Your National Day 2025 Celebration Guide: Events, Rehearsals & Where to Go
From epic fireworks at Padang to Heartland carnivals, here’s what to expect for SG60.
WHAT: Singapore’s 60th birthday
WHERE: Padang to Marina Bay
WHEN: 9 August 2025 (fireworks start at 7.30 PM)
– Media from ndpeeps
If you thought past National Day parades were impressive, wait until you see what’s in store for SG60! As Singapore celebrates its 60th birthday, this year’s parade is set to be our biggest and boldest yet, with spectacular activities at both the Padang and Marina Bay. Here’s a handy guide to catch all of the stunning celebrations!
SG60: A Double-Site Spectacle at Padang & Marina Bay
– Media from ndpeeps
This year’s National Day theme, “Majulah Singapura,” couldn’t be more fitting. For the first time ever, the main NDP show will be synchronised across two venues: the iconic Padang and scenic Marina Bay.
At the Padang, we’ll see the traditional parade, the Red Lions parachute jump, and the aerial flypast. Meanwhile, at Marina Bay, expect naval dancers to make a splash in the water, a floating stage for live acts, and big screens to watch the parade from Padang.
Expect double the energy, double the excitement, and yes, massive fireworks lighting up both city zones in perfect harmony!
What’s new for NDP 2025?
– Media from ndpeeps
NDP 2025 isn’t just any National Day. It’s a diamond jubilee celebration of our nation’s independence. These are just some of the things that make it extra special:
✔ A brand-new theme song. “Here We Are” will be the anthem of the year, joining the ranks of past iconic NDP songs. Check out its official music video!
✔ 200,000 more spectators. Extra viewing zones and enhanced crowd control measures make this year’s celebrations more accessible than ever.
✔ Jump of Unity. For the first time ever, the Red Lions will parachute into Padang and Navy divers will simultaneously leap into Marina Bay. This dual spectacle marks a bold explosion of the NDP’s visual canvas.
✔ Uncasing of Colours Ceremony. A ceremonial highlight will make its debut on Marina Square on National Day. This ceremony honours our military heritage with a formal presentation of the State and Regimental Colours.
✔ Multi-venue broadcast and experience. Padang and Marina Bay will offer mirrored highlights, so no one misses out.
Rehearsals & Previews
– Media from ndpeeps
NDP 2025 Rehearsal and Preview Dates
Rehearsals: 14, 21, 28 June; 5, 12, 19 July
Previews: 26 July and 2 August
Time: Around 7.30 PM onwards for fireworks
Venues: The Padang and Marina Bay
Want to see it all before the big day? You’re in luck; NDP rehearsals and previews are open to the public, and they’re honestly just as thrilling.
Even if you didn’t get tickets, you can still enjoy free fireworks from key spots like the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre and Marina Barrage.
The Flypast: Don’t Forget to Look Up!
– Media from purplelightvisuals
It’s not NDP without the State Flag Flypast and those thrilling F-16 fighter jet manoeuvres. Last year’s routes included Woodlands, Bukit Batok, West Coast, Seletar, Sengkang, and Punggol Ris in the East, and Toa Payoh.
For this year’s Fly Our Flag segment, the venues have yet to be announced, but it’s happening on August 9. Expect Chinooks and Apaches flying over the Singapore heartlands, so keep your cameras ready.
The Return of the Mobile Column
– Media from ndpeeps
We’re also getting the full SAF Mobile Column experience this year, and it will be louder, prouder, and more thrilling than ever. Think tanks, military vehicles, and even air and naval displays, all rolling out or flying across both venues.
At the Padang, expect a military land and air showcase. At Marina Bay, there will be a maritime and naval display (a first for NDP!).
Kit Chan, Dick Lee, and More Show Highlights
– Media from hellokitchan
The NDP show segment always tugs at the heartstrings, and this year’s star-studded lineup is no exception. Expect to see beloved acts like Kit Chan, Charlie Lim, and Dick Lee, along with four musical acts inspired by the National Anthem.
