Singapore's literary scene is vibrant and diverse, with several major festivals held annually that bring together authors, publishers, readers, and industry professionals. Whether you are a lifelong book lover, a budding writer, or a parent looking for children's literary events, these festivals offer something for everyone. This guide covers the key literary festivals in Singapore, what to expect at each, and practical tips for making the most of your visit.

From the flagship Singapore Writers Festival to the specialised Asian Festival of Children's Content, each event has its own character, programming, and audience. Understanding the differences will help you choose which festivals to attend and how to prepare. We also include information on where to buy books, borrow from libraries, and discover independent bookstores in Singapore.

Singapore Writers Festival (SWF)

The Singapore Writers Festival (SWF) is the island's largest and most prominent literary event. Organised by the National Arts Council and curated by a rotating team of literary professionals, SWF typically takes place over 10 days in November at venues across the Civic District, including the Arts House, the National Library Building, and the Victoria Theatre. The festival was first held in 1986 and has grown from a small gathering into a major international event featuring over 200 speakers from more than 20 countries.

Programming and Highlights

SWF offers a wide range of programmes, including panel discussions, workshops, masterclasses, book launches, poetry readings, and performances. Themes vary each year, but common threads include Singaporean identity, multilingualism, diaspora literature, and the intersection of literature with politics, history, and technology. The festival also features a dedicated programme for children and families, with storytelling sessions, craft activities, and interactive workshops.

Notable past speakers include Nobel laureates such as Wole Soyinka, Man Booker Prize winners like Arundhati Roy, and internationally acclaimed authors like Junot Díaz, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Neil Gaiman. Local literary figures such as Alfian Sa'at, Balli Kaur Jaswal, and Cyril Wong are regular participants.

Ticket Prices and Booking

Tickets for individual sessions range from S$8 to S$20 for standard admission, with concession rates for students, seniors, and NSFs. Festival passes are available, typically priced around S$80 for a full-access pass that includes all ticketed sessions. Some events, especially those held outdoors or in public spaces, are free. Booking opens about six weeks before the festival and is done through the official SWF website or the SISTIC platform.

What to Bring and Wear

Venues are air-conditioned, so bring a light jacket. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as venues are spread across the Civic District. A notebook and pen are useful for jotting down ideas or author insights. Most sessions allow photography without flash, but check the rules for each event. You can also purchase books at the festival bookshop, which is operated by a local bookstore such as Times Bookstores or BooksActually.

Asian Festival of Children's Content (AFCC)

The Asian Festival of Children's Content (AFCC) is a specialised festival focused on children's literature, publishing, and media. Organised by the National Book Development Council of Singapore (NBDCS), AFCC is held annually in May or June at the National Library Building. It began in 2010 and has become a key platform for writers, illustrators, educators, and publishers from across Asia.

What to Expect

AFCC features a mix of professional development programmes for industry insiders and public events for families. The professional track includes masterclasses on writing and illustrating for children, panel discussions on publishing trends, and networking sessions. The public track includes storytelling sessions, book signings, art workshops, and performances. The festival also hosts the Scholastic Asian Book Award ceremony, which recognises outstanding works of fiction by Asian writers.

Admission to the public programmes is often free or low-cost, with ticketed professional workshops priced between S$30 and S$100. A festival pass for the full three days costs approximately S$150 for industry delegates and S$80 for educators.

Tips for Families

Arrive early for popular storytelling sessions, as seats fill quickly. The National Library Building has a dedicated children's section on the third floor, which is worth exploring between events. Bring your NLB library card to borrow books from the library's collection after the festival. You can also check out the eBook borrowing options for digital children's titles.

Singapore Book Fair

The Singapore Book Fair is an annual event organised by the Singapore Book Publishers Association (SBPA) and the National Library Board (NLB). It is typically held in June or July at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre or the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre. The fair has been running since 1993 and is one of the largest book exhibitions in Southeast Asia.

What to Expect

The Singapore Book Fair is primarily a retail event where publishers and booksellers offer books at discounted prices, often 20% to 50% off retail. It also includes author meet-and-greet sessions, book launches, and educational talks. The fair attracts over 200 exhibitors, including major publishers like Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and local houses like Epigram Books and Marshall Cavendish.

Admission is free, but some special events may require a ticket. The fair typically runs for 10 days, from 11am to 9pm daily. This is an excellent opportunity to buy new books at a discount, especially if you are looking for specific titles. For more on buying new books, see our guide to where to buy new books in Singapore.

How to Prepare

Make a list of books you want to buy and check the exhibitor list in advance. Bring a reusable shopping bag or a small trolley, as you may end up buying more than expected. Cash is accepted, but many exhibitors also accept credit cards and PayNow. If you are looking for rare or out-of-print titles, the fair is less likely to have them; instead, consult our list of rare book dealers in Singapore.

