Singapore National Day 2023: Guide to catching fireworks, Heartland Festivals, RSAF55 enhanced displays & more

by Jesslyn Lye and Kaye Yeo

It’s almost that time of year again when we deck ourselves out in red and white and sing this is home, truly as loud (and as in-tune) as we can. But the National Day 2023 Parade isn’t the only place you can join in on the National Day festivities this year. 

From firework displays to heartland festivals, there are a whole bunch of activities lined up and various other places in the heartlands where you’ll be able to take part in the celebrations — and here’s where you can head to in order to catch all of them.

1. Fireworks (9 August)
2. GetActive! Singapore Heartland Festivals (from 5 to 6 August)
3. Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp National Day Concert 2023 (5 August)
4. RSAF55 Enhanced Aerial Displays (9 August)

1. Fireworks

national day
Photo: @wesleys/instagram

It wouldn’t be the National Day Parade without the yearly breathtaking display of fireworks — but you won’t have to squeeze in the crowd at the Padang to catch them this year.

Instead, fireworks will also light up the sky at five other locations across the island. These places are all in the heartlands so you won’t have to go far to catch the brilliant displays. 

Photo:@joycechang108/instagram

You’ll be able to catch the heartlands firework displays at these places:

  • Central Singapore: Toa Payoh Stadium
  • North East: Our Tampines Hub
  • North West: Woodlands Stadium
  • South West: Jurong West Stadium
  • South East: Bedok Stadium

The heartlands displays will happen on 9th August at the same time as the main parade’s display, between 8.10pm and 8.25pm. But if you prefer to catch the parade’s firework display at Marina Bay, there are also plenty of great spots for you to do so.

Ce La Vi

national day
Photo: @celavisingapore/instagram

A great view of the fireworks and a delicious meal on the rooftop of the Marina Bay Sands? Yes please. 

With unparalleled views of the Singapore skyline, the iconic Ce La Vi on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands is one of the best places to enjoy the National Day firework display. The restaurant and bar usually offers special discounts and meals on NDP Preview Days (22 July and 29 July) and National Day, so look out for more details on their website closer to the dates.

Marina Barrage

Photo: Barrage Cove

A picnic with family or friends at Marina Barrage is fun on any day, but on National Day, you’ll also be treated to a spectacular view of the fireworks display as you eat.

It’s also a great spot for cycling or kite-flying, so you’ll be able to spend the afternoon having fun before the parade starts. Otherwise, just lay out a picnic mat, bring along some food, and chill on the sprawling rooftop lawn as you wait for the fireworks to start.

Gardens by the Bay

national day
Photo: @her.pilates/instagram

The Gardens by the Bay boasts some incredible views of the firework display, and you’ll be able to explore the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, check out the new Active Garden, or have a relaxing picnic as you wait. 

In particular, the waterfront Bay East Garden has some of the best views of the Marina Bay area — and it’s generally one of the less crowded spots within the garden too.

Singapore Sports Hub

national day
Photo: @sgsportshub/instagram

If you want to catch the firework display without missing the parade telecast, Singapore Sports Hub will be holding a live screening of the parade at OCBC Square and Stadium Roar from 5pm to 9pm. When the fireworks start, just head to the Stadium Riverside Walk, where you’ll be able to get a great view of the display. 

But why wait until the 9th of August to celebrate and play? The Majulah Fiesta 2023 begins 12 days before D-Day, from 29 July with workshops, carnival games, a chance to meet your favourite global football stars, and more!

2. GetActive! Singapore Heartland Festivals

national day
Photo: @ndpeeps/instagram

The weekend before 9th August is where things start to heat up. Filled with performances, activities, and exhibitions, the National Day Heartland Festivals to be held islandwide will set the stage for an electrifying celebration of Singapore’s birthday.

The festivals will be held at these five locations:

  • Central Singapore: Toa Payoh Stadium (5 and 6 August)
  • North East: Our Tampines Hub (6 August)
  • North West: Woodlands Stadium (5 and 6 August)
  • South West: Jurong West Stadium (5 and 6 August)
  • South East: Bedok Stadium (5 and 6 August)

More information on ticketing and activities will be coming soon, so keep an eye out for updates on their official page!

3. Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp National Day Concert 2023

national day
Photo: Mediacorp

Can you really say you have celebrated NDP this year if you haven’t heard Kit Chan sing Home live? This free concert at The Meadows will feature singers from the 2018 NDP Song We Are Singapore, our beloved Kit Chan, and other veteran artists like Mavis Hee who will perform oldies like Moonlight in the City.

As always, songs and entertainment come hand in hand together, so don’t miss out on the carnival and free food! 

End the night with a bang as fireworks light up the night sky above — that’s right, there will be a fireworks show! Be sure to not leave too early or you won’t get to see the dazzling fireworks showcase.

Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp National Day Concert 2023
Website
???? 31 Marina Park, The Meadows, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, 019191
???? 7.30pm–9.00pm
????️ 5 Aug 2023

4. RSAF55 Enhanced Aerial Displays

national day
Photo: @13th.aviation/instagram

Another thing that’s always exciting at the National Day Parade is the aerial flypast with the fighter jets and helicopters. 

But it’s going to be double the excitement this year, because RSAF is celebrating their 55th anniversary! RSAF is pulling out all the stops with a special RSAF55 Island Flypast, an enhanced “Salute-To-The-Nation” segment and RSAF55 Enhanced Aerial Display on the day of the parade.

Look up to the sky from 5.40pm to 6.10pm to catch the special Island Flypast, as they will fly in the vicinity of the five heartland sites at Jurong West, Woodlands, Toa Payoh, Tampines and Bedok.

national day
Photo: @hpotter78/instagram

Furthermore, the Enhanced Aerial Display during the parade will feature the largest, latest and greatest number of aircrafts to fly since 2018. The fighter jets will also finish their display with a new challenging manoeuvre that is bound to take your breath away.

So dig out your best red shirts, grab a mini Singapore flag or two, and join in the National Day 2023 festivities!

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