Think you know all about Singapore’s defence story? Think again.
This November, the Defence Collective Festival is flipping the script and turning the serious business of national defence into one giant, hands-on playground of fun, discovery and nostalgia.
Happening across three museums — Singapore Discovery Centre (SDC), Singapore Navy Museum (SNM), and Singapore Air Force Museum (SAFM) — this inaugural festival isn’t your typical “walk quietly and read plaques” kind of museum experience. Nope. Expect submarine challenges, AR colouring, carnival games, immersive missions, and enough photo ops to fill your weekend feed.
So round up your buddies and besties, rally the fam, and get ready to defend your weekend… the fun way!
What Is The Defence Collective Festival All About?
The Defence Collective Festival (DCF) is a festival by Defence Collective Singapore (DCS), the group behind the trio of defence-themed museums that bring Singapore’s story of resilience to life.
Timed perfectly with Singapore’s 60th birthday (SG60) and the SAF’s 60th anniversary, this festival is all about celebrating the spirit that keeps Singapore safe and strong, but in the most interactive, family-friendly way possible.
From 15 to 16 November (with a special encore weekend on 22 & 23 November at SDC only), you can hop between three venues packed with games, workshops and activities that blend learning, nostalgia and just plain fun.
And yes, there’s even a free festival shuttle loop between SDC, SNM and SAFM, so you can museum-hop without breaking a sweat.
Choose Your Adventure: Three Venues, Endless Fun
While entry is free, you can upgrade your adventure with one of two fantastic ticket options:
- A Single Museum Pass at $12 (early bird price and SAFRA member’s price of $10 with promo code SINSAFRADCF), for an experience at one of the museum of your choice and redeem a mystery blind box prize.
- Or the All-Access Pass at $32 (early bird price and SAFRA member’s price of $28 with promo code ALLSAFRADCF), for the full multi-venue adventure plus a chance to collect all the passport stamps and redeem three mystery blind box prizes.
The mystery blind boxes contain super cute and exclusive plushies!
Although the early bird promotion has ended on 15 October, here’s the good news: as SAFRA members, you can still enjoy the special early bird prices, with savings up to 15%, throughout till event day!
Each museum has its own theme, so depending on your vibe, here’s what you can look forward to:
At the Singapore Navy Museum: Dive into Maritime Mischief
15 & 16 November 2025
Ready to make waves? The Singapore Navy Museum’s lineup is all about hands-on exploration — perfect for sea-faring spirits and budding engineers alike.
- Lieutenant Seymour’s Sensory Chamber: Engage your senses as you step into the world of naval life. Think ocean sounds, salty air and a few surprises.
- Military Expert Dior’s Trade Quest: Channel your inner sleuth and uncover hidden clues to piece together the “Sea-cret Master Plan”.
- Submarine Challenge: Guide a remote control sub through a watery obstacle course. Bragging rights if you don’t crash it.
- Naval Engineering Workshop: Build your own mini warship using recycled materials, then take on the challenge to see if it actually floats.
- Semaphore Flag Challenge: Learn the art of old-school naval communication (bonus: makes for a fun TikTok vid).
- Military Coins Showcase: Discover the stories behind Singapore’s military and unit coins — like a collector’s gallery of pride and history.
- AI Face Swap: Transform yourself into a “Guardian Hero” and get an epic photo souvenir!
Between the tech, the puzzles, and the hands-on action, this one’s a hit for families and anyone who’s ever dreamed of commanding a ship… or at least, steering one without capsizing!
At the Singapore Air Force Museum: Fly High, Aim True, and Have a Blast!
15 & 16 November 2025
Next stop: fasten your seatbelts, aviators… we’re taking fun to new heights at the Singapore Air Force Museum, where adventure, imagination and adrenaline all take flight (literally!). Whether you’re a mini pilot in the making or a full-grown Top Gun wannabe, there’s something here to get your heart racing and your wings flapping.
- Lieutenant Eli’s Sky Search: Strap in for a high-stakes scavenger hunt! Race against time to uncover hidden clues, crack secret codes, and stop a cyberattack before it takes down the Control Tower. Brains, teamwork and speed — all systems go!
- Captain Ted’s Pilots’ Runway: Little aviators, this one’s for you! Hop into an electric kart “aircraft” and zip down a runway full of obstacles and surprises. Just remember — even pilots need to keep their cool under pressure.
- Sky Blasters NERF Challenge: Grab your NERF blaster and get ready for some serious air-to-ground action! Sharpen your aim and see if you’ve got what it takes to hit your targets like a pro sharpshooter.
- Craft Workshops: Feeling artsy? Channel your inner designer and create your very own defence badge inspired by the six pillars of Total Defence. Or, if you’re more hands-on, assemble your own mini aircraft model, and take it home as a proud pilot’s souvenir.
