Ways to celebrate National Day 2023 in Singapore - at no cost

Singapore's National Day is just around the corner. Besides the big event at the Padang, there are some exciting (and did we mention, free) events happening around the island to celebrate our nation's 58th birthday. Slip into your fav red and white outfit with pride and check out these happenings — at no cost.

Celebrate the legacy of Lee Kuan Yew at National Museum Singapore

Commemorate National Day by visiting Semangat yang Baru: Forging a New Singapore Spirit, an exhibition that commemorates the 100th birth anniversary of our country's first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew. Within the exhibition located in the Singapore History Gallery is a digital trail that you can embark on via a web app; the trail takes you on a journey that unveils the historical and contemporary significance of our Founding Father.

Don't miss the latest addition to the museum — a compelling short film, LKY100: The Life and Legacy of Lee Kuan Yew (1923-2015), by acclaimed filmmaker Royston Tan. This touching tribute pays homage to Mr Lee's enduring contributions to our nation.

For an illuminating end to your visit, be sure to time your exit so that you can witness the museum's National Day façade light-up, featuring snippets from the LKY100 film. The light-up takes place every day until Aug 9, from 7.30pm to midnight.

Get ready for an epic National Day Concert at Gardens by the Bay

Gather the fam and head to Gardens by the Bay for the National Day Concert 2023, co-organised by Mediacorp. Join the happening celebrations hosted by DJ Vernetta Lopez and Fauzie Laily (winner of Best Host at Pesta Perdana 2023). It's a festival that brings together our songs, our stories, and the true spirit of being Singaporean.

Prepare to be entertained by an incredible line-up of local talents, which include The Freshman, Joanna Dong, Mavis Hee, Ayden Sng, Suthasini, and the legendary Kit Chan — who knows, she might treat us to her latest rendition of Home.

Get ready for a fun-filled carnival and a mesmerising fireworks display. The event kicks off on Aug 5 at 4.30pm at The Meadow (concert begins at 7.30pm).

Sing your heart out at the 17th National Day Sing-Along

Eager to belt out your favourite National Day songs of the past? Time to jio your friends for evening of patriotic joy at the 17th National Day Sing-Along, happening at Toa Payoh HDB Hub Mall Square. Prepare to be moved by The A Cappella Society's Children's Pop Choir & Youth Voices.

This talented choir comprises children and youth with special needs from the Extra·Ordinary People charity. And sing along with local music artists, including Yokez, Elton Lee, Morgan Law, and Yohannis Kasmani, as they perform crowd-favourite local tunes ahead of NDP.

Save the date — Aug 5 at 7pm — and come dressed in red and/or white outfits or don stunning traditional ethnic wear to show off your Singaporean pride!

Work out and have fun at Majulah Fiesta 2023

Get fit for National Day and have a blast with your fellow Singaporeans at Majulah Fiesta 2023, held at the Singapore Sports Hub. Immerse yourself in a series of high-energy workouts, sports tryouts, and fancy footwork sessions. Plus, there'll be mouth-watering makan too. There will also be live band performances and a live screening of NDP.

The party kicks off from 9am onwards on Aug 9 at OCBC Square.

Catch the RSAF jets and fireworks displays in the heartlands

Can't make it to NDP at the Padang? No worries, just point your cameras to the skies on July 29 and Aug 9 as RSAF aircraft and the State Flag soar over the heartlands. The State Flag flypast will cover areas including Yishun, Toa Payoh, Sengkang, Punggol, Pasir Ris, Tampines, Marine Parade, Bukit Panjang, Woodlands, Choa Chu Kang, Jurong, and West Coast. The awesome RSAF Island Flypast display will grace the skies over Jurong West, Woodlands, Toa Payoh, Tampines, and Bedok. More info here.

If it's fireworks you're looking forward to, then head to these five heartland sites on Aug 9: ActiveSG Bedok Sport Centre, ActiveSG Jurong West Sport Centre, ActiveSG Toa Payoh Sport Centre, ActiveSG Woodlands Sport Centre and Our Tampines Hub. Fireworks will take place at these locations between 8.15pm and 8.25pm on National Day. You'll be allowed into these Sport Centres at 6pm, so be sure to arrive early to chope a good seat.

ALSO READ: NDP 2023: Adrenaline-pumping heartland happenings

This article was first published in Wonderwall.sg.