Singapore National Day (9 August) is approaching again – and this year we’re spoilt for choice with the variety of things to do! In other good news, fireworks will light up the sky in five different heartland locations – which means you don’t have to fight for a good spot at Marina Bay for a view of them! From a rundown of the National Day Parade 2024 and where to watch the fireworks for free, to what to do on National Day, we’ve got you covered.
#1 Have a celebratory meal at CALI
Add to the National Day festivities by sharing a meal with family or friends at CALI, which offers a modern take on timeless classics including steaks, fresh seafood, pastas, burgers and pizzas. Signature dishes include slow-cooked beef cheek, lamb shank, grilled lobster and jalapeño in tostada. There are also vegetarian options that rotate on a seasonal basis.
Deal! To commemorate Singapore’s 59th birthday, an order of one soup, two main courses and one dessert costs only $59. This is available at Novotel Singapore on Kitchener, Park Avenue Rochester and Ascott Raffles Place locations.
- Novotel Singapore on Kitchener: 181 Kitchener Road | 6428 3160, cali.kitchener@cali.sg
- Park Avenue Rochester: 31 Rochester Drive, #01-01/02 | 6684 9897, cali.rochester@cali.sg
- Ascott Raffles Place: 2 Finlayson Green Level 2 | 6336 1228, cali.raffles@cali.sg
#2 Watch the National Day Parade 2024
The National Day Parade 2024 is happening at the Padang and Promontory @ Marina Bay. You can watch it on TV or hang around the area.
The State-Flag flypast, carried by a formation of a Chinook and two Apache helicopters, and 21-gun Salute to the Nation are the key highlights of National Day Parade 2024. After those, the highly anticipated F16 fighter jets flypast is scheduled to happen around 6.50pm.
The theme for the National Day Parade 2024 is “Together, As One United People”. This year’s parade will commemorate 40 years of Total Defence, Singapore’s national defence concept, with a segment showcasing a community and government integrated response to air and maritime threats as well as civil emergencies and disruptions.
This year’s parade will also mark the return of a contingent comprising volunteers from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Home Team. Their last appearance for National Day in Singapore was in 2019.
Before the National Day Parade 2024 commences, there will be performances by students, local artists and the Red Lions parachute team. The Parade and Ceremony segment titled “United We Stand” will showcase a combined Military Tattoo of the SAF Band and four secondary school bands.
#3 View the Marina Bay fireworks for free
This year’s fireworks display will take place on 9 August, between 8.10pm and 8.25pm.
Looking for where to watch the fireworks at Marina Bay without splurging at a restaurant? Here are some options. Given their proximity to the show, the Helix Bridge, Benjamin Sheares Bridge, the Esplanade, the Marina Bay Sands boardwalk and the Merlion Park are hotspots for free viewing. Another prime location is One Fullerton as it faces the NDP show directly. This gives you a close-to “front row” experience. The flip side is that these spots tend to get crowded. If you’re looking for exciting things to do during National Day in Singapore, arriving early can make all the difference in securing a prime viewing spot.
Another recommended location to catch the fireworks is the Marina Bay Promontory. It’s a place where you can enjoy a picnic while taking in views of MBS, the fireworks display and the whole CBD area in its glory. Marina Barrage is also a good picnic spot, with the rooftop garden an excellent place from which to admire the skyline and the fireworks.
Don’t mind being a bit further away to avoid the crowd? Faber Peak is a great vantage point for enjoying the show while leaving the hordes behind. The Bay East Garden at Gardens by the Bay doesn’t have the best accessibility but once you’re there and set up, you can sit back in the natural surroundings and wait for the show to begin.
#4 Feast on local bites at Novotel Singapore on Stevens
Singaporeans enjoy travelling to various spots around the island to hunt down their favourite eats. But you only need to head to one – the Novotel Singapore at Stevens on 9 August for its Local Food Parade of more than 50 dishes by over 20 of the best known heartland names.
For $59, help yourself to unlimited servings of dishes by Kwong Satay, Janggut Katong Laksa, 8Crabs, Mr Popiah, Dancing Char Kway Teow, Sin Kee Chicken Rice and more. You can watch the National Day live on big screens, followed by performances by local buskers and artists from 8.30pm. If you share the same birthday as Singapore, bring along two others to dine for free!
28 Stevens Road
6491 6100 | novotel-singapore-stevens.com
#5 View the illumination of heritage landmarks
From 9 August to 7 September, heritage landmarks around the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct will be illuminated in red and white to celebrate Singapore’s 59th National Day. This year, the Armenian Church, Central Fire Station, St Joseph’s Church and Stamford Walkway – three of which are National Monuments – will be illuminated. This year’s light-up will extend throughout the Singapore Night Festival until 7 September.
#6 Enjoy activities at the National Museum
Wondering what to do on National Day other than watch the fireworks? The National Museum has a number of activities that give you a deeper insight into Singapore.
- ‘Story of the Forest in the Glass Rotunda’ is a crowd favourite. This digital presentation of art beautifully unites art and technology.
- See how 17 trees in Singapore have stood the test of time through their photos and stories in ‘Singapore, Very Old Tree’.
- ‘Wings of a Rich Manoeuvre’ is a collection of eight chandeliers moving gracefully in the air, created by local artist Suzann Victor.
- Watch a live telecast of the National Day Parade on the front lawn, under the museum’s iconic banyan tree. Bring your own mats and picnic.
- Before the live telecast of the National Day Parade, catch an upbeat live drum performance.
- National Day is the last day of ‘The Good Old Games’ light installation. It features life-sized old-school games like chapteh, five stones, gasing and country flag erasers.
- Discover more about Singapore through a fun scavenger hunt around the museum. Complete the hunt with all the correct answers to redeem a token from the museum, while stocks last.
- Design your own keychain in a paint pouring workshop.
- Unleash your child’s creativity in a colouring competition featuring local iconic sites to win prizes. Bring your own dry colouring materials.
- Occupy active children in inflatable playgrounds with colourful castles.
- Take a photo at the art mural on the outdoor staircase and have it printed. The mural was painted by museum visitors for the Singapore HeritageFest 2024.
#7 Watch some local shows
A day off on National Day is great for binge-watching your favourite shows. Here are some top ones recommended by our readers and staff. Or check out some Singaporean productions on Netflix such as I Not Stupid, Ah Boys To Men and Growing Up.
#8 Work on your fitness
Participate in Dance of the Nation, a fun dance workout to this year’s National Day song, “Not Alone”. It’s a great way for everyone to exercise as we celebrate National Day. Gather your friends and family to join in the fun here. You could even win tickets to the National Day Parade 2024 for participating.
#9 Join the Heartland Celebrations
The festivities will continue on 10 August in five Heartland Celebration sites:
- Central: open field opposite Circle Line MRT station
- Northeast: open field beside Waterway Point in Punggol
- Northwest: open field beside Futsal Arena at Yishun
- Southwest: open field next to Buona Vista MRT station
- Southeast: open field next to Paya Lebar Quarter 1
At these sites, you can:
- get a close-up view of vehicles from the SAF, Singapore Civil Defence Force and Singapore Police Force;
- engage in a variety of family-friendly activities;
- watch performances by community groups;
- participate in games at a carnival; and
- watch fireworks.
Tickets for each district’s Heartland Celebrations can be collected from the nearest Community Clubs or Centres on a first-come, first-served basis. Each person can collect a maximum of two tickets, while stocks last. The ticket gives access to the respective Heartland Celebrations site within the district and a complimnetary NDP pack.
Check out more things to do in Singapore, or read one of these handy roundups:
Where to go for a local breakfast
Wet markets in Singapore
