Fun Ways to Celebrate National Day While Social Distancing

There are many ways to celebrate our nation’s special day. Here’s a list of fun activities, events and promotions by the Public Service for you to get into the Singapore spirit.

Celebrating the nation's birthday in more ways than one.

Have you met August the Merlion? Waving from the bottom right corner, he’s the cheery mascot for the National Day Parade. Follow his VTuber series as he explores what goes on behind this year’s parade on August 9 and 21. Meet the NDP 2021 theme song singers and find out how to be featured in this year’s celebrations. 

Celebrate with GetActive! Singapore

Dance of the Nation

Don red and white and take part in the annual GetActive! Singapore Workout competition. As part of the Dance of The Nation initiative, the GetActive! Singapore campaign is giving away $1,600 to five winners whose dance-workout video entries receive the most likes in public voting. Find out how to participate here, and remember to submit your videos by August 15.  

Dance of the Nation Rally

Gather family and friends to participate in the Dance of the Nation workout with GetActive! Singapore live on August 9 to mark Singapore’s 56th birthday through sport!

Listen to NDP’s Lo-Fi Hip Hop Beat 

NDP’s Lo-Fi Hip Hop Beats

Hear the top ten NDP songs like never before with NDPeep’s lo-fi remix of songs from 1998’s classic Home to 2020’s Everything I am. This relaxing soundscape will set the tempo for whatever you’re doing and get you in the mood for National Day. Available on Spotify and YouTube. 

NDP 2021 E-vouchers

All Singaporeans get to enjoy a plethora of NDP 2021 discounts in categories such as food, entertainment and fitness. Browse through a whopping 150 (and more) e-vouchers on the official NDP website.

Seniors’ Sports Day

Sweat it out with other families in ActiveSG’s Zoom workout for the National Day weekend. The morning exercise session on August 7, 9 am to 10 am, will be senior-friendly and suitable for all. Register for the event here.

In the meantime, clock your workout hours and help Singapore achieve 56,000 minutes of physical activity by August 9!

Play On, Play Together

If you love cycling, kayaking and exploring Singapore’s nature trails, GameOn Nila’s latest NDP 2021 challenge gives you the chance to redeem up to $5,000 worth of prizes. Simply complete a number of tasks while you’re enjoying the good outdoors. Prepare your gear, fire up your social media accounts, and learn how to take part in the month-long campaign ending on August 31.

The iconic Central Fire Station will be lit up in red and white through the month of August.
The iconic Central Fire Station will be lit up in red and white through the month of August.

Take a Walk Downtown

Culturally and historically significant buildings in the Bras Basah-Bugis area and Civic District will be lit up in red and white throughout August from 7.30pm to midnight. For a self-guided exploration of the seven buildings in the Bras Basah-Bugis area, follow this recommended route.

Celebrate Virtually

Comedians Siti K and Kumar will cook up a storm on National Day while discussing culture and heritage.
Comedians Siti K and Kumar will cook up a storm on National Day while discussing culture and heritage.

Cook and Chat With Kumar and Siti K

Local comedians Kumar and Siti Khalijah talk about what culture and heritage mean to them while serving up a savoury Indian dish loved by Singaporeans. Watch the screening on the Indian Heritage Centre’s Facebook page, August 9 at 6 pm.

SG Traits Map

How would you define the Singapore spirit? Share your thoughts by voting for your favourite word that best describes the people of Singapore. Watch the word cloud grow on the SG Traits Map as National Day approaches.

Face Tattoo Photo Filters

While we may not be able to attend the parade this year, we can still radiate our Singapore pride on social media! Snap as many selfies as you and your loved ones want using the “Face It Together” face tattoo filter (available on Instagram and Facebook) by NDPeeps.   

Turn your tattoo game up a notch with Gumtoo’s temporary NDP-themed tattoos.

Related Stories:

  • POSTED ON
    Aug 5, 2021
  • TEXT BY
    Kate Ling
  • PHOTOS BY
    National Heritage Board
    Indian Heritage Centre
  • ILLUSTRATION BY
    Ryan Ong
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