Get patriotic with our guide to great eats, family-friendly events, and the best deals as we count down to National Day in Singapore.
Preparations are underway at the Padang and the Promontory @ Marina Bay for National Day (9 August 2025)! The theme this year for SG60? Mahjulah Singapura, a familiar sentiment for anyone who has lived in Singapore. If you don’t have a parade ticket, don’t worry. We’ve scouted out the best things to do in Singapore this National Day (all while playing National Day songs to set the mood).
Guide to National Day 2025 in Singapore
1. What to expect on 9 August: Main parade and show segment
This year’s theme, “Mahjulah Singapura”, takes us back to Singapore’s roots. A timeless call for progress, it has rallied generations of Singaporeans. In celebration of 60 years of independence, we’re reflecting on how far we’ve come and looking ahead with hope, courage, and unity. For the first time ever, the show will unfold across the Padang and Marina Bay to create a synchronised experience of light, sound, and movement.
Here’s a quick overview of what to expect during the parade:
Pre-parade
- An opening performance by local musician Benjamin Kheng.
- The inaugural Jump of Unity by the Red Lions and the Republic of Singapore Navy’s naval divers.
- “Our Singapore Wish” performance by the Combined Schools Band, the TENG Ensemble, and Noemie.
Parade and ceremony
- Military Tattoo (a performance or display of armed forces) by the Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore Police Force Band, and student performers.
- March in by the Guard of Honour and Colours Party, alongside the SAF Volunteer Corps, SAF, SPF, and SCDF contingents.
- State Flag flypast, “Feu De Joie” rifle salute, and 21-gun presidential gun salute.
Show acts
- “Our People, Our Diversity”: Honouring Singapore’s historical roots and evolving identities, it’s performed by local artists including Charlie Lim, Kit Chan, Shye, Tosh Zhang, and Yung Raja.
- “Our Future, Our Aspirations”: An invitation for Singaporeans to reflect on their personal hopes. Look forward to performances by Lin Ying, Heema Izzati, PWD dancers, and a combined choir, while large-scale river floats glide across the Bay and the performance climaxes into a light show.
- “Our Resilience, Our Spirit”: Celebrating the strength we draw from our communities and the pioneers that came before us. A rising helium balloon is the performance’s centrepiece, with artists Dick Lee, Benjamin Kheng, Rahimah Rahim, and more performing.
- “Our Strength, Our Unity”: Celebrates the enduring Singapore spirit. It ends with a mass sing-along of the iconic Home.
Finale
- Stunning fireworks will cascade over the Padang.
- Singaporeans across the nation and abroad will come together for a Majulah Moment – reciting the pledge and singing the national anthem together at the cue of the SCDF’s Public Warning System.
2. Catch all the action by the bay
Marina Bay and the surrounding areas will act as expanded celebration zones. The Bay celebrations feature interactive experiences, carnival festivities, and live NDP screenings via large LED screens situated at Merlion Park, Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza, and the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre.
It’s also a great spot to catch performances on the new mobile floating stage, water floats, and light projections on the UOB Building Plaza 1 and Fullerton Hotel. Of course, you can’t forget about the fireworks!
Activities to catch include:
- Handicrafts (henna tattooing, fan painting, and marble design)
- Traditional games (chapteh, five stones, gasing, and more)
- Interactive booths
- Street performances
- Uncle Ringo Carnival
- Food market with local and fusion cuisine
3. Fireworks and NDP heartland activities
The annual celebration extends into our heartland areas, so if you didn’t score a ticket to the parade, the fun is coming to you! The parade isn’t the end of the festivities because come 10 August, a multitude of events will take place across Singapore at the following locations:
- Central Singapore District: Open field beside Bishan Junction 8
- North East District: Open field next to One Punggol
- North West District: Open field by Futsal Arena @ Yishun
- South East District: Open field beside Wisma Geylang Serai
- South West District: Bukit Gombak ActiveSG stadium
From 8 July, residents are welcome to collect their National Day Heartland Celebrations tickets at the closest Community Club. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to two per person. They’ll grant you access to all the fun activities:
- The military Mobile Column moving from the F1 Pit Building to heartland sites (live location tracking available on the NDP website)
- Red Lions Jump at Bishan at 4pm
- Fireworks and drone shows
- Carnival and family activities
- Live performances
- Aerial flypast by F-16 fighter jets around the island at 6pm
Rehearsal parades are already underway, so you can catch the upcoming fireworks during these dates:
- 26 July
- 2 August
- 9 August
4. Get playful at Play Nation Kopi Shop
In tribute to Singapore’s kopitiam culture, Play Nation has put together an experiential retail pop-up that’s so classically Singaporean. Taking a page out of the Jellycat experience in London, it offers plushies modelled after iconic breakfast items. The experience includes getting a “pour” of kopi and “grilling” your kaya toast to prep them before they head home with you.
