Save the dates – our favourite nocturnal festival is back again! Spanning two weekends in August, this year’s Night Fest will see the Bras Basah-Bugis precinct transform into an electrifying, science fiction-meets-fantasy enclave come night fall.
Themed Inventions and Innovation, the light art installations and performances this year are inspired by the zeal that fuelled inventors to unearth the unconventional. Here’s a quick run-down on the highlights at this annual extravaganza – you’ve got your weekend plans covered.
1. KeyFrames
KeyFrames is a massive light installation featuring 98 LED stickmen climbing up and down the stately National Museum of Singapore. Urban stories will be visually narrated through bodies and movements, bringing a wave of energy to this static building.
National Museum of Singapore (Zone 1)
Aug 19 to Aug 27
7.30 PM – 2.00 AM
2. House of Curiosities
House of Curiosities is essentially a mini carnival that encompasses performances, activities and more. Professor Chambers is a celebrated explorer and inventor. He builds a time machine that takes him and his son Christopher on an expedition to find crystal caves in the subterranean depths. On the journey home, a monstrous octopus attacks them, injures Christopher and escapes. This devious octopus is a man-made contraption, but who is behind it?
Giant slides, hall of mirrors and a hands-on craft session are among the other activities lined up in this steampunked-themed carnival.
Cathay Green, Field opposite The Cathay (Zone 3)
Aug 19 to Aug 27
6.00 PM – 8.00 PM, 8.30 PM – 10.30 PM, 11.00 PM –1.00 AM
$16 (adults) | $13 (concession)
3. The Wheel House
If you’re in for some jaw-dropping, acrobatic stunts, this outdoor performance by circus group Acrojou ought to rank first on your festival list. The Wheel House tells a tale of man and woman living in a “rolling home” – a mobile, circular house that will move with the audience – and zeros in on their dependence on each other for survival in a post-apocalyptic world.
National Museum of Singapore, Mainground (Zone 1)
Aug 19 to Aug 20
8:00 PM – 8:25 PM, 9:25 PM – 9:50 PM, 10:50 PM – 11:15 P
4. Camping Wonderland
After you’re done with the various light shows and performances, grab a picnic mat and chill underneath the lit tent displays at Camping Wonderland, an interactive LED light display, for a surreal camping experience in our concrete jungle. Soak in the arty, festival atmosphere under the stars; hammocks are also available to rest your tired feet.
51 Waterloo Street #01-01 (Zone 5)
Aug 19 to Aug 27
6.00 PM – 10.00 PM
5. Invasion
Get up close with mythical creatures in this roving street act that immerses you in a realm of magic. Invasion will see the front lawn of the National Museum transform into a mythical world where large, prehistoric animals weave through the cloud. Chaos ensues when these larger-than-life creatures flock in – will you run or will you follow?
National Museum of Singapore, Front Lawn (Zone 1)
Aug 26 to Aug 27
9.45PM – 10.15PM, 11.30PM – 12AM
6. Eat @ Festival Village
Food will always be a highlight at any festival, and this year’s Night Fest promises a spectrum of artisanal grub from specially curated vendors. From cheesy, open-faced flamed croissants to gourmet hot dogs and embutido y queso (Spanish platter of jamon ham, sausage and cheeses), there’s something to satisfy every palette here. Complete your meal with a mango sticky rice ice cream popsicle – or creamsicle – from Neh Neh Pop or cool down in the heat with a cup of Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc, a premium French beer.
SMU Festival Village (Zone 4)
6.00 PM to 1.00 AM
With a slew of solid performances, spectacular light shows and mouth-watering festival grub, this annual bash is back with an impressive bang. Ring up your festival buddies and soak in the arty vibes this weekend!
Singapore Night Festival
Date: Aug 19-20, Aug 26-27
Time: 730PM – 2AM
Festival Venues:
ZONE 1: National Museum of Singapore
ZONE 2: Armenian Street
ZONE 3: Cathay Green (Opposite The Cathay), School of the Arts and Prinsep Street
ZONE 4: Singapore Management University
ZONE 5: Singapore Art Museum, Queen Street, Waterloo Street and National Design Centre
(more information here)
