Canberra is having a party in March and you’re all invited! The festival of lights, art, food and entertainment is back! The annual Enlighten Festival will take place over Canberra for ten nights starting 1st March to 11th March, bringing things new, old and familiar.
Stay in Canberra as it transforms into a kaleidoscope of colour, activity and experiences during autumn. The perfect place for a short break, Canberra will charm you with diverse activities, all within easy reach. Go for the iconic museums and galleries, and stay for the hidden gems and unexpected moments, all under the umbrella of @enlighten_canberra and #EnlightenCanberra
Make sure not to miss out on the action. Here’s Crowne Plaza Canberra’s top five things to do over the festival:
Illuminations
Back again this year is the mesmerising projection of light installations onto Canberra’s iconic buildings and public spaces including Parliament House, The National Portrait Gallery, The National Library of Australia, The National Gallery of Australia and many more.
Get ready for the city to be seriously beautiful and seriously all lit up!
Symphony in the Park - 10 March 2024
This year, the legendary Hoodoo Gurus will headline Symphony in the Park with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra.
Join the fun on Sunday 10th March to rock out with this ground-breaking Aussie band who first began playing live shows in pubs and clubs in the early 80s.
Canberra Balloon Spectacular: 9 - 17 March
For the early-birds out there, don’t miss the Canberra Balloon Spectacular lifting off on 9th March.  Over nine days from 9-17 March, spectators can marvel at hot air balloons floating across the city as the Canberra skyline turns into a sea of colour and movement.
Balloons will inflate from 6.00am and launch around 6.30am each morning from Patrick White Lawns, weather permitting. For those who have braved the dawn start there’s a hot breakfast to enjoy as the balloons lift off and drift across the dawn sky. Be sure to check out the balloons throughout the morning with great views around the lake and from the Arboretum.
If you want to experience a balloon ride for yourself, click here.
Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run: Monday 11 March
On Monday 11th March, you can support Canberra Day and take part in the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run. Afterwards, they’ll be entertainment in Commonwealth Park from 10am – 5pm. Enjoy live music, family activities and the Food & Makers market full of delicious cuisines and locally made products. Mingle with the locals as the celebration of being part of the Canberra community gets into full swing! Best of all, all profits from this event will support local charities through Hands Across Canberra.
Canberra After Dark
From outdoor fire shows to a lakeside moon walk, there’s an array of exciting and new experiences to get involved in as part of the Canberra After Dark events.
If you want a blast from the past, dig out the leg warmers, shoulder pads and neon spandex and join The People’s House: Back to the 80’s! Taking place at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, it’s a free, interactive event for all ages.
If you’d prefer a more peaceful evening, why not hire bikes, rise around the lake and memorize over the lights from two wheels. Bikes can be hired from the front of the Crowne Plaza Canberra.
There's so much to see and do in Canberra this March. Crowne Plaza Canberra’s location in the heart of Canberra’s CBD means you will be within easy walking distance to the city's major shopping mall, the Canberra Centre, along with restaurants, bars and entertainment. Local attractions are just a few minutes drive away. The hotel offers a secure car park on site, making travel even easier. Plus refuel and recharge your mornings with a full breakfast buffet in Redsalt Restaurant, served between 06:15am - 9:45am weekdays & 6:30am - 10:00am each weekend.
