Light Up Your Life: Must-See Experiences at Enlighten 2025

Posted on 25 February, 2025

Canberra’s most luminous festival returns this autumn, transforming our city into a playground of light, art, and adventure from Friday 28 February to Monday 10 March.

From world premieres to late-night adventures, immersive art to gastronomic delights, here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of Enlighten 2025.

Illuminated Institutions

See our national institutions transformed into stunning canvases after dark.

This year’s illuminations promise to be the most ambitious yet, with Canberra’s iconic national institutions transformed into stunning canvases after dark.

Don’t miss Alison Alder’s ‘I AM A NEW WOMAN’ at Australian Parliament House, celebrating 12 trailblazing women who fought for democracy. The animated vignettes share stories of determination and change that shaped our nation’s path to equal voting rights – watch as the building’s facade becomes a tribute to these remarkable changemakers.

At MoAD (Museum of Australian Democracy), Claudia Chinyere Akole’s ‘A Date with Democracy’ invites viewers to reflect on their own relationship with democracy through thought-provoking illustrations on the façade of Old Parliament House.

Over at the National Gallery, Lindy Lee’s ‘100 Flowers Falling’ promises to be a showstopper with its cosmic imagery and Zen symbolism. The installation transforms the brutalist architecture into a mesmerising display of light and movement, exploring humanity’s connection to the greater whole.

For those seeking thought-provoking art, head to the National Portrait Gallery where Ryan Presley’s ‘Inferno’ challenges traditional power structures through powerful animations celebrating First Nations strength and autonomy.

Nature enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Matthew Aberline’s ‘The Guardians’ at the National Library of Australia, where immersive inflatable structures celebrate Australian wildflowers in a whole new light.

Meanwhile, at Questacon, ‘Mystery Mosaics’ invites visitors of all ages to contribute to digital LEGO projections, creating an ever-evolving display of science-inspired designs that illuminates the building’s exterior.

Instagrammable Installations

Don’t miss the world premiere of Meliora.

Tear your eyes away from the unorthodox canvases and you’ll discover a stunning range of installations, from captivating sculptures to serene, immersive works scattered across the National Triangle.

The world premiere of ‘Meliora‘ by Atelier Sisu is set to be this year’s Instagram sensation – imagine walking through a structure of illuminated, interwoven curves set to a dynamic soundscape. This interactive masterpiece speaks to global unity and human connection – be sure to visit at different times throughout the evening to experience it in the changing light.

You can also discover other striking installations, such as Stargate by Chalk River Labs, a cosmic projection sculpture, Insectarium by The Indirect Object, a glowing dreamscape celebrating the insect world, and Morphology by Everett Creative & Built-in Kind, a poignant tribute to memory and loss.

Food, Drinks, and Festival Vibes

There are plenty of options to fuel your Enlighten experience.

Make the Festival Hub your evening base from 5 pm-11 pm, where the atmosphere is electric and the food options plenty. The Food Park returns with an expanded lineup of local favourites and food trucks, while Bar Berra and the BentSpoke Beer Garden offer the perfect spots to relax and refresh. Local performers take to the stage each night, providing the perfect soundtrack to your festival experience.

For the best experience, arrive around 5:30 pm to secure a prime spot with views of both the illuminations and the stage. Settle in as you journey from twilight to full dark when the illuminations are at their most spectacular.

After-Hours Adventures

Democracy has never been so much fun at MoAD.

Enlighten’s Night Shift program reveals the after-dark personalities of our cultural institutions, showcasing a side Canberra’s cultural scene not often seen with everything from artist talks and lantern workshops to interactive installations and sensory spaces.

Book in for a degustation dinner at Australian Parliament House, where Executive Chef David Learmonth crafts a menu that celebrates Australian produce (there’s even an Enlighten-inspired cocktail!) or join Ryan ‘Brickman’ McNaught at Questacon for a night your inner child will love;

Meanwhile democracy has never been so much fun at MoAD, where you can hit the dancefloor in King’s Hall, enjoy the historic Members’ Bar, or belt out your favourite love songs and break-up ballads at karaoke.

And there’s loads more to discover!

Beyond the Triangle

Head to Mt Stromlo Observatory for stellar views.

While the Parliamentary Triangle forms the heart of the festival, Enlighten: Beyond showcases magical experiences beyond its borders.

Venture to Glebe Park to discover what mysteries hide within its transformed landscape – this year’s installation ‘The Nature of Things’ promises to turn the familiar park into an enchanted nighttime wonderland.

The National Film and Sound Archive’s Constellations is a spellbinding installation that transforms the NFSA gallery into a vibrant fantasia of colour and sound, with laser beams that pulse in harmony with the very electricity that powers them.

For stellar views, head to Mt Stromlo Observatory where expert astronomers guide you through both stories and stargazing, revealing the wonders of our cosmos through powerful telescopes.

Nature lovers won’t want to miss the Australian Botanic Gardens’ after-dark experience, where guided tours reveal how our native landscape transforms at night. And for families, the National Zoo and Aquarium offers unique opportunities to meet nocturnal residents and learn about wildlife conservation through engaging light installations and keeper talks.

One Big Final Long Weekend

Symphony in The Park

The festival’s final weekend presents two unmissable events.

On Friday 7 March, the Senate Rose Gardens transform into an open-air cinema for Lights! Canberra! Action!, where local filmmakers showcase their creative responses to the theme ‘Looking Back, Looking Forward’. Pack a picnic blanket and arrive early to secure your spot – this beloved short film festival has become a highlight of Canberra’s cultural calendar.

The festival closes in spectacular style on Sunday 9 March with Symphony in the Park, featuring Melbourne soul and funk legends The Bamboos and our own Canberra Symphony Orchestra. Picture this: your favourite funk hits backed by a 40-piece orchestra under the stars. Pack a picnic basket, bring your dancing shoes, and prepare for a night that brings together the best of classical and contemporary music.

Whether you have one night or plan to experience it all, Enlighten 2025 offers a fresh perspective on our city. From world-premiere installations to intimate after-dark experiences, this year’s festival proves that Canberra’s culture shines brightest after sunset.

Visit enlightencanberra.com to plan your festival adventure and book tickets for special events – many Night Shift experiences have limited capacity and are expected to sell out quickly.