Little SIFA is back this year after its successful first run in 2024, with more kid-friendly programmes and art installations. Needless to say, we’re all for it!
Believe it or not, the biggest performing arts fans in the HoneyKids team aren’t the writers; it’s our kids. Which is why we’re excited to hear that Little SIFA, the family-friendly programme pillar of Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA), is returning for a second edition this year.
What’s more, we’re told that Little SIFA is expanding its scope to cover more art forms beyond last year’s theatre and interactive installation. And better still – this year’s Little SIFA programmes are all FOC!
What’s happening at Little SIFA 2025
1. The House Between the Winds by Yang Jie
The little ones will be thrilled to see a magnificent sailboat travel across the festival ground. But that’s not all, kids are invited to be part of the sailboat’s ‘journey’ as it travels through Singapore’s history. Through this moving art installation, you and the kids get to experience how Singapore evolved from a trading post into a safe harbour and home for many of us.
When: Installation open for visiting daily from 19 May – 1 June, 10am -9pm; performance on 23-25 May and 30 May – 1 June 2025, 5-9pm
2. The Purple Symphony
Let the kids dance or sing along to The Purple Symphony’s rendition of familiar tunes at SIFA. Unlike most orchestras, this is one that’s comprised of talented musicians of all abilities, using a mixture of Asian and Western instruments to put on a twist on all-time favourite scores.
When: 23-25 May 2025, 7-7.30pm
3. Animal Farm (30-minute variation) by The Finger Players
Animal Farm may be quite heavy for the kids, but Little SIFA has a shorter variation of the full puppet show adaptation of the George Orwell classic. Think of this as a kid-friendly introduction to the story, with the chance for the littles to get up close and personal with the life-sized puppets of each character, which we heard were specially commissioned by The Fingers Player puppetry theatre company.
When: 30 May – 1 June 2025, 7-7.30pm
All of Little SIFA’s programmes will be held at Empress Lawn, near the Victoria Concert Hall and Asian Civilisations Museum.
Wait, there’s more to SIFA than Little SIFA…
We read that the first ever SIFA Pavilion is a great spot for you to visit with the kiddos too. Stationed in Bedok Town Square, the location will be transformed into an arts space for the duration of the festival to feature visual pieces and performances. Here are some of our top picks.
4. Speculative F(r)ictions by Brian Gothong Tan
Ever wonder about Bedok’s history? This multimedia experience uses CGI effects and glitch art to tell a reimagined story of the town’s maritime past. Really cool, especially for older kids!
When: Every Friday to Sunday from 16 May – 1 June 2025
5. A Future Untold
Kids love art; and they love it more when they can participate in it. A Future Untold is an art workshop that’s opened to the public, using marine debris to create unique ‘paintings’. We like that it encourages kids’ imaginations to run wild, while teaching them the importance of sustainability at the same time.
When: 23-25 May 2025, 4-9pm
6. Sing Song Social Club
A choir performance that allows its audience to join in? Count us (and the kids) in! Nothing makes the little ones happier than being able to sing their favourite tunes along with a big group. Sing Song Social Club provides everyone – young and young and heart – a safe space for their voices to be heard, we stan!
When: 1 June 2025, 8.15pm
From whimsical art installations to sing-along performances, there’s something for every family at SIFA 2025. So mark your calendars for these highlights, or check out the SIFA official website for other programmes and the full schedule.
This post is in partnership with Singapore International Festival of Arts.
