The Enlighten Festival is lighting up Canberra nights, starting tonight up to the 11 of March 2024.

The program is jam packed with breathtaking illuminations, activities, music, film and family fun.

As we’ve come to expect, Canberra’s iconic national institutions located in the Parliamentary Triangle will light up with colourful and creative imagery.

Parliament House will celebrate its 35th anniversary with an animation inspired by the popular LEGO® brick model of Parliament House designed by LEGO Certified Professional Ryan ‘Brickman’ McNaught. Visitors can also join arts educator Naomi Zouwer on the forecourt of Parliament House. She will lead a creative hands-on print making workshop inspired by LEGO® bricks and the iconic architecture.

The National Portrait Gallery will feature Yuwi, Torres Strait and South Sea Islander and legally blind artist Dylan Mooney. The display will see Mooney transform the façade of the National Portrait Gallery building into a giant digital canvas. Each night, Mooney will conduct a nightly portrait drawing session that will appear in real-time on the building. With no two nights the same, this commission encourages audiences to return during the festival.

Questacon’s 2024 Enlighten Festival projections will highlight the link between storytelling, curiosity, and the science that surrounds us. The projection will include Senior Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Violet’s heartfelt acknowledgment of First Nations people as the original scientists. This will emphasise sharing knowledge between generations.

The main stage will be at the centre of the Enlighten Festival Hub. It will feature live music from local and interstate acts. Roving performers will also entertain visitors. More details on the performers will be on the Enlighten Festival website soon.

The Enlighten Festival Hub will celebrate some of the best food and wine the region has to offer, featuring BentSpoke Beer Garden and new wine and spirits bar, Bar Berra. Enlighten Food Park will feature a lineup of food trucks from across the east coast of Australia, as well as some local favourites.

The short film festival Lights! Canberra! Action! on 8 March, will showcase our talented local filmmakers’ interpretations of this year’s theme ‘A Sense of Purpose’.

Symphony in the Park will be on 10 March. It will see Australian rock legends the Hoodoo Gurus take centre stage with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. They will perform a world premiere of their greatest hits reimagined by Alex Turley.

On Monday 11 March, the community can celebrate Canberra Day with the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run. After the event, there will be entertainment in Commonwealth Park from 10am to 5pm. Proceeds from the Fun Run will support local charities through Hands Across Canberra.

The Canberra Balloon Spectacular will be held from March 9-17. It will feature around 40 hot air balloons launching at dawn each day. Spectators can get hot breakfast and coffee from the food trucks and coffee carts.

The Enlighten program announcement comes as the ACT Government commits further funding to help promote Canberra and its major events.

The Budget Review provides funding for the additional transport options that were delivered for Floriade 2023, ensuring the event remained accessible while construction projects take place in the City Centre.

The government will also invest in a new creative director for Enlighten Festival in 2025, to help elevate the overall attendee experience, and drive greater economic and social benefits from the event.

Visit enlightencanberra.com for more program information.