NDP 2026 guide
Dust off those inflatable thundersticks and have your Singpass on stand-by, because this year’s National Day Parade (NDP) is almost upon us, and NDP ticket balloting has already commenced.
And after a decade, NDP 2026 is finally returning to the National Stadium at The Kallang with brand-new acts, including an indoor drone show, the first-ever NDP album with features by rising stars, and an island-wide treasure hunt. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the big day.
Where & when will NDP 2026 be held?
Image credit: The Singapore Army via Facebook
If you didn’t manage to snag tickets to last year’s SG60 celebrations, the odds might be in your favour this year. The preview shows and parade will be taking place on 25th July, 1st August 2026, and 9th August 2026 at the National Stadium, which can accommodate almost double the number of spectators as the Padang. That means as many as 42,000 lucky attendees will get to recreate the iconic Kallang Wave, 10 years since the last parade was held at the iconic sports hub in 2016.
How to get to the National Stadium?
Image credit: Ministry of Defence, Singapore (MINDEF) via Facebook
Hop on bus services 10, 14, 16, 70, 70A, 70M, 196 or 196A and alight at the Natl Stadium or Opposite Natl Stadium bus stop. Alternatively, take the Circle Line to Stadium MRT (CC6) for a direct route to the sports hub.
Pro tip: When leaving, skip the post-show crowds and head to Tanjong Rhu MRT (TE23), which is a 10-minute walk away from The Kallang, or take the slightly longer 15-minute trek to Mountbatten MRT (CC7) or Kallang MRT (EW10) instead.
What is NDP 2026’s theme?
Building on last year’s theme – Majulah Singapura – NDP 2026 takes it one step further with Majulah Singapura, Go Beyond!. It’s a reminder and call to action for Singaporeans to strive for greater heights while continuing to care for one another and the wider community.
This year’s NDP logo.
Image credit: NDP
Beyond marking 61 years of independence, the “1” in this year’s logo is designed to resemble an arrow and symbolise our collective pursuit of excellence. 5 stars surround the “1”, representing our ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality – the guiding principles driving our shared progress.
What are the highlights of the NDP 2026 programme?
Largest civilian participation in 10 years
Image credit: NDP
One big change in this year’s show is the absence of a few well-loved highlights. Due to operational and safety concerns, the Red Lions parachute team will be absent from the NDP for the 1st time since it was last held at the National Stadium in 2016. The usual showcase of military, police, and civil defence vehicles, as well as military aircraft, will also not be featured in the parade.
Before you start getting on Reddit to say NDP won’t be the same, don’t worry – the Red Lions are said to make a reappearance in the next few parades, phew.
The presidential gun salute being fired in the Marina Bay area during NDP 2025.
Image credit: Ministry of Defence, Singapore (MINDEF) via Facebook
For NDP 2026, you’ll still be able to catch iconic moments such as the state flag flypast, the Feu de Joie or formal celebratory gunfire, and the presidential gun salute. Not only will this be the 1st time the salute is held at Kallang Basin, but the parade will also boast the strongest civilian participation in over a decade.
Live shows featuring 6 artists & 2,000 performers
Show segment at the National Stadium during NDP 2016.
Image credit: Ministry of Defence, Singapore (MINDEF) via Facebook
NDP 2026 promises to inject new life into its yearly programme with never-before-seen show segments and fresh faces taking the stage. Instead of the open-air amphitheatre-style stage at the Padang, this year’s show will unfold on a football field-sized platform with aerial elements, stage lifts, and multimedia displays.
To kick things off, audiences will be treated to a screening of a short film which follows the Singapore flag as it travels through the heartlands. The journey continues “live” in the National Stadium via an athlete’s flag relay, embodying our nation’s ambition to break new boundaries together.
Image credit: NDP
Over the course of 5 acts, the show will reflect on what it means to “go beyond” for Singapore. Leading the programme is a diverse mix of established and emerging artists accompanied by 2,000 performers from the People’s Association, MOE schools, and SOKA Gakkai Singapore.
You’ll spot familiar faces like entertainment veteran and television host Najip Ali, Mando-pop singer Ric Liu, Carnatic singer Sushma Soma, and singer-songwriter Gareth Fernandez, alongside fresher voices like EDM artist Jasmine Sokko and multi-hyphenate Iman Fandi.
