August – the month of the year where you’ll see Singapore dressed in red and white in many corners and enjoy a much-anticipated long weekend. Whether you’re looking for activities to celebrate our nation's birthday or you're just looking for fun activities to do with your family and friends, read on to find out more!
Catch the NDP and fireworks
Unlike the yearly parades we’re familiar with, this year's celebrations will be virtual. Singaporeans can catch these features in person and through live broadcasts over TV and internet platforms. It will be a digitalised and immersive experience with a series of home engagement activities such as a virtual choir and workout activities.
And to round it all up: fireworks. This year firework displays will be going off in multiple locations all over the island and you can enjoy them from the comfort of your homes. Read our ultimate guide to NDP 2020 here!
Local films and series on Netflix
Go local! From Aug 1, Netflix will be adding over 100 Singaporean films and series to its library. Made possible thanks to partnerships with local production houses like Clover Films, MM2 Entertainment, and national broadcaster Mediacorp, many award-winning releases and 90s favourites will be included, such as Ilo Ilo, Ah Boys to Men 2 and Phua Chu Kang! Check out our picks here.
Istana Open House
This year, we might not be able to physically visit the Istana, but they have still opened their doors by conducting an online tour of its interior. Want to learn more about the official residence and office of the President of Singapore situated in the middle of Orchard Road? This virtual tour showcases parts of the Istana that are not usually open to the public, and The Straits Times also has an immersive guide to the Istana.
55K National Day Virtual Run/Walk
How is a virtual run going to work? It works exactly the same as any other type of running, but the difference is that it can be run at any location, either outside or inside on a treadmill, and you can complete it at your own pace and time before Aug 31. All you have to do is register for a race and provide evidence that you have done it. The evidence can be a screenshot of your running app, a photo of the treadmill screen etc. Upon completion you will receive a mobile armband, face mask and finisher medal!
Singapore Symphony Orchestra National Day concert
We've heard a lot of different renditions of “Home” over the years, but have you heard a version played by a full classical orchestra? Recorded at the Esplanade Concert Hall with no audience, the concert will be taking place virtually. The Singapore Symphony Orchestra will also be joined by various local artists such as Benjamin Kheng as they take on local compositions and classics. Tickets are pay-as-you-wish from $5 onwards, and the concert will premiere on SISTIC Live on Aug 15, 8pm and viewable until Aug 29.
Singapore Food Festival 2020
The annual Singapore Food Festival is coming back, and this time it goes virtual. If you have question marks popping out of your head wondering how it's gonna work without seeing, smelling and tasting the food, not to worry, because the organisers have prepared for a different sensory experience. Think online masterclasses and specially curated ingredient kits so viewers can cook alongside the chefs! Read more about it here.
Singapore Science Festival 2020
Looking for a way to educate and keep your kids entertained at home? The annual Singapore Science Festival 2020 will be right up your alley. Organised by Science Centre Singapore and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), the festival is taking place entirely online so you can partake in an array of activities from the comfort of your home up until Aug 8. You'll find a series of games, shows and live events! View the festival highlights here.
M1 Peer Pleasure Youth Theatre Festival
Support local youths! M1 Peer Pleasure is an annual youth theatre festival with a social conscience. It is a unique platform that mentors youths aged 13-25 in the craft of theatre-making, providing opportunities for them to collaborate with peers to stage productions with important social issues and performed for all ages. Held from Aug 4 - 16 and streamed online, tickets for each play will be from $5 onwards. Some performances will even be providing pre-show kits for audiences with disabilities to enjoy the full experience of the show from home! Find out more here.