Enlighten Festival Canberra 2018

It’s time to celebrate folks because Canberra’s Enlighten Festival 2018 has begun!

This 16-day art, music and cultural extravaganza is here for another year and is bigger and better than ever.

The eighth annual Enlighten Festival is bringing things new, old and familiar – just what we all love.

Make sure not to miss out on the action but a few QT tips for the best of the bunch are below.

Illuminations

Back again this year is the mesmerising projection of light installations onto Canberra’s iconic buildings and public spaces including Parliament House, The National Portrait Gallery, The National Library of Australia, The National Gallery of Australia and many more.

Get ready for the city to be seriously LIT! Literally. Blindingly beautiful lights all around, people.

Enlighten Noodle Markets

Feast on some delicious Asian street food at the Enlighten Night Noodle Markets while enjoying the crisp, clear Canberra evenings and a fantastic festival vibe. As well as all the tasty delights expect some great live entertainment with roving performers, art installations and pop-up theatre.

Where: Reconciliation Place

When: 5pm until late on weekdays
4pm until late on weekends
Until 11 March

Canberra Balloon Spectacular

Over nine days, more than 30 balloons are expected to ascend into the sky at sunrise in their own colourful and unique way for the Balloon Spectacular. You’ll see a mirage of beautiful shapes, sizes and interpretations and all are encouraged!

Either hop on a flight yourself or spectators can enjoy the view of the hot air balloons free of charge, with live music and a hot breaky at the Belconnen Lions Club.

When: 10-18 March from 6.15am

Where: From the lawn of Old Parliament House and then in the sky!

See it differently

While riding an electric bike dressed up with LED lights to add to the show, take in a tour of all the Enlighten Festival glory,

Canberra Urban Adventures is running nightly e-bike tours around the central basin of Lake Burley Griffin and into Civic to see the Enlighten in all its glory.

There are so many more amazing events to see such as Symphony in the Park. Skyfire and a massive celebration of Canberra Day – Canberra is turning 105!

See what you fancy on the program here.

words by emily carstairs