A four-day weekend approaches, and if you’re one of the few patriotic peeps still in town for National Day on Friday, followed by Hari Raya Haji’s spillover public holiday on Monday, we’ve got good news for you. There’s plenty to do around town, from disco raves and art markets to fireworks fiestas and family-friendly fun.
So don’t just spend it all catching up on sleep — the country’s action-packed this August, and you’ll wanna be there (at least for some of it.)
Disco Lah!
On the 71st floor of Swissôtel The Stamford, Bar Rouge throws a party for the nation’s 54th, with a screening of the parade, bird’s eye views of the Padang happenings, and local snacks like ice cream sandwiches, kacang putih cones, and milo dinosaur drinks. Beats will be provided by Kenneth Francis, Matty Wainright, and Stephen Day.
Aug 9, 4pm-late at Bar Rouge. Free entry till 10pm.
Gardens by the Bay
The Gardens get into full swing for the festivities, starting with the Orchid Extravaganza – ‘Our SingaPop’ Edition floral display in the Flower Dome curated by Dick Lee and costume designer Yang Derong. Over the Aug 2-4 and 16-18 weekends, watch out for Legends of Singapore, as performers put on The Scourge of the Swordfish and The Friendly Snake.
On National Day weekend, there’ll be a concert featuring the local likes of Kit Chan, Dick Lee, Rahimah Rahim, Jasmine Sokko, Kumar, Aisyah Aziz, and Fakkah Fuzz. Plus, the Supertree Grove’s nightly show Garden Rhapsody will be set against a backdrop of 11 familiar tunes rearranged by musicians like Joanna Dong and Rani Singam this month.
Until Aug 29, various timings at Gardens by the Bay. Free.
I Am Citizen
The Local People collaborate with the Singapore Land Authority to throw an “alternative cultural celebration” at the former St. Andrew’s Mission Hospital, right next to Maxwell Food Centre. Local artists will be transforming the space with art installations inspired by the theme Singapore, Our Home, and yes, there’ll be a live streaming of NDP and the fireworks show, too.
Besides the regular art market stocked with the wares of homegrown designers and makers, there’ll be craft workshops and performances going on as well.
Aug 9, 5pm-11pm at 5 Kadayanallur St.
Majulah! National Day Fiesta
While the sun still shines bright, you’ll be nibbling on “Singapore-style” BBQ bites and participating in old school games and face painting sessions at the Cé La Vi rooftop lounge. But once the stars come out in the night sky, gear up for a colorful explosion over the city, and party it up afterwards with house and nu-disco grooves by local DJs and musicians.
Aug 9, 4pm-late at Cé La Vi Club Lounge. $28-$48, includes a drink.
Monti’s National Day Party
With plush views of the waterfront fireworks, Monti gets into the National Day mood with a live screening of NDP while diners dig into their four-course omakase menu (adults $168, kids $98). Afterwards, head up to the rooftop space for the tunes of DJ Resty, followed by the after-party at the club.
Aug 9, 5pm-late at Monti. Rooftop and after-party $60, includes two drinks; after-party $20-$30, includes one drink.
National Day Sky High Party
For panoramic views of the CBD and Marina Bay, make your way to 1-Altitude and watch the aerial display and crackling fireworks at the alfresco space. As you mingle with fellow party-goers all dressed in red and white, you can try a couple of the bar’s “local-flavored” cocktails to get the night going.
Aug 9, 5pm-late at 1-Altitude. before 9pm $54, after 9pm $45; both include two drinks.
National Museum of Singapore
The museum takes a family-friendly route to the celebrations, with an outdoor showcase of NDP on the front lawn, as well as screenings of the 15 Shorts film initiative and Kelvin Tong’s Republic of Food, craft making, performances featuring (what else?) National Day tunes, a photography exhibition on national identity, and loads of interactive activities. Oh, and you’ll wanna come in red and white to feel right at home.
Aug 9-10, Fri 10am-9pm, Sat 10am-7pm at National Museum of Singapore. Free.
National Day Fiesta: Viva Singapore
Throw on your finest red and white threads for a bayfront shindig at Super Loco Customs House, where there’ll be a piñata bashing competition, free flow food and drinks, and unobstructed views of the fireworks display. DJ Tyler Made will provide the house and Latino beats, and the menu includes DIY tacos and margaritas, as well as unlimited tostadas, ceviche, croquettes, churros, wines, and more.
Aug 9, 5pm-late at Super Loco Customs House. Food free flow from 6pm-9pm, drinks free flow from 5:30pm-8:30pm. Adults from $125, children aged 7-11 $40.
Open Door: National Day Edition
Party people Ice Cream Sundays and local record label Darker Than Wax are getting together to host a National Day-themed party for the third edition of their Open Door series. With sweet views of the night’s pyrotechnics, the event will feature a National Day-inspired social mural that visitors can participate in painting, a decorative installation, visual projections on the dance floor, and beats by eight DJs, including Rah, Funk Bstrd, Muto Masashi, and Bongomann.
Kona Brewing Company will also be present with its range of beers, and Popbar will serve its gelato popsicles that can be customized with dips and toppings.
Aug 9, 2:30pm-10:30pm at Golden Mile Tower, L5 carpark. Free before 5pm, “pay what you want” after 5pm.
Tanjong Paradisco
Tanjong Beach Club turns 10, coinciding with the country’s celebrations, and it’s throwing a huge summer shindig to commemorate the decades. Saturday brings with it a bottomless champagne brunch with seafood, roast meats, and cheeses ($148-$208), as well as beachside yoga sessions ($25/class) that come with a complimentary glass of rosé lemonade. Also look out for silkscreen printing and paper marbling workshops, a doggo zone for your furry friends to hang, and an all-day tiki party with boogie beats by DJs Cats on Crack, Daryl Knows, Mr Has, Tyler Made, KFC, and more.
On Sunday, the Ultimate DJ Blowout ($75-$85) features names like Bondax, Rac, Ray Mang, and Downtown Party Network on the line-up, taking you from day to night with party tunes.
Aug 10-11, Sat 9am-midnight, Sun 2pm-2am at Tanjong Beach Club. Free for Sat (not including brunch and yoga), $75-$85 for Sun, $308 for the weekend (all-inclusive).
The Zouk Singapore Workout
Zouk kicks off the weekend by going old school with retro night Mambo Jambo on Thursday (plus trance DJ/producer Menno de Jong at Capital if you’re not the synchronized dancing type), followed by resident DJs going loco for local with electro tunes on Friday, and dance-worthy bangers on Saturday.
Aug 8-10, 10pm-late at Zouk. Various entry fees.
Watch it Wet: NDP 2019
If you can’t be bothered to squeeze your way through the crowds, grab a drink at The Projector and watch the parade on the screen from the comfort of your own seat. It’ll be National Day like you’ve never seen it before, thanks to the live commentary provided by drag queen Becca D’Bus.
Aug 9, 5pm-8:30pm at Intermission Bar, The Projector. Entry fee is pay as you wish (suggested $15 min).
READ: Red and white pride: All the locally-inspired foods in Singapore for National Day 2019
