Looking for Things to Do This National Day Weekend? Here's Where PAssionArts Festival 2026 Is Happening 🎨

Hi Huneybees,

Ms Petrina Yeo (right), together with Mdm Rita Anthonidas, displaying the air-dry clay flowers they created, which will form part of the 2m tall large-scale art installation to be displayed at the Paya Lebar-Kovan PAssionArts Festival on 8 August 2026.
(Image credit: People’s Association – PAssionArts)

If you're still deciding how to spend the National Day long weekend, here's an event worth adding to your plans

PAssionArts Festival 2026 is returning to neighbourhoods across Singapore, bringing together giant community art installations, live performances, hands-on workshops, carnival games and plenty of family-friendly activities. Running under this year's theme, "Our Neighbourhood Gems", the festival celebrates the places, people and stories that make every neighbourhood special.

What makes PAssionArts Festival different is that many of the artworks are created together with residents - from recycled art installations and colourful murals to performances and interactive workshops, each neighbourhood puts its own creative spin on the celebration.

With National Day just around the corner, 8 & 9 August will see some of the biggest celebrations take place across Singapore. Whether you're looking for somewhere to bring the family, enjoy some local performances or simply soak up the festive atmosphere, here's what's happening around the island.

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PAssionArts Festival x National Day Celebrations (8–9 August 2026)

1. Yio Chu Kang PAssionArts Festival – National Day Observance Ceremony

Kick off your National Day weekend with community performances, games, PAssionArts activity booths and snacks in a lively carnival atmosphere.

Date: 8 August 2026

Time: 8.30am – 12pm (Carnival from 9am)

Venue: Yio Chu Kang Community Club

2. Keat Hong National Day Observance Ceremony – Building Our Keat Hong Together

Expect a fun-filled morning featuring community performances, carnival games, art activities and a giant community art installation. There will also be a lucky draw with prizes including an iPad, smartwatch and headset.

Date: 8 August 2026

Time: 9am – 12pm

Venue: Keat Hong Plaza (beside Concord Primary School)

3. Zhenghua PAssionArts Festival – National Day Celebration

One of this year's standout installations is "Every Drop, Every Bloom", a spectacular 10-metre river of colourful flowers handcrafted from recycled plastic bottles collected by residents. The celebration also includes food trucks, community performances, bouncy castles and plenty of craft activities including clay art, scratch art magnets and badge making.

Date: 8 August 2026

Time: 6.30pm – 9.30pm

Venue: Zhenghua Community Club

4. Paya Lebar-Kovan National Day Carnival

One of the biggest highlights this year is a 2.4-metre four-tier birthday cake art installation decorated with miniature clay versions of beloved neighbourhood landmarks. The evening also features a drone show, carnival rides, performances, food stalls and interactive art booths where visitors can create their own keepsakes.

Date: 8 August 2026

Time: 4.30pm – 9pm

Venue: Kovan Hub

5. Canberra PAssionArts Festival (Canberra National Day Series)

Celebrating both Singapore's birthday and Canberra's 25th anniversary, this family-friendly morning includes a mini National Day Parade, arts and crafts, carnival games, bouncy castles, food booths and complimentary goodie bags while stocks last.

Date: 8 August 2026

Time: 8.30am – 12pm

Venue: Sembawang Hardcourt (next to Sun Plaza)

6. Tampines Central National Day x PAssionArts Fest Carnival

Our Tampines Hub will be buzzing with activities throughout the day, from fitness sessions and kids' carnivals to an evening PAssionArts Village featuring performances, food stations and a nostalgic National Day sing-along.

Date: 8 August 2026

Time: PAssionArts activities from 5pm – 8pm

Venue: Our Tampines Hub

7. Tampines North National Day Carnival

Get hands-on with unique craft activities including clay iced gem biscuit magnets, personalised badges, wooden tray marbling, paper flower colouring and shrink-art keychains. The evening also includes performances, games and snacks.

Date: 8 August 2026

Time: 6.30pm – 9.30pm

Venue: Tampines North Community Club

8. Pioneer National Day & PAssionArts Festival

Join the Pioneer community for National Day celebrations featuring stage performances, interactive e-sports challenges, floor curling, craft booths, traditional snacks and family-friendly activities.

