Enlighten: The Night Shift
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.
Daily Programs
Program
Department of Memories
Museum of Australian Democracy
A free, all-ages immersive pop-up at Old Parliament House inviting visitors to share, explore and reflect on personal memories.
Curiosity Lanterns
National Archives of Australia
A free, all-ages lantern-making workshop inviting participants to design and create a curiosity lantern for Enlighten 2026.
Corridor of Curiosities
National Archives of Australia
An immersive after-hours experience at the National Archives of Australia exploring curiosity, creativity and hidden histories.
Super Kaylene Whiskey
National Portrait Gallery
A major exhibition showcasing the joyful, irreverent work of leading contemporary artist Kaylene Whiskey.
Enlighten Festival Degustation Dinner
Australian Parliament House
An exclusive six-course Enlighten-inspired degustation experience by Australian Parliament House’s Executive Chef David Learmonth.
Music at Dusk on the Forecourt
Australian Parliament House
Begin your Enlighten evening with live choral performances and a relaxed picnic setting at Australian Parliament House.
Food, Music and Drinks at Dusk
Australian Parliament House
An after-hours cocktail-style evening with canapés, DJ music and sweeping views at Australian Parliament House.
Gallery
Explore images from The Night Shift 2025
Enlighten Illuminations
Learn about the stories behind the thought-provoking illuminations and installations at Enlighten 2026
Symphony in the Park
Experience a world-first collaboration, Mark Seymour and the Canberra Symphony Orchestra unite for Symphony in the Park, only at Enlighten Festival.
Sponsors
