72 Hours in Canberra: An Enlighten Festival Weekend
Updated 6 Feb 2026
World premieres, celebrated artists and new after-dark experiences at Enlighten Festival 2026
Every year, as summer slips into autumn, Canberra transforms into a glowing playground of light, art, ideas, and entertainment. Enlighten Festival (27 February–9 March) is set among grand architecture, lakeside vistas, and one of the world’s most thoughtfully designed capitals. See iconic national buildings become canvases of colour, nights come alive with food and live music, and special events pop up across the city.
Running across 11 nights, it is the perfect time to visit Canberra and experience the national capital in a completely different light.
Friday afternoon
Ease into your Enlighten weekend with a relaxed wander through Canberra’s city centre. Start on Lonsdale Street, the beating heart of Braddon, where you can sip a refreshing drink at one of the many street‑side bars and cafes. Take your time browsing independent boutiques, local design stores and small galleries, or enjoy a gentle stroll through the nearby Canberra Centre precinct to pick up any last‑minute weekend essentials.
If you are arriving later in the day, check into your accommodation and freshen up before the evening’s festivities. Many of Canberra’s hotels sit within easy walking distance of the Enlighten precinct, giving you plenty of time to settle in and start exploring at your own pace.
As the afternoon transitions to evening, slip into one of Canberra’s hidden bars or live music bars for a pre-festival cocktail. If you are in the mood for something more indulgent, treat yourself to a fine dining experience at one of Canberra’s acclaimed restaurants. The city is home to inventive chefs, seasonal menus and beautifully crafted dishes that offer the perfect prelude to the glowing spectacle of Enlighten ahead.
Friday night
The Illuminations
As soon as the sun dips, the Enlighten magic begins. Head straight to the Parliamentary Triangle to see Canberra’s iconic national buildings, including the National Library of Australia, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Gallery of Australia, Questacon, and Australian Parliament House, lit up with large‑scale animated projections. These projections are a must-see, turning the National Triangle into an open‑air gallery celebrating the stories, ideas and creativity that shape Australia.
Festival Hub
Continue the night at The Festival Hub (open from 5pm-11pm each night). Enjoy flavour packed food trucks, local beers, spirits and cocktails, live music, DJ sets and pop up artworks and installations from Canberra's creative community. It is the perfect place to eat, reconnect with friends and soak in the festival atmosphere. Head to Bentspoke and Bar Berra, both highlighting local Canberra produce.
Saturday morning
Start your Saturday at a relaxed pace. with breakfast at the National Arboretum Canberra, where sweeping city views set a stunning backdrop. Or take a gentle stroll around Lake Burley Griffin and then settle in at Margot for coffee and a spot of people watching.
If you are looking for inspiration for the rest of your stay, stop by the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre to plan your trip with the help of a friendly local, browse artisan goods and explore the National Capital Exhibition next door to learn more about Canberra’s history and design.
Saturday afternoon
Pick a favourite inner city dining spot such as Braddon or NewActon for a long lunch before another Enlighten evening.
Or explore more of Canberra’s neighbourhood culture. Head to the Dairy Road Precinct where you can enjoy brews at Capital Brewing Co., classic burgers at the iconic Brodburger, contemporary art spaces, lakeside bars or markets depending on the weekend. Or try Kingston Foreshore which offers exceptional views of the glistening Lake Burley Griffin, and is walking distance to the Canberra Glassworks.
Saturday night
Return to the Enlighten Festival Hub later for a fresh lineup of performers, new food offerings and an electric early evening atmosphere.
Laugh, learn and indulge with Jennifer Wong’s food‑themed comedy and storytelling event Feast with Jennifer Wong & Friends (28 February) at Canberra Theatre Centre. It’s a deliciously fun one‑night‑only addition to your Enlighten weekend. Feast is part of Luminous Ideas — a series of events that tap into Canberra’s role as the nation’s home of conversation, creativity, and civic thinking.
On Friday and Saturday nights, major cultural attractions stay open late as part of Enlighten: The Night Shift. Depending on the evening, you can explore the Museum of Australian Democracy after dark, enjoy late night activations at the National Archives of Australia , or even experience degustation dining at Parliament House. Be sure to check the festival program for what’s on each evening to mix and match your Night Shift adventures.
Select city venues join Enlighten: Beyond, offering live shows, exhibitions, and after‑hours events across Braddon, NewActon, the city centre and more. Families can join the Royal Australian Mint’s 60th Anniversary Family Fun Day, while history lovers explore Lanyon Homestead’s Stories at Sunset. See the full list on the Enlighten website.
Sunday morning
Canberra’s brunch scene will tempt you in every direction. Try Poppy’s Cafe on the beautiful grounds of the Australian War Memorial or enjoy lakeside dining at Bookplate at the National Library of Australia.
Spend your final morning exploring a museum or gallery you missed earlier for a daytime perspective on the buildings you saw illuminated at night.
Sunday afternoon
If you did not catch it earlier in the weekend, Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius is a must-see for a deep dive into the life and ideas of one of history’s greatest minds. This immersive experience brings art, science and innovation together in a way that captivates visitors of all ages.
Sunday night
Close out your 72 hours with one of Canberra’s most beloved Enlighten traditions. Symphony in the Park (8 March)is a free outdoor concert at Commonwealth Park, bringing together Mark Seymour of Hunters & Collectors with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra for a world premier performance. Bring a picnic rug and enjoy an evening of orchestral music under the stars at Stage 88. Entry is free, but tickets are essential. Book your tickets here.
Don't forget to check out the Festival Hub Artworks. The Festival Hub Artworks turn the National Triangle into an open-air gallery filled with immersive installations and roaming performances. World premieres including Serendipity by Atelier Sisu and Glitch Monument by Collide Public Art make their debut, alongside large-scale installations such as Whispers of Wonderment and Amorphia.
Enlighten Festival
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