Exciting Singapore National Day Activities

Singapore’s 58th National Day celebration is coming and we are so excited to share with you activities you can join in to discover more about Singapore! Singapore’s National Day this year falls on  9 August 2023, Wednesday which is a public holiday. 

This year’s celebration is centered on the theme of “Onward as One,” which calls upon Singaporean to look forward confidently and move onward together in building our shared future as one united people. One People, One Nation, One Singapore! In fact, the name of our National Anthem is Majulah Singapura, which means Onward Singapore.

Reference: https://www.ndp.gov.sg/about/theme-and-logo/

Here are the most exciting activities in celebration of Singapore’s National Day that you may want to join in!

1. Entertaining National Day Activities at National Museum

This year, the National Museum of Singapore will be hosting a variety of exciting activities to mark National Day! From live demonstrations of the mysterious Chef behind Café Brera’s Curry Chicken to interactive storytelling, craft sessions, art activities, and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Get a taste of Singapore’s culture with the iconic Great Singapore Workout or Kebaya-robics to be led by our active seniors.

Join a learning journey around the museum and top off your experience with a live telecast of the National Day Parade while enjoying some outdoor performance from the locals. Be sure not to miss the National Day Light-up! Daily from 7:30pm to 12:00am until 10 August 2023. This special feature was created in commemoration of Singapore’s founding prime minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s 100th birth anniversary.

What: National Day Celebrations at the National Museum

When: on going until 10 August 2023

Where: National Museum of Singapore

Admission: Admission charges may apply. Varies with programmes

To know more about the National Day activities at the National Museum, please see link: https://www.nhb.gov.sg/nationalmuseum/our-programmes/programmes-list/national-day-2023

2. Mediacorp National Day Concert 2023 at Gardens by the Bay

Celebrate Singapore’s National Day with an Unforgettable Concert Experience! Get ready for the fifth edition of the Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp National Day Concert, happening on 5 August 2023 at The Meadow. It is going to be an incredible evening filled with music, entertainment, and a whole lot of fun!

Get ready to be serenaded by a lineup of homegrown stars like Kit Chan, Mavis Lee, Suthasini Rajendr, Ann Hussein, Clement Chow, Shak, JJ Neo, and Umar Sirhan, as well as a host of other talents like Joanna Dong, and acapella groups Vocaluptuous and Micapella as they take the center stage. The talented hosts Vernetta Lopez and Fauzie Laily will keep everyone entertained throughout the evening with their enthusiasm and charisma.

As night falls, prepare to be mesmerized by a vibrant display of fireworks lighting up the sky above The Meadow. It is a sight you would not want to miss – a truly magical experience that captures the spirit of our beloved nation.

You can also enjoy pre-event festivities leading up to our grand event on 5 August 2023 such as Carnival themed activities and photo-worthy spots, featuring inflatables of well-known Singapore landmarks. So make sure you arrive early!

What: National Day Concert 2023

When: 5 August 2023 (4:30pm to 9:30pm)

Where: The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay

Admission: Free

To know more about the National Day Concert, please read it at https://www.mediacorp.sg/ndc2023

3. National Day Parade Celebrations at the Marina Barrage

Join in the festivities as Singapore celebrates the 58th National Day at the Marina Barrage and the Sustainable Singapore Gallery this 9 August 2023!

Learn about how to drive the nation towards a Resilient, Secure & Sustainable Singapore and explore the Sustainability marketplace. Take part in fun games and workshops while learning more about the initiatives of the event. Fill in your hunger and enjoy the food trucks prepared by the organizers!

What: Green Bazaar

When: 9 August 2023 (12:00pm to 6:00pm)

Where: Level 1, Central Courtyard, Marina Barrage, 8 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018951

Admission: Free

Spend the day with your family and friends and experience a fun filled adventure of a lifetime! Participate in all three activities and get a chance to win an Eco Bundle!

What: Eco Jalan (Gallery tour, eco quests, eco fun workshops)

When: 9 August 2023 (12pm to 6pm)

Where: Marina Barrage & Sustainable Singapore Gallery, 8 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018951

Admission: Free – Registration required at https://www.terra.sg/ssg/ndp2023

Witness the National Day Parade real time in a live screening with the locals and be inspired on how Singaporeans commemorate this special day!

