It’s ‘lights, Canberra, action!’ as our nation’s capital gears up to host its most dazzling light spectacle to date. If you haven’t experienced Enlighten Festival before, it’s pretty much a summer version of Sydney’s Vivid – just minus the crowds and the cold. Now in its 15th year, the after-dark festival will illuminate Canberra’s most famous landmarks with larger-than-life installations, dynamic art and thrilling sound projections. And that’s just the beginning.
Beyond the National Triangle, cultural institutions and outdoor spaces will come alive with exclusive late night experiences, including outdoor symphony concerts, a short film festival and a food truck market. Here’s everything you need to know about Canberra’s Enlighten Festival in 2025.
When is Enlighten Festival 2025?
Canberra will transform into a nocturnal playground for Enlighten Festival over 11 nights from February 28 to March 10. Illuminations and installations will shine bright from 8 to 11pm each night.
Where is Enlighten Festival?
Enlighten Festival’s major installations will light up the National Triangle, with the festival hub located in the Parliamentary Triangle, featuring food trucks and live music. Most of the stunning projections are within walking distance of each other, illuminating iconic buildings like the Australian Parliament House, National Library of Australia, National Gallery of Australia, Questacon, National Portrait Gallery and the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. You can check out all the installations here.
In 2025, the festival will extend beyond the National Triangle with a city-wide Enlighten: Beyond program. Highlights include stargazing talks at Mount Stromlo Observatory, exclusive evening zoo tours, family-friendly performances at Glebe Park and immersive nature walks in the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
What’s on the program for Enlighten Festival 2025?
Many of the city’s top cultural attractions will open their doors at night to host exciting events, including artist talks, degustation dinners and lantern workshops. Our top pick is After Dark @ Questacon, which sees the science museum present a dynamic lineup of free, interactive activities – from science demonstrations and glowing igloos with LEGO building stations to flashing fairy floss.
One-off events to plan your Enlighten Festival visit around include: Lights! Canberra! Action! – a short film festival spotlighting local filmmaking talent on March 7, and Symphony in The Park – an open-air concert on Sunday, March 9, featuring the Canberra Symphony Orchestra and special guest The Bamboos. You can check out the full program of events here.