Enlighten Canberra returns for 2019

When it comes to getting lit, Canberra sure knows how to turn it on, and in celebration of all things dazzling we’re thrilled to announce that this March Enlighten is set to take over Canberra for 2019.

The 16-day art, music and cultural extravaganza is here for another year, and Enlighten 2019 promises to be nothing short of spectacular.

Taking place over 16 action-packed nights from 1 – 17 March, visitors can experience Canberra’s most iconic landmarks in a completely different light.This year’s theme is Eat, See, Explore, and boy are we excited to show you how to do the best of all three.

We’ve lovingly scoured through the program to give the best of the bunch, so you can spend more time Eating, Seeing, and Exploring and less time wondering.

ILLUMINATIONS

1-11 March from 8pm

Watch on as the Parliamentary Triangle is transformed into a glowing concrete jungle after dark. Witness interactive large-scale projections come to life on Australian Parliament House, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Library of Australia, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia and Questacon.

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Here's a sneak peek of the illuminated magic that's in store for you tonight. Be on the steps of the national_library_of_australia at 7:45pm tonight to be part of history as we unveil the 2018 architectural projections. Find out more about the offical switch on via the 'program' link in our bio

A post shared by Enlighten Festival (@enlighten_canberra) on Mar 1, 2018 at 7:43pm PST

ENLIGHTEN NIGHT NOODLE MARKETS

1-10 March from 5pm till’ late on weeknights, from 4pm till’ late on weekends

Dive into a world of authentic Asian street-treats with the Enlighten Night Noodle Markets. Best enjoyed on a crisp summer evening, the Night Noodle Markets are a haven for Canberra foodies, bringing a relaxed festival vibe and insta-worthy street food to tantalise all senses.

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We have the perfect combo for you – indulge in this Korean Fried Chicken stuffed inside a cheesey-savoury waffle before burning off the calories with an enlightening stroll through our illuminations. The Enlighten Night Noodle Markets and the #EnlightenCanberra illuminations are running each evening until March 11. Insta fans @threekitestrings and @simplycheeky can attest to this insta-worthy night out capturing the experience on their 'grams.

A post shared by Enlighten Festival (@enlighten_canberra) on Mar 5, 2018 at 12:09am PST

CANBERRA BALLOON SPECTACULAR

9-17 March

Wake up to the stunning view of a sea of hot air balloons cruising over the capital with Canberra Balloon Spectacular. Over nine days, watch on as more than thirty hot air balloons from around the globe take to the skies in this mesmerizing annual event. Each day at 6:15am pilots will gather on the lawns of Old Parliament House before taking to the skies in a picturesque formation.

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#Memories #EnlightenCanberra we love this pic from Insta fan @codefor!

A post shared by Enlighten Festival (@enlighten_canberra) on Dec 26, 2018 at 11:16pm PST

SKYFIRE

16 March, 6pm to 9pm

Gather to the shores of Lake Burley Griffin to watch a fireworks display of spectacular proportions. Set to hit the capital for its 31st year, you can expect a dazzling display of aerial acrobatics and spectacular fireworks set to a soundtrack simultaneously broadcast on HIT 104.7.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsEewc_hhVN/

words by stephanie dempster.