Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory
Caption: The National Library of Australia comes vividly to life during Enlighten. Photo: Photox
In brief:
- Enlighten Festival will be held from 27 February to 9 March 2026.
- The popular festival includes lighting projections, events and more.
- This article includes some of the events you can expect to see at the festival.
The Enlighten Festival will return to Canberra from Friday 27 February to Monday 9 March 2026.
Once again, exciting new works and large-scale projections will light up the National Triangle and beyond.
What you can expect
Enlighten will again transform some of the city’s best-known buildings into brightly lit artworks.
The 2026 illuminations will showcase the work of several Australian artists.
Come along to see spectacular works projected onto the city cultural institutions. These include:
- Kaylene Whiskey’s colourful storytelling at the National Portrait Gallery
- Philip Bunting’s lively designs at Parliament House
- a major collaboration between Grace Kemarre Robinya and the Yarrenyty Arltere Artists at the National Gallery of Australia.
- Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light at Questacon
- a new projection by Elanor and Giovani at the National Library of Australia, blending science, creativity and imagination.
Beyond the buildings
The excitement of Enlighten goes beyond the illuminations. Each year, the festival offers a full program of events.
Always a favourite, Symphony in the Park returns on Sunday, 8 March. Mark Seymour from Hunters & Collectors will perform with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. You can look forward to orchestral arrangements blended with beloved Australian rock classics.
Mark your diary for Lights! Canberra! Action! on Friday, 6 March. This outdoor screening showcases local filmmakers from the beauty of the Senate Rose Gardens.
Be sure to catch Leonardo Da Vinci: 500 Years of Genius. This major exhibition is a multi-sensory look into the work of one of history’s most influential thinkers.
The festival will again extend beyond the National Triangle through Enlighten Beyond.
This encourages Canberrans and visitors alike to explore cultural sites across the city.
One highlight is Heaven’s Gate, a video installation by Marco Brambilla. You can catch it at the National Film and Sound Archive throughout the Festival.
The heart of Enlighten
Enlighten continues to grow year after year. An event not to be missed, it:
- reflects Canberra’s creative energy, diversity and vibrancy
- supports accessible cultural experiences for the community
- offers memorable experiences for all ages.
The full program will be released soon at enlightencanberra.com.
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