Tips for watching the 2026 Singapore National Day fireworks: Watch amazing views without a ticket!
All National Education shows and rehearsals held on Saturdays feature fireworks, not just on August 9 as many people think.
NDP 2026 Fireworks Schedule
You can watch the fireworks on the following dates:
July 11 (Saturday) – NE Show 1
July 18 (Saturday) – NE Show 2
July 25 (Saturday) – Preview 1
August 1 (Saturday) – Preview 2
August 9 (Sunday) – Singapore National Day Parade
Fireworks usually start around 7:30 PM, launched in multiple intervals, with the grand finale typically taking place between 8:10 PM and 8:30 PM. However, actual times may vary slightly, so it is recommended to arrive around 7:00 PM to 7:15 PM to secure a good spot.
The most important update this year: Fireworks will be launched at Kallang, not Marina Bay
This is a point that many travelers easily mistake.
In 2026, all National Day fireworks will be launched from the Kallang Basin, right next to the National Stadium. This means famous spots like Merlion Park, the Esplanade, or Marina Bay Sands will no longer be ideal places to watch the fireworks as in previous years.
If you want the best view, head to the Kallang area.
Best free spots to watch the fireworks
The places I consider most worth visiting are:
Stadium Riverside Walk – closest to the launch site with a very nice view.
Tanjong Rhu Promenade – wide viewing angle, great for taking photos of reflections on the water.
Kallang Riverside Park – open space, suitable for families or groups of friends bringing picnic mats.
Kallang Lawn Bowl – large lawn, easy to find a spot.
Kallang Basin Waterfront – right by the river, offering extremely impressive fireworks views.
Especially from July 25 to August 9, the Kallang area will also host many free activities such as musical performances, check-in zones, and entertainment programs, creating a very vibrant festive atmosphere.
A few tips for a complete fireworks-watching experience
Taking the MRT is the best choice as the area around the stadium will have traffic restrictions.
You should arrive before 6:45 PM to 7:00 PM if you want to stand in the front row or get a good photography angle.
After the fireworks end, do not rush into the Stadium MRT station as it will be very crowded. Sitting and resting for about 20 to 30 minutes or dropping by Kallang Wave Mall for a bite to eat before heading home will be much more comfortable.
Remember to bring drinking water, a towel, or a mat to sit on while waiting. The riverside area also has quite a few mosquitoes in the evening, so you should prepare some insect repellent.
Source: Ly Thien Vy
