National Day Parade Singapore NDP 2026: What to Expect This Year
Image source ndp.gov.sg
What Happens During the National Day Parade Singapore NDP 2026?
National Day 2026 happens on Sunday, 9 August, at the National Stadium, marking Singapore's 61st birthday (SG61). This year brings a first-ever drone light show, three new songs, and a return to the National Stadium after a decade at the Padang. Pair the celebrations with Tajimaya Yakiniku SG61 dining deals for a full day out — before the parade for an early dinner, or after for a proper celebratory feast.
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National Day Parade NDP 2026 Key Facts
Date: Sunday, 9 August 2026
Public holiday (in lieu): Monday, 10 August 2026, since National Day falls on a Sunday this year
Venue: National Stadium, Kallang — the parade's first time back here in 10 years
Theme: "Majulah Singapura, Go Beyond!"
Gates open: 4.30pm, ahead of the evening's programme
Fireworks: From around 7.30pm
Seats: Approx. 42,000, roughly double what the Padang could hold, so more people get to watch live this year
This year is also special because it marks 50 years since the very first NDP was held at the old National Stadium — a milestone anniversary layered on top of SG61.
What's New This Year
Singapore's first-ever indoor drone light show, with more than 300 drones as part of the largest indoor special-effects show staged at an NDP to date
3 brand-new NDP songs from the "Go Beyond" album — Giants, Sparkle, and You'll Be Okay
The biggest civilian cast in over a decade, with close to 2,000 community performers taking part alongside the uniformed contingents
Long-standing traditions remain untouched: the State Flag Flypast, Feu-de-Joie, and Presidential Gun Salute are all still part of the programme
Not happening this year: the Red Lions parachute jump, the mobile column, and the aerial display have all been left out due to operational and safety considerations.
Getting Tickets
Tickets are free, but only available through a public ballot open to Singapore Citizens and PRs with a valid Singpass
The ballot has already closed, with results sent out by mid-June
Successful applicants received 2, 4, or 6 tickets, with every attendee — including children — needing one
Missed the ballot? You can still catch the live telecast, or attend a rehearsal or preview session, which are generally open to more people and come with smaller crowds
Rehearsal & Preview Dates
If you'd like a taste of the parade festivity (fireworks included) without the main event ticket, here's the full lead-up schedule:
Combined Rehearsal 1: 13 June
Combined Rehearsal 2: 20 June
National Education Shows: 27 June, 4 July, 11 July, 18 July
Preview 1: 25 July
Preview 2: 1 August
Parade day: 9 August
Free Fireworks Viewing
No stadium ticket? Fireworks display are typically visible from public vantage points around the Kallang Basin and parts of the city skyline. Good spots fill up quickly, especially with photographers, so arrive early if you're staking out a view. Rehearsal and preview nights tend to be noticeably quieter than the actual parade day, making them a good alternative if you'd rather avoid the crowds.
Where to Eat: Tajimaya Yakiniku's SG61 Deals
Known for its authentic Japanese charcoal-grill dining, Tajimaya Yakiniku is marking SG61 with two limited-time promotions worth building your National Day plans around.
1. SG61 Prestige Miyazaki Set — $61
A celebratory set priced to match Singapore's 61st birthday, featuring:
A5 Miyazaki Striploin (60g)
Australian Wagyu Short Ribs (60g)
Free-flow miso soup, garlic rice, wafu salad, and appetizer
Dessert included
Available: 1 July – 15 August
A good option if you want premium beef without committing to a full buffet spread — ideal for a quieter dinner before heading out to watch the parade or fireworks.
2. $61++ Dinner Buffet Flash Sale (U.P. $69.90++)
The full free-flow charcoal-grill buffet experience, discounted for a short window only.
Available: 3 – 6 August (flash sale, while it lasts)
Timed just ahead of the parade itself, making it a great way to kick off the National Day long weekend with grilled meats, seafood, and sides over hot charcoal.
Why Go?
Tajimaya Yakiniku offers a hands-on, interactive style of dining — grilling your own premium cuts over charcoal at the table, paired with sake and shochu, in an air-conditioned, smoke-free setting. It suits both a relaxed family dinner before the parade broadcast and a bigger celebratory feast afterwards.
Locations:
Great World City: Great World 1 Kim Seng Promenade #B1-115 Singapore 237994
T&Cs apply to both promotions. Reservations are recommended given the National Day season, and the flash sale buffet is only available 3–6 August. Confirm current pricing and availability with Tajimaya before visiting.
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