Singapore’s 60th National Day is coming up, and tickets for the National Day Parade this year have been distributed to the lucky ones who successfully balloted. Over the next three weekends, there will be 2 preview shows for the National Day Parade, and the Parade itself on 9 August.
If you’ve missed out the opportunity to attend this year’s National Day Parade, or one of the previews, but still want to experience the celebrations, here’s a list of SG60 activities you and your family can enjoy for free.
#1 UOB Plaza 1 – Celebrating SG60 With The World’s Tallest, Brightest, And Longest Projection Canvas
Source: Sam Lo
From now till 9 August, UOB Plaza 1 will light up with various SG60-themed projections. This includes a piece created by local contemporary artist Sam Lo, which echoes the NDP 2025 theme of “Majulah Singapura”.
On Mondays to Thursdays, the projections will be from 10.45pm to 11pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, there will be three projection shows – 9.06pm to 9.20pm, 9.46pm to 10pm, and 10.26pm to 11pm.
For the best viewing spot, head to the riverfront beside the Asian Civilisations Museum, in front of the statue of Sir Stamford Raffles at Empress Place. Alternatively, view the light projections from Cavenagh Bridge or Anderson Bridge.
For more information, head to UOB’s website.
#2 NDP 2025 Fireworks
Even if you didn’t get the tickets to NDP 2025 or the preview shows, that doesn’t mean you miss out on the exciting fireworks display that ends every Parade.
For the next three Saturdays, during the NDP preview shows and the NDP itself, head down to Marina Bay and the Padang early to get the best seats.
The first fireworks displays should start around 7.30pm, with the main fireworks show expected from 8pm onwards.
The best places to view these fireworks include Merlion Park, Marina Bay Promontory, and the Helix Bridge. If you want to plan a day out and end it with the fireworks, consider viewing from Bay East Garden, or the Marina Barrage. Expect lots of people to have the same idea, so make sure you go early to secure your spot.
#3 Bay Discovery Trail
Source: NDP.gov.sg
The Bay Discovery Trail is a series of interactive booths and activities held on two Saturdays, 2 August and 9 August. Each of the three celebration zones along the Marina Bay waterfront focuses on a different theme – multiculturalism, inclusivity and heritage.
The Bay Discovery Trail is from 10am till 10pm, though the activity stations and street performances will end by 5pm, in preparation for the live screening of the NDP 2025 at 5.30pm. The live screenings will be at three locations – Merlion Park, Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza, and the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre.
The first 5,000 participants who complete the Trail on 2 August and 9 August can redeem an NDP pack.
Check out the NDP website for more information.
#4 Celebrate SG60 At Jewel, Changi Airport
Source: Jewel Changi Airport
Registration may be closed for the free SG60 Homecoming Concert at Jewel, Changi Airport, but you can still enjoy the National Day Light & Music Showcase at the iconic Rain Vortex.
From 2 to 31 August, experience a nightly light and sound show featuring the beloved National Day song, Home.
On Mondays to Thursdays, the light and sound show will be 8pm, and 9pm. On Fridays to Sundays, there will be three shows – 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm.
On National Day, 9 August, head to ST3PS, Changi Airport’s Event Atrium at Terminal 3 for a whole day of fun for the whole family! Enjoy dance performances, a live music performance by Jeff Ng and even a mascot appearance by Mr Merlion. Changi Rewards members can also redeem an NDP pack. To end the celebrations, ST3PS will be screening NDP 2025 live on their big screen.
Source: Changi Airport
Changi Airport’s website has more information.
#5 Celebrating SG60 At The National Museum
The National Museum, located along Stamford Road, is celebrating Singapore’s 60th anniversary with several free activities and events.
Source: National Museum of Singapore
Stories of Singapore: Building Our Heritage, Brick by Brick is a free LEGO activity held in the Stamford Gallery. A combination of digital technology and physical Lego blocks, the installations in this unique exhibition showcase the many stories of Singapore in creative ways. There’s even a Play Box for families with children as young as four years old!
On weekends, from 2pm to 5pm, enjoy a mini Lego Orchid Drop-in activity suitable for children ages 8 and up where you can craft your very own LEGO orchid.
These activities are free of charge, but entry to the gallery may be restricted due to overwhelming popularity.
Every night from now till 9 August, experience the popular light projection show Canvas of Light: Our Nation’s Journey. The story of Singapore’s nation-building is told through both light and sound using the façade of the historic building. The show starts at 7.30pm.
For more information, head to the National Museum’s website.
Read Also: 10 SG60 Deals For Groceries And Attractions
