Released 07/02/2022
The 2022 Enlighten Festival will feature 17 days of events and entertainment across Canberra from Friday 4 - Sunday 20 March.
The Festival is a celebration of Canberra’s culture and creativity. Whether it’s appreciating our iconic architecture during the Illuminations, rising early to see hot air balloons take to the skies, or enjoying the many community events, locals and visitors alike will be able to get outside and enjoy the festivities.
The Enlighten Festival brings together a variety of exciting events under the “@Enlighten Festival” banner including the Canberra Balloon Spectacular (12-20 March), Lights! Canberra! Action! (11 March), Symphony in the Park with acclaimed singer songwriter Lior (13 March), Canberra Day (14 March) and of course, the Enlighten Illuminations.
In an expanded Festival program this year, visitors will have a range of additional events and activities to explore and experience.
The program kicks off with Illuminations @Enlighten Festival which will see the National Attractions lit up in a display of light, sound and movement from 4-14 March. The projections will be presented on some of Canberra’s iconic buildings including Australian Parliament House, the National Library of Australia, the National Gallery of Australia, Questacon, the National Portrait Gallery and the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.
The Festival Hub located in the National Triangle will feature the return of the ever-popular BentSpoke Beer Garden @Enlighten Festival, offering a place to meet, gather, eat, enjoy live music from 4-14 March.
The Night Noodle Markets @Enlighten Festival will also return from 4-6 March, and for the first time The Forage @Enlighten Festival will offer an amazing array of food and drink options from 11-14 March.
The opening weekend also includes Canberra’s new urban street art event the Surface Festival @Enlighten Festival, while the Festival Hub will also be home to the Van Gogh Alive @Enlighten Festival, the most-visited multi-sensory experience in the world, which will run for the duration of the festival. Tickets will be sold separately.
This year the Enlighten Festival will expand across the lake to Civic Illuminations @Enlighten Festival with a world premiere of Ephemeral, a major illuminated installation of giant ‘bubbles’ centred in Civic Square. It will be complemented by an illuminated sculpture, Kin in Garema Place, and interactive Mini Beasts in multiple locations of the Canberra Centre, transforming Civic in the day and night with impressive lighting, sculptures and interactive experiences to engage all ages.
Local businesses and major attractions will also open their doors to host an array of exclusive after-dark events as part of the Canberra After Dark @Enlighten Festival program. Tickets will go on sale later this month.
On Monday March 14, Canberra Day @Enlighten Festival will bring Commonwealth Park to life with a showcase of local multicultural community activities with fabulous food, beverages and performers from around the globe.
If attending any of the Enlighten Festival activities and events, please abide by public health directions and stay home if you are unwell.
For more information and the full Enlighten Festival 2022 program visit www.enlightencanberra.com
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases