The best things to do in Singapore this National Day

Step into six decades of Singapore cool at ArtScience Museum’s latest blockbuster: SingaPop! 60 Years of Singapore Pop Culture. This vibrant multimedia exhibition is a punchy, nostalgic ride through the sights, sounds and slang that shaped a nation. From kopi breaks and Kit Chan to Singlish sass and sizzling streetwear, it celebrates the cultural DNA of Singapore, told through the sharp, fabulous lens of Dick Lee. Explore five immersive chapters spanning music, fashion, film and food, with cameos from icons like Kumar, Rahimah Rahim and more. No matter which generation you are, this love letter to Singaporean identity will have you laughing, reminiscing and maybe even tearing up.

Celebrate SG60 at Suntec City from now till August 31 with Together In Jubilee Joy – a festive showcase of heritage, hawker culture and community spirit. The Atrium (Tower 1 & 2) transforms into a hawker-inspired playground, complete with a chendol ball pit, dragon slide, and fun food-themed games like prata flipping and chicken rice stacking. Complete all challenges to redeem local-themed keepsakes. Then, take a moment to give back by donating $5 to Community Chest’s SGSHARE and penning your wish on a 600-tile digital mural by local artist Kow Fong (Ah Guo). Don’t miss the mallwide Step Into SG60 Trail, a series of heritage showcases by community partners, from stories of Singapore’s pioneers to a tribute to hawker heritage. And on August 8 and 9, Suntec Plaza comes alive with free ice cream, live music, and a buzzing outdoor marketplace featuring homegrown brands. Find out more here.

In case you missed it, The Projector will return to its original home at Golden Mile Tower this August. But the reel good news doesn’t stop there – The Projector is marking Singapore’s 60th birthday with Majulah Cinema!, a month-long celebration of homegrown films and filmmakers running through August and September. Expect a curated selection of 10 compelling titles, created and handpicked by five acclaimed local directors: Calleen Koh, He Shuming, Kirsten Tan, K. Rajagopal and Quen Wong. From bold indies to rarely screened gems, this is a cinematic love letter to Singapore told through the lenses of the very talents shaping its film scene. With director introductions and intimate post-screening Q&As, it’s more than just a film fest – it’s a front-row seat to the future and history of local cinema.

Don your best red and white ensemble – Defence Collective Singapore is throwing a big bash across multiple locations to mark the special occasion. On August 10 from 4pm to 9pm, join in the free outdoor celebrations at the open fields beside Futsal Arena @ Yishun, Bishan Junction 8, Wisma Geylang Serai, and One Punggol. Strike a pose at the photo booths, enjoy the live music performances, and celebrate Singapore the way only we know how – with a whole lot of heart.

Singapore Discovery Centre, Singapore Navy Museum, and Singapore Air Force Museum are also hosting a month-long SG60 celebration packed with immersive exhibits, games, and crafts until August 31. Families can colour fighter jets, create DIY buttons, or hunt for clues in self-guided quests.

Class is officially in session at New Bahru this August – but don’t worry, there’s no homework here. As part of Singapore’s SG60 celebrations, the new school of cool launches City In Session, a month-long festival brimming with collabs, creativity, and craft gin. Look forward to musical lawn parties, guided photowalks, design jam sessions, and pop-up tea sanctuaries, all helmed by New Bahru’s newly minted Heads of Department, an initiative that gives a home to leading creative voices and culture-shapers. Sip Brass Lion G&Ts while making bonsai or leather keychains, or feast on seafood and kueh paired with bold local spirits. It all wraps with Singapore Food Festival’s roving food truck for the grand finale weekend. Find out more here.

If you grew up rushing for the iconic green Milo van whenever it pulled up at school, this cool collab with Adidas is about to stir some serious feels. Dropped just in time for Singapore’s 60th birthday and MILO’s 75th (cheers to double celebrations), the nostalgia-heavy capsule features playful tees repping peak local energy: ‘Running’, ‘Lepak’ and ‘Stay Home’. Score adorable Milo-inspired pins and a sachet kit of treats when you spend $150 in-store. But the real cherry on top? The iconic milo van is pulling up outside Adidas Brand Centre Orchard on August 2 and 9, between 2pm to 5pm to serve free cups of ice-cold Milo to AdiClub members. That’s one sweet way to toast the nation’s birthday.