Ten years. That's how long it's been since the National Day Parade was last held at the National Stadium, and this year, it's finally coming home to Kallang. NDP 2026 lands on Sunday, 9 August 2026 with the theme "Majulah Singapura, Go Beyond!". So whether or not you’ve scored tickets at the ballot, there are tons of opportunities to celebrate Singapore’s birthday.
Before the big day sneaks up on us, be sure to read up on everything you need to know about NDP 2026, plus what else is happening around Singapore over the National Day weekend.
What to expect at NDP 2026
This year's parade is a different beast. Moving indoors to the National Stadium means that about 42,000 spectators will be watching live, nearly double the capacity of recent editions at the Padang. However, this also means no Red Lions, no mobile column, and no fighter jet flyover this year, as organisers cited safety and operational concerns for the indoor venue.
But before you mourn too hard, you should know that NDP 2026 features its first-ever indoor drone light show, with 300 drones performing in sync with Jasmine Sokko and a team of aerialists 30 metres above the stadium floor. There's also the largest indoor special effects showcase in NDP history, with over 170 effects machines pumping out indoor fireworks and pyrotechnics at over twice the scale compared to previous parades.
Two crowd favourites are also stepping outside for the first time. The 21-gun Presidential Gun Salute and the State Flag Flypast will both happen over the Kallang Basin, which means you won't need a ticket to catch them. During the flypast, the Chinook carrying our flag will swoop past the stadium's roof opening at around 6.55pm, escorted by two Apache helicopters.
Inside, expect 32 marching contingents (including the most civilian participation in over a decade), more than 2,600 performers, and a finale that ends with fireworks. And instead of one theme song, this year brings a whole album, with tracks from Iman Fandi, Gareth Fernandez, Dru Chen, and Jasmine Sokko.
Can you still get tickets?
Sadly, no. Balloting ran from 23 May to 6 June 2026 via SingPass, and results went out in mid-June. If your household didn't get lucky, don't worry. You've still got plenty of options, and honestly, some of them might be more fun than sitting in the stands.
If you'd rather watch from the comfort of your sofa, the parade will be broadcast live on Mediacorp's Channel 5, mewatch, and NDPeeps' YouTube and Facebook channels.
Where to watch the NDP 2026 fireworks for free
Watch out! This year, the fireworks are at Kallang, not Marina Bay. No separate Marina Bay display has been announced, so skip Merlion Park and the Esplanade rooftop this time. Head east instead.
These are the spots I'd stake out:
- Stadium Riverside Walk: This is the closest public spot to the fireworks launch site, and it hosts a lighted "Go Beyond" display from 25 July too.
- Tanjong Rhu Promenade: Across the water from the stadium with wide, unblocked views sits a lookout tower for elevated shots. Plus, it's an easy walk from Tanjong Rhu or Mountbatten MRT.
- Kallang Riverside Park: More space to spread a mat, which makes it a good shout for families with prams and picnic baskets in tow.
- Kallang Basin lookout deck: Elevated waterfront views await around a 10-minute walk away from Nicoll Highway MRT.
One tip from someone who's been burned before: get there by 7pm. Rehearsal watchers have reported short firework bursts from around 7.30pm, with the big finale closer to 8.15pm, though exact timings haven't been officially confirmed and can shift on the day.
And if 9 August itself feels too crowded, the same fireworks light up the basin on preview show Saturdays, 25 July and 1 August. Same sparkle, thinner crowds.
What else is happening over the National Day weekend
Since 9 August falls on a Sunday, Monday, 10 August is a public holiday. Naturally, our nation’s event organisers have arranged for plenty to do over this long weekend, plus a few lead-up events that you should probably pencil in, too.
Gardens by the Bay x Mediacorp National Day Concert
The annual National Day Concert takes over The Meadow on 2 August with the theme "Seeds of Tomorrow". Gates open around 4.30pm with carnival games and food stalls, and the concert proper kicks off at about 7.45pm with Olivia Ong, Hady Mirza, and Benjamin Kheng on the lineup. Admission is free, and yes, there will be fireworks.
Istana Open House
The Istana opens its gates on 26 July from 9.30am - 8pm. Entry is free for Singaporeans and PRs. Do note that the main building is closed for restoration works, so the state gifts are displayed at The Villa instead.
Light Together at Bras Basah.Bugis
From 1 August to 5 September, five light art zones glow across the Bras Basah.Bugis (yes, they’re spelling it like that now) district, including installations at the National Museum. It's free, it's photogenic, and it's the perfect after-dinner wander.
SingNation! singalong
On 8 August at 7pm, Capitol Singapore's Outdoor Plaza hosts a mass National Day singalong. Entry is free, and only costs your loudest rendition of Home.
Free museum entry
National Heritage Board museums, including the National Museum and Asian Civilisations Museum, typically offer free admission for Singaporeans and PRs over the National Day period. And you can bet your NDP Packs that there’ll be tons of themed events too, including free inclusive performances at the National Museum.
Getting around on parade weekend
If you're headed to Kallang on show days, take the train. Roads around the stadium (including Nicoll Highway, Mountbatten Road, and Guillemard Road) close in phases from about 5pm - 11pm, and parking nearby is scarce. Stadium MRT puts you right at the doorstep of the parade, while Kallang, Mountbatten, and Tanjong Rhu stations are all within walking distance.
(Feature photo from: The Straits Times)
