From 27 February to 9 March 2026, the Enlighten Festival returns to transform Canberra into an 11‑night celebration of light. Architectural projections, immersive installations, exclusive exhibitions and late‑night programming will take over the city, illuminating our nation’s capital.
Enlighten remains the only time of year when Canberra’s National Cultural Institutions unite to present original large‑scale projections and world‑premiere artworks.
Among the festival favourites, Symphony in the Park returns on Sunday 8 March, bringing Mark Seymour of Hunters and Collectors together with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra for a huge and FREE outdoor performance.
Earlier in the festival, the much revered Lights! Canberra! Action! will take center stage on Friday 6 March. The short film festival celebrates cinema in open-air settings for one special evening.
Browse the complete event program below.
FESTIVAL ESSENTIALS:
- Enlighten Illuminations (27 Feb–9 Mar)
Large‑scale projections light up Canberra’s national buildings each night.
- The Festival Hub (27 Feb–9 Mar)
Live music, installations, roving performers and festival food.
- Enlighten: BEYOND (27 Feb–9 Mar)
City‑wide events and activations extending the festival beyond the Parliamentary Triangle.
- The Night Shift (27 Feb–9 Mar)
Late-night access and special programming across cultural institution
- Enlighten Food Park (27 Feb–9 Mar)
Street eats, desserts and global flavours under the lights.
FEATURED EXPERIENCES:
- Symphony in the Park (8 Mar)
Mark Seymour joins the Canberra Symphony Orchestra for a massive free concert.
- Lights! Canberra! Action! (6 Mar)
Open‑air short film festival celebrating local filmmakers.
FEATURED EXPERIENCES:
- Art of Enlighten Guided Tour (5–9 Mar)
A free, guided walking tour of this year’s projections and festival artworks. Registration required.
- Feast with Jennifer Wong & Friends (28 Feb)
A funny, heartfelt afternoon of storytelling with Jennifer Wong, Costa Georgiadis, Durkhanai Ayubi, Gavin Chan, Madeleine Gray and Viraji Wijekoon Mudiyanselage.
- Post‑Show Lunar New Year Banquet at Happy’s (28 Feb)
A 38‑seat Cantonese banquet hosted by Jennifer Wong. Very limited.
MAJOR EXHIBITION:
- Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius (28 Feb–9 Mar)
Immersive, multi‑sensory exhibition exploring Leonardo’s inventions, ideas and artistry. Tickets limited.
Event Details
27 February to 9 March 2026
Canberra
Some events are ticketed, tickets on sale now
