Things to do on Singapore's National Day 2023
9 August is Singapore’s national day and is the day when Singapore separated from the Malaysia federation in 1965. 9 August 2023 marks the 58th anniversary of Singapore’s independence. It is a public holiday and there is no work or school for all residents in Singapore.
This year, if the unpredictable weather allows, you can choose to participate in island-wide national day theme activities or promotions. There are fun and meaningful activities available for both adults and kids.
Alternatively, stay home with your family and watch the live NDP on TV or online together. Deviating from the tradition of holding the National Day Parade (NDP) at The Float @ Marina Bay for the past 2 years, the event will be back to its old spot at Padang in 2023 as the former undergoes redevelopment.
We have curated a list of things you can do this National Day 2023 with your friends, families and loved ones:
- Learn everything about Singapore
- Asian Civilisations Museum – Free & ticketed
- National Museum of Singapore – Free & ticketed
- Places to watch NDP fireworks
- Ticketed events, lounges, sky bars & restaurants
- Fernvale National Day Celebrations – SGD 2 / person
- CÉ LA VI – SGD 30++ / adult
- LeVel 33 – SGD 268++ / person
- Singapore Flyer – SGD 520 / couple
- Free events & public places
- NDP Heartlands 2023 – Free
- Majulah Fiesta 2023 – Free
- NDP Celebrations @ Marina Barrage – Free
- Public spaces at Marina Bay area – Free
- Ticketed events, lounges, sky bars & restaurants
Learning about the history, people, and culture of Singapore on National Day 2023
Learning and appreciating Singapore’s history and culture is the best way to celebrate Singapore’s birthday. Two of Singapore’s premier museums, National Museum of Singapore (NMS) and the Asian Civilization Museum (ACM), have put together programmes and activities to help Singaporeans and residents learn more about the country, history, people and culture this National Day.
- Address: 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555 [Map]
- Nearest MRT station: Raffles Place
Photos via Asian Civilisation Museum, Singapore / Website
- Andrew Gn: Fashioning Singapore and the World Exhibition – Free admission for Singaporeans & PRs (SGD 10 for tourists and foreign residents)
- Activity: Visit showcase of over 100 representative works of prolific Singaporean fashion designer, Andrew Gn (AGN). Gowns and dresses designed by the Paris-based artist have been worn by celebrities such as Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Kate Middleton and more.
- Date: 9 August 2023
- Time: 1:00pm – 6:30pm
- Venue: Special Exhibitions Gallery, Level 2
- Chic & Proud: National Day Open House – Free admission to programmes
- Activity: Receive signature Barbie dolls and accessories from Mattel, create paper outfits for Barbie dolls, take photos in fashion photo booth, get a free a ice cream, participate in lucky draw for Andrew Gn merchandise, and catch the NDP fireworks.
- Date: 9 August 2023
- Time: 1:00pm – 6:30pm
- Venue: ACM Hardcourt / ACM Lobby, Level 1
- Note: Activities are recommended for children aged 4 and above. There are ‘extremely’ limited quantity of signature Barbie dolls and accessories for redemption.
- Address: 93 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178897 [Map]
- Nearest MRT station: Bras Basah
Photos via National Museum of Singapore / Website
Activities for Families & Friends
- The Good Old Games – Free admission
- Activity: Bond with inter-generational family through old-school games enjoyed across generations while growing up in Singapore.
- Date: 9 August 2023
- Time: 9:30am – 11:30am
- Venue: Front Lawn, Level 1
Activities for Kids
- Craft activities by STAEDTLER – Free admission
- Activity: Create a popsicle stick craft or design a card to wish Singapore a happy birthday.
- Date: 9 August 2023
- Time:
- 10:00am – 11:00am (priority slot for people with disabilities)
- 11:00am – 12:00pm, 1:00pm – 5:00pm (for public)
- Venue: Glass Atrium, Level 2
- My Lovely Sampan and Postcard Colouring Activity – Free admission
- Activity: Guided by friendly students from Sengkang Green Primary School, craft your own sampan or colour a student-designed postcard that you can bring home.
- Date: 9 August 2023
- Time:
- 9:30am – 10:30am (priority slot for people with disabilities)
- 10:30am – 12:00pm, 1:00pm – 4:00pm (for public)
- Venue: Gallery Theatre Foyer, Basement Level
- National Day Photobooth – Free admission
- Activity: Gather friends and family for a photo op with props featuring prominent Singapore icons.
- Date: 9 August 2023
- Time: 10:00am – 7:00pm
- Venue: Longer Concourse, Level 1
Photos via National Museum of Singapore / Website
Evening & Night-time Activities
- Outdoor Performances – Free admission
- Activity: Enjoy percussion performance by Jack and Rai in the lead-up to the live screening of the National Day Parade 2023.
- Date: 9 August 2023
- Time: 4:45pm – 5:30pm (seated by 4:30pm)
- Venue: Front Lawn, Level 1
- Live Telecast of National Day Parade 2023 – Free admission
- Activity: Watch NDP 2023 live telecast under the museum’s iconic Banyan tree with family and friends.
