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It’s time to get lit, Canberra! From February 27 to March 9, Australia’s capital will host its biggest celebration of art, light and ideas, turning the city’s most famous landmarks into a glowing wonderland for 11 nights.
If you haven’t experienced Enlighten Festival, you can think of it as a summer version of Vivid – just minus the crowds and the cold. Now in its 16th year, the after-dark festival will illuminate Canberra’s beloved cultural institutions with dazzling new installations, glowing art and moving sound projections. And that’s just the start.
Beyond the National Triangle, the city will come alive with late-night experiences and exclusive events, including an outdoor symphony concert, short film festival and food truck market. Here’s our pick of the best things to do and see at Enlighten Festival in 2026.
1. Free Enlighten Illuminations at the National Triangle
Of course, the best way to experience Enlighten Festival is by wandering between its free illuminations, projected nightly across the National Triangle’s major cultural institutions from 8pm to 11pm. This year’s dynamic line-up of Aussie artists includes Kaylene Whisky at the National Portrait Gallery, Philip Bunting at Australian Parliament House, Yarrenyty Arltere Artists and Grace Kemarre Robinya at the National Gallery of Australia, Sam Wallman at the Museum of Australian Democracy, Eleanor and Giovanni at the National Library of Australia, plus a touring exhibition from Museum Victoria at Questacon.
Head to the Food Park at the Enlighten Festival Hub – between Questacon and the National Portrait Gallery – to refuel, enjoy live music and discover more impressive installations.
2. Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius
Step inside the mind of a creative and scientific genius with this new immersive experience coming to Canberra for Enlighten Festival. Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius will feature massive projections of some of the world’s most famous works of art, including the ‘Mona Lisa’ and ‘The Last Supper’. It’s bound to be popular and spaces are limited, so you’ll want to book tickets in advance.
3. Lights! Canberra! Action!
Kick off the Canberra Day long weekend with this popular short film festival spotlighting local talent. Creatives will have ten days to direct and film a cinematic masterpiece, inspired by this year’s theme: curiosity. The top 12 finalists will be screened at the event, which takes place at 7pm on March 6 in the Senate Rose Gardens at Old Parliament House.
4. Symphony in the Park
This joyous open-air concert is always one of the highlights of Enlighten Festival. Roll out a picnic rug and soak up the sounds as Mark Seymour of iconic Aussie rock band Hunters & Collectors takes the stage with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. You can expect to hear captivating orchestral renditions of hits like ‘Holy Grail’ and ‘Throw Your Arms Around Me’, plus plenty more. Symphony in the Park is free to attend on Sunday, March 8 at Commonwealth Park – just register in advance.
5. Marco Brambilla: Heaven’s Gate
Fancy taking a cinematic journey through pop culture history with icons like Beyoncé, Audrey Hepburn and Leonardo DiCaprio? Head to the National Film and Sound Archive for a free screening of Heaven’s Gate – a mesmerising, star-studded video installation by internationally acclaimed artist Marco Brambilla. It’s free to watch daily from 10am to 8pm.