Enlighten Illuminations and Super Sunday Markets Spark Canberra Today

Autumn Vibrance in the Capital

Welcome to Sunday, 1 March 2026. As the autumn air begins to crisp, Canberra is coming alive with the first major weekend of the festival season. Today offers a diverse mix of outdoor art, community spirit, and local treasures, anchored by the return of the city's most spectacular light displays. Whether you are looking to browse the stalls at a lakeside market or witness the National Triangle transformed by light, there is plenty to see and do across the capital today.

The Enlighten Festival Begins

The headline event for today is the ongoing Enlighten Festival, which has officially begun its eleven-day run. This evening, the National Triangle will be transformed into an after-dark playground. The iconic facades of Australian Parliament House, the National Library of Australia, and Questacon will serve as canvases for massive architectural projections starting from 8:00 pm. For those heading out earlier, the Enlighten Food Park at the Festival Hub opens at 5:00 pm, offering a wide array of international street food and live entertainment. Keep an eye out for 'Amorphia,' a trio of glowing, larger-than-life puppets performing pop-up sets between Questacon and the National Library at 7:00 pm, 8:10 pm, and 9:20 pm.

Markets and Local Wares

Sundays in Canberra are synonymous with markets, and today features two distinct options for shoppers:

• Super Sunday at Old Bus Depot Markets: Located in Kingston, the award-winning markets are hosting a 'Super Sunday' event from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. This is the ultimate day for variety, featuring a mix of fashion, handcrafted jewelry, and local pantry staples under one roof.
• Hartley Hall Markets: For those preferring a more rural atmosphere, the Hartley Hall Markets are running at the Hall Showgrounds from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. It remains one of the region's most beloved community markets, perfect for finding fresh produce and unique crafts.

Community and Culture

If you prefer theater or community action, today offers several high-quality alternatives to the festival crowds:

• Shakespeare by the Lake: Catch a performance of 'The Taming of the Shrew' from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. These parkland performances offer a relaxed way to enjoy classic theater in a beautiful outdoor setting.
• Clean Up Australia Day and Repair Cafe: Join the local community at The Link in Strathnairn. Registrations for Clean Up Australia Day start at 9:30 am, followed by the first-Sunday-of-the-month Repair Cafe from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm, where you can learn to fix household items.
• Exhibition Highlights: The National Gallery of Australia is open today, featuring the major triennial exhibition 'After the Rain,' showcasing immersive projects by First Nations artists.