- Date: 9 August 2023
- Time: 5:30pm – 8:30pm (seated by 5:15pm)
- Venue: Front Lawn, Level 1
- National Day Light-Up – Free admission
- Activity: Façade projection that bath the building in colours and symbols representing Singapore. This edition includes a special feature that commemorate the country founding prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew’s, 100th birth anniversary.
- Date: 21 July to 9 August 2023
- Time: 7:30pm – 12:00am
- Venue: Museum Front Lawn
Other than the free activities we have shortlisted above, there are many other free and ticketed activities happening throughout the day at the National Museum:
- Building tour for families
- Participatory character tour at Modern Colony Gallery
- National Day scavenger hunt @ NMS
- National Day colouring competition
- Writings on the wall
- Live curry chicken cooking demonstration
- History of Singapore’s traditional coffee culture
- Interactive storytelling & craft session
- Great Singapore Workout or Kebaya-robics for seniors
- Art jamming
Click here to know more about these activities.
Places to watch NDP fireworks on National Day 2023
Photos via NDPeeps / Facebook
Didn’t manage to get the NDP 2023 tickets at the Padang? You can still get to watch the NDP fireworks in the Marina Bay, downtown and the neighbourhood. Check out these ticketed and free places where you can watch the fireworks up-close during the parade:
SGD 2 per person (Priority given to Fernvale residents)
- A carnival to commemorate Singapore’s 68th birthday will take place in Sengkang on the eve of National Day. Singaporeans and residents in the area can look forward to a host of activities from food stalls, game booths, meet and greet with August the mascot, stage performances, to roving performances. The much anticipated fireworks display will be set off right here in northeastern Singapore that evening.
- Event Date: 8 August 2023 (Tuesday)
- Event hours: 7:00pm – 9:30pm
- Location: Fernvale Square (Beside ActiveSG Gym)
- Address: 51A Sengkang West Avenue, Singapore 797384 [Map]
- Nearest LRT station: (SW6) Layer
- Nearest MRT station: (NE16) Sengkang
- Note: This is a ticketed event organised by Fernvale Community Club (CC).
SGD 30++ per adult
- Enjoy live entertainment by local DJs while indulging in Singapore-style BBQ, popcorn, muah chee and ala-carte menu paired with an array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Dining hours: 4:00pm – 10:00pm
- Location: Marina Bay Sands
- Address: 1 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay Sands, Hotel, Tower 3, Singapore 018971 [Map]
- Nearest MRT station: Bayfront
- Notes:
- Admission tickets can be purchased here.
- Ticket includes entry to the skybar, lounge and restaurant, access to live entertainment and complimentary servings of muah chee and popcorn.
- BBQ, ala-carte food and beverages are charged separately.
- Dress code of the day is red and white.
SGD 268++ per person
- Enjoy free flow of Singapore-inspired canapés paired with unlimited house-brewed beers, wines, prosecco & the famous Singapore Sling at the rooftop restaurant in Marina Bay Financial Centre.
- Dining Hours: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
- Location: MBFC Tower 1
- Address: 8 Marina Boulevard, #33 – 01, Singapore 018981 [Map]
- Nearest MRT station: Downtown
- Note: This is a standing cocktail event. No specific table will be provided.
SGD 520 / couple
- Celebrate Singapore’s 58th birthday with your loved one from 165 metres above the ground. Indulge in a 3-rotation & 90-minute ride accompanied with a 4-course dinner and champagne. Enjoy complimentary admission to the Time Capsule exhibition to learn about Singapore’s history after dinner.
- Starting Time: 7:00pm (Check-in: 6:30pm)
- Location: Singapore Flyer
- Address: 30 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039803 [Map]
- Nearest MRT station: Promenade
Free Admission
Photos via NDPeeps / Facebook
- While national day celebratory activities in the heartlands will be held over the weekend before actual day, fireworks will be set off concurrently with the fireworks medley at the Padang on 9 August 2023 between 8:15 pm and 8:25pm.
- These are the NDP 2023 fireworks locations in the heartlands:
Free Admission
- Picnic with friends and family at the open space outside Singapore Sports Hub in Kallang while watching the live telecast of NDP 2023 on the big screen. Live fireworks will also be set off in the vicinity.
- Event hours: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
- Location: Singapore Sports Hub, OCBC Square & Stadium Roar
- Address: 4 Stadium Walk, Singapore 397697 [Map]
- Nearest MRT station: Stadium
Free Admission
Photos via Sustainable Singapore Gallery / Website
- Family-oriented and sustainability-focused activities including green products bazaar, eco adventure trail, eco workshops, gallery tours and more will be held at the Marina Barrage this National Day to promote building a sustainable Singapore. Visitors will also get to catch the live screening of NDP 2023 as well as the actual fireworks happening in Marina Bay area on its open-air Green Roof in the evening.
- Event Hours: 12:00pm – 9:00pm
- Location: Marina Barrage [Map]
- Address: 8 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018951
- Nearest MRT station: (TE22) Gardens by the Bay
Public spots around Marina Bay area
Free Admission
Majulah Singapura! Onward Singapore!
