NDP 2026 Fireworks at Kallang Basin, Free Viewing Spots Near Aperia Mall
Aperia Mall sits along Geylang East Road close to the Kallang River, putting it within easy reach of the Kallang Basin fireworks for NDP 2026. The display starts after 7.30pm on 9 August 2026, with the finale around 8.15pm.
NDP 2026 fireworks dates and exact timings
The main NDP 2026 fireworks display is on 9 August 2026, starting after 7.30pm. Based on the preview shows, the fireworks come in two parts, with the first burst around 8.14pm and the second around 8.21pm, and the finale at approximately 8.15pm. Two preview shows on 25 July and 1 August 2026 also feature fireworks at similar timings, so you can catch a rehearsal before the actual day. Gates at the National Stadium open at 4.30pm on show days.
What to expect at NDP 2026 at the National Stadium
Singapore celebrates its 61st birthday with the parade returning to the National Stadium for the first time in a decade. The show features the first indoor drone show at an NDP, with more than 300 drones, aerial performers and special effects. The Presidential Gun Salute takes place at Kallang Basin for the first time, and the State Flag Flypast is scheduled over the basin from 5.30pm to 6.20pm on 9 August. The Red Lions parachute demo, the mobile column and the aerial display are not included this year due to safety reasons at the indoor venue. The stadium seats 42,000 spectators, up from the Padang's 27,000.
Stadium Riverside Walk
Stadium Riverside Walk is the landscaped waterfront stretch just outside Kallang Wave Mall, with direct views across the Kallang River and Kallang Basin. The walkway wraps around a large part of the Sports Hub, so you can move along the path to find a clearer vantage point as the crowd builds. The nearest MRT station is Stadium (CC6) on the Circle Line.
OCBC Square
OCBC Square sits directly outside Stadium MRT (CC6), beside Kallang Wave Mall. It is the most convenient spot if you want to leave quickly after the fireworks to beat the crowd on the Circle Line. Kallang Wave Mall has food and beverage outlets, restrooms and air-conditioning close to the viewing area, so you can cool down before heading out to wait.
Kallang Riverside Park and Bugis Meadow
Kallang Riverside Park sits just north of the Kallang Basin, with benches and small sheltered huts along the river, useful for visitors who prefer not to stand. The nearest MRT stations are Lavender (EW11) and Kallang (EW10). Bugis Meadow is a wide grassy field inside the park that overlooks the basin and the National Stadium, suited to a picnic setup. Take Exit A from Lavender MRT and walk 10 to 15 minutes to reach the meadow.
Singapore Indoor Stadium north entrance
The flight of stairs near the Indoor Stadium leads to a rooftop area with a quieter atmosphere and skyline views, plus the mirror ball sculpture titled Dream. The nearest MRT station is Stadium (CC6). Bring a mat for comfort, and a hat or umbrella for sun protection while you wait.
Kallang Water Sports Centre
The Kallang Water Sports Centre sits along the basin and offers one of the more direct views of the fireworks. It is about a 4-minute walk from Stadium MRT (CC6). Bring a mat or foldable chair, as there are railings but limited seating. The view of the basin and the skyline behind it is especially appealing once the sun sets.
Lookout deck at Kallang Basin
The lookout deck sits opposite the National Stadium and overlooks the Kallang Basin, away from the busiest crowds. It has brick pavement and fences, and is near the Waterways Watch Society at 4876 Beach Road. Bring a mat or foldable chair for comfort during the wait.
Tanjong Rhu Promenade
Tanjong Rhu Promenade wraps around the Kallang Basin and includes the Tanjong Rhu Suspension Bridge, which offers an elevated over-the-water view of the fireworks, and the four-storey Tanjong Rhu Lookout Tower, which provides a panoramic view of the National Stadium and the surrounding skyline. Take Exit A from Kallang MRT (CC6) for an estimated 4-minute walk.
Merdeka Bridge
Merdeka Bridge, east of the National Stadium, offers an elevated and unobstructed view of the fireworks being set off along the Kallang Basin. There is no shelter, so bring an umbrella if you plan to wait in the sun. Staircases lead down to patches of grass below the bridge for those who prefer to sit.
What to bring
Bring a picnic mat or foldable chair, snacks and drinks, a portable fan, and a camera or phone for photos. Bugis Meadow and the Kallang Basin lookout deck are grass or hardstanding areas with no seating, so a mat is essential. Arrive early to secure a good spot, as the popular viewing areas fill up well before sunset. Wear comfortable clothing and red and white to join in the National Day spirit.
Parking and transport
Public transport is strongly recommended over driving, as car parks around the Sports Hub fill up quickly on fireworks nights. By MRT, take the Circle Line to Stadium (CC6) for Stadium Riverside Walk, OCBC Square and the Indoor Stadium, or the East-West Line to Lavender (EW11) or Kallang (EW10) for Kallang Riverside Park and Bugis Meadow. If you must drive, nearby carparks include Textile Centre along Jalan Sultan and CT Hub 2 along Kallang Avenue, though both get tight on fireworks nights. Expect road closures and traffic wardens around Kampong Bugis Road.
Dining and deals with a fireworks view
For a seated viewing experience, several restaurants and bars around Marina Bay and the CBD offer National Day 2026 set menus and cocktail specials with skyline views of the fireworks, including Mo Bar at Mandarin Oriental, Spago and Lavo at Marina Bay Sands, Saint Pierre at One Fullerton, Sushisamba at Capital Tower, Level33 at Marina Bay Financial Centre, Ce La Vi at Marina Bay Sands, and HighHouse at One Raffles Place. The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore offers Kallang-facing rooms with a direct view of the Kallang Basin fireworks from S$630 a night. Closer to the Sports Hub, Kallang Wave Mall has food and beverage outlets open on fireworks evenings for a quick meal before the show.
Other free National Day 2026 events
Beyond the Kallang fireworks, free National Day events run through August. The Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp National Day Concert takes place on 2 August 2026 at The Meadow from 4.30pm, with the concert at 7.45pm. Light Together Bras Basah.Bugis runs from 1 August to 5 September 2026 with light installations across the Bras Basah and Bugis district. SingNation! National is a free community singalong on 8 August 2026 from 7pm to 8pm at Capitol Singapore Outdoor Plaza. The Singapore Symphony Orchestra National Day Concert is on 15 August 2026 at Victoria Concert Hall.
How to choose a viewing spot
For convenience, OCBC Square and Stadium Riverside Walk are closest to Stadium MRT. For a quieter experience, the Indoor Stadium north entrance and the Kallang Basin lookout deck offer more space. Kallang Riverside Park suits those who prefer benches and shelter, while Bugis Meadow is best for a picnic with a mat. For elevated views, the Tanjong Rhu Suspension Bridge, Tanjong Rhu Lookout Tower, and Merdeka Bridge are the main options.