Date: 8 August 2026

Time: 5pm – 8pm

Venue: The Frontier Community Club

9. Punggol Coast PAssionArts Festival – National Day Observance Ceremony

Held on National Day itself, the highlight here is "Bridging Nature, Rippling Joy", an impressive walk-through archway built from around 600 recycled plastic bottles. Look closer and you'll spot miniature handcrafted scenes featuring bridges, wildlife, kayaks and lush greenery created by residents.

Date: 9 August 2026

Time: 9am – 12pm

Venue: One Punggol

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Created by Sengkang East residents, Youth Network and students from Nanyang Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic and North Spring Primary School, this artwork ‘Woven Harmony – A Singapore Story’ is attempting to set a new Singapore Book of Records for the largest Singapore map made of bottle caps at the Sengkang East PAssionArts Festival 2026.
(Image credit: People’s Association – PAssionArts)

More Than Just a Festival

I love events like this because they remind me that you don't always have to head into town for a fun weekend. Some of the most meaningful experiences can happen right in our own neighbourhoods, and PAssionArts Festival is a lovely excuse to slow down, explore and appreciate the communities around us.

Beyond the National Day weekend celebrations, PAssionArts Festival continues across Singapore throughout August and September with 79 festival villages, each showcasing its own interpretation of "Our Neighbourhood Gems." From giant collaborative art installations and live performances to workshops where you can create your own artwork, there's always something new waiting to be discovered.

One initiative I'm particularly excited about is the return of Giant Delight, where artists and residents work together to transform shared structures into large-scale artworks inspired by their own communities. It really captures what this festival is all about—celebrating creativity while bringing neighbours together.

Whether you're looking for a fun family outing, a creative date idea, or simply another way to celebrate SG61 beyond the fireworks, PAssionArts Festival offers plenty of reasons to explore your own neighbourhood—or perhaps discover one you've never visited before.

Happy National Day, and have fun exploring Singapore's neighbourhood gems! 🇸🇬✨

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Not Mere Spectators: Why This Exhibition Will Change How You See Multiracial Singapore

Hi Huneybees,

Some exhibitions entertain you for an hour. Others stay with you for days.

Not Mere Spectators: The Makings of Multicultural Singapore quietly does the latter by inviting visitors to step into the defining decades between the 1950s and 1970s, when the idea of multiculturalism was not yet a given, but something Singapore had to intentionally build.

Presented by the Founders’ Memorial in conjunction with SG60, this immersive exhibition explores a time when unity was carefully shaped through policies, ground-up efforts, and the everyday choices of ordinary citizens.

*And before you even finish this article! Here’s a little insider tip: visit in a group of five and you may walk away with a $60 GrabFood voucher. More on that shortly, because trust me… you’ll want to plan your visit strategically.

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When Multiculturalism Was Still a Vision

Today, celebrating different cultures feels almost instinctive in Singapore. Festivals fill our calendars, multiple languages flow through daily life, and diverse cuisines sit comfortably side by side.

But it wasn’t always this seamless.

This exhibition brings visitors back to the early nation-building years , back to a period marked by uncertainty, negotiation, and hope; showing how multiculturalism became one of the nation’s strongest foundations. Imagine back then, everyone had their own language, study books had to be published in so many different language and habing to solve algebra in Tamil?

Through interactive installations, artefacts, archival photographs, artwork and audio experiences, you’re encouraged not just to observe history, but to question it:

• What does multiculturalism mean today?
• And how do we continue carrying it forward?

Among the highlights are original letters exchanged between Ministers Ong Pang Boon and S. Rajaratnam discussing the National Pledge in 1966, alongside a three-part audio play inspired by Rajaratnam’s A Nation in the Making.

You don’t simply walk past these displays, you pause, reflect, and realise how deliberate the making of modern Singapore truly was.

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Highlights from the Exhibition

One story that lingered with me was that of Ms Toshiko Kadir. She discovered at age 27 that she had been adopted from a Chinese family when she was just one year old. Yet growing up in the 1960s, identity in her household was never singular, it was beautifully layered.

