Enlighten Festival

There’s so much to eat, see and explore at the Enlighten Festival. The Parliamentary Zone and city are transformed into a vibrant arts precinct with free performances and exclusive free and ticketed events.

Snap the perfect picture of stunning architectural projections at the Illumination before exploring the national attractions as they open their doors after-dark. Brighten your morning with a sky full of colourful hot air balloons and watch the sunset to the perfect soundtrack at Symphony in the Park. Enjoy a flourish of fireworks at Hit 104.7 Skyfire and be mesmerised as a spotlight shines on Canberra’s talented film-makers at Lights! Canberra! Action!

Fast facts

• Where: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
• When: March 2020
• Price: Free and ticketed events

How to get there

Events are located in the Parliamentary Zone and throughout the city. Singapore Airlines and Qatar both offer international flights to the nation's capital. Domestic carriers offer flights to and from Canberra from capital cities in Australia. Alternatively, Canberra is a scenic 3.5-hour drive from Sydney and a very easy city to drive around.

Things to do at Enlighten Festival

Illuminations are at the heart of Enlighten Festival

See Canberra come to life after dark as the Enlighten Illuminations are projected onto some of the capital's most loved and iconic buildings (including Australian Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Portrait Gallery, National Library of Australia, National Gallery of Australia, Questacon and more). Step behind the scenes and explore the attractions after-hours, be enchanted by live music, and take a selfie with roving entertainers and art installations.

Feast at the Night Noodle Markets

Foodies will love the sizzling, bustling Enlighten Night Noodle Markets on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. From pho to waffles and everything in between, entice your appetite and tempt your tastebuds. Head to Enlighten Alley to indulge in local street food and make a memory with family-fun activities.

Enjoy unique Canberra experiences

Under a sea of fairy lights you’ll find hidden gems in the city’s nooks and crannies. Keep your eye out for interactive installations and find unexpected ways to experience the festival. Local favourites include late night exhibitions, dinner under the stars and Insta-worthy art. Other unique ways to explore the festival are photography workshops, dawn stand up paddle boarding at the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, and electronic bicycle tours of the precincts.

Don't miss these signature events

In addition to the illuminations, the Enlighten Festival has been extended to include some of Canberra’s most popular autumn events – the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, Lights! Canberra! Action! film festival, Symphony in the Park, Canberra Day and Hit 104.7 Skyfire fireworks. With this wide range of free events there’s something for everyone.