Since opening in 2017, Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre’s (SCCC) flagship festival Cultural Extravaganza has become an annual favourite, showcasing the best of local Chinese arts and culture. This year, it returns from May 9 to June 7 with a dynamic mix of theatre, dance, music, and cross-disciplinary performances. Whether you're a culture vulture, theatre lover, or music fan, Cultural Extravaganza is your ticket to rediscovering Singapore's dynamic Chinese arts and heritage.
The hype is real too – the theatrical production of LOVE Across Time: No Expiry Date! has already sold out (cue dramatic gasp). But don’t panic – there are still more ticketed and free events waiting for you. Here are some you can’t miss.
May 10, 11, 17 and 18
Step into Gim Hiang Restaurant, a three-generation business. But what happens when modern tastes shake up the recipe? In this drama-infused culinary showdown by Nine Years Theatre, a headstrong father refuses to let go of time-honoured techniques, while his French-trained son dreams of reinventing the menu. As simmering tensions threaten to boil over, the duo must decide whether to stick to tradition or serve up something new.
Tickets start from $58. Book now.
May 16 to 18
Set within a shifting nine-square grid formation, Dance Ensemble Singapore’s immersive performance blurs the lines between dance and other art forms, ranging from Cantonese opera and theatre to Peranakan fashion, wayang kulit, photography, and calligraphy. A stunning exploration of tradition and innovation, it invites you to experience how art forms intertwine, influence, and inspire one another in unexpected ways.
Tickets start from $50. Book now.
May 31
Soundtrack your day with the sweet sounds of the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra as they perform a dynamic mix of music pieces, from the grandeur of ‘Celebration Overture’ to the vibrant ‘Jewel of Srivijaya’ to the enchanting melodies of Studio Ghibli’s Kiki’s Delivery Service. Catch Lien Boon Hua as he masterfully leads the orchestra in perfect harmony.
Tickets start from $7. Book now.
June 6 and 7
How do you keep fading traditions alive? Ding Yi Music Company takes up this challenge in the final installment of its Disappearing… series, using the emotive power of Chinese chamber music to honour Singapore’s disappearing artisanal trades. Featuring the meticulous craft of lion dance head-making, the intricate weaving of rattan, and the making of the Malay songkok, this performance showcases the beauty of these time-honoured skills through a combination of live music and craft demonstrations.
Tickets start from $35. Book now.
June 7
This heartfelt tribute by Singapore Chinese Orchestra honours Lim Tze Peng, one of Singapore’s most celebrated artists and a 2003 Cultural Medallion recipient. This captivating showcase seamlessly blends orchestral music with visual art to celebrate the late calligrapher and painter’s life and legacy, highlighting a distinctive artistic voice that tells a uniquely Singaporean story.
Tickets start from $20. Book now.
Gather the kids for the sensory-based theatrical performance The Spice Mission (May 10 and 11) by The Solitude Movement, where they’ll be introduced to the raw ingredients of sambal chilli to help them understand how contributions from different races enrich Singaporean cuisine. Then groove to Radiance.Flourish (May 17 and 18), a stunning dance showcase by the young dancers from DES Performing Arts Academy, and buckle up for a blast to the kampong past with a storytelling of When the Storm Comes (May 31 and June 1) by Bitesize Theatre.
With a lineup packed with show-stopping performances, interactive experiences, and cultural deep-dives, Cultural Extravaganza 2025 is where tradition meets reinvention. Discover more here.