Get ready for all the National Day fun with our guide to all things SG61!
National Day 2026, Singapore’s 61th National Day, is still a ways away, but if you’re curious as to what might occur on Sg61So what can you expect from the celebrations? 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.
National Day 2026: What to expect
The National Day theme
While this theme for 2026 has yet to be announced, 2025’s theme was “Majulah Singapura”. Its aim was to make us reflect on our journey as one people, and to look ahead with hope, courage, and unity. We’ve flourished in the past 60 years, but that’s not our only strength – it’s the trust, inclusivity, and shared values that will keep us marching forward.
The National Day theme song
As with NDP 2025, National Day 2026 will also have a theme song. NDP 2025’s theme song was titled “Here We Are”, co-written by Charlie Lim and Chok Kerong and performed by Charlie Lim, Kit Chan and The Island Voices. 2025’s song highlighted how we embrace the differences that make us who we are – that in being seen, heard, and known, we grow stronger together. The music video showcases a series of vignettes capturing everyday moments of resilience, care, and celebration — it reminds us that we’re all in this together and to not give up.
The celebration
On the day itself, you can catch familiar crowd favourites like the State Flag Flypast and the Presidential Gun Salute during the parade and ceremony at The Padang and Marina Bay. In NDP 2025, the Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) participated as a full contingent for the first time to commemorate its 10th anniversary. Hopefully, we’ll get to catch the Red Lions and Republic of Singapore’s Navy divers parachute into the Padang and Marina Bay respectively again.
2025’s celebration also saw iconicMobile Column make its comeback to the Padang for the first time since 2019 – that’s a combination of the Singapore Armed Forces, Home Team, and Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore! Celebrations also continued in the heartlands at 5 different locations – make sure you swing by for some carnival fun, family activities, and an NDP pack while stocks last! For official event details, visit the National Day Parade website.
National Day parade times
For reference on how the celebration will most likely take place, this was the 2025 celebration breakdown:
Navel Divers parachuting: 5.50pm
Red Lions parachuting: 5.55pm
Navy boat display: 6.05pm
State Flag Flypast: 6.32pm
Enhanced Salute: (6 F-15s and 4 F-16s): 6.36pm
Presidential Gun Salute: 6.38pm
RSAF Aerial Tribute: 6.49pm
Arial Flypast: (MRTT, G550, F16): 7.04pm
Maritime Display: 7.07pm
Aerial Flypast: (2×3 F15s): 7.08pm
Mobile Column: 7.10pm
Aerial Flypast: (2 C130s and 2 Forkkers): 7.10pm
Short fireworks 1: 7.34 to 7.35pm
Water Floats @ Marina Bay: 7.42pm
Short fireworks 2: 7.45 to 7.46pm
Performance on floating stage: 7.50pm
Fireworks and light projection: 8.02pm
Final fireworks: 8.10pm to 8.20pm
National Day fireworks
As always, you can look forward to dazzling simultaneous fireworks displays at The Padang, Promontory @ Marina Bay, AND the heartlands on 9 August. There are also usually fireworks every Saturday during the NDP rehearsal season if you don’t want to wait.
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!
