Enlighten Festival is back for 2026 and will light up the nation’s capital over 11 days between Friday 27 February to Monday 9 March.

• Enlighten– 27 February to 9 March
• Enlighten Beyond – 27 February to 9 March
• Lights! Canberra! Action! – 6 March
• Symphony in the Park – 8 March

Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages, and subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page to be notified of the most up to date information on Enlighten Festival!

The Enlighten Festival is located in the National Triangle, centred around the Festival Hub on the lawns of John Dunmore Lang Place.

From this central hub you can visit the Illuminations on six of Australia’s National Cultural Institutions, as well as a number of art installations across the site. Events in the Enlighten: Beyond program are happening all across Canberra during the event period, and you can find out more about these on the Enlighten: Beyond page.

Enlighten: Beyond captures the spirit of wonder and discovery that the Enlighten Festival brings to the National Triangle, expanding the experience across Canberra’s diverse neighbourhoods during the festival period..

Enlighten: The Nightshift offers a unique chance to explore Canberra’s cultural institutions after hours as they transform into vibrant, interactive spaces with creative programming that can only be experienced during the festival. 

The Enlighten Festival will post information on the website if the weather affects event operations. Information will also be communicated through the Enlighten Festival social channels (Facebook and Instagram), and the Events ACT channels.

Yes, you can bring dogs to the Enlighten Festival. Please bear in mind, that the festival has large crowds full of unfamiliar faces and can be noisy at times, which some pets may find stressful. Please note that dogs are not allowed at Symphony in the Park.

Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, must be socialised and generally non-aggressive to people or other dogs. For the comfort, safety and enjoyment of patrons, management reserves the right to refuse entry at their discretion, to any dog deemed to be unsafe. In consideration of all attendees and as per ACT law, dogs must be picked up after and all waste disposed of responsibly

Most events at the Enlighten Festival are free to attend and do not require tickets or registration.

The Enlighten: Beyond and Enlighten: The Nightshift program also features a range of other events around Canberra, both ticketed and non-ticketed. Look out for ‘Ticketed Events’ specified on applicable event pages to reserve your place.

Symphony in the Park is a free event, but registration is required.

Yes, most of Enlighten is cash free.

Enlighten is a family friendly event and is smoke and vape-free within its boundaries of the festival hub. We kindly ask that you respect other patrons and refrain from smoking or vaping in the site.

Yes, you can! However, we do ask that patrons respect others around them by placing chairs to the back or sides of grassed viewing areas so they do not obstruct the view of others who may be sitting on picnic blankets at ground level.

Yes, the Enlighten Festival Hub is fully fenced and licenced, allowing patrons to move freely throughout our food, beverage and entertainment areas at Enlighten. Sample food and drinks from our full range of vendors or enjoy a beverage as you explore the installations within the Festival Hub.

Please take note of the designated entry gates located around the precinct.

For information on public transport and parking please refer to the Getting To Enlighten page.

Yes, a free shuttle bus will operate between the City and the Enlighten Festival Hub.

This shuttle will run every evening from 27 February – 9 March. For detailed information including a route map and timings, visit our Getting to Enlighten Festival page.

Vision impaired customers can use hailing kit ID ‘E1’ to signal the Enlighten shuttle service.

Please note the free shuttle bus services Enlighten Festival Hub only. For public transport options to Symphony in the Park, please visit transport.act.gov.au.

During Enlighten Festival, there will be a No Ride Zone within the National Triangle. The No Ride Zone will take effect from 5pm on Friday 27 February and end at midnight Monday 9 March 2026. This is in the interest of public safety.

There will be parking zones at each entry to the Enlighten Festival Hub.

You are more than welcome to ride your bike to Enlighten, but in the interest of public safety, all forms of bicycles and tricycles, including hand-propelled tricycles, are not permitted within the Festival Hub. This excludes mobility scooters. Bicycle racks are provided close to the hub entry points.

Make sure you bring your own lock and chain. Provision can be made for tricycles to be stored at any of the entry gates, however, Enlighten takes no responsibility for theft or damage and space is limited.

Please go to the Getting to Enlighten page to see all the information about transport including buses, shuttle buses and parking locations.

National Triangle

(Parking for Enlighten and Lights! Canberra! Action!)

Parking within the National Triangle is limited. A map displaying car park spaces within the National Triangle is available here.

Please ensure that where you have parked is a legal parking spot and you have checked if you need to purchase a ticket. The National Capital Authority will be enforcing parking regulations for the duration of this event, and attendees should ensure they park legally to avoid the risk of an infringement being issued to their vehicle.

After 5:00pm there are various free public car parks throughout the National Triangle. There is also parking at each of the participating National Attractions. On weekdays and weekends the public car parks within the National Triangle will operate under normal conditions.

Due to traffic congestion during the event it is recommended that patrons avoid parking in the National Library of Australia carparks. Please note the large car park at Questacon is reserved for Accessible Permit holders only and is subject to availability.

Commonwealth Park

(Parking for Symphony in the Park)

There is limited parking available at Regatta Point and West Basin. We recommend parking at CIT Reid, National Convention Centre or City Hill (off London Circuit) car parks and then walking across the pedestrian bridge over Parkes Way.

