Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts
- 16 – 19 Apr 2026
Celebrate the icons and treasures of the Malay community in its diversity and richness through the best in theatre, dance, and music from the Nusantara (Malay Archipelago).
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay welcomes everyone to our 25th edition of Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts, taking place from 16 – 19 Apr 2026. Over the past 25 years, Pesta Raya has grown into a leading platform for the presentation, celebration and renewal of the Nusantara through the arts, galvanising communities while celebrating the richness, diversity and living traditions of the region.
The Visual Voice: Nonverbal Techniques for Compelling Stories
Don’t miss this masterclass by Ria, director of Papermoon Puppet Theatre, as she shares her experience in creating and presenting non-verbal stories.
In this masterclass, discover how simple objects become living actors, transcending language through deliberate movement, gesture and subtle nuance.
Tingkah Pandeka
Journey into Randai, a traditional performing art originating from the Minangkabau highlands of West Sumatra, Indonesia. Now a celebrated staple of the curriculum at Malaysia's National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA), Randai continues to gain popularity across the region.
Gotong Raya
Gotong Raya embodies the spirit of togetherness, preserving and refreshing Malay music so that it remains relevant for today’s generation.
Dendang Sayang - Irama Kasih dan Sayang
Dendang Sayang – Irama Kasih dan Sayang brings us back to the old days through gentle, expressive music.
Randai Macbeth
This is Shakespeare like you’ve never seen before: Reimagined through Minangkabau traditions and Malay cultural identity, Randai Macbeth is a thrilling adaptation of a popular Shakespeare classic by one of Malaysia’s most inventive playwright and director, Dr. Norzizi Zulkifli.
Image Credit: Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay
When
16–19 April, See the website for the opening hours.
Age
6+
Telephone number
Links
Address
Singapore1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
How to get there?
By Bus:
Bus Stop No. 02061 (The Esplanade)
Buses stop outside Esplanade Mall entrance along Raffles Avenue. Bus service numbers 36, 56, 70M, 75, 77, 97, 97e, 106, 111, 133, 162M, 171, 195, 531, 700A, 857, 960, 961, 1N, 2N, 3N, 4N, 5N, 6N, NR1, NR2, NR5, NR6, NR7, NR8
Bus Stop No. 02111 (Esplanade Bridge)
Buses stop along Esplanade Drive. Bus service numbers 10, 57, 70, 128, 162, 196, 531, 652, 656, 660, 700, 850E, 868, 951E, 971E
By MRT:
City Hall MRT (North-South (red) or East-West (green) line)
Esplanade MRT (Circle Line)
By Taxi:
The taxi stand is located at the entrance to Esplanade Mall along Raffles Avenue.