No Plans For National Day? Here's What You Can Do
From reliving the past to rediscovering the local nature.
National Day is upon us. Singapore is abuzz with festivities and events as we celebrate the nation’s 58th birthday. If you’re not headed to the National Day Parade and are still looking for plans to spend the public holiday, here are eight things you can do to enjoy the best of what Singapore has to offer.
On National Day only, stand a chance to dress up your very own barbie with extraordinary AGN-inspired paper outfits and special Barbie accessories from Mattel at the Asian Civilisations Museum! There's also an an ice cream giveaway, lucky draw for AGN merchandise, and more. If you haven't already checked out Singaporean-born fashion extraordinaire Andrew Gn's special exhibition, admission is free for Singaporeans and PRs on 9 August.
Find out more here.
Related article: This Is How Singapore’s Well-Dressed Ladies Wear Red and White
The National Museum of Singapore brings back its very popular National Day Open House programme and activities, including two new pop-up rooms that offer a glimpse into some of the popular sights around Singapore in the 1980s. Inspired by the latest exhibition, Now Boarding: Experiencing Singapore Through Travel, 1800s – 2000s, the rooms will run from 4 August at the National Museum’s Glass Atrium.
Chill out in the Travel Lounge based on Singapore Airline’s Raffles Lounge first launched in 1976, or head over to the Hotel room inspired by Goodwood Park Hotel in the 1980s. Then, take part in a scavenger hunt, storytelling sessions, a coffee workshop, and the annual outdoor ‘live’ screening of the National Day Parade on the museum’s front lawn.
Find out more here.
Happening daily between 7.30pm to midnight from now till August 26, the annual National Day Light-Up sees six historical and culturally significant landmarks—the Children's Museum Singapore, Fort Canning Centre, Maghain Aboth Synagogue, National Museum of Singapore, St Joseph's Church and The Peranakan Museum—illuminated in red and white. Don't miss a special projection commemorating Mr. Lee Kuan Yew’s 100th birth anniversary on the National Museum of Singapore's facade.
Find out more here.
Related article: 9 Best Places To Catch The Fireworks This National Day
Sing along to your favourite National Day songs and check out the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO)'s new music video featuring singers RRILEY and Rangga Jones performing The Road Ahead with the SSO. Come 13 August, catch the Temasek Foundation SSO National Day Concert that will pay homage to local creativity with a line-up of works by Singaporean composers Chua Jon Lin, Felix Phang, Sulwyn Lok, and Zechariah Go. The concert will also be livestreamed on SSO's YouTube channel.
Find out more here.
Mama Diam is speakeasy bar that pays homage to the traditional convenience stores that dot our neighbourhoods. Here, enjoy iconic local food and beverages have been giving a modern twist ranging from Chicken Curry Kueh Pie Tee with Coconut Foam and Soft Shell Crab Bao to Jia Jia Espresso Martini and Pandan Colada Fizz.
Related article: Delicious National Day Menus To Celebrate Singapore’s 58th Birthday
Gardens by the Bay is commemorating the national flower Vanda Miss Joaquim and the vibrant family of orchids with Orchid Extravaganza. The themed display showcases an array of orchids, traditional houses, and cultural handicrafts from around the region as well as a special feature of the kebaya, a traditional garment worn throughout Southeast Asia.
Find out more here.
Prefer to stay home and avoid the crowds and the heat? Netflix has a library of local productions ranging from movies to television series across multiple genres. These include Camera d'Or winner Anthony Chen’s Wet Season and the acclaimed drama Last Madame starring Joanne Peh.
Related article: 10 Singaporean Movies To Rewatch This National Day
Singapore has many nature spots to bask in the local flora and fauna. If you want to work up a sweat, try the Coast-to-Coast (C2C) Trail or MacRitchie Reservoir. Greenthumbs can head to the Singapore Botanic Gardens while animal-lovers can consider Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and Kranji Marshes. Finally, culture and history buffs can explore The Rail Corrider and Fort Canning Park.