When: 18 July to 17 August 2025, 11am to 9pm
How much: Plushies start from $14.90
Where: Play Nation Kopi Shop, Level 2, Marina Square, 6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039594
5. National Museum of Singapore’s biggest National Day celebration
A series of interactive experiences will take over the National Museum of Singapore in celebration of Singapore’s 60th year of independence. Taking inspiration from the beloved National Day theme song, “We Are Singapore”, this year’s activities are curated to honour the people, values, and stories that have shaped Singapore over the years.
Admire the museum’s commemorative SG60 exhibition bringing Singapore’s stories to life, a showcase and mural made from Lego bricks, a digital experience fostering creativity, and a light-up of the museum’s facade in the evening.
When: 18 July to 10 August 2025
How much: Free admission
Where: National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897
6. Chijmes and Capitol Singapore’s Blooming Tribute
Two of Singapore’s iconic landmarks will come alive with a multi-sensory celebration of local heritage and culture leading up to National Day. You’re invited to rediscover music, food, and traditions at Chijmes and Capitol Singapore!
Sing along with DJs and belt out memorable songs from stars like Stefanie Sun, JJ Lin, and more. Or join Voices of Singapore for sing-alongs, interactive games, and stories. Pressed flower art workshops will also take place at both locales, and you can redeem complimentary blooming pressed flower kits with every $60 spent at Capitol Singapore or Chijmes.
When: 26 July to 10 August 2025
How much: Free with some paid events
Where: Multiple locations including Chijmes and Capitol Singapore
7. 1-Group’s massive SG60 deals
Singapore isn’t the only one celebrating a huge milestone! F&B powerhouse 1-Group is also celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, launching a ton of deals and special menus across all of its concepts, including its newest brand, 1-Alfaro. Its locations are primed to be some of the very best for the festivities, with food and cocktails galore. We’ve got our eye on Monti’s special cocktail deal and National Day brunch, a National Day dinner experience at Kaarla, and all-you-can-eat plates at Wildseed Cafe.
When: Various dates in July and August
How much: Prices vary with each location
Where: 1-Group’s massive SG60 deals, multiple 1-Group locations including 1-Altitude Coast, Pulse, Sol & Ora, Oumi, and more
8. SG60 celebrations at Gardens by the Bay
Surround yourself with lush nature as you party it up for Singapore’s 60th. Gardens by the Bay has a slew of events you’ll wanna grab your loved ones for. Those who love a good light installation will adore Spark (31 July to 3 August), an exhibit made from biodegradable lights which will play for free at the Supertree Grove’s Lawn. Anyone with tickets to the Flower Dome can gasp in awe at the three Supertrees made from orchids surrounded by other Singaporean elements in the Orchid Extravaganza (1 to 31 August) showcase.
The annual Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp National Day concert (3 August) is also set to take place along with fringe activities, all for free! Catch local stars like Kit Chan, Taufik Batisah, Hady Mirza, and more celebrating the bonds of nationhood. Finally, if you need a place to watch the parade, Gardens by the Bay serves as one of five satellite sites where you can catch the live telecast on National Day.
When: Various dates in August
How much: Free admission, tickets required for entry to the Flower Dome
Where: Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
9. Singnation 2025
There’s nothing that shakes the soul quite like the way Singaporeans come together to sing National Day songs. This sing-along is so popular, it returns with its sixth edition! Gather with fellow Singaporeans in song and spirit to celebrate with a musical tribute at this free community event.
When: 2 August 2025, 7pm to 8pm
How much: Free admission
Where: Singnation 2025, Outdoor Plaza, Capitol Singapore, 13 Stamford Road, Singapore 178905
10. Science Centre Singapore’s Stem Fiesta
While celebrating National Day, take a trip to the west to catch Science Centre Singapore’s Stem Fiesta. An abundance of science-focused events for all ages await, as well as free entry to the Science Centre and Omni-Theatre, and discounts on selected areas like KidsSTOP and Snow City.
