How to spend an entire day at Enlighten (because you know you want to)
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Canberra’s favourite autumn festival is in town and with plenty to see and do, you can literally make a full day of it.
How? Take full advantage of the free shuttle bus running from the Canberra Centre and read on for our complete ‘how-to’ guide.
Kick off the morning at the Canberra Balloon Spectacular
If you’re an early bird, start your day by enjoying the hot air balloons as they take flight over Lake Burley Griffin, transforming the sky into a wave of colour. Kicking off on March 11, the opening morning will showcase a special Pride Flight as balloons will fly LGBTQIA+ flags. If you’re keen to grab some breakfast or a coffee after, be sure to check out our article on where to get coffee during the Balloon Spectacular!
Saturday 11 until Sunday 19 March | Patrick White Lawns | enlightencanberra.com
Continue the day (and get some space) with the kids at It’s Not Rocket Science
If you’ve got little ones who are avid lovers of space, (or maybe you yourself appreciate a good space themed activation), ‘It’s Not Rocket Science’ will be right up your alley.
Along with 11 giant inflatable intergalactic characters, which will be across the Canberra Centre, ‘It’s Not Rocket Science’ will also be running workshops where little ones can create their own space slime, alien headbands and jet packs. Enjoy a coffee and relax while your little adventurers are busy.
Until Sunday 19 March | Canberra Centre | Book tickets here.
Have fun at Fresh Out Fair Day
Head down to Glebe Park to celebrate the ACT’s largest annual LGBTIQA+ event. You’ll find a wide variety of market stalls to explore, local and visiting performing artists and some of the finest food and wines produced within the Canberra region. Everyone is welcome, so be sure to come along with your favourite people to help celebrate community, pride and diversity within the ACT!
Saturday 11 March | Glebe Park | freshout.au
Take the family for an afternoon at the Atomic Carnival
Family fun for everyone! Think flashing fairy floss, glowing slushies, dagwood dogs, pick your flavour popcorn and so much more. Thee kids will be spoilt for choice at Atomic caterings festival on the decks of Questacon. While the kids run off the sugar, why not sit back and relax with a cocktail from the bar and enjoy the atmosphere?
Friday 10 and Saturday 11 March | Questacon | enlightencanberra.com
Try some pure ImaGINation as the sun sets
If you’re a lover of all things gin and are intrigued to learn more (or anything) about the popular spirit, this is the event for you. Enjoy an interactive presentation while you sample the goods and learn more about the botany, chemistry, and science of gin.
Friday 10 and Saturday 11 March | Questacon | book tickets here.
Continue your gin journey with World Pride Gin tastings
Celebrating diversity and inclusivity, the Underground Spirits X DEFGLIS Tropical World Pride Gin will transport your taste buds—and you can only try it this weekend. Crafted with a unique blend of tropical botanicals, this gin is sure to tantalize your taste buds and take you on a mouth-watering adventure. Try it in a G&T and sip away knowing your celebrating the diversity and richness of the world we live in.
Friday 10 to Sunday 12 March | Located in the Festival Hub close to the National Portrait Gallery | enlightencanberra.com
Spend the evening at Symphony in the Park
Head down to Commonwealth Park and enjoy an evening under the stars with Canberra Symphony Orchestra and Electric Fields. Special guest and award-winning pop, soul and electronica band Electric Fields will be in town to help celebrate pride weekend. This is a performance you will not want to miss.
Saturday 12 March | Commonwealth Park | enlightencanberra.com
Enjoy the final nights of the Illuminations
What better time to visit all of Canberra’s most iconic landmarks than when they’re all lit up with stunning displays of light, movement and sound? The illuminations will be projected onto buildings such as Australian Parliament House, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Library of Australia and so many more. If you’re planning on going over Pride Weekend, you’ll enjoy specially designed pride-themed projections.
Until Monday 13 March | National Triangle | enlightencanberra.com
And then have a yummy dinner at Street Food Live
After a day of enjoying all that Enlighten has to offer, head to the West Lawns where you can indulge in a variety of street food options. No matter whether you’re more of a sweet tooth or prefer a savoury snack, there’s sure to be something to satiate even the fussiest eaters.
Until Monday 13 March | West Lawns, Parkes Place | enlightencanberra.com
End the evening with a beer at the Bentspoke Beer Garden
Wrap up your evening by heading to Bentspoke Beer Garden, where you can enjoy a refreshing craft brew while you wind down and enjoy the atmosphere. There will be stage entertainment and roving performances to enjoy as you relax and enjoy.
Until Monday 13 March | BentSpoke Beer Garden, National Triangle | enlightencanberra.com
Feature image credit: Snaps by Sal.
