Enlighten Festival 2026
From Friday, February 27 until Monday, March 9, see the nation's capital light up for Enlighten Festival.
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Overview
Canberra is set to glow again as Enlighten Festival returns in 2026, transforming the capital into a city-wide playground of art, ideas and after-dark discovery. Running for 11 days from Friday, February 27 to Monday, March 9, the festival invites locals and visitors alike to explore Canberra in ways you normally wouldn't. Now in its 16th year, Enlighten delivers a packed program of world premieres, Canberra-firsts and large-scale experiences that tell Australian stories through art, exhibitions and immersive installations.
At the heart of the festival are the Illuminations, the only time of year Canberra's national institutions unite to showcase monumental, original artworks across their facades. In 2026, architectural projections will light up the Australian Parliament House, the National Library of Australia, the National Gallery of Australia, Questacon, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. The lineup features works by celebrated artists Kaylene Whiskey, Yarrenyty Arltere Artists, Grace Kemarre Robinya, Sam Wallman, Philip Bunting, and Eleanor and Giovanni.
After dark, Enlighten: The Night Shift unlocks Canberra's major institutions for unexpected late-night experiences. Think karaoke and live performances inside the Department of Memories at the Museum of Australian Democracy, free lantern-making at the National Archives, and degustation dining within the walls of Parliament House.
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. Beyond the Triangle, Enlighten: BEYOND encourages audiences to venture further across the city, connecting Canberra's arts organisations, institutions, and local businesses through exhibitions, events, and pop-up experiences throughout the festival.
One of the festival's standout moments is Symphony in the Park, a free, all-ages outdoor concert in Commonwealth Park. In 2026, Mark Seymour of Hunters & Collectors joins the Canberra Symphony Orchestra for world-premiere orchestral arrangements of classics, including Holy Grail and Throw Your Arms Around Me. Entry is free, but booking tickets is essential to secure your spot.
The program is rounded out with events for those keen to dive deeper, from Luminous Ideas at Canberra Theatre Centre — featuring Jennifer Wong's FEAST — to the immersive digital exhibition Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius.
Whether you're visiting Canberra for the first time or rediscovering your own backyard, Enlighten Festival 2026 is an invitation to wander, connect and see the city in a whole new light.
Plan your trip to Enlighten Festival 2026 and see the program here.
