Gardens by the Bay is bringing back its annual Mid-Autumn Festival, and this year you'll be greeted by a new character named Fenbao and her companions. The festival runs from 12 to 27 September 2026, nightly from 6pm to 10pm, with free admission to all lantern zones.
If last year's edition starred Ang Ku Kueh Girl and her snack-inspired friends, 2026 takes a completely different direction.
Fenbao leads visitors through a fantasy world woven from light, nature and imagination, so don't expect the same lantern sets you might remember from previous years.
There are nine main lantern installations spread across Golden Garden, Supertree Grove, Dragonfly Lake and the Colonnade area, each one carrying its own chapter of Fenbao's journey through this enchanted garden under the full moon.
At Golden Garden, you'll find Moonlit Garden, where glowing flowers pave a path toward the moon, alongside The Path of Wonder, a flowing stream of lantern light woven through blossoming trails.
Supertree Grove alone hosts four installations. There's Waterfall Fantasy, The Garden Celebration, Colourful Blossoms, and Gateway of Wonders, a walkway of illuminated floral pillars perfect for photos.
Dragonfly Lake features The Voyage, showing Fenbao and her friends sailing across the water on the back of a celestial whale. Over at the Colonnade, you can't miss the Colonnade of Lights, a display of 1,000 colourful lanterns hand-painted by different community groups, arguably the best photo spot in the whole festival.
There's also The Dream Forest at The Planet, where trees glow softly in the dark to create a mystical forest atmosphere.
Beyond the lanterns, head to the marketplace at Supertree Grove for festive bites and carnival games with the family. Charges apply for food and rides here, though Gardens by the Bay attraction ticket holders and Friends of the Gardens members get special discounts.
If want something more hands-on, Craft Corner at the Colonnade runs five different workshops on a limited schedule across 13, 19-20, and 25-27 September.
You can build your own Rabbit Lantern for SGD 13, personalise a Bunny Buddy figurine for SGD 12, craft a kaleidoscope for SGD 12, or make a Tuan Shan mirror fan for SGD 15, a traditional piece symbolising reunion and good fortune. There's also a free lantern painting session on 25 September while stocks last.
Cultural performances round out the celebration. An LED Lion Dance kicks things off on 12 September at 8.30pm at Supertree Grove Lawn.
Closer to the end of the run, the Singapore Big Flag Championship takes over the lawn on 27 September afternoon, followed by a Dragon Dance that evening to close out the festival.
Want to stretch the Mid-Autumn mood a little longer? Flower Dome has its own programme running from 5 to 27 September.
Drop by the Fenbao Adventure Corner for storytelling and sing-alongs set in Fenbao's world, or grab a free lantern giveaway on select weekends at the South American Garden while supplies last.
There's also a dedicated lantern painting session inside Flower Dome on 26-27 September afternoons. As a bonus, kids aged 12 and below get free entry to Flower Dome throughout 5 to 27 September, though accompanying adults still pay standard admission.
Since this is an outdoor event, performances may be cancelled in the event of wet weather. Only battery-operated lanterns are allowed within the Gardens, so open flames like candles aren't permitted.
For getting around, take the MRT and alight at Bayfront or Gardens by the Bay station, as parking within the Gardens is limited throughout the festival period.
Mid-Autumn always feels a little more magical in Singapore, and Gardens by the Bay remains one of the best places to soak it in without spending a cent on entry.
Bring your family or partner for an evening stroll through the lanterns, then wind down at the marketplace with some festive snacks and a cultural show you'll only catch once a year.
