Enlighten 2014 – perhaps my favourite time of year in Canberra – is just over a week away, with the city is set to be illuminated by culture and creativity from Friday 28 February to 8 March. Can I tell you how excited I am?

“Stunning architectural projections will again transform the buildings of the Parliamentary Triangle bringing vibrant colour, movement and celebration to six of Canberra’s most treasured buildings with an ever-changing canvas of eye-catching images,” said Events ACT General Manager, Neale Guthrie.

“In the Parliamentary Triangle, free entertainment will include a concert by world-renowned US soul singer Charles Bradley, a stunning garden of fire which will light up the High Court forecourt in a sea of flames, and Fiers a Cheval – a spectacular herd of horses standing four-metres tall.”

Other exciting events will include the National Film and Sound Archive’s Priscilla Party, a performance by Paul McDermott in the basement of the Royal Australian Mint, the National Portrait Gallery’s Elvis at 21 Karaoke Party, Barry Morgan’s World of Organs at Questacon and after dark access to the blockbuster exhibition Gold and the Incas at the national Gallery of Australia.

Dine within the corridors of power at Parliament House, rock out with Mental as Anything at The National Museum of Australia, spend an enchanting evening at the Australian National Botanic Gardens and enjoy a live vintage radio show in historic Old Parliament House.

Indigenous musician, Troy Brady, will perform Songs of the Railways at the National Archives of Australia, the National Library of Australia will help you relax with The Castaway Lounge and you will be transported to another continent with Out of Africa at the National Zoo and Aquarium.

For full program details and to buy tickets to Enlighten 2014, visit enlightencanberra.com

10 more events you won’t want to miss

Starlight Dinner

Commencing with champagne and canapés on the roof of Old Parliament House, dine with amazing views of the Enlighten display as Chef Sebastien Lutaud direct from Sydney presents a gastronomic journey under the stars.

The Starlight Dinner is happening at 7pm on Friday 28 February and Saturday 1 March. I’ve already got my ticket, and there are just a handful left, so if you’re keen to go get in quick!

Circle of Light

Twelve robotic searchlights arranged in a circular formation create an astounding luminary attraction. Sending pencil thin beams into the night sky the searchlights are visible across the city. Sitting inside the Circle of Light you will be transported by the shifting colour and light of this ethereal creation.From outside the Circle of Light audiences will be able to play with its colour and movement, by manipulating controls to command this dynamic light sculpture.

From 8pm to 11pm on Friday 28 Feb and Saturday 1 March at John Dunmore Lang Place.

Le Dîner en Blanc

After a hugely successful first outing in 2013, Le Dîner en Blanc returns – bigger better and whiter than before. I have fingers crossed that I’ll be one of the hundreds of Canberra’s most stylish diners at this ultra-chic pop-up picnic on Saturday 8 March.

Drawing on a tradition originating in Paris over 20 years ago, Le Diner en Blanc has become a worldwide phenomenon that sees hundreds converge at a secret location to celebrate fine food, charming company and great elegance.

The Crystal and Canvas Ballroom

At the foothill of democracy, surrounded by Australia’s pinnacles of culture, stands a rogue construction of crystal and canvas – a testament to oddity, frivolity and indiscriminate good times!

Experience The Crystal and Canvas Ballroom from 7pm to 11pm on Friday 7 Mar and Saturday 8 March.

SciNight – Latin Fiesta

At Questacon’s geeky night for grown-ups SciNight Latin Fiesta, delve into Peruvian archaeology, explore chocolate-making and compete in a cheesy game show. Plus get hands on with over 200 interactive exhibits—without kids! (adults only event).

It’s all happening from 6:30pm to 10pm on Friday 7 March at Questacon – The National Science Technology Centre.

Deviator

Prepare yourself for chaos in the Parliamentary Triangle as PVI Collective wreak havoc with an immersive outdoor game experience played by you.

Join in the fun of Deviator at 8pm and 9:30pm on Friday 28 February, Saturday 1, Friday 7 and Saturday 8 March.

Radio Variety Hour

A live vintage radio show. Be on the edge of your seat then fall off it with laughter. Presented in association with the Canberra Comedy Festival.

Fri 7 Mar. 7.30pm & 9pm. Adult and concession $22.50

Occupy Small Street

The world’s smallest protest. A collaborative, all ages, community art project, where pre-loved toys represent freedom of speech and protest.

Fri 28 Feb, Sat 1, Fri 7 & Sat 8 Mar. 5.30–9.30pm. Free Entry.

 Family Fun Night at Questacon

Questacon’s Family Fun Night presents explosive demonstrations, intriguing experiments and Excited Particles’ crazy antics, plus an after-dark adventure into Questacon’s galleries with over 200 hands-on exhibits.

Get into it between 6:30pm and 10pm on Friday 28 February at Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre.

What Were We Thinking? 

In collaboration with the National Film and Sound Archive, the National Museum of Australia brings you two nights of retro television and outdoor film screenings from the 70s and 80s. See the action-packed children’s adventure film that launched Nicole Kidman’s career on the big screen, BMX Bandits, at 8pm on Thursday 27 February. Relive the 80s with classic ads for products like Coke and Apple computers, C’mon Aussie clips and a lesson in tax returns featuring Ben Mendelsohn and Gia Carides in nightclubs!

Or experience Oz – Australia’s own rock and roll road movie that’s so bad it’s good, and too good to be true. At 8pm on Wednesday 26 February, you can rediscover this cult classic, interspersed with snapshots of life in the 70s, exclusively from the National Film and Sound Archive’s collection

WANT TO WIN TICKETS TO SOME GREAT ENLIGHTEN EVENTS?

We have two double passes to SciNight Latin Fiesta; one family pass to Questacon’s Family Fun Night; and a double pass to each of the What Were We Thinking? movies to give away. Simply leave a comment telling us which of these four events you’d most like to attend! Entries close at 5pm Friday 21 February.

the essentials

What: Enlighten
When: Friday 28 February to Saturday 8 March 2014
Where: Various venues
Web: enlightencanberra.com

THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED