Didn’t manage to score tickets to watch the National Day Parade live? Fret not, for there are many other activities lined up for you and your loved ones to participate in and show your love for Singapore. From art performances to exhibitions, and to family activities, we’ve got you covered with a list of things to do to celebrate Singapore’s 52nd year of independence. Ahead, get carried away with all the things you can do and check out over this national day weekend.
1. Merlion Magic Lights
Watch as Singapore’s iconic mythical creature glows in the dark with vibrant and colourful lighting effects projected on the majestic 37-metre-tall Merlion over at Sentosa Island. Not only does the light show offer a sight to behold, with the half-lion-half-fish set against Singapore’s bustling skyline, you can also immerse yourself in some augmented reality action while watching the show through your smartphones, by just downloading the marq+ app that is free to download on both the Apple store and Google Play Store. Oh, and don’t forget to bring along your cameras!
You can catch the Merlion Magic Lights in action on weekdays, 11 am to 8 pm (Merlion Plaza & Beach Plaza) and on weekends, 10 am to 8 pm (Beach Plaza & Merlion Plaza). Going during the night time is strongly recommended.
2. Singapasar
What better way to celebrate the Singapore spirit than to support local? For the third year running, Singapasar, a pasar malam-inspired market that focuses on locally designed or made products, will be running through 4 to 6 August 2017 at the National Design Centre. And yes, it’s air-conditioned. Shiok ah! A specially curated array of Made-in-Singapore items can all be found under one roof, ranging from furniture, food and beverages, to apparel, bags, accessories, and much more! And to add in to the festive mood, some items are created specially for National Day and will be launched exclusively at Singapasar. We’re pretty sure you’ll be able to find things that are uniquely Singaporean while you are there, confirm plus chop!
Singapasar will be held from 4-6 August 2017, 4-8pm, at the National Design Centre.
3. Red Dot August
Of course, there are other ways to support local, and one other way is to simply chill with your friends and family, and groove along with local music acts all lined up for the month of August. First up, Red Dot August will be featuring musicians and bands from all walks of life, such as Vivienne’s Verdict, Fym Summer, Cadence, Police Quintet, Tammy Ying, General Lee, and WEBE. From classic hard rock to alternative beats, the event crosses several genres that will have you standing up on your feet.
The acts will be held at the Esplanade, spreading across from now till 3 September 2017. Admission is free.
4. Sundown Festival 2017
More exciting acts await at the Sundown Festival that is happening tomorrow, which boasts an entertaining lineup of homegrown artists such as local veterans Jack & Rai, award-winning singer Derrick Hoh, pop/rock band The Summer State, and even rapper Axel Brizzy where you can expect him to churn out some sick flows and witty lyrics to nod your head to.
The Sundown Festival 2017 is happening on 5 August at City Beach Resort, Labrador Park. Doors open at 4pm. Get your admission tickets for $15 at Sistic.com.
5. Mystic Island by Reza Hasni
Besides music, take some time to appreciate artworks created by Singapore artists. Why not start with one that explores the “supernatural”? Okay, trust us, it’s nothing scary. Motion graphics artist, Reza Hasni, presents a tongue-in-cheek illustrated journal of his interactions with spiritual people in Singapore. Something different and unexpected, Hasni drew out illustrations based on his experiences with bizarre stories he heard from numerologists, Chinese “suan ming” fortune tellers, parrot astrologers, to people who believe they are the reincarnation of stars in the cosmos. Spanning a wide range of mediums, from ink on paper, ceramics, to digital prints, you can also show your support by purchasing his works!
Hasni’s work will be up on public display from now till 12 August 2017, Monday to Saturday, 11am – 8pm, at UltraSuperNew, 13 Bussorah Street. Admission is free.
6. Civic District Outdoor Festival
For the lovebirds who wish to spend some much needed time together, hanging out with rabbits with a picnic basket sounds like a plan huh? We’re talking about larger-than-life, 7-metres tall inflatable rabbits casually lounging around at the Padang, with lights that illuminate from within their bodies. If going to exhibitions and visiting places tire you out, just find a spot to settle down and soak in the National Day mood with the light installations created by Australian artist, Amanda Parer, and we’re pretty sure the much anticipated public holiday won’t go to waste.
The Civic District Outdoor Festival is happening from 4-5 August 2017 and 11-12 August 2017, from 5-11pm.
7. Orchid Extravaganza at Gardens by the Bay
Take a walk through Gardens by the Bay, where there will be a floral display called “Orchid Extravaganza” that tells the story of Singapore’s extraordinary transformation through the motif of a butterfly’s life cycle. As the name suggests, you will get to see a wide spectrum of orchid varieties such as Phalaenopsis, Vanda, Dendrobium, and many others. In celebration of Singapore’s 52nd birthday, look out a sculpture made out of 52 butterflies in the shape of Singapore, put together by award-winning garden designer Peter Cheok.
The Orchid Extravaganza is happening from now till 20 August 2017, from 9am – 9pm, at the Flower Dome. Guided tours are free but admission charges to the Flower Dome applies.
8. Zouk Mambo Jambo
For the wild party-goers and party animals out there, you can still celebrate National Day at Zouk’s legendary Mambo Jambo Party, which will be held on the eve of National Day. Dance to the beat of classic Bananarama anthems and retro hits from the 70s, 80, and early 90s.
The event will be held on 8 August 2017, 9pm – 4am, with tickets costing $35 for ladies and $45 for men.
If you are allergic to crowds and staying at home is the only place you want to be, fret not, for you can still enjoy the festive holiday by shopping online! Look out for discounts on Jetstar with flight tickets going as low as $37 (T&C applies), or shop for new clothes on lazada.com with items receiving up to 90% off and $52 vouchers to be won.
Finally, make everything easier by travelling and paying for everything using NETS’ limited edition FlashPay Card, that reflects this year’s NDP theme of “#OneNationTogether”. You can get one for $12 (inclusive of $7 stored value) at all TransitLink ticket offices, or online at $5 (without any stored value) at flashpay.nets.com.sg. Cards will be available while stocks last.
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