PRESSPLAY 2026 at the Central Library
We’re seriously judging anyone who’s still on Team “There’s Nothing To Do in Singapore”. From HallyuCon 2026 to the Bras Basah Complex Open House happening this weekend, the events calendar is already packed – and here’s one more to add to your list before the weekend even starts.
The Central Library at Bugis is transforming into a silent disco on 7th March 2026 with PRESSPLAY 2026, a festival for all to explore new ways of experiencing the arts. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming after-hours party.
What is PRESSPLAY 2026?
The National Library Building.
Image credit: WalkHere AndThere via Google Maps
It’s an arts festival organised by the National Library Board, with fringe programmes that kicked off in February and more happening throughout March. These events are taking place in libraries across the island, turning our usual quiet reading spots into spaces for creativity and performance.
The main festival, however, happens on 7th March 2026 at the Central Library on B1 of the National Library Building, from 5pm to 12am. For 1 night only, the library will swap its usual hush-hush rules for something livelier.
Aside from the silent disco, you can also expect performances by local bands, craft stations, a curated art market, and even free merch to take home. This will probably be the only time you’ll see people making noise and dancing in a library after dark.
What can you do at the main festival?
Shop at the arts market
Image credit: National Library Board
Before you dance the night away, head to the arts market to shop for wares by local makers. Vendors you’ll find here include Figgy Wiggy, known for their clicky fidget toys inspired by local snacks and kueh, and Placate The Gods, a local apparel brand selling graphic tees.
Time: 5pm-11pm
Check out art installations
Image credit: National Library Board
Then take a break from shopping by checking out the 2 art installations: Curious W(e)ave | A Sea of Permission. and ART-ZOO’s MatchUp.
The former is a piece made using macrame, a textile art form that focuses on knotting techniques, as well as weaving.
Time: 5pm-11pm
Take part in hands-on art-making activities
Image credit: National Library Board
There’ll also be 4 different drop-in art-making experiences for you to unleash your creativity. Pick 1 or drop by the different booths and rooms before midnight to try your hand at a few.
| Activity | Organiser | Venue | Time |
| Street art experience | DPLMT | Plaza | 7pm-10pm |
| Silkscreen painting | How to Ink | Programme Room 1 | 7pm-11pm |
| Alphabet embroidery | Beadbadwolf | Programme Room 1 | 7pm-11pm |
| Plastify | Plastify | Programme Room 1 | 7pm-11pm |
Catch live performances
Image adapted from: @layyimusic & @sun__cell via Instagram
Don’t forget to show your support for our local bands, as they’ll be performing throughout the night to keep the vibes going. Here’s a quick breakdown of the schedule for the live performances:
| Performer | Venue | Time |
| STEP Studio | Lobby | 7.30pm-8pm |
| LAYYI | SG Alcove | 9pm-9.30pm |
| SHYE | SG Alcove | 9.45pm-10.15pm |
| Sun Cell | SG Alcove | 10.30pm-11pm |
| Forests | SG Alcove | 11.15pm-11.45pm |
Party it up at the silent disco
Image credit: National Library Board
In between all the other activities, there’ll also be a 2-hour silent disco for you to let loose. If you’ve never tried one before, the concept is simple: pop on a pair of wireless headphones, tune in to the music, and dance your heart out.
It might look a little funny to anyone walking past – a bunch of people dancing in what looks like complete silence – but it’s also kinda genius. After all, if there’s any way to throw a party in a place where we’re usually expected to whisper, this has to be it.
Time: 9pm-11pm
Claim freebies like charms & stickers
Image adapted from: @publiclibrarysg via Instagram
You’ll also get to bring home tokens from the festival for free. Simply provide feedback on your experience through a survey form to redeem a sticker sheet, and borrow 4 books on 7th March 2026 from 5pm onwards to claim an exclusive CD charm.
How to get to the Central Library
The nearest train station is Bugis MRT – take Exit C, and you’ll get to the Central Library in about 6 minutes on foot.
A different library experience at the PRESSPLAY 2026 festival
If your last memory of the library involves mugging for exams or tiptoeing past the librarian, PRESSPLAY 2026 is here to change that. Who knows – this might just be the most fun you’ve ever had in a place normally reserved for whispering.
Find out more about PRESSPLAY 2026 at the Central Library
Admission: Free
Date: 7th Mar 2026
Time: 5pm-12am
Sign Up with TSL Connect
More events in Singapore:
Cover image adapted from: National Library Board