What: National Day Parade Live Screening

When: 9 August 2023 (from 5:00pm)

Where: Marina Barrage Green Roof, 8 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018951

Admission: Free

To know more about the National Day Celebrations at the Marina Barrage, please read it at https://tickikids.com/sg/sustainable-singapore-gallery/ndp-celebrations-marina-barrage/

4. Discover the Beauty of Orchids – Visit the first Orchid Show in Singapore organized by APOC

Did you know that Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim or most commonly known as Vanda Miss Joaquim was established as Singapore’s National Flower on 15 April 1981. Among the several varieties of Vanda Miss Joaquim, the variety “Agnes” was chosen in particular for its vibrant colours, hardiness and resilience – qualities that reflect the Singapore spirit. If you want to see how beautiful this Orchid looks like in person, Vanda Miss Joaquim can be found at the National Orchid Garden located within the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

You can read more about Vanda Miss Joaquim at https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/learn-with-us/explore-resources/whats-blooming/vanda-miss-joaquim–papilionanthe-miss-joaquim–.html

Orchid galore! The National Parks Board and the Orchid Society of South East Asia will hold the 14th edition of Asia Pacific Orchid Conference at the Singapore EXPO from 16 to 20 August 2023. It is the largest gathering of orchid enthusiasts in the Asia Pacific Region and fortunately it will be held here in Singapore for the first time since the inaugural edition in 1984. This is an exciting event you do not want to miss!

What: Orchid Show organized by Asia Pacific Orchid Conference Singapore (APOC)

When: 16-20 August 23 (10:00am to 9:00pm)

Where: Singapore EXPO, Hall 2

Admission: Admission charges apply. Please see link, to purchase your tickets: https://www.sistic.com.sg/events/apoc2023b

If you are ready to embark on a breathtaking historical adventure, we’ve got some remarkable destinations for you to explore in Singapore! Get ready to delve into the rich past and immerse yourself in the captivating stories of courage and resilience.

1. Step into History at Fort Canning Park and uncover the secrets of Singapore’s past

Fort Canning Park is a famous hilltop landmark and is renowned for its important role in the Nation’s history. It was the residence of the Javenese prince from the Majaphahit Empire who had named the island Singapura in the Year 1299 (singa-lion, pura-temple) and made himself the King on Singapura. You can visit the newly opened museum on this history and view the relics of the past 700 years at the Fort Canning Heritage Gallery.

During World War II, under the rule of the British, a secret bunker was built in the hill 1939 as the headquarters for the Far East Command Centre and British Army Barracks, where important military strategies were devised to fight against the Japanese. It was also at this same hill, the Underground Far East Command Centre (now known as the Battle Box (closed for re-tender)), where the British made the painful decision to surrender Singapore to Japan on 15 February 1942.

Presently, the Fort Canning Park is also a paradise for garden lovers as it is home to nine magnificent gardens – the Pancur Larangan, Artisan’s Garden, Sang Nila Utama Garden, Jubilee Park, Raffles Garden, First Botanic Garden, Farquhar Garden, Spice Garden, and Armenian Street Park.

Visit the beautiful gardens and immerse yourself in this historical landmark of Singapore! To know more about the Fort Canning Park, visit their official website at: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/fort-canning-park

What: Fort Canning Park

When: opens everyday

Where: Fort Canning Park is bounded by Hill Street, Canning Rise, Clemenceau Avenue and River Valley Road, Singapore 179618

Admission: Free

2. The site of Singapore’s WWII Surrender at the Former Ford Factory

Continue your trip down memory lane and uncover the stories of the Former Ford Factory, a place where history was made in Singapore. Visit the World War Two exhibition presented by the National Archives of Singapore and explore the history of the Ford Motor Company and its involvement in the Malayan Campaign and the Japanese Occupation of Singapore.

What: Former Ford Factory

When: Tuesday to Sunday (9:00am – 5:30pm)

Where: 351 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 588192

Admission: Admission charges may apply

Visit their official website to know more about the Former Ford Factory: https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/former-ford-factory/visit/tours/

3. Relive the Courageous Journey of WWII Prisoners of War at Changi Museum

Last but not the least, complete your journey to Singapore’s rich history at Changi Chapel and  Museum – See over 114 artifacts on display across 8 galleries, including items donated by members of the public, Changi Murals and a replica of the Changi Chapel. Learn more about the suffering and eventual liberation of the prisoners of war (POWs) interned in Changi Prison. This is an ultimate experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the resilience and strength of those who lived through that difficult time.

What: Changi Chapel and  Museum

When: Tuesday to Sunday (9.30am to 5.30pm)

Where: 1000 Upper Changi Road North, Singapore 507707

Admission: Admission charges may apply

For more information about the Changi Chapel and Museum, please visit their official website: https://www.nhb.gov.sg/changichapelmuseum/visit/visitor-information

These are just a few highlights among many other incredible historical sites. Whether you are an avid history enthusiast or simply curious about the past, these destinations will surely leave an unforgettable mark on your journey.