Her father was half-Japanese and half-Indian-Muslim. Her mother came from southern Thailand. She studied Chinese in a convent school while Malay was spoken at home. Her family welcomed the Japanese New Year with oden and mochi, observed Buddhist rituals on Vesak Day, and filled their home with both Okinawan music and Bossa Nova.

And through it all, racial differences were never the defining narrative of her childhood. Stories like hers gently remind us that multiculturalism is not merely written into policy, it is lived at dining tables, spoken in shared languages, and expressed through everyday traditions.

Right in the centre of the exhibition sits a painting that feels both contemporary and timeless.

Lovers on a Train (2021) by Yeo Tze Yang portrays a masked couple seated on an MRT carriage, an image instantly familiar to anyone living in Singapore during the Covid period. He chose the MRT deliberately, seeing it as a powerful metaphor for everyday multiculturalism. It is a space where people of different backgrounds coexist quietly, sharing the same journey without needing grand gestures.

Displayed alongside artefacts from the Merdeka years, the painting acts almost like a bridge, helping younger visitors locate themselves within a much larger national narrative.

It is proof that multiculturalism is not just history. It is still unfolding around us.

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A Cultural Scene I Wish We Could Time-Travel Back To

Here’s something I learned that genuinely surprised me though...

Beginning in 1959, Singapore organised free People’s Cultural Concerts, also known as Aneka Ragam Ra’ayat. These performances showcased everything from Chinese ribbon dances and Malay Tari Payung to Indian Kathakali and Eurasian Jinkli Nona.

They were staged in public spaces including the Singapore Botanic Gardens and the former City Hall which is now part of the National Gallery Singapore.

Just imagine the atmosphere: communities gathering, cultures unfolding on one shared stage, curiosity replacing division. Honestly, I would love to see something like this revived. It feels like the kind of event that would resonate deeply even today, biringing our nation even much closer, as we share our cultures.

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Come With Friends — There’s a Reward Waiting

Now, about that insider tip.

To encourage shared experiences and spark meaningful conversations, the Founders’ Memorial is currently running a group promotion that is well worth planning for.

Visit the exhibition in a group of five and receive a $60 GrabFood voucher.

History followed by a great meal together? That sounds like a near-perfect Singapore day.

A quick note for the savvy planners:

• Limited to the first 100 groups
• One person can register on behalf of the group
• Registration does not guarantee the voucher, so earlier visits are strongly recommended

It’s the kind of outing that balances reflection with connection, come explore the exhibition, exchange perspectives, then continue the conversation over food... Sometimes the best discussions happen after the museum.

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Why This Exhibition Matters More Than We Think

The title draws inspiration from a 1959 speech by Lee Kuan Yew, reminding Singaporeans that we are “not mere spectators” but active participants in nation-building. Walking through the exhibition, that message feels strikingly relevant.

The harmony we experience today is not accidental. It is the result of everyday decisions to respect one another, to stand together, and to keep strengthening the social fabric that holds us together.

Personally, it made me realise how special it is that many of us introduce ourselves simply as Singaporeans. Our cultures remain vibrant and distinct, yet there is a shared identity that connects us all. In many ways, it feels like having the world gathered in one small, remarkable backyard.

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Planning Your Visit

The exhibition runs until 29 March 2026 and serves as the second pilot showcasing how the Founders’ Memorial intends to bring Singapore’s stories to life ahead of its eventual opening in 2028.

Beyond the exhibition itself, you can look forward to guided tours, multicultural performances, giveaways by Project Citizens, and themed activity days - including a friendship-themed crochet flower bouquet giveaway.

Programme details are available at go.gov.sg/notmerespectators.

Some places teach you history.

Others help you feel it.

Not Mere Spectators is a powerful reminder that the Singapore we know today was built through courage, conviction, and collective choice.

And perhaps the most important takeaway? We are still shaping that story. Still choosing understanding over division. Still building something bigger than ourselves.

Never mere spectators.