A map displaying car park spaces surrounding Commonwealth Park is available here.

A traffic management plan will be in place from 5:00pm till midnight on Friday 27 February till Monday 9 March 2026 and includes the below road closures:

• King George Terrace closed between Parkes Place East and Parkes Place West
• King Edward Terrace closed between Parkes Place East and Parkes Place West
• National Library of Australia internal loop road (one-way section)
• Queen Elizabeth Terrace between Parkes Place East and Parkes Place West
• Parkes Place West is closed north of King Edward Terrace with access to National Library of Australia car park only. All other vehicles utilising this road to access the Questacon carpark will require a parking permit or an accessible parking pass and will go through a Traffic Marshall
• Parliament Square at Queen Victoria Terrace

For a map of Enlighten Festival Road Closures visit our Festival Maps page.

In addition to the festival specific road closures, please be aware that construction work around the city may impact how you get to Enlighten Festival. For more information view the latest updates on Travel Impacts.

Enlighten is committed to reducing barriers and delivering an event that is accessible and inclusive.

We would like your visit to Enlighten to be an enjoyable experience. Enlighten is accessible to wheelchairs, mobility scooters and strollers and will offer the following services:

• Accessible parking
• Accessible toilets and a Changing Places facility
• Mobility hire services

Paths are wide enough to accommodate pedestrians, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and strollers. Be aware there are some loose gravel pathways and there may be water on pathways after rain.

Please check the Accessibility page for more details.

Enlighten is accessible to wheelchairs, mobility scooters and strollers, and you are welcome to bring these items to the event site.

After 5:00pm each day during the Enlighten Festival there is a dedicated accessible car park located behind Questacon. You will be required to show your valid Accessible Parking Permit to security to gain access through the road closure.

Free accessible parking is also available in the National Portrait Gallery underground carpark, as well as most public car parks in the area. Parking is limited and vehicles must display an authorised Accessible Parking Permit.

Please be aware that accessible car parks can fill up on busy days, so plan to arrive early. There are limited additional accessible parking bays around the National Triangle including at the National Library and Old Parliament House. Parking is limited and vehicles must display an authorised Accessible Parking Permit.

To help you navigate the Enlighten walking paths, a limited number of wheelchairs, electric mobility scooters and strollers will be available for hire on site.

The Mobility Hire service is provided by Events ACT and will be run out of the Access Hub at the National Portrait Gallery Forecourt.

National Portrait Gallery provides essential services to ensure every Enlighten visitor can enjoy the event comfortably and inclusively. Services include –

• Accessible Facilities – Bathrooms, parents’ room, and other amenities available until 11:30 pm nightly
• Sensory Kits – Provided by NPG. Free, no booking required. Available for visitors with sensory sensitivities or neurodiverse needs.
• Free Parking – Underground public car park open 5:00–11:30 pm. Accessible spaces are located near lifts. Entry via Parkes Place East, max vehicle height: 2.2 m.

The National Portrait Gallery Access Hub is located at the National Portrait Gallery Forecourt.

Enlighten is the perfect spot for a picnic. We have a variety of food and drink suppliers on-site but also allow visitors to bring their own picnics.

Please note that BYO alcohol is not permitted at any event throughout the Enlighten Festival. Alcohol is available for purchase from the Enlighten Food Park and pop-up bars located inside Lights! Canberra! Action!, and Symphony in the Park.

Please note bag searches may be conducted upon arrival at Enlighten, Lights! Canberra! Action! and Symphony in the Park and alcohol will be confiscated.

Yes. Many of our food vendors provide gluten free, lactose free, vegetarian and vegan options on their menus.

For more information visit our Food and Drinks page.

This year the Enlighten Illuminations Festival Hub is fully licenced, allowing patrons to move freely throughout our food, beverage and entertainment areas.

The areas immediately surrounding our bars are restricted to over 18’s only. In line with liquor licensing requirements, persons under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian aged over 25.

BYO alcohol is not permitted at any event throughout the Enlighten Festival.

Alcohol is available for purchase from the Enlighten Food Park and pop-up bars located inside Lights! Canberra! Action! and Symphony in the Park.

Please note bag searches may be conducted upon arrival at Enlighten, Lights! Canberra! Action! and Symphony in the Park and alcohol will be confiscated.

Yes, first aid stations are located at all event sites and available during event hours. Please refer to the Festival Maps (coming soon) or advise your nearest staff member on-site who will arrange medical assistance.

All lost property enquiries are handled by the friendly staff at the Information Booth, located at the East entrance near the National Portrait Gallery. If you find something, please hand it to the nearest staff member or visit the Information Booth.

For enquiries outside of event hours, please contact events@act.gov.au

The Illuminations projections run each night from 27th of February until 9th of March. The projections switch on each night at 8:00pm and run on a continuous loop until 11:00pm.

Food, drinks and entertainment will be available in the Enlighten Festival Hub from 5:00pm each afternoon.

The Illuminations are the architectural projections that will light up six of Australia’s national cultural institutions from 8pm to 11pm each night of the Enlighten Festival. Each year, contemporary artists, makers and creators work with the institutions to create new and original artwork for these large scale projections.

