Things to do on Singapore's National Day 2024
9 August is Singapore’s National Day, commemorating the nation’s separation from Malaysia in 1965. On 9 August 2024 (Friday), Singapore will celebrate its 59th anniversary of independence. As a public holiday, all residents will have the day off from work and school.
With The Float @ Marina Bay still under redevelopment, this year’s National Day Parade (NDP) will be held at the Padang and The Promontory @ Marina Bay. Other than watching the parade live on TV or online with your family, you can also participate in a variety of island-wide National Day-themed activities.
Get ready to experience a range of engaging and fun events for both adults and kids, available in the days leading up to and following the holiday.
We have curated a list of 13 activities to enjoy with friends, family, and loved ones this National Day 2024:
| Event (Location) | Dates | Price (Ticketed / Walk-in) |
| Istana Open House (Orchard) | 28 July 2024 | Free – S$20 (Walk-in) |
| Films at the Fort (Fort Canning / Dhoby Ghaut) | 1 – 18 August 2024 | S$42.80 (Ticketed) |
| Singapore Garden Festival (Suntec City) | 3 – 11 August 2024 | S$4 – S$33 (Ticketed) |
| Gardens by the Bay & Mediacorp National Day Concert 🎆 (Gardens by the Bay) | 4 August 2024 | Free (Walk-in) |
| Geylang Serai Extravaganza 🎆 (Geylang / Paya Lebar) | 7 – 11 August 2024 | Free (Walk-in) |
| Fernvale National Day Celebration & Fireworks Display 🎆 (Sengkang) | 8 August 2024 | S$5 (Ticketed) |
| National Day Celebrations at National Museum (Bras Basah / Dhoby Ghaut) | 9 August 2024 | Free – S$65 (Walk-in & Ticketed) |
| National Day Parade 🎆 (Padang & The Promontory @ Marina Bay) | 9 August 2024 | Free (Ticketed) |
| Our Tampines Hub National Day Concert 🎆 (Tampines) | 9 August 2024 | Free (Ticketed) |
| Majulah Fiesta at Singapore Sports Hub 🎆 (Stadium / Kallang) | 9 August 2024 | Free (Walk-in) |
| NDP Celebrations @ Marina Barrage 🎆 (Marina Barrage) | 9 August 2024 | Free (Walk-in) |
| NDP Heartland Celebrations 🎆 (Yishun, Punggol, Bishan, Buona Vista & Paya Lebar) | 10 August 2024 | Free (Ticketed) |
| West Coast Rocks! 🎆 (Clementi) | 31 August 2024 | S$5 (Ticketed) |
Istana Open House (National Day 2024)
One of the five special occasions when the official residence and office of the President of Singapore opens to the public, the Istana will be accessible on 28 July 2024, about two weeks before National Day.
Visitors can participate in communal sports and art activities, enjoy National Day-themed performances by schools, community groups, and local talents, and explore the Istana (a malay word for palace). The event will also feature the Istana Heritage Gallery and offer guided tours for an in-depth experience.
- Venue: The Istana [Map]
- Date: 28 July 2024 (Sunday)
- Time: 8:30am – 6:00pm
- Nearest MRT station: (CC1|NE6|NS24) Dhoby Ghaut
- Price: Free – S$20 per adult (Walk-in)
Films at the Fort
The annual open-air cinema at Fort Canning Park returns for 11 nights this August. One of the screenings coincides with National Day, featuring “Crazy Rich Asians” on the big screen that day.
Moviegoers can enjoy the film under the stars while lounging on the grass, sipping cocktails, and indulging in gourmet snacks. The evening will kick off with DJ music to set the mood for this special event.
Do note that this event is not suitable for children; children under 12 years old will not be admitted.
- Venue: Fort Canning Green [Map]
- Date: 1 – 18 August 2024 (Thursday – Sunday / Selected dates)
- Time: 5:30pm – 10:00pm
- Nearest MRT station: (CC1|NE6|NS24) Dhoby Ghaut
- Price: S$42.80 per person (Ticketed)
Singapore Garden Festival
Floral and gardening enthusiasts will be captivated by this biennial floral exhibition and competition, featuring stunning displays by international floral masters. The event will also host a vibrant marketplace for gardening products and offer a variety of engaging floristry workshops.
Situated at Suntec City, the venue offers a prime vantage point for the National Day Parade. After exploring the exhibition, you may enjoy breathtaking views of aerial flypasts and fireworks from select vantage spots.
Moreover, this exhibition offers a fantastic indoor alternative for family fun if the weather turns rainy on National Day.
