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Singapore National Day 2026: 12 Best Events and Things to Do for SG61

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Singapore turns 61 this year, and the celebrations aren't just confined to August 9. All across the Lion City, the National Day kampung spirit is already in full swing, with exhibitions, performances and pop-ups happening before, during and even after the big day itself.

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Whether you're chasing fireworks, celebrating local heritage, or simply vibing with the red-and-white energy, there's no better time to show your Singapore pride. From dazzling fireworks displays to family-friendly festivals, here's our curated roundup of the best ways to soak in the season. Rally the crew and get ready to paint the town red and white.

1. Wave the Flag at the National Day Parade

The biggest National Day celebration is, of course, the National Day Parade (NDP). This year, it returns to the historic National Stadium at The Kallang after a decade. Expect all the beloved NDP staples: an athlete flag relay pre-parade, the main parade featuring 32 civilian and military contingents, and crowd favourites like the presidential gun salute and flag flypast. The five-act NDP Show, inspired by the theme 'Go Beyond', stars local acts Iman Fandi, Jasmine Sokko and Dru Chen, backed by synchronised lights, aerial performances and drone displays. And of course, the grand fireworks finale.

2. Catch the NDP Fireworks at The Kallang

National Day simply wouldn't be the same without fireworks. This year's spectacular show lights up the skies above the National Stadium, with accessible viewing points around the Kallang Basin, Tanjong Rhu, and from rooftops across town. If previous years are anything to go by, expect crowds — so chope your spot early at the best fireworks viewing locations. Bring snacks, camping chairs or picnic mats, and an electric fan.

3. Discover Singapore Myths at the National Museum

To mark Singapore's 61st birthday, the National Museum of Singapore is hosting a celebration packed with family-friendly workshops, craft activities, heritage hunts and mini-concerts. The festival debuts the 4th Migrant Workers Photography Festival under the theme 'Favourite Haunts', alongside 'Voyage of Icons', a nightly projection-mapping show by artist Howie Kim tracing Singapore's journey from settlement to global city. On August 9, all exhibitions — including 'Once Upon a Tide' — are free to enter.

4. Watch Jewel Rain Vortex Light Up to Kit Chan's 'Home'

Changi Airport and Jewel are celebrating National Day across all four terminals with festive performances, stamp hunts, floral displays and cultural activities. Jewel hosts Peranakan craft workshops, food pop-ups with Baba Nyonya Restaurant, traditional costume photo ops on the Canopy Bridge, and a Jewel Rain Vortex light show set to Kit Chan's iconic NDP anthem 'Home'. Across the terminals, towering floral sculptures and interactive exhibits add to the patriotic atmosphere.

5. Go Local at The Southern Market

Good food, cold beers, local brands and live bands — that's what awaits at The Southern Market. Hosted by The Southern Depot at Gillman Barracks, the SG61 edition spotlights homegrown craft, fashion, homeware and bakery brands. Enjoy wood-fired pizzas, pub-style dishes and fresh craft beers from Little Island Brewing Co., accompanied by live acoustic performances from duo Alyssa&Ash and singer-songwriter Xin Ya.

6. Paint a Community Mural at Kampong Gelam

Kampong Gelam celebrates with an all-day festive programme featuring multicultural music, local film screenings, a children's play corner and a mini-bazaar with indie food and craft stalls. Visitors can contribute to a collaborative batik-inspired community mural at Sultan Gate Park by reserving a timeslot in advance. Following the parade broadcast, catch screenings of two local football films.

7. Go Wild at Mandai Wildlife WEST

Ready to celebrate National Day on the wilder side? Wear your best red-and-white ensemble to Wild Day Out on August 8, a free, family-friendly event at Mandai Wildlife WEST. Explore the Kranji Countryside Association's farmers' market for fresh produce and artisanal goods, join complimentary hands-on workshops, and let your furry friends explore the new dog playground. When hunger strikes, feast at Food Republic, Han's Union, Old Chang Kee Coffee House, COLLIN's, Song Fa Bak Kut Teh, and Munchi Pancakes. There's also a free NDP Watch Party on August 9 at Mandai Wildlife EAST's new Singapore Zoo entrance.

8. Embrace the Kampong Spirit at Majulah Mess

Secret Pals and 5210PM host Majulah Mess at The Pantry at COMO Dempsey, delivering a patriotic, music-driven National Day celebration across two stages. The Treehouse stage offers house and disco sets by Secret Pals, 5210PM and Sivilian Affairs, while the SuperVision stage features bass heavyweights Revision Music and Super Enjoy. Family-friendly activities organised by Kids Space keep younger attendees entertained.

9. Feast at Laut's National Day Rally

Not that kind of National Day Rally — there'll be no policy reports or PM cameos here. Instead, Laut hosts a one-day, unticketed culinary gathering featuring a collaborative lineup of local F&B brands. Sample snacks from Orang Utan, Neapolitan-style pizzas by Chooby Pizza, and pastries from Chef Maxine Ngooi of Tigerlily Patisserie, paired with locally roasted coffee and craft cocktails.

10. Belt Out Mandarin Hits at MandoHearts

Calling all KTV royalty: it's time to warm up those vocal cords. MandoHearts returns for a one-night Mandopop event centred on classic heartbreak ballads. The evening kicks off with a karaoke competition offering a $500 cash prize, followed by DJ sets spinning hits from Jay Chou, Hebe Tien, JJ Lin, Mayday and G.E.M. At midnight, the party counts down to SG61 with songs by local icons Stefanie Sun, Tanya Chua and Kit Chan.

11. Party at Two Queens' National Gay

Things get red, white and wonderfully campy at Two Queens Asia's National Gay Party. Featuring a Merlion Masquerade theme and an 'Auntie Chic' dress code, the night includes performances by drag host Secret Melur, Julzdelrey and Tamaara.shan, with DJs Anna Stacia and Amanda Chuin spinning hip-hop, R&B and club tracks throughout the night.

12. See Singapore Through Tan Lip Seng's Lens at 'A Life in Colour'

See Singapore as you've never seen it before. Presented by Objectifs Centre for Photography and Film, 'A Life in Colour' is a landmark solo exhibition showcasing the archive of prolific photographer Tan Lip Seng. Timed alongside National Day, the exhibition captures everyday Singaporean life in vibrant detail — from wet markets to construction workers — tracing the nation's journey to a modern metropolis.

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