Things to do in Singapore: Aug 9 to 16

It's National Day Weekend, and yes, we're celebrating all things Singaporean! But it's not only about attending the NDP, there's also more that you can find to do in the coming week ahead too...

NDP alternative: Siang Malam di Kampong Gelam

Why go: Because you can get diverse National Day cheer in one of Singapore's vibey-est 'hoods. 

Grab your kakis and head to Kampong Gelam to enjoy activities ranging from painting a batik community mural to film screenings and music performances. 

They promise good food, great music, and a shiok atmosphere.

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• Aug 9, from 12pm 
• Sultan Gate Park

More details here.

Botak Jones' $6.10 meal deal

Why go: Because you can grab Lite Eater Chicken Sets for just $6.10 when you dine in at Botak Jones on National Day.

Take your pick from BBQ, Cajun, or Black Pepper Chicken, and make it your National Day meal. Available at all Botak Jones outlets for one day only, while stocks last.

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• Aug 9 
• All Botak Jones outlets

Get more info here.

Coming Home by Cassandra Spykerman

Why go: Because National Day and local songs hit different when it's live. 

Catch Cassandra Spykerman (you've probably seen her in Third Rail or Operandi Gerhana) taking the stage for a major dose of Singa-pop.

She'll serve up all your favourite classic National Day anthems alongside iconic tracks from homegrown musos across the eras (think Comic Strip, Electrico, and more).

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• Aug 10, 7pm and 8.15pm 
• DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre, The Esplanade

Get more details here.

NDP SG61: Gillman Barracks heritage trail

Why go: Maybe it's time to go take a look at this storied site for your core memory before, you know, it all goes away. 

The walk will cover the historic Gillman Barracks and its surrounding forest before redevelopment transforms this unique military landscape.

(Note: Wear "kampung adidas" shoes as you may be crossing streams).

• Aug 10, 8.30am
• Meetup at Buona Vista MRT station, 100 North Buona Vista Rd, Singapore 139349

Get more info here.

Lord of the Ring: The story of Rocky Bilboa

Why go: If you've ever sat down and thought, "What this world really needs is a hobbit who punches people in a boxing ring", then this show by Delta Force Improv will suit your hyper-niche brain.

It's a crazy mash-up of The Lord of the Rings and Rocky, so expect genre-bending weirdness as improv actors turn Bilbo Baggins into the Italian Stallion. 

• Aug 11, 7.30pm
• 
• The Flying V Metal Bar, 1 Coleman St, #B1-29/30 The Adelphi, Singapore 179803

 Entry is free. More info here.

Bryan Chua in concert

Why go: Because Bryan is one of the best musical storytellers we've seen in recent years. 

This is the first time the singer-songwriter has returned to the Esplanade Concourse stage in five years, and he's back with an intimate-yet-entertaining set about his 10 years of making music.

• Aug 11 and 12, various timings
• Esplanade Concourse

Event is free. More info here.

Mark this down: Watch the NDP fireworks IRL

Who it's for: So you couldn't score tickets for the National Day Parade at the National Stadium, never mind, you still can catch the fireworks action from nearby. 

Note: Everyone else will have the same idea, so be mentally prepared for crowds. That said, here are some free public areas you can watch.

Tanjong Rhu Promenade. It's across from the National Stadium and the Kallang Basin. Features an elevated lookout tower for wide, unblocked views across the water near Tanjong Rhu MRT.

Kallang Riverside Park. On the other bank across from the stadium, there are open grass patches and space to spread a picnic mat, making it ideal for families.

Lookout Deck at Kallang Basin. Located a short walk from Nicoll Highway MRT, this has clear waterfront sightlines and should also afford a good view of the action.

• Aug 9, fireworks expected to start around 8pm.

National Day celebration: Made in SG music

Why go: If you want to keep the National Day vibes rolling, then you may want this showcase featuring originals and covers of made-in-SG tunes performed by The Red Percussion, Lauren McCallum, Shirley Ho and Pretty Scar. 

Pull up in your red & white fits, grab a drink, and support local music.

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• Aug 11, 7pm
• Blu Jaz, Clarke Quay Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen St, #01-09 (between Mookata & Tsui Wah), Singapore 059817

Get tickets here.

Now showing: Tomorrow's Future

Why go: Because you can learn a unique way of seeing the world: through the eyes of children. This showcase features four short films from Asia:

10 Minutes Younger by Nisreen Yaseen, about two kids escaping the pressures of society and political noise in Palestine.

Every Floor Looks The Same by Gladys Ng, which sees what happens to a young girl wandering through the city searching for a lost bird.

Little Rebels Cinema Club by Khozy Rizal, about a 14-year-old boy who tries to recreate an iconic scene from a zombie film with unexpected results.

Sprout by Yoon Ga-eun, the story of a seven-year-old girl who wants to help her busy mom on the anniversary of her grandfather's death.

At a time when the lives of countless children are shaped by war, displacement, and violence, these stories invite us to remember the importance of protecting the innocence, dignity, and future of every child.

Entry by donation (suggested donation $15). 

• Aug 14, 7.30pm
• Objectifs Annexe, 155 Middle Rd, Singapore 188977

More details here.

Bjorn Again: Abba Forever

Why go: Björn Again, the ultimate Abba-endorsed tribute show (with massive co-signs from legends like Metallica and Nirvana), is landing live. 

Expect non-stop classics from Waterloo to Dancing Queen to Super Trouper. Time to grab your crew and pull up for this unforgettable celebration of pure '70s pop.

• Aug 14 to 16, various times 
• Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands

Get your tickets here.

The Amazing Sarong

Why go: When is a sarong not a sarong? When it's in the hands of Nora and Adi! Award-winning children's book author Quek Hong Shin's bestseller The Amazing Sarong is given the live treatment for the young (and young at heart) — perfect for a fun fam outing. 

You can use your Culture Pass for this.

• Aug 14 to 30, various timings 
• The Esplanade Theatre Studio

Get your tickets here.

Film screening: Hantu Kak Limah Balik Rumah

Why go: Because this is one of filmmaker Mamat Khalid's best-loved comedies, that's why. 

Hantu Kak Limah Balik Rumah (Kak Limah's Ghost Comes Home) is a Malay horror-comedy film and follows Husin (played by Awie), who returns to Kampung Pisang after working in Singapore for two years, only to find his neighbour acting strangely. Very strangely. 

Film scholar Hassan Muthalib hosts a special post-show Q&A exploring the legacy of Mamat Khalid's films.

• Aug 15, 7.30pm
• 10 Square, 181 Orchard Rd, #10-01 Orchard Central Singapore 238896

In Malay, with English subtitles. Get more info and tickets here.

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This article was first published in Wonderwall.sg.