Your ultimate guide to Singapore's National Day 2026! Get patriotic with our guide to great eats, family-friendly events, and the best deals as we count down to the main event.
Preparations are underway at the National Stadium for Singapore’s National Day (9 August 2026)! The theme this year for 2026? Mahjulah Singapura, Go Beyond!, which encapsulates the enduring Singapore Spirit and a call for everyone to do better for Singapore and Singaporeans. 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).
Singapore National Day 2026: Details at a glance
Price: Free admission
How to get tickets: Tickets available via balloting on the NDP website; ballots open 23 May to 6 June, 12pm
When: 9 August 2026; rehearsals to take place on 25 July and 1 August
Address: Singapore National Day 2026, National Stadium, 1 Stadium Drive, Singapore 397629
1. Hot updates: A location and programme change
In lieu of a redesign of the Singapore National Day Parade experience, this year’s festivities will return to the National Stadium. Fun fact: it’ll be the first time in 10 years that the parade is being held there! With the National Stadium’s humongous seating capacity, more tickets are up for grabs. So you might be able to snag some coveted seats this year.
That being said, due to the new space and some safety concerns, we won’t be able to catch some much-loved segments of the National Day Parade. This includes the Red Lions parachute routine, the mobile column of the military, police and civil defence vehicles, and the military aircraft aerial display.
Fret not! We’ll be getting something new in place of the military displays too. Organisers will be putting together an indoor drone light show, accompanied by one of the largest indoor special effects presentations to date. It’s said to be more than twice as large as previous displays! We’ll also still be getting the fan-favourite fireworks displays during rehearsal shows and the actual parade.
2. What to expect on 9 August: Main parade and show segment
Despite the location change and some missing programmes, we’re expecting a spectacular National Day Parade! Here’s a quick overview of what to expect (with more details to come!):
Pre-parade
- A short film following the Singapore flag weaving through the heartlands
- Athletes flag relay
Parade and ceremony
- The largest and most diverse civilian participation performance
- State Flag Flypast
- Feu-De-Joie
- Presidential Gun Salute
Finale
- Stunning fireworks will cascade over the stadium.
- 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.
3. Fireworks and NDP heartland activities
No heartland activities have been announced for this year. However, here are some activities that have been mentioned that you should keep an eye out for:
- SG flag giveaways: Collect your Singapore flag from People’s Association Community Clubs, select Capitaland Malls, and select Courts stores.
- Majulah Hunt: A nationwide treasure hunt is about to take place! Join through a progressive web app with location-based storytelling and grab exclusive rewards along the way.
- Give As One SG: Volunteer your time with various initiatives on Giving Sg
- Majulah Moment: 2026 marks the 60th anniversary of our National Pledge! Singaporeans are invited to recite the Pledge on video and upload it to the NDP website to have a chance to be featured on the NDPeeps social media platforms.
4. Check out the Istana Open House
We recommend keeping your eyes on the Istana’s website for its next Istana 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: 26 July & 1 November 2026, 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
National Day Singapore 2026: Events happening around the island
5. Light Together Bras Basah.Bugis
Spend National Day with a special night out to check out a cool exhibition at Bras Basah! In conjunction with the Singapore Night Festival, this nighttime experience comes just in time for us to celebrate our nation’s birthday. This year, five locations will come alive with light up exhibitions celebrating local folklore and local stories.
When: 1 August to 5 September 2026; Sunday to Thursday, 7.30pm to 11pm; Friday to Saturday, 7.30pm to midnight
How much: Free admission
Where: Light Together Bras Basah.Bugis, multiple locations including Artsplace @ Waterloo Centre, Reflection Pool @ Bras Basah MRT Station, Stamford Place, Stamford Walkway, and National Museum of Singapore
6. SingNation! National
The seventh edition of SingNation! returns with a National Day edition this August, on the eve of National Day. This year’s edition also includes a special first – a one-day choir where Voices of Singapore members and their families will anchor the evening’s music. Join in for a massive open-air community sing-along! No registration needed, just show up and join the crowd.
When: 8 August 2026, 7pm to 8pm
How much: Free admission
Where: SingNation! National, Capitol Singapore Outdoor Plaza, 13 Stamford Road, Singapore 178905
7. SSO 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 61st birthday with a showcase of works by Singaporean composers, both past and present. This year’s concert features compositions from the likes of veterans Kelly Tang and Tsao Chieh, as well as young talents like Sulwyn Lok and Germaine Goh. The concert will also wrap up with the winning compositions of the concert’s 2026 Call for Compositions.
When: 15 August 2026, 7.30pm
How much: Tickets start from $15; eligible for SG Culture Pass
Where: SSO National Day Concert, Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
8. Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp National Day Concert
Taking place a week before the National Day parade is the National Day Concert hosted by Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp. This year’s concert invites audiences to reflect on the growth of a nation, and to think of that journey through the lens of a single seed. The concert will see performances from a multitude of local talents, including Rahila Rashun, Sarah Mae, Sherman Zhuo, Sharon Shobana, Shayne Ko, and more. Psst: be sure to come early with the kids to enjoy all the pre-concert fun!
When: 2 August 2026; pre-concert activities from 4.30pm, concert starts at 7.45pm
How much: Free admission
Where: Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp National Day Concert, The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay, 31 Marina Park, Singapore 019191
9. Inclusive Family Day at National Museum of Singapore
National Museum of Singapore returns with more celebrations leading up to the National Day parade! For its Inclusive Family Day, the National Museum spotlights Singapore’s myths, legends, and traditions. Sit in for an interactive storytelling of the legend of Sang Nila Utama, catch a vibrant performance by talented youths from the Metta Welfare Association, a community sing-along, and more. Now that’s an artsy National Day well spent!
When: 8 August 2026, 10am
How much: Free admission with some ticketed events
Where: National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897
10. STEM Festival
While celebrating National Day, take a trip to the Science Centre for the upcoming STEM Festival hosted by Singapore National Academy of Science (SNAS). Societies from SNAS will be hosting interactive booths and hands-on workshops so you can explore and experience each diverse field of science. You can also take a walk through the Science Centre’s galleries, join an immersive mystery trail, and catch captivating shows.
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. 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. The park is still on the lookout for vendors, and we’re excited to see who turns up!
When: 8 to 9 August 2026, 4pm to 10pm
How much: Free entry
Where: Cosford Container Park, 30 Cosford Road, Singapore 499550
Celebrate with all the fun activities for National Day 2025!
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the rehearsal dates?
The National Day Parade usually hosts combined rehearsals and previews at least a month before the actual day. These are the dates so far this year:
NDP combined rehearsals: To be determined
NDP previews: 25 July & 1 August
National Day Parade: 9 August
How do I get tickets?
Tickets to the National Day Parade are awarded by ballot. You'll find the link on the official NDP website and after submitting your details, you'll have to wait for successful bidding of your tickets.
Ballots open 23 May 2026, 12pm and close on 6 June 2026, 12pm.
Do I need to be a citizen to get tickets?
Yes. Tickets are limited to Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents as balloting for tickets requires a SingPass. Tourists and non-citizens can always catch the live telecast from home or head to public spaces near the National Stadium to watch the fireworks.
Will there be a military display?
Due to space and safety concerns, certain key segments of the show will not be going forward. This includes the Red Lions parachute routine, the mobile column of the military, police and civil defence vehicles, and the military aircraft aerial display.
Will there be fireworks this year?
Yes! Fireworks will still be fired off at the National Stadium, and there will also be a live drone show.
