7 Other Things You Can Do To Spice Up Your National Day

YESSss! We’re hearing all the audible sighs of relief for this mid-week break. Who doesn’t love a public holiday?! If you’re looking for more things to do other than being a patriotic couch potato, we’ve got some recommendations for you.

Whether it’s some quality time with the family or a smashing good fitness time, we cover some diverse activities you might want to try. Also, we’ve fit in some chill activities for those who just need a relaxed break.

1.  Pop-Up Cinema

This is a great way to kick back, relax, but also get out of the house. Movies are better when shared, and here’s where you can take part in a more exciting viewing atmosphere than usual.

Gardens By The Bay will be screening a wide range of films, ranging from more serious, sentimental pieces to quintessential Singaporean comedies.

Left to right: Bunga Sayang, Seniman Bujang Lapok, Two Sides of the Bridge. Images taken from Gardens By The Bay.

1.00pm: Bunga Sayang
2.00pm: Seniman Bujang Lapok
4.30pm: Two Sides of the Bridge
6.30pm: Money No Enough
9.00pm: In Time to Come

 

Left to Right: Money No Enough, In Time to Come. Images taken from Gardens By The Bay.

 

You can find out more about the different films here.

WHERE: Gardens By The Bay, Singapore. 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953. Cannonball Room. 

TICKETING: Free. Take note that while this screening is free for all, admission rates to GBTB still apply. 

For more information on National Day happenings at Gardens By The Bay, head over to their website for more information, and for the National Day Promotion that entitles Singaporean Residents to $5 off admission rates to one or two conservatories. 

2. The 2018 Red Dot Heroes

If you’re looking to get a glimpse into the bustling local creative scene, here’s something for curious minds.

The 2018 Red Dot Heroes series is a celebration of local creative talent. The series is an exciting line-up of sessions by different creatives— from singers to writers, musical producers and entrepreneurs alike.

Singer-songwriter Sezairi will be performing his original songs, so if you enjoy quality, distinctive soulful tunes then you might enjoy this one (a lot). Many of his tunes are also feel-good ones with a tinge of that endearing old-school retro vibe.

Image courtesy of Today at Apple

Performance: Sezairi
Thursday, 9 August
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Apple Orchard Road

Sezairi will be debuting his latest single, Mirage, and an exclusive acoustic version at the event. Also, the session will include a sharing about his musical inspirations and his creative process, so there’s much to look forward to.

Beyond National Day, there will also be other talents like electronic music producer Jasmine Sokko and novelist Suffian Hakim who will share their craft through workshops.

 

Image courtesy of Today at Apple

 

Music Lab: Deconstructing Beats with Jasmine Sokko
Saturday, 11 August
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Apple Orchard Road

Jasmine Sokko will be sharing her process for creating compositions, from making beats to sound design. More good news for fans — she’ll be performing her new songs! If you attend the workshop, you’ll get to try your hand at Garageband to break down some of her songs and remixing them.

 

Image courtesy of Today at Apple

Exclusive: Writing Dialogue with Suffian Hakim
12 August, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Apple Orchard Road

Novelist Suffian Hakim will share more about the art of storytelling, particularly in the areas of dialogue and writing techniques. You’ll get to brainstorm ideas and note them down with the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil at this workshop.

Besides all these, there will also be other other sharing sessions and workshops across different fields — fashion, photography and entrepreneurship just to name a few. It’s an action-packed series at Apple Orchard that looks like a one-stop hub for an engaging (and even educational!) time.

*Registration is required to attend all the above programmes. 

More details about forthcoming programmes and registration can be done online at the Today at Apple website here.

3. WORK OUT: Fitness Runs and sport

  • The Morning Greeters’ Run – National Day edition
Image taken from We Are Singapore page, of The Morning Greeters

Here’s a quick rundown, (pun intended): The Morning Greeters are a community of people who meet every Sunday morning at 7.15am at an allocated gathering point for a run together. The meeting points are updated via social media every week. Their movement aims to create a more friendly, helpful and well-connected society through these greet and run sessions.

It sounds to us a great idea to run and make friends in this non-intimidating setting. Also, you get to stay in better shape and perhaps have that extra bowl of laksa. Or you know, any of our proudly Singaporean dishes.

This Thursday, 9th August, they will be holding a special  National Day edition. Runners will be dressed in red/white running attire and are encouraged to bring along their flags, or any National Day related items. We love how they’ll even end off with a National Day song!

