How time flies. National Day is almost upon us, yet it seems not so long ago that we were bombarded with everything SG50. If you’re one of those staying behind this year (instead of escaping on a short getaway), you’re in luck, because there’s loads going on to keep you occupied.
Even better, everything on our list is free, and we know how much you guys love free stuff. Read on and pencil in these events into your calendar so you can celebrate SG51 the Singapore way: without paying a single cent.
Play kampong games and chillax to local music performances
Round up your little ones and head to the Families for Life Picnic, where there’ll be kampong games, National Day-themed sing-alongs, a screening of local film Long Long Time Ago Part 1, performances by local music acts and lots more.
Aug 6, 5pm-9.30pm at Marina Barrage.
Check out a three-day festival filled with a variety of performances
Since NDP is returning to the National Stadium for the first time after 10 years, Esplanade understandably feels kinda left out. As such, they’re creating their own mini parade to celebrate the big day — Spirit of the Parade, featuring performances by the Singapore Women Police Pipes and Drums, as well as the Deyi Military Band. But if you’d rather just walk around outdoors and check out the 50 booths featuring local artisanal goods, the Festival Village along Esplanade Waterfront is your best bet.
Other free stuff at the fest include visual arts exhibitions, film showcases, craft workshops, and talks about design, food and street photography.
Aug 7-9 at various locations and times around Esplanade.
Visit an iconic railway station for the last time
Bid adieu to the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station on National Day, ‘cause it’s one of the last times the national monument will be open to the public until 2025, when it’s integrated into the new Cantonment Station. You’re invited to sketch your impressions of the building and browse through a selection of the best photos from the Singapore Land Authority’s recent photo contest.
Aug 9, 9am-6pm at Tanjong Pagar Railway Station.
Watch the NDP fireworks display
Couldn’t get the coveted tickets to this year’s NDP? Chin up, guys. You can still catch the colourful fireworks for free. The obvious spots are Kallang Wave Mall or Kallang Riverside Park, but there’s also a bridge at Tanjong Rhu Promenade where you can claim your spot. Alternatively, go further out to Nicoll Highway Park or head to the Marina Bay area for a not-so-crowded experience.
Aug 9, 8.15pm-8.30pm at various locations.
Enjoy instrumental takes on Broadway hits
For a relaxing evening, grab a picnic basket and spread out a blanket at the Singapore Botanic Gardens to enjoy SSO Classics in the Park. The Singapore Symphony Orchestra will serenade you with classic tunes from Broadway favourites like West Side Story, The Sound of Music and My Fair Lady.
Aug 7, 6pm-7pm at Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage, Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Throw on your workout gear and head to a sports carnival
Sweat it out at Gardens by the Bay, which is throwing a fitness bash for Singapore’s 51st birthday. Think 60 minutes of non-stop dancing to top hits, alongside a sports carnival featuring shooting, bowling, sphere archery and inflatable obstacle course activities. To end off the family-friendly fun, the SAF Central Band and the Swiss Military Small Band will perform patriotic tunes.
Aug 7, 4pm-7.30pm at Supertree Grove Lawn, Gardens by the Bay.
Stroll down memory lane at a nostalgic exhibition
When better to look back on 50 Years of National Day Parades than on August 9 itself? The travelling exhibition, which showcases images of Singapore’s birthday celebrations over the years, returns to Kallang Wave Mall for display till National Day.
Until Aug 9, daily 10am-10pm at L1 Kallang Wave Mall.
