Drown in Music
If watching the parade isn’t up your alley, head on down to Zouk before it leaves Jiak Chuan for good. At its We the Citizens Fest, be swept away by the laid-back music of Charlie Lim or groove to the beats of Mark Ronson, Marvin Gold and Darker Than Wax. Need a rest? Cosy up to a movie at Phuture. A whole bunch of local films will be on screen there. Entry to Velvet Underground and Phuture is free while tickets are $51 each for the Zouk main room
When: 9th August
Time: 4pm – 11pm
Where: 17 Jiak Kim Street, Singapore 169420
Go Back in Time at the Museum
Revisit Singapore’s audacious step towards independence at the National Museum of Singapore. We Built a Nation is a permanent exhibit dedicated to the turning point of Singapore between 1965 and 1975; a tribute to Lee Kuan Yew’s contributions and ideals that helped whip our nation into shape. Free for Singaporeans, PRs and little ones aged 6 or below
When: Permanent
Time: 10am – 7pm daily
Where: 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897
Walk Down Memory Lane
Browse through archived photographs of old iconic landmarks like the Great World Amusement Park, Satay Club and more. Free
When: Until 21 August
Time: 10am – 9pm daily
Where: 1 Raffles Place, Singapore 048616
Eat and Shop
You can still catch the Esplanade Festival Village if you’re up for it. Expect the whole motley crew of local grub (think goreng pisang, cendol snow cones and nasi lemak burgers), craft and fashion – think leather goods, soaps and street apparel. Free
When: Tonight and tomorrow
Time: 12pm – 10pm
Where: Esplanade Waterfront
Get Fed
The Epicurean Market is back for the 4th time in a row, with celebrity chef-approved dishes, cocktails and farmer’s market along in tow. Catch special guests like Daniel Boulud and Tetsuya Wakuda in action, as well as wine maestro Patrick Dowling, who will be around to lead a masterclass on some of Penfolds’ greatest wines ever aged. Tickets available here
When: 12 – 14 August
Time: 12pm – 2am on 12th and 13th, 12pm – 9pm on the 14th
Where: Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Halls A to C
Sketch like a Pro
Learn how to sketch from Favian Ee of Urban Sketchers, an international network of travelling artists. Their works are on display at the Esplanade Festival Corner until the 14th of August, and if you’re feeling inspired, spare just two hours to learn the basics from him. Materials will be provided and a National Day Sketchwalk is scheduled to happen the same day at 2pm. Free and on a first-come-first-served basis
When: 9 August
Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm (Arrive at 10am to register; spaces are limited)
Where: The Esplanade Concert Hall Foyer, Level 1