More than illuminations: Here are eight Enlighten events you won’t want to miss
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This Friday, Enlighten is returning to light up Canberra with 11 days of culture and creativity – and there’s a lot more going on than illuminated buildings. We’ve found eight events you won’t want to miss.
Celebrating its 16th year of bringing the city to life with colour, music, food, art and ideas, Enlighten will once again be taking over the city from Friday 27 until Monday 9 March, transforming national institutions into dazzling artworks alongside an overflowing line-up of events.
With exclusive public programs, art installations, and unique experiences curated exclusively for the festival, here are some of the greatest things to see and do, taste and try, explore and experience at Enlighten 2026.
Now, go plan a truly unforgettable itinerary!
Food, Music and Drinks at Dusk
Kick off Enlighten with an evening of delicious food, great music, and stunning views. Hosting a party celebrate the beginning of the festival, Australian Parliament House will be transforming the Queen’s Terrace into a dance floor with upbeat DJ tunes and refreshing drinks.
Add in some delicious canapés made from Australian ingredients and the chance to watch the sun set over Canberra, and you have the perfect evening.
Friday 27 February, 6 pm – 8 pm | Australian Parliament House, Parliament Drive, Canberra | Book tickets here.
Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius
If you loved Van Gogh Alive when it visited Canberra during Enlighten 2022, you won’t want to miss this. Created by Grande Experiences in collaboration with Museo Leonardo da Vinci, Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius will immerse visitors in the world of the artist, engineer, anatomist, philosopher, and futurist.
Seeing his notebooks and ideas refracted through light, scale and technology, you’ll explore the Renaissance master’s life through 40 3D machine replicas based on his sketches, alongside large-scale, multisensory digital projections of his paintings.
You’ll be transported through the bustling streets of Florence, the shimmering canals of Venice, and the grandeur of Milan through sight, sound, scent, and touch. It’s perfect for all ages.
Friday 27 until Monday 9 March, 11 am – 9 pm | Federation Centenary Fountains, Parkes Place Lawns, Parkes | Book tickets here.
Department of Memories
From belting out a forgotten favourite during karaoke to enjoying a drink at the Members’ Bar, this year the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) is pulling out all the stops.
Hosting a free, interactive event designed for all ages, MoAD is transforming into the Department of Memories – a place where you can dive into the brave, silly, funny, awkward, painful, and powerful memories that have helped to hold our democracy together.
Make sure to take the time to meet their Minister of Memories, Venus Mantrap, and watch as artwork by Sam Wallman lights up the historic building from 8 pm.
Friday 27 – Saturday 28 February, and Friday 6 – Saturday 7 March, 7 pm – 10.30 pm |
Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, 18 King George Terrace, Parkes | Find out more here.
Sip, See, Screen
Cocktails and a visit to the cinema are always a good idea, which is why the National Film and Sound Archive is a must-visit during Enlighten 2026. Start the evening off by visiting audiovisual installation Heaven’s Gate, before stopping off at Dom’s to share some charcuterie, cocktails and local wines in the heritage courtyard.
Then, at 8 pm, make your way into the Art Deco cinema to watch one of the complimentary film screenings taking place across the festival. Your choices? Heaven’s Gate on Friday 27 February, Magic Mike on Saturday 28 February, Fifth Element on Friday 6 March and King Kong on Saturday 7 March.
Friday 27 – Saturday 28 February, and Friday 6 – Saturday 7 March, 6 pm – 10 pm | 1 McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book your tickets here.
FEAST with Jennifer Wong and Friends
An afternoon of food stories for lovers of books, food, and comedy, FEAST is the perfect event for those seeking an event that will feed their soul.
Hosted by comedian, author and FEAST creator Jennifer Wong (Chopsticks or Fork?), sit back as she dives into sweet and sour family tales, salty confessions, and long-simmered reflections with some very special guests.
Head along to see Costa Georgiadis (Gardening Australia), author Durkhanai Ayubi (Parwana: Recipes and Stories from an Afghan Kitchen), Gavin Chan (Happy’s Chinese Restaurant owner), author Madeleine Gray (Green Dot, Chosen Family), and local emerging writer Viraji Wijekoon Mudiyanselage – who will be celebrating the launch of her second book – take the stage for some delicious conversations.
Following the event, there will also be the chance to buy some books and have them signed!
Saturday 28 February, 3 pm – 5 pm | The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre, City | Book tickets here.
Wild Night Zooventure
Ever wonder what happens at the National Zoo and Aquarium when the sun goes down? Wild Night Zooventure is a unique experience the whole family will enjoy. Along with a motorised tour, dinner and a sundowner stop with drinks, your experience will also include an exclusive giraffe feed as well as the chance to see other animals after dark – including rhinos, zebras, cheetahs, and more.
Visiting with the kids? Sit back and relax with snacks and a drink as they join a scenic hayride on the tractor and finish off the evening with a picnic dinner alongside the rhinos, complemented by beer, wine, and soft drinks.
Saturday 28 February and Saturday 7 March, 5 pm – 8 pm | National Zoo and Aquarium, 999 Lady Denman Drive, Weston | Book tickets here.
SPACE CATHEDRAL
An immersive, multidisciplinary experience combining live music, performance art, and large-scale audiovisual installations, SPACE CATHEDRAL will be bringing a new creative hub to the heart of Civic for one night only.
Inspired by progressive futurism, Gothic iconography, and the story of Galileo, they’ll also be opening a rooftop bar, serving (you guessed it) out-of-this world drinks. Make sure to dress for the occasion as well, with the unique brief of “visiting an ancient cathedral in space, rediscovered thousands of years into the future”.
Thursday 5 March, 7 pm – 10.30 pm | 131 City Walk, City | Book tickets here.
Archie
While there are lots of amazing acts to catch during Enlighten, if you can only choose one, make it Archie. Taking over the Festival Hub Stage for a free performance on Monday 9 March, this local indie rock band is known for performing alongside acts such as Ball Park Music, San Cisco, The Rubens, and many other renowned Australian artists.
Currently working on releasing a new indie pop and funk EP and gearing up to tour the country with their latest single What Goes Around Comes Around, this is an unmissable opportunity to see them play in Canberra.
Monday 9 March, 9.30 pm – 10.30 pm | Enlighten Festival Hub Stage, Reconciliation Place, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | Find out more here.
Feature image: Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius. Credit: Grande Experiences. Via Facebook.
