The best things to do during National Day

It's that time of year when we hang up our national flags and brush up on classic National Day songs like Home and Where I Belong. On August 9, the nation will congregate at the historic Padang to celebrate how far we've come together and pledge to unite on the path ahead. 

Besides the state flag flypast, flashy 'Salute-to-the-Nation' bomb burst flown by fighter aircraft and dizzying aerial displays by the RSAF, the most highly-anticipated aspect of the National Day Parade has got to be the fireworks display. This year, the main fireworks show will occur in the Marina Bay area alongside simultaneous displays at five locations in the heartlands. And if you prefer to wine and dine while soaking in the majestic display of fireworks instead? Fret not, we've gathered a list of the best restaurants and bars to watch the National Day fireworks in Singapore here.

This year’s Temasek Foundation x SSO National Day Concert, happening on August 11, promises an evening of captivating music by Singaporeans. Experience the full splendour of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra teaming up with the next generation of Singapore’s music-makers, young and old, augmented by combined school choirs and bands from across the island. 

This year's concert will feature music by eight Singaporean composers, including three winning entries from the Singapore Symphony’s ‘NDC 2024 Call for Compositions’.The combined choir includes students from Pathlight School, Anglo-Chinese Junior College and Serangoon Garden Secondary School, joined by the Singapore Symphony Choruses, while the combined band features young musicians from Bendemeer Secondary School, Peirce Secondary School, and members of the Singapore National Youth Orchestra.

Tickets start from $15. For those that are unable to make it, fret not because there will be a free livestream on the Singapore Symphony YouTube channel that will remain accessible to all even after the concert.

For the full programme and more information, visit SSO’s webpage here.

Book your tickets now. 

Don’t miss this juicy National Day Promotion. Crafted by Peter Zwiener, the casual sister outlet of Wolfgang Steakhouse, is slinging $9.80 gourmet burgers in honour of the nation’s birthday. The offer applies to the Cheeseburger, which features a hefty 100% USDA Prime Black Angus beef patty, flavourful sautéed onions, and melty cheese sandwiched between pillowy burger buns. 

Since the Cheeseburger promo is available for dine-in only, take the opportunity to try other mouthwatering dishes at Crafted. Get some bang for your buck with the Banger Platter ($24), which is loaded with smoked chicken cheese, smoked Iberico pork, pork bratwurst, and gherkin. Slurp down garlicky and cheesy tiger prawns in the Gambas al Ajillo ($18) and toast to Singapore’s 59th birthday with Crafted’s rendition of the Singapore sling. Crafted by Peter Ziener’s National Day promotion is available from August 5 to 18. Make a reservation here. 

Celebrate Singapore’s vibrant heritage at the National Day Open House at the Asian Civilisations Museum on August 9, from 1pm to 6.30 pm. Discover a captivating outdoor installation, take part in engaging hands-on activities, and enjoy fascinating tours for the whole family. Most activities are free, offering a fantastic opportunity to experience the diverse culture and history of Singapore.

From August 9, 11pm, to August 10, 8am, the Singapore Flyer will be operating a non-stop overnight flight at a discounted price of $25. And August babies are in for a treat – they’ll be able to ride for free with every paying guest. Simply provide a valid photo identification with your date of birth upon entry. Apart from the 30-minute flight ride on the giant observation wheel, all passengers will also be granted entry to an immersive attraction entitled ‘Time Capsule’, one that stretches across two levels, showcasing Singapore’s storied past, present and future.

What would Gardens By The Bay’s Supertrees or Raffles Hotel look like as cocktails? The spirits brand Bombay Sapphire issued a fun challenge to several top bartenders in Singapore this year. Their task? Create a drink inspired by one of Singapore’s famous landmarks. The drinks were then photographed by F&B photographer Wei Ping and presented alongside visuals of the landmarks captured by urban photographer Lee Yik Keat.