Painting the Lion City red

Singapore Giant Games Festival

The Red Box 113 Somerset Road On till Aug 6 from 11am to 7pm www.bitly.com/giantgamesfest2016

IF supersized versions of games like darts, pool and badminton (think shuttlecocks the size of your face) don't tempt you to indulge your inner child, you might need to reignite your sense of fun. Head on down to the first Singapore Giant Games Festival, organised by Society Staples, to join in their National Day photo-taking initiative where you'll be part of a human formation of the number 51. Also featured will be certain games which simulate disability so you can get a deeper understanding of people who have disabilities, and have fun all while supporting a larger cause.

Havixbeck Youth Concert Band

Palawan Green, Sentosa Aug 9 at 5.30pm and 6.30pm http://www.sentosa.com.sg/augustcelebrations

IT won't be just Singaporeans celebrating National Day. The winner of the Best German Youth Orchestra will perform a free concert in Sentosa as part of their Fantasia 2016 concert tour, and in honour of Singapore's birthday, will be including some National Day songs in their repertoire. And while you're there, stop by the Merlion which has been given a patriotic makeover with colourful lights and projections till Aug 28.

We the Citizens Fest

Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim Street Aug 9 from 4pm to 11pm www.facebook.com/BeachBeatsFest

WHAT better way to spend National Day than to immerse yourself in a power-packed musical line-up of local talents such as singer-songwriter Charlie Lim, DJ Lincey and DJ Zushan. Complementing our local musicians will be international headliners including Mark Ronson, Hayden James, and Ta-Ku. While the main festival will happen at Zouk and Velvet Underground, fringe activities, including the screening of homegrown films, will take place at Phuture. Entry costs S$51.

50 Years of National Day Parades

Kallang Wave Mall, Level 1, 1 Stadium Place On till Aug 9 from 10am to 10pm www.nhb.gov.sg

IF you really wanted to attend the parade, and nothing else will do, why don't you head down to Kallang Wave Mall where the National Heritage Board has curated a travelling exhibition with more than 100 images of the evolution of Singapore's National Day Parades? So if anyone asks, yes, you did see the parade. Just don't tell them which one.

Gardens by the Bay Celebrates National Day

Supertree Grove Lawn Aug 7 from 4pm to 7.30pm www.gardensbythebay.com.sg

NOT content with only changing the skyline of Singapore, Gardens by the Bay is also targeting Singaporeans' waistlines. With a 60-minute dance party headed by ActiveSG ZIN Faiz Aman and 120 Fitness and a series of sporting activities like sphere archery and inflatable obstacle courses for kids, the event promises a whole lot of calorie-burning fun. Once you can't move any more, be entertained by a collaborative performance by the Singapore Armed Forces Central Band and the Swiss Military Small Band. Admission is free.

Our Esplanade Estate

Esplanade Aug 7 to 9 www.esplanade.com/festivals-and-series/national-day-celebrations/2016

WHAT could be more Singaporean than durian? And yes, we mean singular. Pop by our iconic Esplanade building for a festival with performances, crafts, exhibitions, and even a festival village.

Highlights include a performance by Shirlyn & The UnXpected, local film screenings at the Concourse, and a workshop led by cardboard sculptor Bartholomew Ting, who'll show you just how unique an ordinary material like cardboard can become.