Enlighten Festival Finale and Canberra Day Celebrations Today

Celebrate Canberra Day with a Jam-Packed Schedule

Today, Monday, 9 March 2026, marks Canberra Day, a public holiday celebrating the official founding and unique character of our nation’s capital. The city is buzzing with activity as several major festivals reach their peak, offering a diverse range of entertainment from morning fun runs to spectacular evening light shows.

Morning Community Spirit at Lennox Gardens

Start your day with the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run at Lennox Gardens in Yarralumla. While registrations for the official race often sell out early, the community atmosphere is open to all. Following the run, the park transforms into a festival hub featuring:

• Live music and entertainment on the main stage.
• A variety of local food vendors including the Lions Club BBQ and gourmet bagels.
• Family-friendly activities such as face painting and a meet-and-greet with local team mascots.
• Stalls raising funds for local charities through the Hands Across Canberra appeal.

The Grand Finale of Enlighten Festival

Tonight is your last chance to experience the 2026 Enlighten Festival. As the sun sets, the National Triangle will be bathed in color for the final evening of architectural projections. Key highlights for this evening include:

• Enlighten Illuminations: Stunning artistic displays projected onto the facades of Parliament House, the National Library, and the National Gallery from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
• The Festival Hub: Located between Questacon and the National Portrait Gallery, the hub offers live music, interactive art installations, and a wide array of international street food from 5:00 pm until late.

Theater and Culture

For those seeking a more traditional cultural experience, the Canberra Theatre Centre is hosting the acclaimed musical My Brilliant Career. This modern reimagining of Miles Franklin’s classic novel features a powerhouse score and is a standout of the autumn arts season. Additionally, the National Capital Exhibition at Regatta Point is open today, showcasing the 'Canberra: A Monumental Vision' exhibition, which explores the early design concepts and historical evolution of the city.

Cinematic Delights

The Alliance Française French Film Festival continues its run at Palace Electric Cinema. Today’s schedule features a curated selection of contemporary French cinema, ranging from psychological thrillers to romantic comedies, providing a perfect indoor alternative for film lovers looking to celebrate the long weekend in style.