Every year Canberra comes alive as night falls and the city becomes a canvas for light, colour and imagination. The Enlighten Festival is back in 2026 and once again it promises to be a highlight of the capital’s cultural calendar.
Expect immersive light installations, jaw-dropping architectural projections, and interactive artworks that transform familiar landmarks into something entirely new. From the iconic facade of our Cultural icons to Reconciliation Place, Enlighten turns the Parliamentary triangle into an open-air gallery where every corner holds a moment of surprise.
Yankunytjatjara artist Kaylene Whiskey
This year you’ll find illumination art that dances across our iconic cultural institution facades, inviting you to look at the details. Whether you’re snapping photos, wandering with family or soaking up the atmosphere with friends, there’s something here for everyone.
One of the joys of Enlighten is how it brings people together. There’s laughter and awe, gentle wonder and moments that make you stop mid-step and just look. Food trucks, live music and buzzing public spaces add to the festival’s buzz, making Enlighten as much a social celebration as an artistic one.
For locals and visitors alike, it’s impossible not to slow down and appreciate the creativity on display. In a world that moves fast, Enlighten reminds us of the magic that can be found in light, colour and shared experience.
So Frank says
Bring a warm layer, take your time, and let yourself be carried along by the glow and sounds of the illuminations.
When & Where
Enlighten Festival lights up Canberra’s cultural icons throughout its run and there is a hub of activity around the Parliamentary triangle. Park at Parliament House (free during the festival) and wonder down like a moth attracted to light. Check the official program for dates, times and installations.