What not to miss at Canberra’s very first Pride Weekend
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If you’re counting down the days to Canberra’s annual autumn festival, we have some exciting news for you—this year Enlighten will transform the city with a touch of the rainbow as the very first Pride Weekend comes to the nation’s capital.
Honouring WorldPride in Sydney (the first time the global event has been staged in Australia and the first time in the southern hemisphere), Pride Weekend @ Enlighten will see a program bursting with events, all celebrating LGTBIQA+ pride and Canberra’s inclusive community.
Taking place from Friday 10 until Sunday 12 March (the second weekend of Enlighten), the best part is it’s all free to attend. Here’s what you can’t miss!
Look to the skies for the Pride Flight
Spectacular by name, spectacular by nature—Canberra’s very own balloon festival is taking pride to the skies with a very special Pride Flight on the morning of Saturday 11 March. Experience the thrill of watching the Canberra Balloon Spectacular (or book in for a flight yourself!) as they fly with LGTBIQA+ flags.
If you want to get close to the action, head along to Patrick White Lawns to watch as the pilots inflate and launch their balloons (weather permitting). There will also be hot breakfasts and coffee available as well as some live music!
Be part of the first FreshOut Fair Day
Mark your calendars—this is the ACT’s largest LGBTIQA+ community pride event.
Brought to life by Meridian and SpringOut, on Saturday 11 March from 11 am Glebe Park will come alive with market stalls and live performances, all representing a diverse range of LGTBIQA+ community organisations and local businesses.
With plenty of local food and wine available as well, we’re sure that we’ll see you there.
See some specially designed pride-themed projections
Canberra’s iconic buildings will be lighting up once again—and this year will see them become special canvases for pride-themed projections.
Taking place from Friday 10 until Sunday 12 March, make a night of it and head along to the Australian Parliament House, the National Library of Australia, the National Gallery of Australia, Questacon, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. It’s the perfect combination of culture and creativity.
Watch a new perspective of pride on the big screen
Open-air surroundings, live music, and screenings of some of the best short films in Canberra: Lights! Canberra! Action @Enlighten Festival is back with a bang.
Given only 10 days to film and challenged to feature 10 items from around Canberra, this year will see local filmmakers sharing their perspectives and interpretations of the theme Pride. Taking place on Friday 10 March, head along to enjoy live music from 7 pm, with screenings starting from 8 pm.
Celebrate with Electric Fields and the Canberra Symphony Orchestra
Grab your dancing shoes and get ready to boogie the night away on Sunday 12 March! Fresh from headlining at WorldPride in Sydney, multi-award-winning duo Electric Fields will be bringing their unique fusion of living traditional culture and electronic music to the stage in a collaboration with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra.
Taking place from 6:30 pm until 9:30 pm, it’s the perfect excuse to pack a picnic and enjoy a stunning autumn night at Symphony in the Park @ Enlighten Festival as modern and classical music fuse.
