Every year, Singaporeans scramble to get tickets for the annual National Day Parade. Not only is the balloting process a hassle, you have to be incredibly lucky to win tickets. However, there are other things to do besides going to watch the parade live at the Padang. Here are some ways you can celebrate National Day for free without going to the Padang! Free admission for all!
Feel The Singapore Spirit
1. National Day Celebrations @ Heartlands
This year, the National Day Parade is coming to your neighbourhoods! On 10 August, there will be mobile columns parading through Bishan, Geylang Serai, Jurong East, Punggol, and Woodlands. You can also enjoy carnivals that will be held in these areas! At the end of the Heartlands parade, there will be a fireworks display in each area as well. Let’s light the skies up!
2. Visit The National Museum Of Singapore
On 9 and 10th August, head down to the National Museum of Singapore for two-days of celebrations and activities! Instead of watching it at home alone, why not catch a live screening of the National Day Parade on 9th August at 5:40pm with a whole bunch of patriotic citizens? The levels of national pride will hit you right in the feels! Before that, at 3 – 5pm, there is also a screening of 15 short films based on the unsung heroes of Singapore. On 10th August, 3 – 5pm, there will also be a comedy film shown, titled “Republic of Food”.
More info:Â https://www.nationalmuseum.sg/our-programmes/programmes-list/national-day-open-house-2019
3. Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall Heritage Hurray!
From heritage trails, to art workshops, to sharings on sustainability, Heritage Hurray! encompasses both the past and future of our country. Join the heritage trail around Balestier to learn more about Singapore’s culture and history. There are also soap-making workshops, vinyl toy-painting, sculpting and more. Furthermore, as part of efforts to support local, there will be a first-ever community pop-up market where you can buy handicrafts!
More info:Â https://www.sysnmh.org.sg/en/whats-on/events/heritage-hurray
4. Our Tampines Hub
From 8 – 10 August, catch the F1 Roadshow, free play at selected sporting facilities, Kidzania, face-painting, acrobatic performances, carnivals and free movie screenings! For 10th August, it is also one of the locations where the mobile columns will take place at, so you can watch it from there. Also hop on to Singapore’s largest Carousel at their carnival! Local celebrities like Sebastian Tan, Chua En Lai and the cast of Ah Boys To Men will also be making their appearance.
More info:Â https://www.facebook.com/OurTampinesHub/
5. Singapore Chinese Orchestra’s Music Oasis At Botanic Gardens
Join the Singapore Chinese Orchestra for a chill evening at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage at the Botanic Gardens. Taking place on 10 August, get ready for a night of patriotic instrumentals. Some of the evergreen classic NDP songs will be played, like We Are Singapore, Stand Up For Singapore, Voices From The Heart and more. Get decked in red and white and relax in the tranquil Botanic Gardens surrounded by nature.
6. Music Festival At Gardens By The Bay
Singapore’s best musicians from pop to EDM will be holding a 2-day concert on 10 – 11 August, from 4pm – 9:30pm. Starring Dick Lee, Kit Chan, Jasmine Sokko, Kumar, Aisyah Aziz and many more! Plus, admission is free (unless otherwise stated) to see some of your favourite local artists. It will be held at The Meadows at Gardens By The Bay. There will also be fun family activities, food trucks, and free door gifts while stocks last!
7. Rave On Top Of Golden Mile Complex
In a collaboration between local party collective Ice Cream Sundays and record label Darker Than Wax, they are bringing an Open Door: National Day Edition party to be held on Golden Mile Tower Rooftop! Where better to have a National Day party than on the top of one of Singapore’s most historic buildings? Plus, you get to enjoy a good view of the city from above. Entry is free until 5pm on 9 August, and it will be pay-what-you-want after 5pm.
More info:Â https://www.facebook.com/events/444106556444182/
8. Camp Out At These Locations For The Best View Of The Fireworks Display
Lastly, the great thing about Singapore being so small is that the fireworks can be viewed from a variety of locations. The best spots to view and photograph the fireworks display at the end of the National Day Parade are along Boat Quay, Merlion Park, Helix Bridge and The Promontory at Marina Bay. Set up your tripods and camp out there for a great shot of the fireworks! Keep in mind though, that some people camp way before the parade starts to reserve an unparalleled view. It’s a great way to celebrate National Day for free!
8 Ways To Celebrate The National Day Weekend For Free Without Going To The Padang
While watching the National Day Parade may seem like the most straightforward way to celebrate Singapore’s 54th birthday, there are countless ways to have a great time – they don’t even have to come with a price tag! 9 August is a day that has a special place in all Singaporean’s hearts, so why not go out of your house this year to celebrate with hundreds of like-minded Singaporeans? How will you be spending your National Day weekend?
Also read: LATEST & UPCOMING in August 2019: 10 NEW Cafes & Restaurants To Dine Out In S’pore
