Night out

Planning a night out with friends, a special someone, or simply chasing an unforgettable evening? Get set for a dazzling experience as the Enlighten Festival lights up Canberra from 27 February to 9 March 2026, transforming the city into a glowing playground of art, colour and creativity.

Stroll between Canberra’s iconic buildings as they come alive with brilliant projections, dive into late‑night art adventures, unwind with live music, and uncover unique after‑dark moments perfect for couples and groups alike.

And that’s just the beginning—explore the full program to find exhibitions, pop‑ups, performances and special events to curate your perfect Enlighten night out.

5:30PM Begin with drinks and music at the Festival Hub

Kick off the night with a couple of drinks, a bite to eat and live music at Enlighten Festival Hub.

Open from 5pm-11pm each night, The Festival Hub will be the place to be during Enlighten, with installations, the bustling Food Park, local vendors, bars and a diverse lineup of homegrown talent taking to the stage each night including:

Tjaka

Stella Eve

Murray and the Movers

Lemonise

Growing Alder

Koebi Faumui

Tip – Grab a table at the BentSpoke Beer Garden and enjoy award-winning beverages and soak up the festival vibes.

6:30PM Reminisce at the ‘Department of Memories’

Take a short walk from the Festival Hub and step into the unexpected on Friday and Saturday nights at the Museum of Australian Democracy in Old Parliament House. Unleash your curiosity as you mingle with a Minister, stumble upon quirky installations, belt out a karaoke classic, soak up the atmosphere in the historic Members’ Bar, and watch Sam Wallman’s luminous artworks transform the building after dark.

Insider tip: Kick off your evening with a drink at the Members’ Bar, then wander over to the free Department of Memories experience from 7pm.

7:30PM Immerse yourself in Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius

Gather your group or take your date on an unforgettable cultural detour at Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius. Just a short stroll away, set atop the old Federation Centenary Fountain beside the Parkes Place lawns, this Enlighten‑featured experience invites you into a world of creativity, curiosity and pure wonder.

Created in collaboration with Museo Leonardo da Vinci in Rome, this immersive exhibition brings the life and mind of history’s greatest genius into vivid focus. Explore interactive installations, marvel at brilliant recreations and step inside a story that captivates both adults and the young at heart—perfect for sparking conversation and awe.

Tip – Tickets are limited and demand is high—secure your spot now before your ideal time disappears.

8:30PM Illuminations Ignite the night

Once the sun sets, the National Triangle transforms. Take your time strolling between the six major projection artworks, all created exclusively for Enlighten 2026:

The Page Turner — Eleanor & Giovanni, National Library of Australia

Illuminate — Questacon

Department of Memories — Sam Wallman, Museum of Australian Democracy

Democracy! — Philip Bunting, Australian Parliament House

Queens of the Desert — Kaylene Whiskey, National Portrait Gallery

Kukawarra kwatja, pmara nhanhanama marra inthurra, soft rain, strong Country — Yarrenyty Arltere Artists & Grace Kemarre Robinya, National Gallery of Australia

Vibe: Date night romance, dreamy light soaked photos, and slow wandering with a drink in hand.

8:45PM Unexpected encounters across the National Triangle

As you wander, keep your eyes peeled for roving artworks and performers. These luminous creatures, dancers, and quirky characters appear unpredictably across the festival, offering delightful surprises for your night out.

Look out for: