The best things to do in Singapore this National Day

The biggest National Day celebration is, of course, the National Day Parade. This year, it returns to the historic National Stadium at The Kallang after a decade. NDP this year brings all the usual bells and whistles we love: a pre-parade featuring an athlete flag relay, the main parade with 32 civilian and military contingents, and favourites like the presidential gun salute and flag flypast. We then jump into a five-act NDP Show inspired by the theme 'Go Beyond', starring local acts like Iman Fandi, Jasmine Sokko and Dru Chen, backed by lots of synchronised lights, aerial performances, and drone shows. Oh, and of course, fireworks. 

Read our full guide to NDP 2026 here. 

National Day would not be the same without fireworks. This year, you can expect another spectacular show happening over 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, then there will be crowds. So chope your spot early at these best fireworks viewing spots – bring snacks, camping chairs or picnic mats, and an electric fan. 

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. On August 9, all exhibitions – including Once Upon a Tide: Singapore’s Journey from Settlement to Global City and Singapore Odyssea – will be open for free, with a live NDP screening on the Front Lawn.

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 opportunities on the Canopy Bridge, and a Jewel Rain Vortex light show set to Kit Chan’s "Home." Across the terminals, travellers can admire towering floral sculptures – including an illuminated bougainvillea tree at Terminal 2 – and enjoy live transit-area performances.

Ready to celebrate National Day on the wilder side of Singapore? Proudly wear your best red and white ensemble to Wild Day Out on August 8, a free, family-friendly event taking over Mandai Wildlife WEST. Roam the Kranji Countryside Association's signature farmers' market for fresh produce and artisanal goods, take part in complimentary hands-on workshops, and let your furry companions sniff out adventure at the new dog playground.

Once you've worked up an appetite, go on a wild food hunt across options like Food Republic, Han’s Union, Old Chang Kee Coffee House, COLLIN’s, Song Fa Bak Kut Teh, and Munchi Pancakes. There are also fringe activities at the interactive My Little Chingay Float Truck, and a free NDP Watch Party on August 9 at the new entrance of Singapore Zoo at Mandai Wildlife EAST, where you can cheer on wildlife educator Haniman Boniran in his NDP debut.

Things are about to get red, white and campy at Two Queens Asia’s National Gay Party. Trade the annual parade for the campiest birthday celebration possible at Two Queens Asia National Gay Party. It features a Merlion Masquerade theme and an "Auntie Chic" dress code, with prizes awarded throughout the night. The event includes performances by drag host Secret Melur, Julzdelrey, and Tamaara.shan, with DJ Anna Stacia and DJ Amanda Chuin spinning a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and club tracks.