Must-attend events at Enlighten Festival

As the sun sets, Canberra invites you to a range of free and ticketed Enlighten-themed experiences and exclusive events as part of Enlighten: The Night Shift. Explore some of Canberra’s national attractions, businesses, and cultural destinations as they open their doors to host these special, after-dark events.

Step into a world of unexpected and captivating experiences with Enlighten: Beyond, where you can discover the best of Canberra’s arts organisations, institutions, and businesses outside the National Triangle.

Enjoy a unique, family-friendly adventure with an exclusive 90-minute guided tour at the National Zoo & Aquarium. This behind-the-scenes experience will take you and your family through the fascinating stories and history of the animals and the zoo. Or visit the Mt Stromlo Observatory to hear talks exploring the universe and enjoy  an unforgettable stargazing experience.

See the best of the local filmmaking talent at short film festival  Lights! Canberra! Action! (7 March). Located in the open air of the Senate Rose Garden, this short film festival shines the spotlight on local filmmaking talent. Watch up-and-coming local filmmakers share their perspective and interpretation of this years’ theme, ‘Looking back, looking forward’. Bring a chair or picnic blanket, grab some food or delicious brews from BentSpoke Brewing Co. and sit back to watch this year’s top 12 finalists’ films under the stars.

Celebrate our beautiful capital city on Canberra Day, Monday 10 March. Join in the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run around Lake Burley Griffin and follow up the race by enjoying a full day of entertainment in Commonwealth Park. Profits from the Fun Run will support local charities doing good for the nation’s capital, through Hands Across Canberra.

Head to Commonwealth Park on 9 March as Melbourne soul and funk band The Bamboos join the Canberra Symphony Orchestra as part of  one of the most loved events of the Enlighten Festival every year, Symphony in the Park (free event). Audiences will be treated to a cinema of sound as they listen and dance to some of The Bamboos’ greatest hits, supported by a 40-piece orchestra. It's an unforgettable evening of live music, rhythm, and pure energy under the stars.

Travelling to Canberra for Enlighten Festival? Make your stay even more memorable by staying at one of the amazing DOMA hotels: Hotel Realm, Burbury Hotel, Little National Hotel or Brassey Hotel.

As an Enlighten Accommodation partner, DOMA is offering 20% off your stay, just use the discount code ‘ENLIGHTEN’ at checkout.

Within walking distance to all Enlighten events, all DOMA hotels offer a seamless blend of luxury and convenience, providing festivalgoers with a lavish retreat after an evening of artistic exploration. Indulge in world-class amenities, impeccable service, and stylish accommodation venues that will round-out your perfect trip to Canberra.