Canberra’s most anticipated festival of lights, art, food, and entertainment is returning in 2025! The Enlighten Festival will illuminate the nation’s capital from 28 February to 10 March 2025, transforming the city into a vibrant celebration of creativity and culture. Immerse yourself in dazzling illuminations, live music, interactive experiences, and gourmet delights-all within easy reach.

What’s On at Enlighten Festival 2025?

Illuminations and Light Installations

Every evening, the city’s most famous landmarks will be bathed in breathtaking light projections, creating a visual feast that transforms the urban landscape into a giant outdoor gallery. Parliament House, the National Library of Australia, and the National Gallery of Australia will be among the key sites hosting these stunning illuminations. Wander through the city’s glowing streets, where interactive light displays and art installations will add a playful touch to the experience.

Live Music and Entertainment: Symphony in the Park and More

Music lovers are in for a treat with various live performances, including the highly anticipated Symphony in the Park on 9 March. This spectacular evening will see the Canberra Symphony Orchestra deliver a spellbinding performance, blending classical compositions with modern hits in an unforgettable open-air setting. Throughout the festival, street performers, dance troupes, and pop-up concerts will keep the atmosphere lively, ensuring there’s always something to see and enjoy.

Festival Hub, Food Market and More

Come and experience the heart of the Enlighten Festival at the Festival Hub, open from 5 pm to 11 pm each night. This lively space is perfect for meeting, gathering, and immersing yourself in the festival atmosphere. With captivating installations, the buzzing Food Park, Bar Berra, and BentSpoke Beer Garden, there’s always something exciting happening. 

Indulge in a delicious range of regional and international flavours at the Enlighten Food Park (open 5-11 pm each night), from gourmet street food to mouth-watering desserts, ensuring a treat for every taste. For the perfect drink to match, head to Bar Berra or the BentSpoke Beer Garden, where expertly crafted beverages await, all while you soak in the vibrant festival energy.

Enlighten: The Night Shift

When the sun sets, Canberra’s museums and galleries open their doors for Enlighten: The Night Shift-a series of exclusive after-dark experiences. Step into a world of immersive performances, thought-provoking exhibits, and hands-on workshops. From guided night tours to themed interactive experiences, this is a rare opportunity to explore Canberra’s cultural institutions, including the National Archives of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery, in an entirely new light.

Enlighten Beyond 

Take the festival experience even further with Enlighten Beyond, which extends the magic beyond the festival’s main precinct. Discover pop-up events, special performances, and unique experiences across the city, showcasing the best of Canberra’s arts and culture scene.

Insider Tips for Festival-Goers

• Best Times to Visit: Arrive early to secure the best spots for viewing the light projections and performances.
• Must-See Attractions: The Canberra Balloon Spectacular (following the festival from 15-23 March) offers breathtaking sunrise views of hot air balloons over Lake Burley Griffin.
• Getting Around: Crowne Plaza Canberra’s central location means most festival attractions are within walking distance. For further exploration, bike rentals are available at the hotel.

Crowne Plaza – The Perfect Festival Stay

Crowne Plaza Canberra offers the perfect base for experiencing the Enlighten Festival 2025. Nestled in the heart of Canberra’s CBD, the hotel is just a short stroll from key festival locations, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the event without the hassle of transport. Secure on-site parking makes getting around the city effortless, and special stay-and-dine packages make the experience even more enjoyable. 

Don’t miss out on Enlighten Festival 2025, the ultimate festival experience in Canberra. Book your stay at Crowne Plaza Canberra today for a front-row experience!

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Enlighten Festival

Enjoy the magnificent displays of the Enlighten Festival from Friday 1 March until Sunday 17 March, incorporating several spectacular events.

Enlighten Illuminations 1-11 March

See Canberra in a different light this March as six of its most iconic buildings are lit up after dark with moving large scale projections. While you are wandering around Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle, enjoy entertainment including roving artists, live bands, unique performances and a vast array of food on offer at the Canberra Night Noodle Markets.

Canberra Night Noodle Markets 1-10 March

Immerse yourself in a foodie paradise of authentic Asian dishes, bespoke desserts and refreshing drinks at Reconciliation Place alongside Lake Burley Griffin.  

Canberra Balloon Spectacular 9-17 March

Set your alarm a bit earlier this autumn to enjoy the graceful and spectacular sight of more than 30 hot air balloons rising during Canberra’s beautiful sunrise.

The annual Balloon Spectacular is a highlight on Canberra’s autumn event calendar and is regarded as one of the world’s best hot air balloon events. The sight of the balloons rising into the early morning sky creates a spectacular backdrop to Canberra’s iconic attractions.

This event is weather dependent, so please check for updates on social media or by calling Access Canberra on 13 22 81 from 6.15am.

Symphony in the Park 10 March

Bring a picnic and enjoy an incredible free outdoor musical experience as the sun sets over Stage 88 at Commonwealth Park.

Hit 104.7 Skyfire 16 March

2019 is the 31^st year of Skyfire – a popular event on Canberra’s annual calendar. Watch as Lake Burley Griffin is illuminated with spectacular fireworks along to a soundtrack broadcast on HIT 104.7. Take your friends and family, along with a picnic dinner, and enjoy the fun festival atmosphere of this event.

Canberra Comedy Festival 18-24 March

If you are after a night of belly laughter, the 7th Canberra Comedy Festival offers a jam-packed program of shows from Australian and international comedians. The line-up includes shows from Jimeoin, Dave Hughes, Ronny Chieng, Nazeem Hussain, John Safran, Charlie Pickering and more. There’s even a comedy show for kids by Matty Grey. Various venues. Check the website for details and to book your tickets.

Love & Desire: Pre-Raphaelite Masterpieces from the Tate

Love & Desire: Pre-Raphaelite Masterpieces from the Tate continues to run throughout March until 28 April, exclusive to the National Gallery of Australia. Click here to find out about our accommodation package, which includes two exhibition tickets.

Crowne Plaza Canberra – the perfect base for your stay in Australia’s capital

Make the most of your time in Canberra with our City Escapes package. Book now and enjoy accommodation, breakfast for two at Redsalt Restaurant, car parking, and late check-out on a Sunday.

Or for that relaxing weekend getaway, book our Weekend Special package which includes accommodation, buffet breakfast for two at Redsalt and late checkout on Sundays.

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