NDP is coming home. After a decade away, the National Day Parade returns to the National Stadium at The Kallang in 2026 — and that means the fireworks are moving too. Instead of the usual Marina Bay skyline show, this year’s pyrotechnics will light up the Kallang Basin, right beside the stadium.
No official Marina Bay fireworks have been announced for 2026, so if catching the fireworks is on your NDP bucket list, The Kallang is where you’ll want to be.
Here’s everything you need to know, plus the best free spots to watch — no ticket required.
When Are The NDP 2026 Fireworks?
Besides National Day itself, there are several rehearsals and previews where you can catch a fireworks display, all held on Saturday evenings in the lead-up to the big day:
BILINGUAL PRESCHOOL & STUDENT CARE: Nurture Kids to Succeed in Heart & Mind
NEW & EXPECTANT PARENTS: Discover Gifts & Offers
Combined Rehearsals: 27 June & 4 July 2026
National Education (NE) Shows: 11 & 18 July 2026
NDP Previews: 25 July & 1 August 2026
NDP 2026: Sunday, 9 August 2026
Fireworks typically start from around 7.30 pm, with several bursts throughout the show building up to a grand finale around 8.10 pm to 8.30 pm. It’s worth getting into position from 7pm, as prime spots fill up fast — especially on Preview weekends and National Day itself.
Best Free Spots To Watch At The Kallang
Stadium Riverside Walk
The closest public vantage point to the launch site, right outside the National Stadium and Kallang Wave Mall. From 25 July, it also plays host to the official “Go Beyond” light display as part of NDP Celebrations@The Kallang. Expect the biggest crowds here, but also the most front-row view of the action.
Nearest MRT: Stadium (CC6), Exit B
Tanjong Rhu Promenade
Sitting across the basin from the stadium, this promenade offers wide, unblocked sightlines over the water — and a bonus view of the National Stadium itself lit up in the background. The Tanjong Rhu Suspension Bridge is a particularly good perch, and a park connector here links up to Bay East Garden if you want to keep exploring afterwards.
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Rhu (3-minute walk)
Kallang Riverside Park
This park has more breathing room than the Riverside Walk, and popular with families who want space to lay out a picnic mat without getting hemmed in by the crowds.
Kallang Lawn Bowl
A lesser-known gem tucked outside the Singapore Indoor Stadium. It’s set back from the main stadium crowds, so it’s a good bet if you’d rather avoid the post-show crush. Bring a picnic and settle in early.
Nearest MRT: Stadium (CC6) Exit A (11-minute walk) or Mountbatten (13-minute walk)
Kallang Basin Waterfront
For a spot that puts you right in the middle of the action, head to the waterfront along Kallang Basin itself, directly across from the National Stadium. From here, you’ll get the fireworks exploding right in front of you over the water, with the added bonus of the Marina Bay Sands skyline visible in the distance behind the stadium — a great two-in-one shot for photographers.
It’s a wide stretch, so there’s usually room to find a spot even if you arrive a little later than the diehards at Stadium Riverside Walk.
What About Marina Bay?
With the fireworks firing from Kallang Basin this year, the usual Marina Bay favourites — Merlion Park, the Marina Bay Promontory, the Esplanade waterfront — aren’t the place to be for NDP 2026. Some of these spots may still catch a partial glimpse of the display in the distance, but for the best views, head to The Kallang instead.
Could there be fireworks in Marina Bay? Stay tuned for details to be updated once we have them.
Good To Know Before You Go
Arrive early. The closest railings and best mat-spots go fast, particularly during the two Preview weekends and on 9 August itself.
Take public transport. Roads around The Kallang will see closures on show nights, and parking will be limited. The MRT is your best bet.
Beat the crowd crush. If you’d rather skip the post-show bottleneck, start making your way to the nearest MRT station a few minutes before the finale. You can still catch the last bursts of the fireworks on your way out.
Pack for comfort. A picnic mat, snacks, water, and bug spray will go a long way if you’re setting up early at Kallang Riverside Park or the Lawn Bowl.
NDP Celebrations@The Kallang
From 25 July to 9 August, the precinct around the stadium will also host free music performances and activities, so it’s worth making a full evening of it rather than just swinging by for the fireworks.
Kallang is the Hood to be in
Whether you managed to snag NDP tickets or not, The Kallang is set to be the place to soak up the National Day spirit this year. Pick your spot, get there early, and get ready to look up. For those looking for more to do, check out our guide to Kallang!
Details are correct at the time of writing and may be updated closer to National Day — check official NDP channels for the latest schedule.