Not Mere Spectators: The Makings of Multicultural Singapore

📍 City Hall Chamber, Level 3, National Gallery of Singapore

📅 Till 29 March 2026

⏰ 10am - 7pm (last entry 6pm)

*Admission is free for all visitors. No ticket is required.

🌐For more information, please visit go.gov.sg/notmerespectators

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Chinese New Year 2026 Got a Whole Lot Cuter: Kele’s Sanrio Collection, Gold Tins & Pokémon Comeback

Hi Huneybees,

I dropped by the Kele pop-up store recently, and as someone who’s a long-time fan of all things cute, I can confidently say this... Chinese New Year 2026 just got EXTRA adorable. Between the sweet colours, familiar Sanrio faces, and the comforting scent of pineapple tarts in the air, it felt like a perfect blend of festive nostalgia and playful joy.

Kele, Singapore’s heritage name synonymous with pineapple tarts and premium snack treats, is welcoming Chinese New Year 2026 with a whimsical lineup that beautifully blends tradition, modern elegance, and irresistible charm. This year’s collections feel thoughtfully designed for joyful family gatherings, meaningful gifting, and adding a little magic (and cuteness) to your festive table.

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A Singapore Heritage Brand with Over 40 Years of History

Kele 可楽 (pronounced Kerh-Lerh) is a beloved Singapore pastry brand with over four decades of heritage. Since 1983, Kele has championed pineapple tarts as more than just a festive snack — they’re a gift of culture, history, and prosperity. Crafted in Singapore with care, Kele’s treats have found their way into homes both locally and around the world through festive gifting and travel souvenirs.

Over the years, Kele has received numerous accolades, including being featured in the Michelin Guide in 2018, earning the “Made With Passion” brand mark from the Singapore Tourism Board, and most recently being officially recognised as an SG Heritage Business by the National Heritage Board. It’s a meaningful nod to Kele’s role in preserving local food heritage while continuing to evolve with the times.

Today, what began as a family-run bakery lives on through second-generation owners Adrian and Gordon, who honour the traditions they grew up with while reimagining Kele for new generations of snack lovers.

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Kele x Sanrio: A Festive Must-Have for CNY 2026

One of the highlights this year has to be the Kele Sanrio Collection, and seeing it in person at the pop-up store made it even more delightful. Six collectible tin designs feature Kele’s six bestsellers, each paired with an iconic Sanrio character. It’s festive gifting that instantly sparks joy, especially if you love cute collectibles as much as I do.

Sanrio Tin Line-up & Pricing

• $37.80 — Golden Pineapple Balls (Hello Kitty Edition)
  Golden, melt-in-your-mouth pastry with rich pineapple filling, delivering the perfect balance of buttery texture and tropical sweetness.

• $37.80 — Traditional Pineapple Tarts (Pompompurin Edition)
  A nostalgic favourite with buttery pastry and smooth, indulgent filling.

• $39.80 — Double Cheese Ball (Kuromi Edition) *I love this exciting twist*
  Crispy on the outside with a rich, double-layered cheese filling, adds a little savoury touch.

• $27.80 — Shrimp Rolls (My Melody Edition)
  Flaky pastry packed with savoury, fresh shrimp filling with a slight spicy kick.

• $28.80 — Grandparents’ Almond Cookies (Cinnamoroll Edition)
  Buttery cookies with crunchy almond bits for that satisfying bite.

• $27.80 — Chicken Floss Rolls (Pochacco Edition)
  Soft, buttery pastry filled with premium chicken floss.

Each tin feels thoughtfully designed, with every character carefully chosen to complement its snack that's pretty enough to display, meaningful enough to gift, and practical enough to reuse long after the treats are gone.

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Classic, Petite, and a Little Extra Bling

For those who prefer timeless elegance, the Kele Classic Gold Tin Collection returns for 2026 with refreshed designs and an upgraded metallic gold finish (*bling bling brighter). These tins are filled with iconic pineapple tarts and premium cookies, making them ideal for visiting relatives, hosting gatherings, or corporate gifting.

Selected flavours such as Golden Osmanthus, Matcha, and Earl Grey are exclusively available in the gold tins this year, making them especially sought-after for the festive season.