Literary Festival at the National Library (LIT Fest)

LIT Fest is a biennial festival organised by the National Library Board (NLB) that celebrates reading, writing, and storytelling. It is held at the National Library Building and various public libraries across Singapore. The festival typically takes place over two weekends in March or April and features a mix of free and ticketed events.

What to Expect

LIT Fest focuses on promoting a love of reading among all age groups. The programme includes talks by local and international authors, creative writing workshops, bookbinding classes, and storytelling sessions for children. There is also a strong digital component, with workshops on creating e-books, podcasting, and digital storytelling.

Most events are free, but registration is required due to limited capacity. You can register through the NLB website or the GoLibrary app. The festival also features a book sale by the NLB's Friends of the Library, where used books are sold at S$1 to S$5 each. For more on borrowing books, see our complete guide to buying and borrowing books in Singapore.

Other Notable Literary Events

Beyond the major festivals, Singapore hosts several smaller literary events throughout the year. The Singapore Poetry Festival, organised by the Singapore Poetry Writing Group, is a month-long event in August that includes poetry readings, workshops, and open mic sessions at venues like the Esplanade Library and independent bookstores. The Georgette Chen Literary Festival, named after the pioneering Singaporean artist, focuses on art and literature and is held annually at the Singapore Art Museum.

Book swap events are also popular. Organisations like the Singapore Book Council and community groups host book swap events where you can exchange your old books for new-to-you titles. These events are often free and held at public libraries or community centres. For ongoing book exchange opportunities, check out community book exchanges in Singapore.

How to Make the Most of a Literary Festival

Attending a literary festival can be overwhelming, especially if you are new to the scene. Here are practical tips to help you have a rewarding experience.

Plan Ahead

Review the programme schedule online before the festival. Identify the sessions you definitely want to attend and note the venues and timings. Many festivals offer a mobile app or a PDF programme that you can download. Book tickets early for popular sessions, as they often sell out.

Arrive Early

Arrive at least 15 minutes before a session starts to get a good seat. For free events, the queue can be long, and seats are first-come, first-served. Use the extra time to browse the bookshop or explore the venue.

Bring Essentials

Bring a notebook and pen for taking notes during talks and workshops. A water bottle is useful, as venues may not have free water stations. A portable charger for your phone is also helpful if you plan to take photos or use the festival app. If you intend to buy books, bring a tote bag or small trolley.

Network and Engage

Literary festivals are excellent opportunities to meet authors, publishers, and fellow readers. Do not be shy about approaching speakers after a session or joining a Q&A. Many festivals have book signing sessions where you can get your books signed. Follow the festival on social media for real-time updates and to connect with other attendees.

Visit the Bookshop

Most literary festivals have a dedicated bookshop where you can purchase books by the featured authors. Some festivals also offer a book sale with discounted titles. If you are looking for secondhand books, check out our guide to best secondhand bookshops in Singapore. For those interested in buying used textbooks, see our article on buying used textbooks in Singapore.

Budgeting for a Literary Festival

Attending a literary festival does not have to be expensive. Many festivals offer free events, and even ticketed sessions are reasonably priced. Here is a rough budget breakdown for a one-day visit to the Singapore Writers Festival:

  • Ticket for two sessions: S$16 to S$40 (assuming S$8 to S$20 per session)
  • Festival programme booklet: Free (digital) or S$5 (printed)
  • Lunch at a nearby café: S$10 to S$20
  • One book purchase: S$20 to S$40 (average paperback price)
  • Transport (MRT or bus): S$2 to S$5

Total estimated cost: S$48 to S$110 per person. If you attend multiple days, consider a festival pass for better value. Alternatively, you can save money by borrowing books from the library after the festival. The NLB's interlibrary loan service allows you to request books from other libraries if they are not available locally.

Where to Buy Books During Festivals

Most literary festivals have a pop-up bookshop operated by a partner bookstore. For example, the Singapore Writers Festival has historically partnered with BooksActually and Times Bookstores. These pop-ups stock a curated selection of books by festival speakers as well as general bestsellers. Prices are usually at retail, but you may find festival-exclusive editions or signed copies.

If you cannot find a title you want at the festival, you can visit nearby bookstores. The Civic District is home to several bookshops, including the National Library's library shop, which sells books and gifts. For a wider selection, head to Bras Basah Complex, which houses multiple bookstores including Popular Bookstore and independent shops. Our guide to independent bookstores in Singapore provides more recommendations.

For those who prefer to shop online, many festivals offer virtual attendance options where you can buy e-books or audiobooks. The NLB's eBook borrowing service is a free alternative if you have a library membership.

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