Free for citizens and PRs, five days out, and this time the changing of guards comes with a commentary. The President's Office announced on 27 October 2026 that the next Istana Open House, held ahead of Deepavali (Sunday 8 November), takes place on Sunday 1 November 2026, 10am to 8pm. For the first time, the changing of guards ceremony will have live narration explaining the military tradition as it happens.
> Quick view: Sun 1 Nov 2026 · 10am-8pm, last entry 6.30pm · Main Gate, Orchard Road (Dhoby Ghaut MRT) · free for citizens, PRs and accompanying migrant domestic workers · others $20 adult / $10 child · Villa $2, heritage tour $8/$4 extra · cashless only · cancelled if 24-hr PSI is above 200
What's on
- Narrated changing of guards: the formal handover from outgoing to incoming guards, explained live for the first time.
- SAF Ceremonial Band performance and synchronised rifle drills by the Silent Precision Drill Squad.
- Evening outdoor concert and cultural performances, including singer-songwriters Ahmadul Amin and Heema Izzati, plus dikir barat and Malay dance by Singapore Polytechnic students.
- Istana Stamp Rally: collect stamps at pit stops around the grounds and redeem exclusive Istana merchandise.
- ReadSG corner by NLB with books picked by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Ms Jane Ittogi, the ReadSG Challenge and limited-edition "I Read at the Istana" collectibles. The MOLLY mobile library lends books on the spot.
- Community marketplace by the Singapore Business Federation Foundation, featuring groups such as New Hope Community Services.
- Self-guided tours of the grounds and state gifts, 10am to 5.30pm (last entry 5pm).
- Food and drink stalls include Old Chang Kee and the Milo van.
Bookable extras on the Istana site include an NParks scent pouch workshop and storytelling of "The Brilliant Oil Lamp" by Krayonkecil.
What it costs
| Citizens & PRs* | Other visitors | |
|---|---|---|
| Grounds, adult | Free | $20 |
| Grounds, child 4-12 | Free | $10 |
| Istana Villa, adult / child | $2 / $2 | $10 / $5 |
| Heritage Tour, adult / child | $8 / $4 | $30 / $12 |
| Children below 4 | Free | Free |
*Grounds entry includes migrant domestic workers accompanying families.
The one-hour Istana Heritage Tour, led by NParks volunteers, covers the Villa, the Ceremonial Plaza, the Japanese Garden and the grounds' flora and fauna. English tours start at 10.30am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, and Mandarin tours at 10.30am and 1pm. Pre-registration is required through the Istana website, and the tour fee excludes grounds and Villa admission.
Fine print
- Cashless only (card or QR code). All fees are non-refundable and go to President's Challenge beneficiaries.
- Haze rule: the open house will not proceed if the 24-hour PSI exceeds 200. It may also be suspended for lightning.
- Banned items: knives of any size, forks, scissors, lighters, aerosol sprays, tripods, and canned food or drinks. No storage on site, no pets except certified guide dogs, no bicycles, scooters or PMDs, no smoking or vaping.
- The Istana Main Building is closed for restoration, so you will not get inside it this time.
- The SBF Foundation's Walk for Work charity walk is for pre-registered corporate participants only.
Is it worth going?
For a family of four citizens, the grounds cost nothing, which makes this one of the cheapest big outings in town this month. Go early if you want the changing of guards and a self-guided tour, since the tours stop admitting at 5pm and the evening concert is the reason to stay late. With PSI readings still swinging in the north this week, check the haze before you leave home.
*Photo: The Istana official (from a previous Istana Open House).*