New: Petite Gold Tins

To commemorate Kele’s SG Heritage Business recognition, the brand has also introduced Petite Gold Tins — compact, giftable, and perfect for smaller households, thoughtful add-ons, or for those who simply want a taste of everything.

New flavours include:

• Seaweed Crispy Rolls

• Lucky Lychee Cookies

• Nyonya Ondeh Ondeh Cookies

Pokémon Collection Makes a Comeback

Following its enthusiastic response in 2025, the Kele Pokémon Collection is returning for Chinese New Year 2026. Pokémon-themed tins filled with familiar favourites like Traditional Pineapple Tarts and Golden Pineapple Balls will definitely be a fun addition to the festive spread for both kids and adults. Time to catch them all!

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At Kele, celebrating Chinese New Year has always been about honouring cultural traditions, preserving the heritage that connects us to our roots and community, while continuing to delight new generations. And with this year’s Sanrio collection, it’s safe to say that CNY 2026 feels not just festive, but wonderfully kawaii too!!!!

Retail Promotions (While Stocks Last)

From 8 January 2026, in-store purchases that include at least one Sanrio Collection tin qualify for gifts with purchase:

• Minimum spend $88: Receive 1 Sanrio Red Packet Set

• Minimum spend $128: Receive 1 Hello Kitty Enamel Pin Set (worth $8.80)

• Minimum spend $188: Receive 1 Hello Kitty Drawstring Bag (worth $15.80)

One More Thing Before You Go

And if you’re a fellow lover of cute collectibles, keep an eye out for the super adorable Singapore Mint Cinnamoroll Chinese Zodiac Collection, now available in all Kele stores! There’s also an upcoming collaboration with Shio & Sato featuring the Cheesy Pineapple Shio Pan — which I had the chance to sample. It’s a fun, unexpected twist on the classic bolo bun, and I have a feeling it’s going to create quite a buzz when it launches. I’ll be sharing more updates very soon.

Retail Stores & CNY Roadshows

You can find Kele’s Chinese New Year 2026 collections at the following locations:

• Flagship Store - Chinatown, 2 Smith Street

• Concept Store - Jewel Changi Airport, #01-J213

• Pop-up Store - Suntec City, B1 Fountain Court (Right outside the foodcourt)

• CNY Atrium Roadshows - NEX, Takashimaya, Tampines, VivoCity

For the full list of outlets and updates, visit Kele’s official store locator:
https://www.kele.sg/pages/locate-us

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From Marina Bay to the Heartlands: Where to Countdown to 2026 in Singapore

Hi Huneybees,

AI genenrated image

Just like that, we’re down to the final days of 2025, and whether you’re counting down with excitement or ready to close this chapter with a bang, there’s no better way to welcome 2026 than with a proper celebration 🎆

From dazzling fireworks and K-pop concerts to rooftop parties, riverfront countdowns, heartland festivities and even a classy New Year’s concert experience, Singapore is pulling out all the stops this New Year’s Eve. Here’s your ultimate guide to where (and how) to ring in 2026.

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AI genenrated image

ONE Countdown 2026: Islandwide Celebrations

Singaporeans can welcome the New Year across multiple locations on 31 December, including Marina Bay, Sentosa, and seven heartland sites. As part of ONE Countdown 2026, expect islandwide celebrations complete with performances, activities and fireworks displays.

With the scale of festivities planned, public transport operators are also expected to extend services for the night, with details to be announced in December.

Marina Bay: Fireworks, Light Art & Festive Markets

The Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2026 promises a vibrant mix of art, music and festive cheer.

Highlights include:

• Togetherland by World Christmas Market for festive bites and shopping

• Live performances at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

• Brightening Lives, a series of light projections on The Fullerton Hotel Singapore showcasing artworks by artists with disabilities

The night culminates in a spectacular midnight fireworks display, lighting up the Marina Bay skyline as 2026 arrives.

CQ @ Clarke Quay: “The Next Stage: New Age”

This free-to-public countdown event is the only official countdown along the Singapore River.