WHERE: Queenstown MRT Station

TIME: 7 AM – 8:30 AM

For more information on the TMG National Day Run, head over here

 

  • Fitness and Sports
Image courtesy of Gardens By The Bay Singapore

The ActiveSG Athletics try-outs include the all-familiar PE activities we’ve all been through before. From foam javelin throws to mini hurdles and so on, have fun as a #fitfam and get moving!

WHERE: Gardens By The Bay, Supertree Grove

TIME: 5 PM – 7:00 PM

For more information on National Day happenings at Gardens By The Bay, head over to their website for more information, and for the National Day Promotion that entitles Singaporean Residents to $5 off admission rates to one or two conservatories. 

4. National Day Celebrations at the National Museum of Singapore

Not just the night at the museum. Be prepared to spend a whole day here. Jam-packed with various activities, National Museum has a slew of events lined up for all ages. Spoiler alert: It also ends with a live telecast of the National Day Parade — and we love how you get to watch it while surrounded by exhibitions detailing our past and our history.

 

Image taken from the National Museum of Singapore

 

Expect exhibitions about Singapore’s history and culture, performances by the well-loved Jack & Rai duo and other interactive activities for the children. The little ones will be well-entertained by activities like a scavenger hunt and craft activities among others.

 

Bouncy adventures at the Front Lawn, from 10am-12noon and 2.30pm – 6pm. Image taken from the National Museum of Singapore.

Also, Daniel Yun’s 15 shorts, a film project aimed at shedding light on the lives of everyday Singaporean heroes (set in the 70s-90s) will be screened. There’s more to expect, and our little blurb here is by no means exhaustive!

TIME: 10AM – 8:30 PM 

WHERE: National Museum Singapore,  93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897

For more information, check out the action-packed programme happening at the National Museum here.

5. National Day Fiesta 2018 at the Sports Hub 

The National Day fiesta will feature many activities and events, including activities like bouncy castles, some family bonding games and also performances by local acts.

While registration might be full for most workout classes, you can still take part in other games like the Local Heritage Bingo where you can win prizes. You may also opt for a family picnic while watching a live NDP telecast. You’ll even get free popcorn and a picnic mat (while stocks last). More activities are available, so check out their full comprehensive guide on their website!

WHERE: Singapore Sports Hub. For more directions by various transportation methods, find out more here.

TICKETING: All activities are free for the public. Certain events require pre-registration. Head over here to find out more. 

6. Jurong Bird Park, River Safari and Singapore Zoo

Ok come on. No one’s ever too old for the zoo.

Unveiling on the 9th of August is the WILDerful Singaporean Trail that allows you to find out more about our own native wildlife. Exclusive animal pins are also up for grabs upon completion of the trail (while stocks last, of course).

Image taken from the Singapore Zoo

Apart from this, you’ll be tickled to know that even the sea lions are in on the National Day celebration. Watch the sea lion unravel a special National Day message! We recommend that you check out the show timings prior to going so that you avoid any disappointment.

Meet the King event. Image courtesy of Singapore Zoo.

Besides these shows, other exciting activities will also be available, including paint art and the Ah Meng Mascot Meet & Greet. Keeper interactions with the majestic king cobra will also start from 9 August and take place for only a few dates. This is just the tip of the iceberg so that’s lots more you can see, of course.

For more information, head over to their website to check for show timings, opening hours and transport services available.

PROMOTIONS:
Visitors get 53% off Jurong Bird Park or River Safari with every purchase of Singapore Zoo admission. (Other terms & conditions apply).

A  membership promotion is also available. Enjoy 10% off Friends of Wildlife Individual or a Family membership with discount code NDFOW2018 when you sign up to be a Friend of Wildlife. You’ll also receive exclusive merch of park animal icons, while stocks last.

7. Fireworks watching

Image courtesy of We Are Singapore

Our definition of ending with a bang. Our National Day fireworks have always been an iconic thing. A little like lighting the candles on a birthday cake. This year’s fireworks display is apparently more spectacular than before, and will reportedly even feature a daylight display pre-NDP!

Here’s a few places you could visit to catch the fireworks.

  • Marina Barrage
  • Gardens By The Bay
  • Esplanade Bridge
  • Helix Bridge
  • Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck
  • Merlion Park

Banner images are taken from Singapore Zoo, We Are Singapore and National Museum of Singapore websites respectively (from left to right).