A dummies’ guide to Canberra’s Enlighten Festival
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First time at the Enlighten Festival? Here’s what you need to know.
Are you a Canberran who has never braved the throngs of tourists at Enlighten Festival? Are you new to town and curious as to what the fuss is all about? We’ve got you covered.
Everything from where to park and eat to when the lights switch on. We will take the stress away, so you can have the chance at a perfect evening.
What’s On?
Canberra will be illuminated as part of the Enlighten Festival from this evening (Friday 3 March) until Sunday 19 March. The projections will be displayed on some of Canberra’s most recognisable buildings, including Parliament House and the National Library of Australia. This year, Enlighten will stretch across the lake, with installations in Civic Square, City Walk, and Ainslie Place.
For those early birds, Enlighten is once again putting on the Balloon Spectacular. Watch on—with a coffee in-hand—as the Canberra skyline transforms each morning from Saturday 11 until Sunday 19 March.
Excitedly, Pride Weekend (taking place from Friday 10 until Sunday 12 March) is now part of Enlighten, with the capital’s buildings becoming canvases for LGTBIQA+-themed digital art across the weekend as well as landmark event FreshOut Fair Day on the Saturday and Electric Fields at Symphony In The Park on the Sunday evening.
Key dates, times, and locations
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Illuminations
Where: National Triangle
When: Friday 3 until Monday 13 March
Time: From 6 pm, with the architectural projections lighting up from 8 pm until 11 pm each night.
Tickets: Free event
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Lights! Canberra! Action!
Where: Senate Rose Gardens, Old Parliament House
When: Friday 10 March
Time: Arrive at 7 pm for an 8 pm start
Tickets: Free event for ages 15+. Under 15’s must have parental supervision.
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Canberra Balloon Spectacular
Where: Patrick White Lawns, National Triangle
When: Saturday 11 until Sunday 19 March
Time: Balloons will inflate from 6:15 am and launch at 7:00 am, weather permitting.
Tickets: Free event for spectators
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FreshOut Fair Day
Where: Glebe Park
When: Saturday 11 March
Time: 11 am- 5 pm
Tickets: Free event
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Symphony In The Park
Where: Commonwealth Park
When: Sunday 12 March
Time: 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm with performances starting from 7:30 pm.
Tickets: Free event
Where can you cure your rumbling tummy?
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This year, the Festival Hub will be a popular dinner destination, with food stalls from our favourite Canberra restaurants. Canberra picks including Occasioni by Agostinis, Super Bao, and KORBQ will be on hand, as well as Dessert Dealer and Glow Fairy Floss, for those with a sweet tooth.
The BentSpoke Beer Garden will also be back, serving craft brews and food from local vendors. This Instagram-able, fan favourite, is the perfect venue to sit down and rest your feet. What’s more, Street Food Live will be the newest addition, offering an assortment of exciting new cuisines.
Key dates, times, and locations
BentSpoke Beer Garden
Friday 3 until Monday 13 March | 5 pm –11 pm | | John Dunmore Lang Place
Street Food Live
Friday 3 until Monday 13 March | 5 pm – 11 pm | Parkes Place West Lawns
How do I get there?
It is stressful to travel into any major city while an event is taking place. That’s why we’ve gathered all of the travel information you might need, so you don’t have to.
Walking and biking
There are bike paths and well-lit walkways all around the city. Walking or biking is preferable because parking will be scarce and limited.
Free shuttle bus
From Friday 3 until Monday 13 March , a free Shuttle Bus will run every day. The Shuttle will make stops throughout the city. Click here to find out more: enlightencanberra.com.
Taxi and Uber
Taxi and Uber services will continue to operate routinely for your convenience.
Public transport
Public transport timetables will be available via transport.act.gov.au.
Driving
After 5 pm there will be free public parking throughout the National Triangle. However, to avoid the congestion, we suggest that you park at the CIT Reid, National Convention Centre, or City Hill, before walking across the pedestrian bridge.
Feature image: @snapsbysal
