Enlighten 2026 brings Mark Seymour, striking new projections and a festival that ventures beyond the Triangle

Posted on 20 November, 2025

Mark the dates in your diary now, Canberrans – Enlighten Festival returns from 27 February to 9 March 2026, and this year’s line-up promises to be one for the books.

Now in its 16th year, the festival continues to do what no other event in Australia can: unite our national cultural institutions in a spectacular after-dark celebration that transforms the Parliamentary Triangle into an outdoor gallery of light, sound and storytelling. But 2026 brings some exciting new twists alongside the beloved traditions.

The headliner everyone’s talking about

If there’s one announcement that’s got locals buzzing, it’s this: Mark Seymour of Hunters & Collectors will join the Canberra Symphony Orchestra for Symphony in the Park on 8 March. Commonwealth Park under the stars, families sprawled on picnic blankets, and those iconic anthems like Holy Grail and Throw Your Arms Around Me reimagined with full orchestral arrangements – it’s free, it’s outdoors, and it’s shaping up to be one of those “where were you when” moments for Canberra’s cultural calendar.

Six buildings, six artistic visions

Canberra creative duo Eleanor and Giovanni have crafted The Page Turner for the National Library of Australia.

The Illuminations remain the festival’s beating heart, and the 2026 artist line-up reads like a who’s who of Australian creativity. Parliament House will glow with Philip Bunting’s Democracy! – a vibrant, playful celebration of people power that promises to make complex ideas feel wonderfully accessible. If you’ve got kids who’ve read his picture books, this one will resonate.

Over at the National Portrait Gallery, Yankunytjatjara artist Kaylene Whiskey invites audiences aboard her party bus for Queens of the Desert – a road trip across Country celebrating strong women with the joy and boldness her work is known for. The National Gallery’s projection brings rain stories from desert Country to life through a collaboration between Yarrenyty Arltere Artists and Grace Kemarre Robinya, presented alongside their 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial.

We’re really looking forward to The National Library’s offering – Canberra creative duo Eleanor and Giovanni have crafted The Page Turner, a painstakingly detailed stop-motion animation that follows a young Australian’s literary adventures. Made entirely from paper to give viewers the sensation of stepping inside a book, it’s packed with clever nods to the Library’s collection – keep your eyes peeled for Captain Moonlite’s lantern.

Questacon’s Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light celebrates curiosity and discovery, whilst the Museum of Australian Democracy is keeping their cards close to their chest for now, with their Department of Memories projection to be revealed in January.

Questacon’s Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light.

Beyond the National Triangle

Here’s what’s genuinely new for 2026: Enlighten: Beyond pushes the festival out into broader Canberra, inviting audiences to discover art, performance and unexpected encounters across the city. It’s an acknowledgment that whilst the National Triangle remains the festival’s anchor, Canberra’s creative energy extends well beyond it.

The Night Shift returns as well, with cultural institutions opening their doors for special evening programming. Expect immersive art, thought-provoking events and experiences designed for the culturally curious – those among us want to dive into ideas after watching the projections.

But wait…there’s more!

Rounding out the program is Lights! Canberra! Action! on 6 March – the festival’s spotlight on local filmmaking talent – and the opening of Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius on 27 February. Luminous Ideas at the Canberra Theatre Centre, from 28 February to 1 March, brings conversations and provocations to complement the visual spectacle, whilst the Festival Hub returns as the social heart of proceedings with live music, roving performers, food and bars.

The organisers promise more surprises to be announced in January, so this isn’t the complete picture yet.

Whether you’re planning your first Enlighten or you’re a veteran of all 15 previous festivals, 2026 shapes up as a year to gather friends, pack that picnic rug, and rediscover what makes Canberra truly special after dark.