The NDP team heard your grievances and decided to bring the parade back to the floating platform this year. The fireworks, march-in and Red Lions’ drop-in may be perennial crowd favorites, along with the new five-minute drone light show, but not everyone cares for meandering through a sea of people just to catch them. If you prefer a heady night of drinks, music and dancing to celebrate Singapore’s 52nd birthday, here’re a couple of parties starting this weekend to consider.
Hi-So Presents: Plus 65 Pool Party (Aug 5)
Urban party people Plus 65 are taking over So Sofitel’s Hi-So rooftop bar this Saturday. Housed amidst the cozy private cabanas and sky setting, the party will see the selectors and MC from the crew burn the dance floor with their repertoire of hip hop, R&B, reggae, dancehall, track and so much more. Drink promotions are off the roof, with Magners Ciders going at $12 a pop ( $48 for a bucket) and bottles of housepour spirits or a bottle of Taittinger Champagne going for $170.
National Day Silent Disco (Aug 5)
Ever since its official entry last year, London’s Silent Disco has made its presence known at various venues like Kult Kafe and Clarke Quay, as well as in the heartlands of Tampines and Punggol. But it seems like the concept has caught on with Flying Monkey Lounge, as they’re having their own version of a silent disco on their premises, with DJ Jag playing Bollywood and ’80s hits; and a Club Mix at the after party.
Smack My Beach Up presents Majulah Massive (Aug 6)
It wouldn’t be a boozy National Day celebration if our favorite beach haunt Tanjong Beach Club didn’t throw their own sun-sand-and-sea bash during their Smack My Beach Up series. You won’t be hearing any patriotic songs here—just the way you like it. Instead, you’ll get to fight over who’s better at beer pong, have brunch by the beach and enjoy a great selection music from both local and international electronic artists, courtesy of Mr. Has.
Mambo Jambo (Aug 8)
If you’re never been to Mambo Jambo at Zouk in your life, you’re on the wrong side of history. It has become a sort of a national phenomenon and possibly the longest running party in our nightlife history where both youths and middle-aged men and women dance to oldies in unison. While it’s no longer a weekly affair (RIP Wednesday nights at Zouk), Mambo Jambo has become a staple party night on Public Holiday eves in Singapore. Tip: if you don’t know the moves that everyone seemed to have rehearsed, just follow along; or better yet, do your own thang!
Transition ft Ben Nicky (Aug 8)
Alternatively, you could head over to Canvas after Kumar’s show at 11pm for something a little harder. International DJ and producer Ben Nicky is all ready to fill Canvas with his brand of progressive and psy trance this National Day eve. He already has an impressive catalog of productions under some of the biggest EDM labels in the world, such as Ultra, Spinnin’ Records, Armada and more. From the States to down under, and India to Argentina, he’s played sets at world renowned music festivals like Nature One, Tomorrowland and Armin van Buuren’s A State of Trance.
These two for those who obviously have no qualms nursing a hangover in the office on Thursday. If you want to continue partying all the way through the National Day festivities, there are some parties running on the big day itself (some even have the NDP screening for anyone who bothers). And these are the ones to go for.
Ce La Vi presents Majulah National Day Fiesta 2017 (Aug 9)
Now that the NDP has returned to the floating platform, you can have a front row view of the fireworks before partying the night away. Start the day off early and “chope” your places at noon with a myriad of Singapore-style BBQ bites and spend the rest of the day playing interactive games and grooving to the sounds of local DJs and musicians while waiting to watch Singapore’s skyline light up with fireworks and the unmanned drone light show.
Dancehall in di Air National Day special (Aug 9)
Can’t get enough of Canvas? Head back to the club after a hard night with Ben Nicky to join local reggae and dub collective Lion Steppaz Sound, who’ll be setting up their custom-made sound system and bringing their sick dancehall party vibes at the riverside. Their selectas will be spininng a bunch of dancehall, reggae, ragga top 40, hip hop and R&B tracks to skank to.