- Venue: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Level 4 & 6 [Map]
- Date: 3 – 11 August 2024 (Saturday – Sunday)
- Time: 10:00am – 10:00pm
- Nearest MRT station: (CC3) Esplanade
- Price: S$4 – S$33 per person (Ticketed)
Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp National Day Concert
Held on the Sunday before National Day, the annual Mediacorp National Day Concert returns to The Meadow at Gardens by the Bay on 4 August 2024. This year’s event will feature exhilarating performances by over 20 local artists, representing a diverse array of ethnicities and languages. Headliners include Olivia Ong 王俪婷, Benjamin Kheng, Taufik Batisah, Sezairi Sezali, Liu Lingling 刘玲玲, Rahimah Rahim, John Klass, and Shabir Sulthan.
Attendees can look forward to a captivating lineup of locally-produced songs performed in Singapore’s four official languages. The evening will conclude with a breathtaking fireworks display, offering a dazzling finale to the concert.
- Venue: The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay (GBTB) [Map]
- Date: 4 August 2024 (Sunday)
- Time: 7:30pm – 10:00pm
- Nearest MRT station: (CE1|DT16) Bayfront
- Price: Free (Walk-in)
- Note: This is a free-standing concert that can accommodate up to 30,000 people.
Geylang Serai Extravaganza
The Central Business District (CBD) will be bustling with activity on this public holiday as festivities take over the area. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, consider visiting the Geylang Serai Extravaganza in Geylang to experience National Day celebrations in a district known for its rich Malay heritage.
At this event, you’ll find an assortment of halal Malay and fusion cuisine, along with Malay-centric retail options. Enjoy live performances by acclaimed artists such as Erra Fazira and Jaclyn Victor, all set against a vibrant and festive atmosphere. Locals and tourists alike will be captivated by the diverse offerings and energetic ambiance.
Finally, don’t miss the spectacular fireworks display lighting up the night sky on 10 August 2024, as part of the NDP Heartland Celebrations in Paya Lebar.
- Venue: Geylang Serai Community Club / Wisma Geylang Serai [Map]
- Date: 7 – 11 August 2024 (Wednesday – Sunday)
- Time: 12:00pm – 10:00pm
- Nearest MRT station: (CC9|EW8) Paya Lebar
- Price: Free (Walk-in)
- Note: This is a halal food & retail bazaar.
Fernvale National Day Celebration & Fireworks Display
In the weeks leading up to National Day, numerous community celebrations will be hosted by the People’s Association (PA) and Community Clubs (CC) across the island. These vibrant events will unite residents with a lively mix of songs, games, delicious food and plenty of fun, all in honour of Singapore’s birthday.
What makes the Fernvale National Day Celebration unique is the fireworks show organised by Fernvale CC on the eve of National Day. Before the main fireworks displays at the National Day Parade (NDP) and the five Heartland celebrations the following day, Sengkang residents will have the rare chance to enjoy a spectacular show right in their own neighborhood.
After the fireworks, consider visiting the 24-hour restaurants along Jalan Kayu for some delicious crispy, buttery roti prata and soft beancurds.
- Venue: Fernvale Square / In Front of Blk 446B near Jalan Kayu [Map]
- Date: 8 August 2024 (Thursday / National Day Eve)
- Time: 7:00pm – 9:30pm
- Nearest LRT station: (SW5) Fernvale
- Nearest MRT station: (NE16) Sengkang
- Price: S$5 per person (Ticketed)
National Day Celebrations at National Museum
Photos via National Museum of Singapore / Website
Celebrating Singapore’s birthday is best done by learning about and appreciating its rich history and culture.
In addition to exploring the Singapore History Gallery at the National Museum of Singapore (NMS), you can enjoy a variety of intergenerational and family-friendly activities, including games, coloring competitions, workshops, and an inflatable playground this National Day. These events are designed to help Singaporeans, residents, and visitors connect, relax, and make the most of the national holiday.
On the evening of 9 August, a live telecast of the National Day Parade (NDP) will be shown on a mega screen on the museum’s front lawn. The Chinook and F-16 fighter jets from the parade will also fly by the museum.
If you didn’t secure NDP tickets, this is a fantastic opportunity to experience the celebration alongside fellow Singaporeans and residents. Bring your own mats and light snacks to enjoy the show in a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Most activities are free, though some select events may require tickets. Admission to the Singapore Heritage Gallery is complimentary for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. Tourists and foreign residents, however, will need to pay an entrance fee of S$10 per adult and S$7 for seniors and children.
- Venue: National Museum of Singapore [Map]
- Date: 9 August 2024 (Friday / National Day)
- Time: 9:30am – 8:00pm
- Nearest MRT station: (CC2) Bras Basah
- Price: Free – S$65 per family (Walk-in & ticketed)
National Day Parade (NDP)
Photos via National Day Parade / Website
No National Day celebration in Singapore is complete without the NDP. Most Singaporeans and residents either attend the parade in person or watch it live on public TV and online.
