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Create memorable family experiences by being a home tourist in Singapore! Discover massive savings and fun activities at BookFest@Singapore 2026, alongside the literary magic of the Singapore Writers Festival.
By Sharon Poh
Treat your little ones to some well-deserved post-examination fun this November! The Bras Basah.Bugis (BBB) and Civic District art precincts are coming alive across two blockbuster weekends from 14 to 22 November 2026.
Follow this curated itinerary to navigate the area like a seasoned insider. You will discover a comprehensive roadmap to snag massive deals and participate in activities at BookFest@Singapore 2026, explore the completely free, marine-themed Children's Biodiversity Library, and appreciate the literary works at Singapore Writers Festival (SWF) 2026. Read on to find out how to dodge the heaviest crowds and maximise your SG Culture Pass credits for a budget-friendly, stress-free weekend adventure that both kids and parents will love.
The Marine & Retail Exploration (14 – 15 November)
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Fuel for the Day
⏰9:00AM
📍 The Glasshouse | Chjimes, #01-03
Start your weekend morning inside a beautiful glass pavilion that is family-friendly and highly photogenic. Famed for their specialty coffee, artisanal sourdough toasts, and hearty Australian-inspired brunch items, this is the perfect breakfast to prepare you for the full-day exploration. It is the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy breakfast together as a family – a luxury that is impossible during mad morning rush on school days.
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Crowd-Free Marine Morning
⏰10:30AM
📍 Children’s Biodiversity Library | National Library Building, Basement 1
After a hearty breakfast, visit Singapore’s first marine biodiversity-themed learning space managed by Singapore Oceanarium. A collaboration between Resorts World Sentosa and National Library Board, this is specially curated for children to foster a love for reading while raising awareness on marine biology and conservation with opportunities for coral reef and marine specimen observations, alongside immersive underwater video projections.
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Artisanal Treasure Hunting
⏰12:30PM
📍 OOPS! Market | Bras Basah Complex, Level 1 Atrium
Stroll to this highly anticipated pop-up creative handicraft and design market showcasing unique, artisan-made products. Organised by local creative agency adamsapple, this is the ultimate space to discover works from homegrown talents. Browse an eclectic mix of original art prints, independent illustrations, handcrafted jewellery, and rare vintage collectibles before the post-lunch crowd arrives.
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Authentic Local Favourite
⏰1:30PM
📍 Chin Chin Eating House | 19 Purvis Street
Operating since 1934, this eatery is a legendary, family-owned time capsule with its traditional interiors and nostalgic décor. Renowned for their heritage Hainanese dishes, the menu includes a highly-raved Hainanese Pork Chop smothered in a tangy gravy, a comforting Hainanese Chap Chye (mixed vegetables) that feels like home, and a signature Hainanese Steamed Chicken Rice that famously earned Mandopop singer JJ Lin’s stamp of approval.
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BookFest Opening Weekend
⏰3:00PM
📍 POPULAR Flagship Store | Bras Basah Complex, #04-23/33
After a comforting lunch, dive into the engaging programmes of BookFest@Singapore 2026 alongside massive deals such as Star Buys of up to 70% off! Plus, get a $8 Book Voucher with $120 nett spend in a single receipt. Take advantage of first-dibs inventory selection to replenish assessment books, stationery, and books before they sell out.
Related Reading:
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Relaxing Afternoon Kopi Break
⏰4:30PM
📍 Toast Box | Bras Basah Complex, #01-75
When retail fatigue kicks in, escape to this nostalgia-packed flagship store. Occupying the iconic, defunct Music Book Room premises, the café preserves its original 1980s storefront signage and retro fixtures. Recharge with traditional kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and kopi (or Milo for the kids) while surrounded by vintage vinyl records and an acoustic piano paying homage to local music history.