If you’re watching from Marina Bay, the floating stage will host performances, too. And with synchronised programming across both zones, you won’t feel like you’re missing out.
Free Gardens by the Bay x MediaCorp National Day Concert 2025
– Media from framestolivefor
WHEN: 3 August 2025 (fringe activities: 4.30 PM; concert proper: 7.30 PM)
WHERE: The Meadows, Gardens by the Bay
COST: Free
One of my favourite parts of the National Day season is the Gardens by the Bay and MediaCorp concert. This year’s theme is “Ties That Bloom,” and it hits home for me. It’s all about celebrating the bonds we share as Singaporeans, be it with family, friends, or the whole kampung spirit.
I’m especially excited about the stellar local lineup this year: Kit Chan, Hady Mirza, and Taufik Batisah are all performing live! Plus, there will be heartfelt family acts like Rahima Rahim and her granddaughter Alyaa, JJ Neo and her mum, and more.
I’ll be heading down there before the main concert for the free fringe activities, too!
NTUC NDB Bay Celebrations at Marina Bay
– Media from lisaintanc
WHEN: 26 July, 2 and 9 August, 4 PM to 9 PM
WHERE: The Promontory at Marina Bay
COST: Free
If you’re planning to soak up the NDP vibes this year, don’t miss the NTUC Bay Celebrations at The Promontory. Last year, my family went and had such a feel-good experience that we have to make it to this year’s, as well.
For 2025, they’re going all out with live music from local acts, fun interactive installations, and a multi-sensory showcase called “Symbolic Moment” that’s all about building Singapore’s hopes and dreams.
The atmosphere is unbeatable and perfect for entire families and groups of friends. I’ve already balloted for tickets, so I’m getting to enjoy all the festivities for free!
Catch a magical SG60 light show at Gardens by the Bay
– Media from sunnycitykids
WHEN: 31 July to 2 August (8 PM to 10 PM); 3 August (9 PM to 10.30 PM)
WHERE: Supertree Grove Lawn, Gardens by the Bay
COST: Free
SPARK is lighting up Gardens by the Bay for the SG60 celebrations. It’s an immersive display that impressed audiences in places like Melbourne, Tokyo, and London, and now, it’s Singapore’s turn!
Expect a plethora of biodegradable lights floating and drifting silently across the Supertree Grove Lawn like dreamy fireflies at a night-time picnic. The event runs for four nights only, so make sure to catch it because it’s free of charge.
Celebrate in the heartlands, too!
WHEN: 10 August 2025
WHERE: TBA
COST: Free (but you’ll need a ticket to enter)
The celebrations don’t stop on 9 August, because on 10 August, Singaporeans can head to five heartland celebration sites for more festivities!
These will include carnival games and family activities, live performances, fireworks shows, and displays of SAF, SCDF, and SPF vehicles. These locations will host roving performers and community showcases, so bring the whole family along.
Watch the fireworks with cocktails at El Chido
– Media from pullmansghillstreet
WHEN: 1 July to 10 August 2025
WHERE: El Chido, Pullman Singapore Hill Street
COST: S$60 nett per promo
Want a rooftop view of the fireworks with a cocktail in hand? Head to El Chido at Pullman Singapore Hill Street, where you’ll get front-row views of the NDP 2025 fireworks plus S$60 drink deals.
From July 1 to August 10, you can avail of the Viva SG Rooftop Set with two cocktails and two Mexican-Singapore bites every Monday to Friday. If you’ve got a crew, round them up and share six Coronas and a big bowl of nachos for just S$60, too (Sunday to Thursday)!
Redeem a national flag
– Media from lawrencewongst
It’s time to decorate your home and show your SG60 spirit. From mid-June 2025, Singaporeans and PRs can redeem their national flags from the NDP Shop on Shopee!
Let’s dial up the celebrations a notch this year. See you there!