Indoor drone show
Image credit: Lee Hsien Loong via Facebook
Heads up for those loyal campers who somehow always secure the best spots around the Padang and Marina Bay, this year’s drone show is moving indoors. On the bright side, it’s set to be twice as big as past displays and the largest indoor special effects presentation to date, so if you can’t get tickets, you might have to catch this one on your home TV instead.
What’s the NDP 2026 theme song?
Get ready to rethink your NDP theme song ranking list, because NDP 2026 is releasing its first-ever music album featuring original tracks alongside re-imagined classics – perfect for streaming in the lead-up to National Day.
Iman Fandi will be returning to the NDP stage to perform her song “Giants” from the album.
Image credit: Ministry of Defence, Singapore (MINDEF) via Facebook
Also starring Iman Fandi alongside rapper Yung Raja, Heartbeats is a brand-new 6-episode microdrama series following the story of a shy woman – played by Iman – as she confronts personal challenges and finds her voice at an NDP heartlands concert. Catch the full series for free, available to stream now on the NDPeeps YouTube channel.
In conjunction with Heartbeats, an accompanying album – Go Beyond: NDP 2026 Album – will be uploaded on the NDPeeps YouTube channel and Spotify. BTW, there are already 3 songs ready to stream right now, with more music videos to be released over the next few weeks.
What are some other ways to celebrate NDP 2026?
The fun doesn’t have to stop at your phone screens, as NDP 2026 is partnering with Accenture to organise a nationwide treasure hunt. Wannabe bounty hunters can join a mobile app to roam everyday places, discover hidden histories, and stand a chance to win exclusive rewards along the way. Look out for more updates to be released soon on the NDP website.
Image credit: NDP
Hanging up the Singapore flag is also a way to celebrate, even if you cannot be there physically for the parade. A fool-proof way to get your NDP freebie is through the free flag giveaway, with national flags available for collection at People’s Association Community Clubs, selected CapitaLand malls and selected Courts stores from late June onwards.
When does ticket balloting for NDP 2026 start?
Ticket applications are open from now till 6th June 2026, 12pm, via the official NDP website, but you might want to hold off on sending that broadcast text to your family and friends to get tickets. The tickets are allocated via ballot rather than on a first-come, first-served basis.
You can choose to apply for either 2, 4, or 6 tickets to attend 1 of 3 shows, including Preview 1 on 25th July 2026, Preview 2 on 1st August 2026, and the live NDP show on 9th August 2026.
Image credit: @jinhanloo21 via Instagram
To make your ballot, you’ll need to be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident and log in to the FormSG page via Singpass. Each applicant gets only 1 ballot chance, and each ticket can only be used to admit 1 attendee at a time. All children, including infants carried in arms, require a valid ticket to enter the show.
If you or your family member does not have a Singpass account, you can register for one, ask another family member or trusted person with an account to apply for a ticket on your behalf, or visit any ServiceSG centre with your NRIC for assistance.
Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive an SMS and email notification from 15th to 17th June 2026 via the mobile number and email address provided if your ballot was successful.
Where else to celebrate NDP 2026 besides the National Stadium?
National Day celebrations at GetActive! Singapore 2025.
Image credit: Active SG Circle
Unlike previous years, there won’t be any National Day events in the heartlands, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck celebrating from your couch with just the livestream. Keep your eyes peeled for music performances, interactive activities, and a light display taking over the Kallang neighbourhood from 25th July to 9th August 2026.
From 28th May to 8th August 2026, there’ll also be interactive NDP booths at events such as the National Family Festival and SportSG Sports Carnivals, so you can kick off the celebrations early.
Celebrate NDP 2026 at the National Stadium
Whether you’re hoping for front-row tickets to the show or planning to order in a feast and watch from home, this year’s National Day Parade, held at the National Stadium after 10 years, promises a new twist on the annual festivities.
More National Day spirit:
- 13 most memorable NDP moments
- Ranking the 9 best NDP packs
- 10 things every Singaporean experienced at their P5 NE show
Cover image adapted from: Ministry of Defence, Singapore (MINDEF) & Lee Hsien Loong via Facebook