Singapore Writers Festival 2026

The Singapore Writers Festival 2026 (SWF) is Singapore's annual literary festival. It runs from 13 to 22 November 2026, with talks, panels, workshops and performances at venues in the city's Civic District, such as Victoria Theatre and The Arts House at the Old Parliament. It suits book lovers, students, writers and culture-focused travellers on a city break.

About Singapore Writers Festival

The 2026 festival is titled 'Hidden in Plain Sight'. According to the official website, it explores how the idea of 'truth' can be built, taken apart, reinterpreted or hidden, in literature and beyond.

The programme is multilingual. Sessions are offered in English, Malay, Tamil and Chinese, and some include live interpretation or translation. Programme types listed on the official website include:

• Lectures and masterclass talks, including festival keynote talks.
• Conversations and panels, and 'Meet the Author' sessions.
• Workshops, literary walks, games and children's storytelling.
• Performances and readings, book launches, exhibitions and film screenings with post-show talks.

Featured programmes on the official site include keynote talks by Stephen Witt, Amitav Ghosh and Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Topics range from fiction, poetry and crime writing to non-fiction, journalism, translation and comics.

Singapore Writers Festival 2026 dates and venues

The Singapore Writers Festival 2026 dates are 13 to 22 November 2026, which covers two weekends.

Venues named in the featured programme include Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall, The Arts House at the Old Parliament and its Annex Building, and National Gallery Singapore. These are all in the Civic District, close to one another. Each session has its own date and time, so use the full programme on the official Singapore Writers Festival website to plan your days.

How to get to Singapore for the Writers Festival

Singapore is served by Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), one of Asia's main international hubs. The airport is linked to the city by the MRT train network, taxis, ride-hailing and pre-booked transfers.

The Civic District is easy to reach by MRT, with City Hall and Raffles Place stations close to the festival venues. Walking between venues is simple, but Singapore's weather is warm and humid, with frequent rain in November, so carry an umbrella.

Where to stay

For a trip to Singapore for the Writers Festival, the best areas are:

• Civic District and City Hall, within walking distance of most venues.
• Marina Bay and Clarke Quay, a short walk or MRT ride away.
• Bugis, with a wide range of hotels and easy MRT links.

Mid-November is a normal period for Singapore hotels, but rates and availability tighten closer to the year-end holidays. Book as early as possible for groups.

Planning a group trip to Singapore Writers Festival

A Singapore Writers Festival travel package works well for school groups, book clubs and culture travellers. Tips for agencies:

• Festival passes are sold on the official website. Check which sessions need a pass and which need separate registration.
• Choose sessions in the right languages for your group, and note those with live interpretation.
• Plan around the two weekends, when many keynote talks take place.
• Add museum visits, a heritage walk or a food tour to fill the gaps between sessions.
• Ask travellers to check the official entry requirements for Singapore.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Singapore Writers Festival 2026?

The Singapore Writers Festival 2026 runs from 13 to 22 November 2026. Each talk, panel and workshop has its own date and time in the official programme.

Where is the Singapore Writers Festival held?

It is held mainly in Singapore's Civic District, at venues such as Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall, The Arts House at the Old Parliament and National Gallery Singapore.

How do I get tickets for the Singapore Writers Festival?

Festival passes are sold on the official Singapore Writers Festival website. Check the programme for any sessions that need separate booking or registration.

What is the nearest airport to Singapore's Civic District?

Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) serves the city. The Civic District is reachable from the airport by MRT, taxi or ride-hailing.

What is the theme of Singapore Writers Festival 2026?

The 2026 festival is titled 'Hidden in Plain Sight'. It explores how the notion of truth can be constructed, reinterpreted or concealed in literature and beyond.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to the Singapore Writers Festival 2026 in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.