Enlighten Festival is back and thriving! Showcasing creative designs, talented minds, diverse street eats and illuminations around the capital over 17 days, it’s one of Canberra’s biggest and most celebrated events. Want to make the most of the festival but don’t know where to start? How about our guide to five events you won’t want to miss?
Street Food Live – 3-13 March
Australia’s largest street food festival, Street Food Live, is the newest foodie addition to this year’s festival. Showcasing diverse, distinctive and exciting flavours, indulge in gourmet food trucks, global food stalls, artisan desserts and hand-crafted beverages. Vendors include Gods of Greek, Phat Boys Kebabs and Thicc Cookies. Taking over West Lawn Parkes Place, digital street art, eclectic tunes and creative installations will also add to the vibrant street food vibe. Find out more.
It’s Not Rocket Science – 3-19 March
This year during Enlighten, Canberra Centre is hosting a galaxy-first, space-themed activation that will see 11 giant inflatable characters take over the centre. Ranging from 1.5 to an enormous 6.5 meters tall, these playful, colourful characters are artistic takes on intergalactic subjects like rockets, UFOs, space observatories, satellite dishes and moon rocks.
To help visitors discover the characters, Canberra Centre has a digital trail map which includes a briefing from a real-life Australian astronaut and physicist and a play astronaut helmet. One lucky explorer will also win a special space pack worth $500.
A Space Station pop-up is also running alongside the activation, hosting a range of intergalactic workshops and interactive pods. Book now.
Before Us: A Night Walk Through Time – 3-13 March
As part of Enlighten Illuminations, Civic Square and City Walk are hosting illuminated prehistoric creatures after-dark. Before Us: A Night Walk Through Times sees life-sized puppets including a t-rex and prehistoric emu roving the city each night from 6:30-9:30pm. Find out more.
Pure ImaGINation – 4, 10 & 11 March
Explore the science of gin at Questacon’s Pure ImaGINation after-dark event. Experience a selection of fine gins while the botanical aficionados dig deep to explore the science of the juniper-based spirit and answer all your science questions. Book now.
Canberra Balloon Spectacular – 11-19 March
Canberra Balloon Spectacular is taking off this March, bright and early! Floating across the city for nine days, marvel at the beautifully coloured and shaped balloons as they float over the lake from Patrick White Lawns at 6:15am. Opening the event will be a special Pride Flight where balloons will fly with LGTBIQA+ flags. Find out more!
