It’s here – the one month of the year where you’ll see red and white around every corner and welcome a much-anticipated long weekend. If you’re looking for activities to celebrate the nation’s independence or are just looking for new activities with your friends and fam, here are 17 things you can do in August 2020
Image credit: Straits Times
By now, many of us have had our fair share of celebrations held over Zoom during the Circuit Breaker, but welcome to the biggest virtual celebration we’ve seen yet: National Day Parade (NDP) 2020.
Unlike the yearly parades we’re familiar with, this years’ online celebration will include activities such as a virtual choir and workout activities to keep everyone entertained throughout the day.
As always, there’s nothing more appropriate than fireworks to round it all up. Feast your eyes on spectacular firework displays that will be going off in multiple locations all over the nation from the comfort of your own couch.
Be sure to check out the best spots to watch NDP fireworks if you’re heading out.
More information about NDP celebrations here
For those of you who’ve been looking for motivation to stay active, the 55K National Virtual Run/Walk should be right up your alley. All you need to do is to clock in 55KM on your own by 31st August 2020 to receive a mobile armband, face mask and finisher medal. Sign-ups are already open so don’t forget to register soon!
Date: Now till 31st August 2020
Admission: $10 per person
More information about 55K National Day Virtual Run/Walk here
Image credit: Rojak Daily
Over the course of Circuit Breaker, most of us may have already binged everything available on Netflix. Fortunately, Netflix is releasing 106 local movies and films starting from 1st August 2020 for all your stay home entertainment, from classics like Phua Chu Kang to the award-winning Ilo Ilo.
More information about local films coming to Netflix here
Of all the renditions of “Home” we’ve heard over the years, you probably haven’t heard a version played by a full classical orchestra. Taking place virtually, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra will be joined by various local artists such as Benjamin Kheng as they take on NDP classics along with other local compositions – Majulah Singapura style.
Date: 15th August 2020
Time: 8PM
Admission: Pay-as-you-wish from $5 onwards
More details about the SSO National Day concert here
Image credit: Expat Living Singapore
Despite not being able to open its doors to the public this National Day, the Istana will still be conducting an online tour of its interior. If you want to know more about this highly guarded plot of land in the middle of Orchard Road, this virtual tour will be showcasing parts of the Istana that are not usually open to the public such as its air-raid shelter.
Tune into President Halimah Yacob’s social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook to get the inside scoop on Singapore’s version of the White House.
Date: 2nd August 2020
Time: 10AM-11AM
Admission: Free
More information about National Day Istana Open House here
Image credit: Singapore Art and Gallery guide
Besides being a month filled with celebrations and good deals, August is always a good time for us to get to know more about the history and people of the little red dot that we live in.
From showcasing an LED wall with well-wishes to Singapore to a facade projection worthy of a night festival, National Museum will have a treat for all visitors young and old.
Date: 7th-10th August 2020
Time: 10AM-7PM
Admission: Free for all Singaporeans and PRs.
$15 for non-Singaporean adults and $10 for senior citizens, students and persons with disabilities.
More information about the National Museum here
ArtScience Museum is one of the more popular museums in Singapore, and their Future World exhibit features 5 new artworks for you to up your Insta game.
With interactive displays that react to your movements, this futuristic exhibition is sure to be a hit with family and friends. You can even get 30% off tickets by signing up for a free Sands Rewards Lifestyle membership.
Date: Daily
Time: 10AM-7PM, Daily
Admission: Adult: $16 for any 1 exhibits, $27 for any 2 exhibits | Senior/Student/Child: $12 for 1 exhibits, $20 for 2 exhibits
More information about the Future World exhibit here
With galleries that showcase everything from textiles from the past to religious art, you’ll probably walk out of the Asian Civilisations Museum feeling more cultured than ever.
You can even plan for a day of museum-hopping to celebrate National Day with the National Museum only being a stone’s throw away from the Asian Civilisations Museum.
If you aren’t keen on heading out yet, they will also be conducting free online programmes for the whole month of August and even weekly paper doll making activities for kids.
Date: Daily
Time: 10AM-7PM
Admission: Free for all Singaporeans PRs, and children under 6 years old.
$8 for non-Singaporeans and $4 for senior citizens, students and persons with disabilities.