Step into the future as music and immersive art collide across four themed Biomes, all connected by a central Command Centre at Fountain Square. The night features:

• A five-act Drone Show above the river

• Live performances by electronic band Nation One and Zouk’s DJ Gainzter

• Futuristic visuals and neon-lit installations created with local artists

It’s a bold, high-energy way to start 2026.

Singapore Sports Hub & Kallang: Music Meets Mega Fireworks

If live music is your vibe, head to the Countdown 2026 Concert at Singapore Sports Hub, headlined by K-pop legends Super Junior. Joining them on stage are Chinese singer Cheng Huan and local favourites Benjamin Kheng, Tabitha Nauser and Iman Fandi.

Beyond the concert, the precinct will be buzzing with stage performances, interactive activities and festive processions. Over at Kallang, expect the longest fireworks display in Singapore, spanning 35 minutes across four chapters, with the first segment starting around 9pm — perfect for families.

Sentosa: Beach Parties, Family Fun & Fireworks

Sentosa transforms into a New Year’s playground with celebrations across the island.

• Siloso Beach Countdown Party with live performances, Mediacorp’s Let’s Celebrate 2026 show and fireworks

• Palawan Kidz City Rooftop hosts a movie marathon and family-friendly activities

• Palawan Green features carnival games

• Festive installations at Sensoryscape, plus special offerings from beach clubs, hotels and restaurants

Whether you’re partying barefoot by the beach or enjoying family-friendly fun, Sentosa has something for everyone.

Heartland Celebrations: Close to Home, Big on Fun

Celebrations extend to seven heartland sites — Boon Lay, Keat Hong, Marsiling, Nee Soon, Punggol, Tampines and Woodlands.

Organised by the People’s Association, these countdowns feature live performances and family-centric activities, bringing the festive spirit right into the neighbourhoods. Details will be shared in early December.

Celebrating with Our Migrant Worker Community

Five migrant worker recreation centres — Kranji, Penjuru, Soon Lee, Terusan and Tuas South — along with over 10 dormitories, will host New Year’s Eve celebrations. Expect live performances, food stations, carnival games and lucky draws, with fireworks at the Soon Lee centre — a meaningful way to ring in 2026 together.

CÉ LA VI: Glamorous Rooftop Countdown

For a luxe New Year’s Eve experience, CÉ LA VI offers breathtaking views from 57 floors above the city.

Throughout December, guests can enjoy festive brunches, seasonal cocktails like Jingle Juice and Santa’s Nightcap, and indulgent Christmas dining. On New Year’s Eve, the celebrations peak with:

• A five-course NYE dinner at S$298++ per person

• The Midnight Rouge Countdown Party at the Club Lounge — think music, dancing and front-row views of Marina Bay fireworks

If you’re welcoming 2026 in style, this is the ultimate rooftop destination.

Capitol Singapore: Countdown to 2026 – Colorburst Edition

Capitol Singapore turns New Year’s Eve into a vibrant, high-energy celebration.

Dance to live performances by 4Play, SISAY and DJ TMO, enjoy stage games with prizes, snack on complimentary popcorn and nachos, and snap photos at Instagram-worthy zones like the Color Burst Photo Zone and Hologram Mirror Resolution Wall.

The night ends with midnight fireworks and a magical foam snow drop, making it a colourful way to welcome 2026. Tickets start from S$38.

Golden Village: A Classy Start to 2026

If you prefer a quieter, more refined start to the year, Golden Village presents the Vienna Philharmonic New Year’s Concert 2026, streamed live from Vienna on 1 January 2026 at 6:15 PM.

Conducted by Maestro Yannick Nézet-Séguin, this iconic concert will be screened live at Golden Village Suntec, complete with welcome drinks and a limited-edition bookmark — a beautiful way to ease into the New Year.

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However you choose to celebrate…

Whether you’re counting down under fireworks, dancing into the New Year, celebrating with your community, or starting 2026 on a cultured note, Singapore has no shortage of ways to make the final night of 2025 unforgettable.

Here’s to a bright, joyful and exciting 2026! See you in the brand new year! ✨🥂

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