National Day 2024 sees Singapore turn 59 on Friday, August 9, with a new theme of ”Together, As One United People”. In honour of the occasion, our little island nation comes alive with a range of thrilling things to do and festive events in the lead up to and on National Day 2024. From family gatherings over the weekend on August 9, to the annual light-up by National Museum this week, and celebratory concerts…you can make incredible memories this year. Here’s 19 top picks of the best things to do this week and on National Day 2024 in Singapore.
1. See the parade at the Padang
The National Day Parade 2024 is the main event held at The Padang on August 9. Join thousands of fellow Singaporeans at the parade with more than 1,700 participants, ceremony and total defence parade with live shows, Red Lions parachutes, 21-Gun Salute, F16 Fighter Jets Flypast, and more – to celebrate Singaporean identity and resilience as a nation. The main event kicks off around 6.25pm with plenty of pre and post-parade activities throughout the day.Ā Get more details on the NDP website.
šThe Padang, Singapore 179861
2. Be enchanted by the National Museum Light-Up
Celebrate Singapore’s 59th birthday with the annual National Museum of Singapore Light-Up happening from August 1 to 9. This year’s event sees significant landmarks around the city illuminated in red and white. For instance, you can’t miss the Good Old Games: A Light-Up Installation, as well as children’s activities, a scavenger hunt, bouncy playgrounds, drum performances, a LIVE broadcast on August 9, and more.
šVarious LocationsĀ
3. Go to a concert at Gardens By The Bay
On August 4, Gardens By The Bay and Mediacorp returns with its iconic National Day Concert at The Meadow in Gardens By The Bay. The one hour and 30 minute concert will take place from 7.30pm, featuring local musicians, a carnival with bouncy castles and other family-friendly activities from 4.30pm, and a mesmerising fireworks display at night. It will be hosted by Mediacorp 987’s Avery Yeo and Hazelle Teo.Ā Certainly, a superb activity to do with children and one of the best things to do this National Day in Singapore.
šThe Meadow, Gardens By The BayĀ
4. Fall into a world of Frida Kahlo
The ArtScience Museum is currently hosting the immersive Frida Kahlo exhibition. Frida Kahlo: The Life of an Icon features eight thematic spaces filled with digital art, interactive installations, 360-degree projections, virtual reality, photographs, and films, and more – to transport visitors into Kahlo’s world of art and culture. It only runs until September 1 so it’s the perfect time to see what all the fuss is about over National Day 2024 week. Get tickets. Otherwise, learn more.
š6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974
5. Revel in joint Olympic and National Day celebrations
Get in on the combined Olympics action and National Day celebrations at CHIJMES and Capitol until August 11. Fans can support local athletes at a live screenings and enjoy a range of Olympic-themed activities, alongside National Day fun such as live screening of the parade and SingNation! 2024 on August 3 at 7.15pm at Outdoor Plaza.
š13 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178905
6. Celebrate at a museum
Why not go museum hopping in honour of Singapore’s 59th birthday? Wonderfully, there is a myriad of activities, that explore Singapore’s history and culture, popping up at galleries and museums around the island.
šVarious LocationsĀ
7. Catch the fireworks
We’ve seen the firework displays happening each weekend for the past few weeks. And now the real deal will take place on August 9 around 8.15pm after a showcase on August 3, alongside the national anthem. Singaporeans can see electrifying fireworks displays being set off from five different locations across the nation. Particularly, the best viewpoints are at Merlion Park, Marina Barrage, The Lawn, Esplanade, atop Marina Bay Sands, to name a few.
šVarious LocationsĀ
8. Grab some meal and drink deals
There’s no better way to celebrate National Day than indulging in all our favourite foods. There are a number of locally-inspired menus and drink promotions happening this month for National Day 2024. For example, there are nostalgic high teas, Black Tap’s iconic National Day crazyshake, buffet offerings, themed dishes at Marina Bay Sands, and so much more.
šVarious Locations
9. Visit the Heartlands
If the Padang is too busy for you, there are dozens of exciting activities taking place at the Heartlands. On August 10, the Singapore Heartlands Festival seesĀ themed performances, cool exhibitions, sports games, military displays, carnival games, and other NDP activities in many locations across the island from 4pm to 9pm. Including Central Singapore, South West, South East, North West, and North East. Get tickets on the NDP website.
šVarious LocationsĀ
10. Spot the RSAF planes
Be sure to catch the RSAF planes across the skies of Singapore on August 9. For 2024, the highlights include the usual fighter jets, Fly Our Flag Flypast with helicopters such as Chinook and Apache Attack – all flying past the Heartlands sites and other parts of Singapore from 5.45pm to 6.30pm.
šVarious Locations
11. Enjoy Singapore Symphony Orchestra’s Concert
The seventh edition of the Symphony Orchestra National Day Concert by Temasek Foundation is happening on August 11. It will take place at Esplanade Concert Hall but it can be streamed live on YouTube. The audience will be treated to enchanting melodies by talented composers, musicians, and youth performers. Definitely, one of the best things to do in honour of National Day 2024 in Singapore for music lovers!
š Esplande Concert Hall, Singapore
12. Attend National Day Open House 2024
On August 9, the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) will host its National Day Open House from 1pm to 6.30pm. The free event features plenty of hands-on activities, outdoor installations, rich heritage tours, special exhibitions, and more to explore.
š1 Empress Pl, Singapore 179555
13. Hop aboard the first overnight Singapore Flyer rides
The Singapore Flyer will operate special non-stop overnight rides, for the first time ever, from 11pm on August 9 to 8am on August 10. The National Day Moonlight Flight is only $25 per person for a 30-minute immersive ride to appreciate Singapore’s accomplishments.
š30 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039803
Other ways to celebrate National Day 2024 in Singapore
14. Watch a movie at the fort
Films At The Fort is an iconic open-air cinema event on until August 18. Catch award-winning movies with the best whisky cocktails and gourmet food in the historic amphitheater at Fort Canning Green. There will be 11 different movies broadcasted, from new releases to indie classics, and festival hits from the likes of Cannes. Films on the agenda include nostalgic movies like Crazy Rich Asians, Oppenheimer, Mean Girls, and more.Ā Learn more about Glenfiddich Films At The Fort.
šFort Canning Park, Singapore
15. Enjoy a rooftop meal or drink
Why not celebrate Singapore’s 59th birthday from one of the best rooftop dining destinations in the city? Think the likes of Ce La Vi, VUE and Level 33. Pick your favourite rooftop dining spot to visit here.
šVarious LocationsĀ
16. Have a picnic at Marina Barrage
Celebrate the weekend with your family, friends and dogs at the rooftop garden at Marina Barrage. Bring a picnic, practice kite-flying, take some instagrammable shots and you can even admire the fireworks there on August 9.
š8 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018951
17. Go for a Hike
Why not grab a friend and go on a scenic hike across one of the best hiking trails in Singapore? It’s predicted to be dry this coming weekend, so it’s the perfect way to connect with nature. Pick one of the best hiking trails here.
šVarious LocationsĀ
18. Book a staycation
If you’ve got time off, why not book one of the best staycations in the city? It’s the perfect place to get in on all the NDP celebrations. From beautiful new hotels to unique staycations in Sentosa, there is much to discover. Get the full list of staycations here. otherwise, check out the best hotels or best five star hotels in the city.
šVarious LocationsĀ
19. Go on a day trip this weekend
Escape to a refreshing and exciting location nearby and indulge in endless fun activities this coming weekend. For instance, Johor Bahru and Malacca in Malaysia are crowd-pleasers. Pick from one of the best day trips here.
šVarious LocationsĀ
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