The Istana will open its grounds to the public on July 26, offering a day-long programme of activities to commemorate Singapore’s upcoming National Day on August 9. The event will run from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., featuring an evening open-air concert for the first time as part of the celebrations.

The outdoor concert will showcase performances by local artists and bands including Amsden Huang, Shazna, Fourteen Aces, and Soft Boiled Eggs from Project #JalanJalan. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own mats or chairs to enjoy the performances on the lawns. The last entry to the grounds will be at 6:45 p.m.

In addition to the concert, visitors can participate in a variety of sport, heritage, and community activities suited for all ages and abilities. Inclusive sports such as boccia, seated floorball, virtual archery, and drone football will be available, along with community fitness challenges led by Active Health. Former Team Singapore athletes including Lim Tong Hai (football), Derek Wong (badminton), and Lim Heem Wei (gymnastics) will join current national athletes in engaging with participants.

Heritage-focused activities will allow visitors to shape clay models of traditional local foods such as kuchi and iced gem biscuits, or design postcard prints inspired by Singapore’s cultural heritage and everyday life. The event also features interactive booths highlighting key national milestones, including the 60th anniversary of the National Pledge and support for Chingay’s UNESCO nomination.

A new addition to the open house is the Istana Stamp Rally, created in partnership with Singapore Polytechnic. Participants can visit designated pit stops, complete activities, collect stamps, and redeem exclusive Istana merchandise. The rally is designed to be accessible for visitors of all ages.

Throughout the day, from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., music, dance, and cultural performances will take place, featuring students from institutions such as LASALLE College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore Polytechnic, and several madrasahs including Irsyad Zuhri Al-Islamiah, Aljunied Al-Islamiah, and Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah.

Self-guided tours of the Istana Villa will be available from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be sold on-site, with only cashless payment methods accepted.

Entry to the Istana grounds will be through the main gate on Orchard Road, with the nearest MRT station, Dhoby Ghaut, located within a five-minute walk. Admission is free for Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and migrant domestic workers accompanying families. Others will be required to pay a fee of $20 per adult and $10 per child aged four to 12. Additional charges apply for activities like the guided Istana Heritage Tour and villa visits.

Further details can be found at http://go.gov.sg/visitistana.