what it revolves around, while The Ending is Yours allows you to wager which final scene your preferred movie will have at the end.
Writers Fest Free Events Feature Public Exhibitions
Quek Hong Shin, a Singaporean writer, and Tang Yau Hoong, a Malaysian illustrator, have one of the standout exhibits: Undercurrents, which is an illustrated story. It is situated at the Funan B2 Underground Pedestrian Link and is taking place from 10am – 10pm from 15th October until 30th November. The SWF Homage Phone Booth also allows guests to leave their voiceprints of song lyrics in the booths that are set up at these locations.
Writers Fest Free Events Bring Pop Ups and Family Activities
At The Arts House the SWF Playground has a reading corner with reading books for the kids, a scavenger hunt and a stamp trail for families. It will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday during the following periods: Nov. 13–15, and Nov. 18–22, all days, at the following hours: Monday and Wednesday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. One other notable note: Reading by the River (Nov. 20-22, 5-8 pm) is an open-air reading that is also an attraction.
Writers Fest Free Events Offer Readings and Community Experiences
It is also a festival of free readings and poetry sessions and literary discussions held throughout Singapore’s cultural district. For those who don’t buy a pass to the programme, an opportunity to experience it is provided at the ACM Poetry Jam on 14th November and at selected author dialogues.
However there are some free sessions that must be booked in advance, and walk-in sessions will be subject to first come first served depending on availability. Visitors are advised to read the programmes before going to the event.
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