Enlighten 2026: what’s new, what’s back, and what you absolutely should not miss

Posted on 12 February, 2026

Enlighten is back with more reasons than ever to head out and see Canberra at its most luminous.

Running across eleven nights from Friday 27 February to Monday 9 March, Enlighten Canberra once again transforms the city with light, art and sound. But this year’s program isn’t just about strolling past glowing buildings (though you can absolutely still do that).

With brand-new projection artworks, world-premiere installations and an expanded line-up of ticketed after-dark experiences, Enlighten 2026 reimagines the capital as a cultural playground, inviting visitors to engage with familiar places in unexpected ways.

Here’s what to expect.

What’s new this year

Let’s start with the headline act. The Illuminations – the centrepiece of Enlighten – return in 2026 with six completely new projection artworks, created especially for Canberra’s national cultural institutions.

This year’s artist line-up brings together big names and local voices, with works by Kaylene Whiskey, Yarrenyty Arltere Artists, Grace Kemarre Robinya, Sam Wallman and Philip Bunting, alongside Canberran artists Eleanor and Giovanni. Each artwork transforms a familiar building into something unexpected, offering fresh perspectives on places we might otherwise walk past without a second glance.

Beyond the projections, the Festival Hub is stepping things up. Expect world-premiere immersive works, roaming performances and large-scale installations that turn the National Triangle into an open-air gallery after dark. Highlights include Serendipity by Atelier Sisu and Glitch Monument by Collide Public Art, alongside experiential encounters with names like Whispers of Wonderment and Amorphia.

In short – even if you’ve done Enlighten before, 2026 has plenty that will surprise you.

The favourites we’re very glad are back

Of course, Enlighten wouldn’t be Enlighten without its much-loved staples. The Illuminations remain free and family-friendly, making them an easy ‘yes’ for spontaneous weeknight walks or weekend outings with kids in tow.

The Festival Hub also returns as the festival’s social heart, with live music every night celebrating Australian artists. Expect a relaxed, welcoming vibe, with performances from Murray and the Movers – led by Murray Cook of Wiggles fame – alongside Indigenous artists Tjaka and Lemonise, and local favourites Koebi Faumui, Archie and the Divine Devilles.

One of Enlighten’s most quietly popular events also returns in 2026, with Lights! Canberra! Action! shining a spotlight on local filmmaking talent. Taking place on Friday 6 March, the short film competition challenges teams to create and screen original works made right here in the capital. For audiences, it’s a chance to see Canberra stories told by the people who live them – and to experience Enlighten through a different creative lens.

And then there’s Symphony in the Park. Back in Commonwealth Park, this free outdoor concert brings together Mark Seymour of Hunters & Collectors with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra for a world-premiere performance. It’s one of those bring-a-rug, pack-a-picnic, text-your-friends events – and while entry is free, pre-registration is required.

Experiences worth planning for

If your ideal Enlighten night involves a little more than a casual wander, this is where things get really exciting.

Enlighten: BEYOND expands the festival well outside the National Triangle, with ticketed experiences popping up across the city. From projections and installations at Mt Stromlo Observatory to a Wild Night Zooventure at the National Zoo & Aquarium, these events are designed for locals keen to explore Canberra after dark in unexpected settings. Film lovers can also book in for Sip, See, Screen at the National Film and Sound Archive, an after-hours experience that pairs screenings with drinks and sunset vibes in the NFSA’s heritage courtyard.

You can also catch Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius at Parkes Place lawns – an immersive celebration of the Renaissance master that brings history, curiosity and wonder together in a way that’s fun for all ages and perfect for a cultural night out.

Luminous Ideas brings illuminating talks, performances and conversations to Canberra Theatre Centre during the opening weekend of Enlighten Festival. Join FEAST with Jennifer Wong and friends for a joyful afternoon of stories about food, family and culture.

Then there’s Enlighten: The Night Shift – arguably one of the most intriguing parts of the program. Offering rare after-hours access to Canberra’s cultural institutions, Night Shift invites locals to revisit familiar places in entirely new ways. Across the festival, expect curated evening experiences that blend art, history, creativity and food, including degustation dining at Parliament House, interactive installations at the Museum of Australian Democracy and special exhibition access at the National Portrait Gallery.

It wouldn’t be a HerCanberra article if we didn’t talk about the food

The Enlighten Food Park is back as a lively culinary hub at the Festival Hub, serving up a mix of flavours that’ll make your wanderings between installations and projections even more delicious.

Open each night from around 5 pm until 11 pm, while the Festival Hub is buzzing, the Food Park brings together some of the best food trucks and vendors from Canberra and beyond – from international street eats and comfort classics to indulgent desserts.

Expect everything from hot, crispy Nashville‑style fried chicken packed with flavour to fresh handcrafted pasta, and generous serves of loaded nachos and tachos perfect for sharing with friends between installations. Those chasing comfort food without the gluten will also find satisfying options that don’t compromise on flavour.

Dessert lovers will be well looked after, too, with oversized, gooey NYC‑style cookies, hot Dutch stroopwafels filled with flowing caramel, golden chimney cakes, and light, chewy Japanese-style mochi donuts rounding out the festival food experience.

Who Enlighten 2026 is perfect for (hint: it’s everyone)

Whether you’re planning a low-key family outing, a date night with a difference, a cultural deep dive or a spontaneous post-dinner stroll, Enlighten makes it easy to choose your own adventure. With a mix of free experiences and ticketed events, you can dip in for an hour or build your entire social calendar around the festival.

The full program is now live, with tickets on sale for select events – and plenty of ways to experience Enlighten your own way.