SINGAPORE - With the theme of Inventions And Innovation, the ninth edition of the Singapore Night Festival returns this year to light up the Bras Basah-Bugis precinct in August.

Taking place over two weekends on Aug 19 to 20 and Aug 26 and 27, the activities will run from 7.30pm till 2am.

One highlight act this year is Invasion, a supersized puppetry show with prehistoric creatures and aliens battling among humans on the lawn of the National Museum of Singapore. The free show is by Dutch street theatre company Close-Act and will be held on the second weekend of the festival.

Audiences will also be transported to the wonderful world of steampunk in House Of Curiosities at the Cathay Green (field opposite the National Museum).

Featuring rotating, smoke-emitting props, the two-hour show is by Sweet Tooth, the community and outreach arm of local theatre company Cake Theatrical Productions.

The production centres on a character called Professor Chambers, who has invented a mechanical heart which he thinks can bring life to machines. Along the way, he meets various characters including the villainous mechanical octopus, Lady Kraken.

The multidisplinary performance comprises various elements including a parade, tea party, fashion show and magic show.

Tickets cost $16 and the show runs nightly over the two weekends of the festival period.

Returning to this year's festival is The Bloc Party, a street party on Armenian Street, which will be closed over both weekends.

Highlights include a motorcycle convoy by Harley Davidson Singapore and music acts programmed by The Substation.

Like in previous years, there will also be a Festival Village with food and entertainment options held at the Singapore Management University campus green and university square, as well as Night Lights, the light installation component.

Tickets to House Of Curiosities is available on Sistic at $16.

For more information on the festival, visit www.nightfest.sg.