#MySingapore – Ours to Create

At this SG50 exhibition organized by the Singapore Discovery Centre, not only will you learn about the city’s rich history through a series of fun facts and personal stories, you’ll also participate in various interactive activities. These include the immersive Future Simulation Theatre where you’ll explore Singapore’s hidden landscapes through a stimulating aural-visual presentation. Aug 1-10, 11am-9pm. Esplanade—Theatre on the Bay, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377, www.esplanade.com. Free.

Esplanade’s National Day Celebrations

The Esplanade brings local bands like The Freshman, singer Gabrielle and Indian fusion band Kon-Fusionz for this five-day long free affair. There are also interactive art installations like Sing.La.Pura, which explores different Singapore neighborhoods through sound, as well as a local entrepreneur bazaar with BooksActually and popsicle brand Popaganda. Aug 6-10. The Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377, www.esplanade.com. Free.

Families for Life SG50 Picnics

You don’t have to be at The Padang to watch a testosterone-pumped aerial showcase by the Black Knights, the official aerobatics team of the Republic of Singapore Air Force. Have a picnic here amid a series of food trucks offering free food and drinks. This fun picnic also features performances by the SAF Music & Dance Company, roving acts by emerging local artists and nostalgic childhood games. Aug 7-8, 8am-12:30pm. Green Roof of Marina Barrage, 8 Marina Gardens Dr., www.familiesforlife.sg. Free.

SG50 Concert Series in the Park

The newly-crowned UNESCO World Heritage Site is packed with free cultural activities, all part of the city’s SG50 Concert Series in the Park. It’s all about nostalgia here with a line-up that includes Aneka Ragam Ra’ayat, which resembles the 1959 People’s Variety Show, heritage tours, concerts, bandstand performances, an outdoor movie screening and a live telecast of the National Day Parade happening over three days. Aug 7-9, 10am-10pm. Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Rd., 6471-7138/6471-7361, www.sbg.org.sg. Free.

Gardens by the Bay Celebrates SG50

Snap-happy people will love Singapore Stories, a floral showcase at the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. Award-winning Singaporean landscape architect Damian Tang shows famous local myths and stories such as Sang Nila Utama, Redhill and Pulau Ubin through floral installations. And if you love music and light shows, see the special SG50 edition of the Garden Rhapsody with three shows taking place at 7:45pm, 8:45pm and 9:30pm every night. Best of all, entries for all Singaporeans are half price during the four days. Aug 7-10, 9am-9pm. Gardens by the Bay, Marina Gardens Dr., 6420-6848, www.gardensbythebay.com.sg.

Singapore City Gallery

Ever wondered what the landscape of our city looked like in the olden days? Then head down to this audio-visual and interactive exhibition organized by the Urban Redevelopment Authority. With over 10 thematic areas to choose from over 50 unique presentations, this is a multi-sensory show that takes visitors through Singapore’s remarkable transformation over the decades—a must for history and architecture buffs. Aug 7-10, 9am-5pm. The URA Centre, Urban Redevelopment Authority, 45 Maxwell Rd., 6221-6666, www.ura.gov.sg. Free.

Civil Defence Heritage Gallery

It is not very often that the Singapore Civil Defence Force holds interactive demonstrations for the public, so this opportunity to learn more about their activities and history is particularly interesting. For three days, experience real-life fire-fighting through customized interactive stations (you even get a chance to ascend a 30-meter tower just like the professionals do) as well as engage in lively discussions and other hands-on sessions with various members of the force who will also share interesting anecdotes. Aug 7-10, 10am-5pm. Central Fire Station, 62 Hill St., 6332-3000, www.scdf.gov.sg. Free. 

SCO Concert by the Bay

Celebrate the best in local orchestral music with this rare collaborative performance by the revered Singapore Chinese Orchestra and the Women Police Pipes & Drums. The combo will perform a set of cultural national songs preceded by roaring dragon dance performance. This exciting affair will then culminate with local acapella group MICappella delivering well-known local compositions such as “Stand Up For Singapore”, complete with a synchronized firework display—a rare treat indeed. Aug 8, 7:30-9pm. Event Plaza, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8868, www.marinabaysands.com. Free.

Singapore Sports Hub SG50 Carnival

It’s literally fun for everyone here at one of the most intensively lined up events for the weekend. Not only will there be funky DJ workshops and K-pop music performances for avid music fans, movie buffs can also look forward to screenings of Jack Neo’s latest blockbuster film Ah Boys To Men 3: Frogmen. That’s not all: there will also be mass fitness workouts, carnivals featuring various games for both adults and kids and free sports trials like kayaking and peddle boating, among many other engaging activities. Aug 8-9. National Stadium, Singapore Sports Hub, 15 Stadium Rd., www.sportshub.com.sg. Free.

NDP Celebrations

No National Day celebration is complete without catching all the action that is taking place at the Padang. See rare performances by local stalwarts in the music scene like Kit Chan and Jacintha Abisheganaden taking the stage; plus, the song-and-dance numbers by local community groups and schools and formations by national servicemen from the Singapore Armed Forces and Singapore Police Force are always impressive. And of course, don't miss the fireworks display after the whole shebang. Aug 9. The Padang and various sites around Marina Bay. Free. PLUS: to snag two tickets to the actual NDP show at the Padang, even if you missed the ballot, download the Celebrate SG50! official app, tap NDP Celebrations under Events and write why you hope to win. 

For more info on other events to check out during the Jubilee Weekend, go to www.singapore.50.sg to download the ‘Celebrate SG50!’ official app (iOS/Android). 
 

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