In addition to showcasing military capabilities, as is common in such parades worldwide, Singapore’s NDP features a carnival atmosphere where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to perform. Highlights of the event include thrilling aerial flypasts, the Red Lions parachute display, and the much-anticipated fireworks finale, which have been a beloved tradition since the early days of the nation.
Tickets for the National Day Parade (NDP) and its rehearsals are highly sought after each year, with Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents needing to enter a ballot to secure them. Securing tickets can be quite competitive, with only 27,000 tickets available for each show this year.
If you’re unable to secure tickets to watch the parade in person but still want to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, consider catching the live telecast at the National Museum or Singapore Sports Hub on National Day.
Our Tampines Hub National Day Concert
Planning to stay close to home on National Day? Bring your family to enjoy a free concert in the Tampines neighborhood! The event will feature 10 local artists and groups, including Joi Chua 蔡淳佳, Iskandar Ismail, Orkestar Trio, and the Singapore Indian Orchestra & Choir (SIOC). Concertgoers can look forward to an evening of melodious music and impressive vocals.
The celebration will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display, lighting up the sky in the far east of Singapore.
- Venue: Town Square, Our Tampines Hub (OTH) [Map]
- Date: 9 August 2024 (Friday / National Day)
- Time: 4:00pm – 9:00pm
- Nearest MRT station (DT32|EW2) Tampines
- Price: Free (Ticketed)
NDP Celebrations @ Marina Barrage
Photos via NDP Celebrations @ Marina Barrage / Website
Organised by the Sustainable Singapore Gallery at Marina Barrage, the NDP celebratory event promises a full day of family-friendly activities centered around sustainability.
Enjoy a range of engaging experiences, including a sustainability tour at the gallery, a pets and plants marketplace, and hands-on upcycling workshops. In the evening, watch the National Day Parade live on a large screen at the open Green Roof, starting at 5pm. The event will also offer prime views of the spectacular fireworks display from the Marina Bay area, marking the grand finale of the NDP.
- Venue: Marina Barrage [Map]
- Date: 9 August 2024 (Friday / National Day)
- Time: 10:00am – 9:00pm
- Nearest MRT station (TE22) Gardens by the Bay
- Price: Free (Walk-in)
Majulah Fiesta at Singapore Sports Hub
The Singapore Sports Hub will host a live telecast of the National Day Parade on 9 August, inviting everyone to join in the celebration. Additionally, Chinook helicopters will perform a flypast over the area at approximately 6:50pm.
Bring along some food and enjoy a picnic with friends and family at the open space outside the Singapore Sports Hub in Kallang while watching the live broadcast of NDP 2024 on the big screen.
The evening will conclude with a spectacular live fireworks display in the vicinity.
- Venue: Singapore Sports Hub, OCBC Square & Stadium Roar [Map]
- Date: 9 August 2024 (Friday / National Day)
- Time: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
- Nearest MRT station (CC6) Stadium
- Price: Free (Walk-in)
NDP Heartland Celebrations
This year’s NDP will extend an extra day, running through 10 August 2024, across five locations island-wide. The extended celebrations will include vehicle displays by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Police Force (SPF), and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), as well as a variety of carnival activities, family-friendly entertainment, and captivating stage performances.
The festivities will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display at each of the five venues.
Note: While admission is free, tickets are required to attend these events and can be collected from community centers (CCs).
- Venues:
- Northwest District – Open field beside FutsalArena @ Yishun [Map]
- Northeast District – Open field beside Waterway Point, Punggol [Map]
- Central District – Open field opposite Bishan Circle Line MRT station (Exit D) [Map]
- Southwest District – Open field next to Buona Vista MRT station [Map]
- Southeast District – Open field next to Paya Lebar Quarter 1 (PLQ 1) [Map]
- Date: 10 August 2024 (Saturday)
- Time: 4:00pm – 9:00pm
- Price: Free (Ticketed)
West Coast Rocks!
Don’t miss the final National Day fireworks display on 31 August 2024 at Clementi Stadium!
Organised by the West Coast Community Club, this event offers residents and Westies the last opportunity to join in Singapore’s birthday celebrations with fellow Singaporeans.
Event highlights include exciting carnival games, sports tryouts, engaging stage performances, and the eagerly anticipated fireworks display to cap off the evening. All ticket holders will also receive a complimentary snack and a gift. Be sure to secure your tickets early, as availability is limited!
- Venue: ActiveSG Clementi Stadium [Map]
- Date: 31 August 2024 (Saturday)
- Time: 6:00pm – 9:30pm
- Price: S$5 per person (Ticketed)
Majulah Singapura! Onward Singapore!
