Monstrous Fun! 2026 returns this June Holidays at The Arts House

Little Monsters Take Over The Arts House at the Old Parliament – Monstrous Fun Returns with Stories, Crafts and a Monster Parade

This May, Arts House Group brings Monstrous Fun back to The Arts House at the Old Parliament, inviting families to a weekend of imagination, creativity and literary play from Friday 29 May to Sunday 31 May 2026.

Monstrous Fun 2026

Monstrous Fun 2026 invites families to discover children’s literature through interactive performances, hands‑on workshops, a bustling book fair and a lively Monster Parade that brings young readers and stories out into the Civic District. As part of Civic District Children’s Season 2026, the festival offers three afternoons of accessible, family‑friendly experiences designed especially for children aged five and above.

This year’s edition features a new slate of programmes developed with artists, publishers and creative partners, transforming the historic The Arts House at the Old Parliament into a playful space for storytelling, art making and collective imagination.

“Monstrous Fun reflects Arts House Group’s commitment to nurturing young audiences through imaginative and accessible arts experiences. The festival creates space for families to engage with children’s literature through play, discovery and shared moments that make stories come alive,” said Christie Chua, Head, Venue Programming, Arts House Group.

As part of Arts House Group’s community engagement efforts, Monstrous Fun 2026 features a Monster Hunt developed in collaboration with students from the School of the Arts (SOTA). Created with young creatives, the activity invites families to explore The Arts House at the Old Parliament through playful discovery, reinforcing the festival’s focus on participation, imagination and shared experiences. SOTA student Adisti Nismara Nazeli contributed to this year’s Monster Hunt alongside her peers. She said, “I feel honoured to be part of Monstrous Fun, where we as SOTA students are able to share our creative work for children to enjoy. The theme for the Monster Hunt, Once Upon A Monstrous Fun, draws on fairytales and an appreciation for the literary arts, transforming storytelling into an immersive experience. I strongly believe that early exposure to the arts matters, as it shapes how children perceive creativity and learning in the long run. This has been an exceptionally rewarding experience so far.”

TOP HIGHLIGHTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS

Monster Parade

Families are invited to dress up in their own monstrous creations and join the Monster Parade led by Britney, the resident monster. Children can come dressed in their best monster dress-up or show off their best monstrous moves as they parade through the Civic District in a joyful celebration of stories and creativity.

The festival also connects with the Singapore International Festival of the Arts’ (SIFA) Festival Play!Ground activities in the Civic District, with the Monster Parade leading families towards the SIFA public art installation at Anderson Bridge, extending the arts experience beyond the venue.

Journey West – Web of Deceit

Paper Monkey Theatre presents a parent-child interactive performance where puppetry and storytelling inspired by Singapore and Southeast Asian cultures spark participation and shared discovery.

The Monstrous Fun Book Fair

A curated book fair featuring children’s titles by local publishers, with a focus on Singapore literature for young readers. As part of a broader effort to nurture literary engagement, patrons who take part in the Monster Hunt drop‑in activity will receive $3 book vouchers.

Drop‑in Activities for All Ages

Monstrous Fun 2026 invites visitors of all ages to explore, create and play across The Arts House at the Old Parliament and its surrounding spaces. From hands-on artmaking such as Monster Doodles with Ellie Belly, Touch Wood! A Superstitious Storytelling & Song Session and Monsters Have Feelings Too!, to interactive encounters like Monsters Beneath Our Feet and guided illustration workshop Magical Sweet Monsters: From Yuck To Yum!, families can enjoy a wide mix of workshops, performances and storytelling experiences throughout the weekend.

Visitors can also roam freely through participatory installations like The Garden or relax with stories at Read on the Go for Kids, which spotlights Singapore children’s literature through curated book showcases and live storytelling sessions.

Community Art Installation

A collaborative outdoor art installation by Sweet Tooth invites parents and children to engage with a public artwork inspired by children’s literature, set on the lawn.

Civic District Art Bus

A free hop-on, hop-off Art Bus operates Fridays to Sundays, 12pm – 7pm from 15 May to 7 June, running between Raffles City and Funan and connecting key arts venues including The Arts House at the Old Parliament and Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. Visitors can easily catch programmes from Singapore International Festival of Arts, Children’s Season and Monstrous Fun in a single journey.

Monstrous Fun 2026 will be a visual spectacle with abundant photo and video opportunities.

🎭🎪 JUNE SCHOOL HOLIDAY 2026 🎪🎭

Welcome to the June school holidays! Make the most of the break with your little ones – explore our curated list of fun, engaging, and family-friendly activities happening across Singapore during the June School Holidays in Singapore 2026.