National Day 2026 is almost here and SG61 is shaping up to be one of the most memorable in years. Here's everything you need to know about the NDP, the fireworks, the theme and what's happening on 9 August.
National Day in Singapore is celebrated every year on 9 August, commemorating Singapore’s independence from Malaysia in 1965. This year, Singapore marks its 61st National Day, SG61, with a brand new venue, a brand new theme and a genuinely different kind of parade. Here’s everything you need to know.
First up: What is National Day?
National Day in Singapore is celebrated every year on 9 August, commemorating Singapore’s independence from Malaysia in 1965. The main event of the holiday is arguably the much-loved National Day Parade, as well as the address by the Prime Minister of Singapore and a fireworks celebration.
Why trust this guide to Singapore National Day 2026?
HoneyKids Asia has been covering National Day in Singapore for over a decade. We update this guide every year to reflect confirmed NDP details, accurate venue information and the latest on fireworks, theme songs and family events. This guide has been updated in July 2026 to reflect the confirmed SG61 theme, the National Stadium venue change and the updated programme, removing outdated references to The Padang, the Red Lions and heartland celebrations that do not form part of the 2026 NDP.
Singapore National Day 2026: at a glance
Date: Sunday, 9 August 2026 (public holiday: Monday, 10 August)
Theme: “Majulah Singapura, Go Beyond!” (SG61)
Venue: National Stadium, Kallang (first time in 10 years)
What’s in the programme: State Flag Flypast, Presidential Gun Salute (at Kallang Basin), indoor drone show with 300+ drones, NDP’s largest-ever special effects
What’s NOT in the programme: Red Lions, mobile column, heartland celebrations
Public activities: Kallang precinct open daily from 25 July to 9 August, free entry
NDP preview dates: 25 July and 1 August
Best fireworks vantage point: Kallang Basin waterfront and Stadium Riverside Walk
Live broadcast: Mediacorp Channel 5, Channel 8, Suria and Vasantham Central
Official info: ndp.gov.sg
National Day 2026: What to expect
The National Day theme
The theme for SG61 is “Majulah Singapura, Go Beyond!” — a call to Singaporeans to go further, do more and be better together as the nation marks 61 years of independence. The theme builds on the spirit of Majulah Singapura (Onward Singapore) while looking ahead with ambition and unity.
The National Day theme song
The celebration
The 2026 National Day Parade marks a significant shift from recent years — the parade is moving to the National Stadium at Kallang for the first time in a decade. The last NDP held at the current National Stadium was in 2016. With a seating capacity of around 55,000, this year’s parade brings the action to Kallang, with the wider Kallang precinct hosting up to 200,000 people across various public celebration spaces.
What to expect:
The parade will feature an indoor drone light show with over 300 drones, NDP’s largest-ever special effects presentation, the State Flag Flypast, Feu-de-Joie and Presidential Gun Salute. Note that the 2026 NDP will not include the Red Lions parachute display, the mobile column of military and civil defence vehicles, or the aerial showcase by military aircraft — in their place, the focus shifts to a spectacular music and entertainment programme inside the stadium.
For the first time, the Presidential Gun Salute will take place at Kallang Basin rather than Marina Bay.
There are no heartland celebrations in 2026 — the community celebrations are consolidated at the Kallang precinct from 25 July to 9 August, with live performances, light displays, interactive activities and exhibitions open to the public daily.
Didn’t get tickets? Catch the live broadcast on all free-to-air Mediacorp channels (Channel 5, Channel 8, Suria and Vasantham Central) or head to the Kallang precinct to soak up the atmosphere for free.
For official event details, visit the National Day Parade website at ndp.gov.sg.
National Day parade times
The full programme for the 2026 NDP at the National Stadium has not yet been released. For reference, here is the 2025 parade breakdown at The Padang, note that the 2026 programme will differ significantly given the venue change and different programme elements:
Naval Divers parachuting: 5.50pm
Red Lions parachuting: 5.55pm (not in 2026 programme)
Navy boat display: 6.05pm
State Flag Flypast: 6.32pm
Enhanced Salute: 6.36pm
Presidential Gun Salute: 6.38pm (at Kallang Basin in 2026, not Marina Bay)
Mobile Column: 7.10pm (not in 2026 programme)
Final fireworks: 8.10pm to 8.20pm
Check ndp.gov.sg for the confirmed 2026 programme as it is released.
National Day fireworks
The main fireworks display for SG61 will be launched from the Kallang area, a shift from previous years where the display centred on Marina Bay. The Kallang Basin waterfront and Stadium Riverside Walk are the best vantage points for 2026. Marina Bay vantage spots may still offer partial views. NDP 2026 has two preview dates, 25 July and 1 August, both of which will include fireworks displays. The main parade and fireworks take place on 9 August. Check our guide to the best spots to watch National Day fireworks in Singapore for the full list of free vantage points across the island, updated for 2026.
BONUS: All the National Day 2026 guides you need!
1. National Day family events
We’ve put together a list of all the fun family events for National Day; we’ll keep it updated with more as we get closer to the actual date.
2. 60+ things to do over the National Day weekend
To celebrate SG61, we’ve put together a list of over 60 awesome things to do with the kiddos here in sunny Singapore!
3. National Day crafts
What better time to grab the arts and crafts supplies or head into the kitchen than National Day? We’ve listed some fab ideas for National Day, from cool crafts to yummy recipes – all to try at home!
4. Red and white National Day clothing
Get everyone decked out in red and white! We’ve got a couple of spots around town (and online) for you to snag some cool threads for the little ones (and you)!
5. National Day feasts
We have scoured the island for some of the best National Day-inspired food for dining in, takeaway, and delivery, in case you don’t feel like cooking.
6. Quintessential Singaporean activities
From feasting on hawker food and going on a trishaw ride to spending a day out prawning or wandering through a local museum, there’s no better way to celebrate Singapore than by going on an adventure that really embraces Singapore culture – the fun and authentic experiences that capture the true culture of this fascinating place we call home!
7. 30 places to watch the fireworks
Aside from the main sites, we’ve compiled a list of free spots where you and the fam can check out for a good view of the spectacular firework display. Get your cameras ready and pick your favourite spot to hopefully avoid the crowd and get some stunning shots!
Here’s to a happy and exciting National Day this year!