The institutions involved in The Illuminations are:

Australian Parliament House
Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
Questacon
National Gallery of Australia
National Portrait Gallery
National Library of Australia

The Illuminations will light up the six of Australia’s national institutions in a stunning display of light, sound and movement, with projections showcasing Australian culture and storytelling on some of Canberra’s iconic buildings, including;

Australian Parliament House
Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
Questacon
National Gallery of Australia
National Portrait Gallery
National Library of Australia

The Enlighten: Beyond program offers audiences surprising and entertaining experiences from Canberra’s arts organisations, institutions and venues outside of the National Triangle. Refer to the individual event listings for details on registering for tickets.

Companion Cards are accepted at the discretion of the individual venues. Please refer to the event listing for details or reach out to events@act.gov.au for more information.

Located in the open-air surrounds of the Senate Rose Gardens, Lights! Canberra! Action! is a short film festival that shines the spotlight on local filmmaking talent. See up-and-coming local film makers share their perspective and interpretation of this year’s theme – Looking back, looking forward.

Filmmakers are given 10 days to film and must feature 10 specific items from around Canberra.

Bring a chair or picnic blanket, grab some food or delicious brews from the bar, and sit back to watch this year’s top 12 finalists’ films under the stars.

Find out more here.

The short film festival is held in the Senate Rose Gardens, outside Old Parliament House.

This is a free event.

Please note parental guidance is recommended for children 15 years and under. Please refer to more detailed content warnings displayed at the beginning of each film.

Lights! Canberra! Action! is a licenced event site, BYO alcohol is not permitted. There will be a range of beer and wine available to purchase on-site.

Please note bag searches may be conducted upon arrival and alcohol will be confiscated.

Yes, please feel free to bring a chair, there are areas set aside for those who are sitting on the ground so please leave those free to ensure the patrons sitting there have an unobstructed view.

Please ensure that where you have parked is a valid spot and you have checked if you need to purchase a ticket. The National Capital Authority will be enforcing parking regulations for the duration of this event, and attendees should ensure they park legally to avoid the risk of an infringement being issued to their vehicle.

After 5pm there are various free public car parks throughout the National Triangle.

Due to traffic congestion during the event, it is recommended that patrons avoid parking in the National Library of Australia carparks. Please note the large car park at Questacon is reserved for Accessible Permit holders only and is subject to availability.

For the comfort of all patrons dogs are not permitted at Lights! Canberra! Action!

Lights! Canberra! Action! is a great spot for a picnic. We have a variety of food and drink suppliers on-site in the Senate Rose Garden, but also allow visitors to bring their own picnics.

Please note that BYO alcohol is not permitted at any event throughout the Enlighten Festival. Alcohol will be available for purchase from the vendors on-site.

Please note bag searches may be conducted upon arrival and alcohol will be confiscated.

Symphony in the Park is always a highlight of the Enlighten Festival, and it’s sure to be another spectacular show in 2026.

Audiences will be treated to a cinema of sound, as they listen and dance to Mark Seymour of Hunters & Collectors, supported by the 40-piece Canberra Symphony Orchestra.

Symphony in the Park is on Sunday 8 March.

Gates open at 5:00pm for a 7:30pm start, with the show ending at 9:30pm.

Symphony in the Park is held at Stage 88 in Commonwealth Park

This is a free event. Ages 15+. Under 15’s are to be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required.

Yes, please feel free to bring a chair, there are areas closer to the stage set aside for those who are sitting on the ground so please leave those free to ensure the patrons sitting there have an unobstructed view.

For the comfort of all patrons dogs are not permitted at Symphony in the Park. The event will be crowded with people sitting on the ground and eating, and loud noise throughout the evening, so it is not a dog-friendly event.

Please note that glass (including non-alcoholic beverages) and any alcohol are not permitted at Symphony in The Park.

A selection of beer and wine will be available for purchase on-site.

Bag checks will be conducted at the entry gates.

You are welcome to bring food and non-alcoholic drinks to Symphony in the Park.

Please note that glass bottles (including non-alcoholic beverages) are not permitted at Symphony in The Park.

We have a variety of food and drink suppliers at Stage 88 but also allow visitors to bring their own picnics.

Please note that BYO alcohol is not permitted at any event throughout the Enlighten Festival, including Symphony in the park. A selection of beer and wine will be available for purchase on-site.

Bag checks will be conducted at the entry gates.

There is an accessible area prioritised for patrons in wheelchairs available on the left (left when facing the stage) of the Front of House marquee. 

This area will be partitioned, signposted, and managed by an event volunteer. 

Please note, to reach this area, you’ll need to cross a grassed section as there are no paved paths available.

There is limited parking available at Regatta Point and West Basin. We recommend parking at CIT Reid, National Convention Centre or City Hill (off London Circuit) carparks and then walking across the pedestrian bridge over Parkes Way.

Volunteer applications are now open. If you are interested in becoming an Enlighten volunteer, please sign up via our volunteers page.

Applications for food vendors for 2026 have now closed. Sign up to our mailing list to find out when applications for the 2027 event will open.