Just because you didn't score tickets to the NDP doesn't mean you should waste the weekend. Here are five cheap(ish) and last-minute things to do in Singapore.

Go for a picnic

Whether you buy takeaway food or prep something at home, soak up some sun (or rain perhaps?) with friends. The Botanic Gardens even has a dedicated SG50 weekend complete with a live telecast of the National Day parade. The Marina Barrage is also hosting an SG50 themed picnic with carnival games and food booths. If you're lazy, Picneeds can plan and prepare your entire picnic spread and all you need to do is show up.

Sip on cocktails and Champagne

There are a bunch of cool cocktail and rooftop bars around town with special SG50 deals on drinks. Kampong Glam's new cocktail bar Fresh is hosting something every night of the long weekend starting with special drink deals like $50 jugs and one-for-one cocktails. There's also 50 minutes of free flow Champagne over at Ce La Vi and an SG50 party over at 1-Altitude. For more bars doing drink deals for SG50 weekend, head here. 

Check out cool local exhibitions

SG50 calls for some locally-inspired exhibitions. SKLO's The Limpeh Show explores Lee Kuan Yew's life and work, while RememberingLKY: A Tribute to Mr. Lee Kuan Yew is a huge group show by 10 local artists who interpret what the late Minister Mentor meant to them. For something a little more conventional, head to The Singapore Journey: 50 Years Through Stamps for rarely seen stamps that document Singapore's growth, hardship and successes through the years.

Do something outdoorsy

Wavehouse Sentosa has its double flowriders that you can try your hand at before partying all night long at PopUp Music Festival with DJs like RaveRepublic. For something more low-key, head to East Coast Park if you're in the mood to bike or rollerblade along the coast. If not, Bedok Reservoir has Forest Adventure where you can climb the trees and go through a gruelling (but fun) obstacle course high above the ground. 

Explore the island

If you've always wanted to explore the far reaches of the island now is the time. All public transport services, buses and trains, will be free on Aug 9. That gives you more reason to check out far-flung places like Punggol, Buona Vista for some cheap eats and Changi's newest microbrewery, Little Island Brewing Co.

Still stuck on what to do? Check out our roundup of the coolest weekend events, here.