From Friday 4 March, Canberrans are once again invited to ‘See Canberra in a Different Light’ as the 2016 Enlighten festival kicks off . This year, the festival runs for nine day and, as always, there are so many fun activities for the whole family to enjoy that it’s hard to know which to choose!
To make it easier, here are the top five events that I definitely won’t be missing:
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Lights! Canberra! Action!
11 March 2016, 8:00pm
Senate Rose Gardens
This event gives Canberra’s filmmakers ten days to shoot, edit and produce a seven-minute film. The top twelve are chosen to be screened on one night at the Lights! Canberra! Action! film festival.
This year marks the 13th anniversary of the festival and the theme is ‘Chance’. On Friday 11 March, pack a picnic and head to the Senate Rose Gardens at the Museum of Australian Democracy to see how some of Canberra’s best filmmakers have interpreted this year’s theme.
Sunset on the Roof
5 March 2016, 6:00pm
Parliament House
If (like me) you find the green lawns of Parliament House oddly appealing, Sunset on the Roof is the place to be. During Enlighten, Parliament House will be opening up it’s grassy roof for 200 lucky visitors to sit and enjoy snacks, drinks and music while the sun goes down over Lake Burley Griffin.
The event will be held on Saturday 5 March and tickets are available from Ticketek.
Augie March
5 March 2016, 9:30pm
Electric Garden
Just last week I was talking to a good friend about how One Crowded Hour by Augie March is possibly the most romantic song ever. It turns out that they are coming to Canberra for Enlighten! On Saturday 5 March, Augie March will be playing at the Electric Garden from 9:30pm, so make sure you head over to this free event to support some great Australian musical talent.
Autumn Glory Tour
4, 5, 11 & 12 March 2016, 6:00pm & 6:30pm
Parliament House
The courtyard gardens of Parliament House truly come alive with colour in Autumn. This tour is a unique opportunity to see areas and hidden gardens not usually open to the public. The tour is running on both Enlighten weekends at 6.00pm and 6:30pm. Tickets are available from Ticketek.
Night Noodle Markets
4-13 March 2016, 5:00pm
Reconciliation Place
Of course, my favourite part of Enlighten has to be the Night Noodle Markets. From 5.00pm every night make your way to Reconciliation Place to enjoy some of the delicious Asian food on offer. I highly recommend ‘Thai in a Box’ and ‘Everybody loves Ramen’ but, to be honest, you can’t go wrong with any of the stalls. They are all amazing!