The Spectacular Science Show features swirling fire tornadoes and hydrogen balloon explosions designed to amaze, while the Electrified Elements Light Show is a power-packed display of lights, lasers, and robotics. Kids are also welcome to engage in hands-on activities involving insects, discovering DNA, and walking trails.
When: 9 to 11 August 2025, 10am to 5pm
How much: Free admission for Singaporeans and PRs, registration required
Where: Science Centre Singapore, 15 Science Centre Road, Singapore 609081
11. A cacao-crafted tribute at Level33
SG60 sees some of the greatest collaborations. Here, microbrewery Level33 teams up with Janice Wong for limited-time experiences that innovate local flavours with cacao pairings and sustainable gastronomy. Clink your glasses with the Cacao Sling – a variation of the Singapore Sling made with cacao nib-infused Brass Lion Singapore Gin. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the 100% pasture-fed tenderloin aged in Janice Wong’s pure bean-to-bar chocolate. It’s a pretty unique experience, we’d say.
Come National Day, Level33 will host a cacao experience. This immersive free-roaming dining experience includes a nine-course menu created by Level33’s executive chef Jake Kowalewski, weaving cacao with local flavours and sustainable twists. Plus, enjoy free-flow drinks and chef Janice’s edible art installation featuring four desserts.
When: Until 31 August 2025, cacao experience only available on 9 August
How much: Cacao experience starts from $328
Where: Level33, Marina Bay Financial Centre, 8 Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018981
12. Cosford Container Park’s National Day weekend market
National Day festivities are abundant at the newest and hippest container park in Singapore. Its popular weekend market, which boasts fantastic views of the airport runway, will feature a National Day-themed one. Expect to see booths set up by local vendors who’ll show off one-of-a-kind art pieces and vintage clothes.
When: 9 & 10 August 2025
How much: Free entry
Where: Cosford Container Park, 30 Cosford Road, Singapore 499550
13. Catch the annual Singapore Symphony National Day concert
A celebration is made even better with music, and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra’s (SSO) annual National Day concert puts us in the right mood for the patriotic festivities. Celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday with a showcase of the nation’s growing league of composers and musical artists. Saxophonist Lin Chien-Kwan and violinist Jonathan Ong will show off their talents, and the programme spotlights classics by Singaporean composers.
When: 16 August 2025, 7.30pm
How much: Tickets start from $15
Where: SSO National Day Concert, Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
14. Majulah Fiesta 2025: Singapore’s National Day extravaganza
Get ready to paint the town red (and white!) because Majulah Fiesta 2025 takes over the Singapore Sports Hub from 26 July. We’re expecting a full-on celebration just like last year – this means performances, roving acts, activities, and art markets galore. Keep tabs on it for more information!
When: 26 July to 23 August 2025
How much: Free entry
Where: Majulah Fiesta 2025, Singapore Sports Hub, Singapore 397718
15. Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art
It feels fitting that National Gallery Singapore’s tribute to SG60 is a new long-term exhibition focused on the country’s stories through art. With over 200 pieces and artefacts across four sections, visitors can explore Singapore’s evolving identity from the 19th century to the 1960s.
When: Ongoing
How much: Singapore citizens and permanent residents enter for free; tickets start from $20 for visitors
Where: National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
16. Soak in serenity at Sentosa’s Sunset Watch Party
When was the last time you paused to watch the sunset along our cityscape? If you work a typical 9-to-5, chances are, you’ve already missed the sun by the time you leave the office. Fret not; you can slow down and dip your toes in the sand at Sentosa. In this weekly ritual, book a spot on deck chairs, floor chairs, or beach towels and share a quiet moment with fellow sunset watchers. You’ll be zenned out in no time.
When: 13 June to 30 August 2025; every Friday and Saturday, 6pm to 8pm
How much: Free, registration encouraged to book your seats
Where: Sentosa, Palawan Beach
17. Check out the Istana Open House
We recommend keeping your eyes on the Istana’s website for its next open house. It’s the perfect place to get a glimpse of Singapore paraphernalia. Try a guided tour of the Istana grounds to explore its rich history, marvel at its architectural heritage, and smell the unique flora and fauna. You’ll even get to walk through the Villa, Japanese Garden, and Ceremonial Plaza.
When: Date TBD, 8.30am to 6pm
How much: Singapore citizens and Singapore permanent residents enter for free; tickets start from $20 per adult and $10 per child from 4 to 12 years old
Where: Istana Open House, Orchard Road, Singapore 238823
Celebrate with all the fun activities for National Day 2025!
