Enlighten Festival Returns to Canberra from 1 March

Eat, see and explore as Canberra transforms for the annual Enlighten Festival, presented by Singapore Airlines! Held over 17 days from Friday March 1, the city will be a hive of activity with a range of free and ticketed events combining to make the Enlighten Festival a highlight on Canberra’s 2019 events calendar.

Most commonly associated with the Enlighten Illuminations, the Enlighten Festival is now a true celebration of culture and creativity bringing together six hero event:

Enlighten Illuminations  || 1-11 March

See the Parliamentary Triangle and city precinct come to life as the Illuminations light up after dark. Witness thought provoking large-scale projections on some of the capital’s most loved and iconic buildings including the National Portrait Gallery, National Library of Australia, Australian Parliament House, Questacon, plus the Sydney and Melbourne buildings in the city. Visit the food offerings at Enlighten Alley, enjoy roving entertainers, art installations, live music and enchanting performances or treat your taste buds at the Canberra Night Noodle Markets (1-10 March) in Reconciliation Place.

Canberra Balloon Spectacular  || 9-17 March

Wake up to the view of hot air balloons floating across the city during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular. This mesmerising view is best appreciated from the lawns of Old Parliament House. Held over nine days, the Canberra skyline will be full of hot air balloons from across the globe.

Lights! Canberra! Action!  || 8 March

Enlighten Festival is shining a spotlight on Canberra’s talented film-makers as competition sparks creativity. This year’s theme has been chosen to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing with an outdoor screening in the Senate Rose Gardens at the Museum of Australian Democracy. Bring your chair, bean bag or blanket and settle in for a great night of film viewing. Picnics are welcome and foodies will be on site dishing up movie snacks and delicious dinners.

Symphony in the Park  || 10 March

We guarantee this is not your standard symphony experience. Framed by the tree-lined landscape of the iconic Commonwealth Park, sit back and relax as the Canberra Symphony Orchestra fills the air with music. The Canberra Symphony Orchestra have outdone themselves this year, perfecting a new interpretation of music we all know and love. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a bite to eat from the traders as you watch the sun set.

Canberra Day  || 11 March

Canberra is turning 106 this year! Join in the celebrations with a program bursting to the seams with live music and entertainment for all. The stunning landscape of Commonwealth Park will provide the perfect backdrop for your family day out. Enjoy the thrill of amusement park rides or indulge in a tasty treat from local traders. Relax with a picnic to the sound of live music or join in the children’s activities. There’s something for everyone this Canberra Day.

Hit 104.7 Skyfire  || 16 March

Canberra lights up from the shores of Lake Burley Griffin as HIT 104.7 SKYFIRE returns for its 31st year. Look to the sky to take in a dazzling display of aerial acrobatics and spectacular fireworks set to a soundtrack simultaneously broadcast on HIT 104.7.

Still after more? The capital’s major attractions are waiting to be explored as they open their doors to host an array of exclusive after-dark ticketed events at the National Gallery of Australia, National Film and Sound Archives, National Zoo and Aquarium, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, Australian Parliament House, the Royal Australian Mint and more. Tickets are on sale now.

Book your stay with AccorHotels today. For more information, the full Enlighten Festival 2019 program and ticketing information, visit www.enlightencanberra.com