- Flight Simulator: Ever dreamed of flying an F-16? Here’s your chance to take to the virtual skies in a realistic flight simulator from Vector Simulations. Strap in, throttle up, and experience the rush of an aerial mission — minus the G-forces!
- Combat Fighter The Reaction Game: Ready, set, react! This high-speed reaction challenge will test your reflexes as you battle to eliminate incoming threats. Think you’ve got fighter pilot reflexes? Here’s your chance to prove it.
So, eyes on the sky and feet off the ground — the Singapore Air Force Museum is where adventure truly takes off!
At the Singapore Discovery Centre: Your Playground of Possibilities
15 & 16 November / 22 & 23 November 2025
This is where the festival goes all out. The Singapore Discovery Centre is a total adventure hub, with games, workshops, and challenges designed to keep both kids and grown-ups busy and entertained.
Here’s what’s waiting for you:
- Recruit SingaPaw’s Escape Maze: Navigate through obstacles and surprises that test your courage and smarts.
- Explorer SingaPaw’s Cultural Quest: A scavenger hunt that sends you dashing around in search for clues to complete missions.
- AR Colouring Workshop: Colour defence vehicles on paper, then watch them come alive in 3D with augmented reality.
- Build the Nation: Stack giant foam blocks to build Singapore landmarks and see how teamwork really makes the dream work.
- Carnival Booths: Play, win, and snack. Classic fun for all ages.
- Mini Troopers: Fall In!: Perfect for the little ones to play dress-up as they get to don mini SAF uniforms for a photo op.
- Warrior Challenge & Let’s Get Outfield!: Camo face paint, tent pitching, and hands-on “outfield” fun for everyone who’s up for a challenge.
Between the carnival buzz, outdoor action, and hands-on creativity, it’s safe to say SDC will be buzzing with energy all weekend.
More Than Just a Good Time
Sure, there are games, prizes, and cool activities… but there’s heart behind the hype.
The Defence Collective Festival is about celebrating what keeps Singapore secure and reminding us that defence isn’t just about weapons or uniforms. It’s about people, resilience and teamwork.
Every activity here — whether it’s building a warship, navigating a maze, or decoding messages — quietly reinforces that spirit of Total Defence. It’s learning disguised as play… and the message hits home.
For kids, it’s a chance to see what being part of something bigger feels like. For parents (and nostalgic NSmen), it’s a chance to relive a bit of that camaraderie… without the 5am wake-up calls!
Insider Tips to Make the Most of It
Want to squeeze every bit of fun out of the festival? Here’s your game plan:
- Go for the All-Access Pass: You’ll thank yourself later. Each museum offers something different, and the shuttle bus makes it easy to hop around.
- Bring your sense of adventure: Many activities are interactive, so come ready to move, build, and play.
- Beat the crowds: Arrive early, especially for popular zones like the maze and submarine challenge.
- Stay hydrated and comfy: Singapore weather + excitement = sweat. Dress light and wear good sturdy shoes.
- Team up: Most activities are more fun (and easier) with friends or family. Plus, you’ll have someone to high-five when you conquer a challenge.
- Don’t just take photos, ask questions: The exhibits are full of cool backstories that bring our defence history to life. Chat with guides and staff; they’ve got stories to tell!
- Redeem your blind box reward: Collect those passport stamps and score a mystery gift. Because who doesn’t love a (cute) surprise?
Why It Matters… in a Fun Way
At its core, this festival isn’t just about nostalgia or hardware. It’s about community.
Singapore’s defence story has always been about collective strength — the idea that everyone, from the soldier to the student, has a part to play. By making that story interactive, the Defence Collective Festival turns patriotism into participation.
It’s one thing to read about resilience. It’s another to live it, through play, teamwork, and curiosity.
So, whether you’re a lifelong museum fan, a parent looking for a family day out, or an NSman with a soft spot for the good old days, this festival offers something for you — a reminder that our nation’s strength lies in our people and our stories.
Final Word: Defend Your Weekend
So, what are you waiting for? Mark your calendars:
📍 Singapore Discovery Centre, Singapore Navy Museum, and Singapore Air Force Museum
📅 All three museums: 15–16 November 2025, with a second weekend 22–23 November at Singapore Discovery Centre only.
Grab your crew, snag your passes, and come explore, play and celebrate what makes Singapore strong. Whether you’re sailing subs, solving puzzles, or conquering mazes, you’ll walk away with more than just memories — you’ll walk away with pride.
Because sometimes, defending our nation starts with having a blast while learning why it matters.
SAFRA members can enjoy the special early bird prices — $10 for single-access pass and $28 for all-access pass — throughout. Enter promo code SINSAFRADCF for single-access pass and ALLSAFRADCF for all-access pass at checkout when purchasing your access pass.
For more details and to purchase access passes, visit www.defencecollectivefestival.sg