More information about Asian Civilisations Museum here
If the beaches and parks around Singapore are getting a little too crowded for your liking, hop on a boat and island-hop around Singapore’s Southern Islands. With a myriad of activities to do from trekking to having a picnic on a beach, this is sure to give you holiday vibes without having to travel out of the country.
Image credit: Roger Ebert
We Singaporeans love our free things. All the better if it’s only free for a limited time because we get to be part of that exclusive group who managed to kope that deal.
That being said, Singapore’s U.S. Embassy will be screening the film Swim Team to commemorate the Americans with Disabilities Act. This indie documentary follows the parents of a child with autism as they form a competitive team made up of individuals on the spectrum and train them with high expectations and zero pity.
Date: 26th July – 9th August 2020
Time: 11:59AM
Admission: Free
Get access to free streaming of Swim Team here
Image credit: Arts Republic
If you’re a theatre geek, the M1 Peer Pleasure Youth Festival is back this year with more thought-provoking plays for your enjoyment. Streamed through Zoom, they will be tackling the subject of disabilities through several plays. Some performances will even be providing pre-show kits for audiences with disabilities to enjoy the full experience of the show from home.
Date: 4th-16th August 2020
Time: 8PM and 4.30PM depending on each play
Admission: $5 per show
More information about M1 Peer Pleasure Youth Festival here
Image credit: United By Pop
Borders all around the world have been closed due to COVID-19, and so have entertainment events. Nothing can beat seeing your favourite K-pop idols up close IRL, but these live streams may help to ease that disappointment for the time being.
In lieu of their world tour which was set to take place this year, boy group MONSTA X will be performing a full-length online global concert titled Monsta X Live: From Seoul With Luv. A 7-piece act with songs from their latest album FANTASIA X, this gives you a complete view of their performance without having to constantly tip-toe among a crowd of fans.
Date: 8th August 2020
Time: 11PM
Admission: From USD19.99 (~$27.49) for basic streaming access
More information about Monsta X Live: From Seoul With Luv and tickets here
Image credit: Twice Facebook
Referred to as the “nation’s girl group”, Twice will be live-streaming an online concert through V-LIVE and Beyond LIVE to interact with fans. Titled TWICE: World In A Day, they will be performing some of their iconic bops such as Fancy and Heartshaker along with their recent comeback song.
Date: 9th August 2020
Time: 2PM
Admission: 1500 V-LIVE coins (~$30)
More information about TWICE: World In A Day and tickets here
Image credit: Visit Singapore
The annual Singapore Food Festival is back this year and it’s taking place online. We can already see the question marks popping out of your head: “cannot eat cannot smell, how can?”. Not to worry, they’ve got that covered with specially curated ingredient kits viewers can cook alongside the chefs in masterclasses.
Food bundles and limited edition merchandise such as Uniqlo UTme! shirts featuring hawker dish designs are also up for grabs during this festival. So if you’re looking to up your skills in the kitchen – here’s your chance!
Date: 21st-23rd August and 28th-30th August 2020
More information about Singapore Food Festival 2020 here
Image credit: Raffles Edulab
All kids go through that phase where they ask you questions like “mummy why is the sky blue?”. If they have a curious mind, the Singapore Science Festival is back to do all the answering for you.
With a wide range of activities from live experiments to show-and-tells, this is a simple way to both entertain and educate your little ones at home.
Date: Now till 8th August 2020
More information about Singapore Science Festival here
We’ve seen a myriad of fun runs reach the shores of Singapore over the years, and the Star Wars Virtual Run 2020 is the newest one on the list. All you need to do is to clock in either 5.4KM or 40KM on your own – depending on the distance you’ve signed up for – by 30th September 2020 to be eligible for the finisher trophy.
If you like a bit of a challenge, opt for the 40KM run and receive an additional 40th Anniversary Trophy as well. For Star Wars fans who prefer watching the action from afar, there is also exclusive merch available such as a baby Yoda and cardholders that you can purchase.
Date: Now till 30th September 2020
Admission: From $25
More information about Star Wars Virtual Run 2020 and registration here
Whether it’s outdoors or from the comfort of your own home, there’s a multitude of things for you to do this month. As we look forward to our long weekend of National Day celebrations, let’s remember to stay safe and follow all safe-distancing regulations!
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