From marvelling at iconic buildings lit up by stunning architectural projections to waking up to a sky full of hot air balloons, here’s you photo guide of what to expect at Enlighten Festival this year.
Enlighten Illuminations
Enlighten Festival will kick off with the Enlighten Illuminations (26 February – 8 March) as popular attractions in the Parliamentary Zone become canvases for digital artworks.
Watch as the walls of the National Portrait Gallery, National Library of Australia, National Gallery of Australia, Australian Parliament House, Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, and Questacon come alight with architectural projections.
Art installations will also shine bright throughout the Parliamentary Zone, just waiting to be discovered by you. While this year’s installations are still a secret, past festivals have featured a neon dog park, glow in the dark flowers and an interactive light piece that lets you create your own unique projections.
Registrations are not required for viewing the projections and installations; however, Enlighten fans are encouraged to use the Check In CBR app.
Local flavours, Canberra food and beverages, and live music will also be on show at the Enlighten Illuminations. Feast on delights at Enlighten Alley or enjoy a locally crafted brew at the BentSpoke Beer Garden. Registrations are now open and will be required for timed sessions at each location.
The capital’s major attractions will also open their doors to host an array of exclusive after-dark events. Tickets will go on sale in February.
Canberra Balloon Spectacular
Early risers should also register now for a morning view to remember when the Canberra Balloon Spectacular (6-14 March) lifts off.
Held over nine mornings, the sky will be filled with a flurry of colour, sound and movement as up to 20 hot air balloons take to the skies.
The famous Skywhalepapa will join in the festivities on Monday 8 March, inflating on Patrick White Lawns from 5:30am.
Canberra is famous for its coffee and brekkie scene and the Canberra Balloon Spectacular is no exception. Grab a cuppa and something delicious from one of the food trucks as you watch pilots inflate and navigate their balloons up, up and away.
Hot air ballooning is weather-dependent so remember to check the Enlighten Festival website and socials each morning to find out if the winds will allow the pilots to fly that day.
More events
The middle weekend of this 17-day festival has even more events to entertain and inspire. Film buffs will love the outdoor screening (5 March) of the finalists’ Lights! Canberra! Action! films, a competition which shines a spotlight on Canberra’s talented film-makers. Book your free ticket today.
Back by popular demand, the Canberra Symphony Orchestra will once again be taking to the stage with BABBA to perform ABBA’s greatest hits. Framed by the landscape of the iconic Commonwealth Park, bring a picnic blanket and prepare for a night of nostalgia and great tunes at Symphony in the Park (7 March). Book your free ticket today.
If attending any of the Enlighten Festival activities and events, remember to register if required, use the Check In CBR app and please stay home if you are unwell.
Start planning your festival experience, exploring the full Enlighten Festival program, and registering for free events today.
