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With less than a month left to glow, the countdown is on for the return of Enlighten Festival, presented by Singapore Airlines. Eat, see and explore as Canberra transforms for the annual Enlighten Festival. Held over 17 days from Friday 28 February, locals are encouraged to take a shine to their city with a range of free and ticketed events, sure to dazzle Canberra’s 2020 events calendar.

The evolution of the Enlighten Festival beyond Enlighten Illuminations continues with a diverse events program:

Enlighten Illuminations  || 28 February-9 March

See the Parliamentary Triangle and city precinct come to life as the Illuminations light up after dark. Witness thought provoking large-scale projections on some of the capital’s most loved and iconic buildings including the National Portrait Gallery, National Library of Australia, National Gallery of Australia, Australian Parliament House, Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Questacon and more. After taking in the projections, be enlightened with a visit inside many iconic national attractions. Enjoy the roving artists, live bands and enchanting performances throughout the Enlighten precinct. With programming commencing at 6pm, and architectural projections lighting up your evening from 8pm to 11pm each night, there’s plenty of time to have your tastebuds tempted at the Canberra Night Noodle Markets (28 February-9 March), Bentspoke Beer Garden and Enlighten Alley.

Canberra Balloon Spectacular  || 7-15 March

Wake up to the view of hot air balloons floating across the city during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular. This mesmerising view is best appreciated from the lawns of Old Parliament House. Held over nine days, the Canberra skyline will be full of hot air balloons from across the globe.

Lights! Canberra! Action!  || 6 March

Competition meets creativity in the 17th annual Lights! Canberra! Action! on 6 March. Enlighten Festival is shining a spotlight on Canberra’s talented filmmakers, who have been tasked with creating seven-minute short films exploring the theme ‘planted’ and incorporating 10 dictated items. If that weren’t impressive enough, the filmmakers have 10 days to shoot, edit and produce this film. See the top 12 finalists in the Senate Rose Gardens at the Museum of Australian Democracy. Bring your chair, bean bag or blanket and settle in for a great night of film viewing.

Symphony in the Park  || 8 March

We guarantee this is not your standard symphony experience. Framed by the tree-lined landscape of the iconic Commonwealth Park, sit back and relax as the Canberra Symphony Orchestra fills the air with music. The Canberra Symphony Orchestra have outdone themselves this year, perfecting a new interpretation of music we all know and love. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a bite to eat from the traders as you watch the sun set.

Canberra Day  || 9 March

It’s not every day you turn 107! Celebrate in the way Canberrans know best as we mark our birthday on Monday 9 March in the Parliamentary Triangle. Make the most of the public holiday and start the day at the Canberra Balloon Spectacular before joining the Canberra Day festivities from 10am in the Parliamentary Triangle. The day will include a jam-packed program of local musicians, street food and activities for the whole family. Stay on to celebrate the closing night of Enlighten Illuminations and Canberra Night Noodle Markets.

HIT104.7 Skyfire | 14 March

HIT104.7 Skyfire will return for its 32nd year to ensure an explosive finale to the Enlighten Festival. With plenty for the whole family to enjoy, the festivities commence at Commonwealth Park in the afternoon with Skyfire EATS bringing a range of food trucks, bars and entertainment. Join HIT 104.7’s Ned & Josh at Regatta Point to enjoy the incredible fireworks display set to a 20 minute soundtrack broadcast on HIT 104.7.

For more information, the full Enlighten Festival 2020 program, and ticketing information, visit www.enlightencanberra.com

Still after more? The capital’s major attractions are waiting to be explored as they open their doors to host an array of exclusive after-dark ticketed events at the National Film and Sound Archives, National Zoo & Aquarium, Questacon, Canberra Glassworks, Australian Parliament House, National Archives of Australia, Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, National Electoral Education Centre and more. Tickets are on sale now.

Location Event Description Dates
Australian Parliament House Chef’s Degustation at Parliament House

 

Turn your Enlighten experience into an event with a sumptuous degustation at Parliament House. You’ll be escorted to our Members and Guests Dining Room where you’ll enjoy Enlighten’s only fine dining event prepared by the in-house catering team led by award-winning Executive Chef David Learmonth. The menu will highlight exceptional Australian produce with an optional wine pairing from local award-winning vineyards.

 

6 March
Canberra Glassworks Make Your Own Neon Tumbler Make your own neon vessel with the assistance of an experienced teaching artist in this one-on-one workshop in the Hotshop. 5 March
Questacon Illuminated Igloo Garden Book a private garden dining experience with your friends in one of Questacon’s Illuminated Igloos. Be immersed in colour and light as you enjoy food and drinks from the comfort of your own igloo, nestled under the trees between the National Library and Questacon.This experience is designed for 6 people, so get your friends or family together and enjoy Enlighten like never before!

Each session (1.5hrs) includes:

– Exclusive, Illuminated Igloo for you and 5 friends

– Signature Atomic Lightbulb Cocktail per person and butler service

– Your choice of an Illumination Feast or Artisan Cheese and Dessert board

28 February

29 February

6 March

7 March

Museum of Australian Democracy Hive Mind MoAD’s renowned Enlighten experience is back again with Hive Mind – a collaborative artwork that comes to life with visitor participation. Join in the fun at Old Parliament House as King’s Hall transforms into a buzzing beehive. Share your best life lesson or words of advice on honeycomb-shaped cells that fit like pieces of a puzzle into the giant hive walls. Over four nights during Enlighten, join a community, contributing to a collective knowledge bank just like a functioning real-life working hive.
Be part of something big and help create an enormous, immersive artwork with responses from thousands of people from different generations, cultures and identities.

 

28 February

29 February

6 March

7 March

National Archives of Australia Spy: espionage in Australia tours Often cloaked in myth, the stories of spies are sometimes stranger than fiction.

For the first time at the National Archives, Spy: espionage in Australia reveals the personal experiences of secret agents and the curious history of espionage and counter-espionage in Australia. Exhibition developed in partnership with ASIO. Visit during Enlighten Festival late nights for special 30-minute guided tours of the exhibition.

28 February

29 February

6 March

7 March

National Electoral Education Centre Enlightening Elections

 

Experience democracy first hand at the National Electoral Education Centre. Immerse yourself in our experiential program which includes a unique exploration of electoral history. Join our fun election simulation, make your vote count and take a #democraselfie.

 

Of course, no election would be complete without purchasing a Democracy Sausage in support of a great local cause, available outside our main entrance, opposite the Senate Rose Gardens at Old Parliament House.

28 February

29 February

6 March

7 March

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia Friday Late: Game Masters Exhibition Experience Game Masters, an interactive journey through five decades of video game history, after hours with all-night access to 80 playable games, music in the courtyard, and a drink on arrival. 6 March
National Zoo & Aquarium Zoofest Set amongst the beautiful Savannah grounds, Zoofest will provide entertainment for the whole family, with a number of activities as well as opportunities to meet some of our friendly residents and explore some of the zoo by twilight. Across two nights, bring a picnic and unwind to the sounds of the wild or enjoy some refreshments at our Rhino Bistro. 28 February

6 March

University of Canberra UnCover Event Pop Up – Enlighten Alley Enlighten Your Mind with the University of Canberra’s free UnCover Event Pop Up at Enlighten Alley, featuring a media personality host and a panel of UC experts tackling subjects and issues dear to the hearts of Canberrans on the theme of ‘exploration’.