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Meet & Greet and Tech Deals
⏰6:00PM
📍 POPULAR Flagship Store | Bras Basah Complex, #04-23/33
The opening weekend afternoons are packed with meet & greet sessions and interactive activities for the kids. Return to BookFest and get up close and personal with your favourite book characters. Don’t miss our exciting mascot meet-and-greet sessions featuring Dog Man, Geronimo & Thea Stilton, and Chase & Rubble from PAW Patrol. Then, end your weekend by participating in the Crazy Auction at 7.30pm where you can bid for electronic gadgets and tech devices at unbeatable starting prices!
Related Products:
The Literary Appreciation & Grand Finale (21 – 22 November)
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Comforting Cha Chaan Teng Brunch
⏰10:00AM
📍 Keming Bing Sat 克茗冰室 | Funan Mall, #B1-29
Savour Hong Kong classics with Instant Noodles Soup topped with sunny-side up and luncheon meat, paired perfectly with See Mut Milk Tea (丝袜奶茶). Kids will love the signature Lava Polo Bun and viral Little Bear Iced Drink series featuring photogenic teddy bear-shaped ice cubes! After 11am, try their flagship No. 1 Best Selling Char Siew Scrambled Egg Rice served with sweet barbecue pork over runny scrambled eggs.
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Immersive Experience
⏰11:30AM
📍 National Gallery | 1 St Andrew's Road
As this is the finale weekend of SWF, don’t miss out on the many family-centric activities available. Use your SG Culture Pass credits to secure tickets to this well-celebrated literary event. Head to the Keppel Centre for Art Education (Level 1) where children can immerse in the tactile and sensory Colour Play Corridor to interact with lights and wall installations, dive into the Makers Studio to construct 3D art pieces, or explore the ‘A Brush with Forest Fire’ exhibition to experiment with colours and texture.
Then proceed to the Spine Hall (Level B1) to enjoy the ‘Fantastical Stories I Can Tell’ installation to explore the visual setups and interact with the sensory art exhibitions before the afternoon crowds arrive.
Key Visual of Singapore Writers Festival 2026. Courtesy of Arts House Group
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The Big 20 Finale
⏰3:00PM
📍 POPULAR Flagship Store | Bras Basah Complex, #04-23/33
Finally, make your way back to BookFest to purchase your final loots from this big sale event! Depending on the day you visit, you may get to meet best-selling Taiwanese author Peter Su or attend an exclusive members-only scented sand candle workshop. Also, don’t miss the thrilling ’02:20’ Time Challenge where you can win exciting prizes by stopping the timer at the magic mark of 2 minutes and 20 seconds.
And if you are one of the lucky customers to qualify for the Big 20 Finale, warm up your legs for the ultimate shopping spree. 19 winners get to pick any eligible items of their choice to fit into a shopping basket within 10 minutes. Plus, one grand prize winner will bring home $2,000 cash and prizes! Even if you are not competing, stay to soak in the high-octane adrenaline rush and cheer them on. With massive exclusive discounts and interactive family activities to enjoy, everyone is a winner at BookFest@Singapore 2026!
KEY FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS & MECHANICS:
- Massive Savings: Up to 70% off Star Buys islandwide.
- Spend & Save: Receive an $8 Book Voucher with a nett spend of $120.
- Time-Challenge: Stop the digital timer at 2:20 to win a $20 gift voucher.
- The Big 20 Finale (22 Nov): Spend a minimum of $80 between 13 and 19 November 2026 for a chance to secure an entry ticket to the grand finale and walk away with $2,000 in cash and prizes.
For more details on in-store promotions, click here.
Plan Your BookFest@Singapore 2026 Visit Today!
BookFest@Singapore 2026 officially opens from 13 November to 22 November 2026. Download the BookFest flyer and Tech-tastic flyer today to plan your purchases. For programmes and activities, visit our events page for more details. To make the most out of the event, join us as a member to get a Free Bento Lunch Box and unlock exclusive offers and privileges. Happy shopping!
Mascots, Mega Deals, and Magic: Event Highlights
Exclusively at POPULAR Bras Basah Complex
