"August 9th may be over, but the birthday buzz is far from done. Check out these 7 places to keep the celebration going!"

August 9th may be over, but with Singapore marking its 60th birthday this year, the celebrations are still going strong. Across the island, you’ll find a great mix of family-friendly activities, exhibitions, and performances to help you soak in the National Day spirit together. Here are 7 places to check out!
1. Once Upon A Tide

One of the highlights during this year’s National Day celebrations is Once Upon A Tide, a special exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore. Running until 9 October 2026, this showcase dives into Singapore’s deep connection with the sea, a timely tribute as the nation marks 60 years of independence. With over 350 artefacts on display, the exhibition explores how maritime trade shaped Singapore’s early days, while also offering a peek into what lies ahead for the island nation.
Entry to the exhibition is free, but you’ll need an admission ticket to the museum itself. Good news for Singaporeans and PRs, free tickets can be booked directly through the NMS website. For international visitors, tickets start at just $7 per person, making this a worthwhile stop for families, history lovers, and curious travellers alike.
2. Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time

Also at the National Museum of Singapore, a new experience launches just in time for the National Day festivities. Opening on 8 August 2025, Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time is a permanent exhibition that takes visitors through 700 years of the nation’s rich and evolving history.
This interactive, multi-sensory journey brings stories to life through light, sound, and art installations. Admission is free, with additional paid activities for those who want to explore further. Open daily from 10am to 7pm.
3. SingaPop! 60 Years of Singapore Pop Culture

This colourful, multimedia exhibition is a joyful celebration of everything that makes Singapore uniquely Singapore. From the tunes we grew up with to the fashion, food, and everyday moments that shaped the nation’s identity.
Curated through the creative lens of Dick Lee, SingaPop! 60 Years of Singapore Pop Culture at the ArtScience Museum takes visitors through five immersive chapters exploring music, film, fashion, and food. Expect to see familiar faces like Kumar and Rahimah Rahim, alongside playful nods to kopi breaks, Singlish expressions, and iconic pop culture moments that span generations.
The exhibition is held at the ArtScience Museum, with opening hours running from 10am to 7pm on Sundays through Thursdays, and extended hours until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are priced from $25 for Singapore residents and from $30 for tourists.
4. The Projector

The Projector offers a refreshing change of pace for families. Known as Singapore’s go-to indie cinema, it features an offbeat mix of arthouse films, cult favourites, foreign-language gems, and titles you won’t find at mainstream cinemas. It also hosts themed events, comedy nights, and live music.
Since opening in 2014 on the top floor of Golden Mile Tower, The Projector has transformed a forgotten corner of the building into a creative haven. What began with just two cosy cinema halls has grown into a buzzing venue that now screens over 250 films a year, many of them indie releases, auteur retrospectives, and selections from international festivals.
This August and September, The Projector celebrates Singapore’s 60th birthday with Majulah Cinema!, a month-long tribute to local films and filmmakers. The programme features ten standout titles, handpicked and created by five acclaimed directors: Calleen Koh, He Shuming, Kirsten Tan, K. Rajagopal, and Quen Wong. Many screenings will also include director intros and intimate post-show Q&As.
The Projector is located at Golden Mile Tower. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday, 4pm to 10.30pm, and Friday to Sunday and public holidays, 1pm to 10.30pm.
5. Changi Airport and Jewel

There’s plenty to see at Changi Airport and Jewel this National Day season. As part of the SG60 celebrations, the iconic Rain Vortex at Jewel will be the centrepiece of a nightly Light & Music Showcase. Watch as watercolour-style projections of Singapore’s landmarks come to life on the cascading waterfall, all set to a special SG60 edition of the beloved song Home. Shows happen at 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm daily between 2 and 31 August 2025.
The experience continues through the terminals with vibrant floral displays that bring a touch of nature into the travel hub. In Terminal 3, there’s a sprawling 270 sqm floral garden featuring rare orchid varieties. Over at Terminal 2, keep an eye out for a striking 6-metre-tall floral Merlion, carefully crafted using 60 different plant species. Right back at Jewel, more than 1,200 red and white orchids will be in bloom, including the exclusive hybrid Dendrobium Changi Airport.
Everything is free to enjoy, and the floral displays are open all day throughout August. So even if you’re not catching a flight, there’s more than enough reason to explore the airport with the family and snap a few memorable photos while you’re at it.
6. An Ode to Singapore

Enjoy sweeping views of the city skyline as you dine in the sky with An Ode to Singapore at the Singapore Flyer. This National Day, the iconic observation wheel sets the stage for a 90-minute five-course dinner that puts a creative twist on familiar local flavours.
Happening on 9 August from 7pm to 8.30pm, the menu features dishes like Bak Kut Teh tortellini and Wagyu steak with Har Cheong butter, served alongside a glass of premium champagne. It’s a thoughtful blend of local flair and fine dining, all set against one of the best views in town.
Priced at $600 per couple, this one-night-only experience offers parents a chance to enjoy some well-deserved time together while soaking in the SG60 spirit from above the city.
7. Singapore Symphony Orchestra National Concert

Held at the iconic Esplanade Concert Hall on 16 August 2025 at 7.30pm, this annual event has been delighting audiences since 2018. Honouring the pioneers of Singapore’s music scene while showcasing fresh works by today’s homegrown composers.
The evening promises a rich blend of familiar tunes, inspiring performances, and meaningful moments that highlight how far we’ve come as a nation told through music. Tickets start from just $15, making it an affordable and memorable cultural treat for the whole family.
That brings our round-up of exciting things to do with the family this National Day 2025 to a close. Pull out the red and white outfits, gather the kids, and head out to your favourite spots around the island. Whether it’s catching a dazzling light show, joining the festivities, or simply enjoying time together, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate everything we love about home. Happy National Day!
Check out: Where to Eat This SG60: Great Dining Promotions Around Town and Best Places to be at on Singapore’s National Day 2024