Neon Nights and Festival Hues: What’s On in Canberra Today

Illuminating the Capital: Enlighten Festival Projections

The city continues to shine as the Enlighten Festival enters its middle week. Tonight, from 8:00 PM until 11:00 PM, the National Triangle transforms into a canvas of light and storytelling. Local and national artists have created intricate architectural projections that will dance across the facades of Canberra’s most iconic buildings. Key locations to visit include the Australian Parliament House, the National Library of Australia, and the National Gallery of Australia. Visitors are encouraged to wander the lakeside at their own pace to take in the vibrant displays, which include Philip Bunting’s piece at Parliament House and Grace Kemarre Robinya’s 'Soft Rain, Strong Country' at the National Gallery.

The Holi Colour Run at Kingston Foreshore

Celebrate the festival of colour with a high-energy community gathering at the Kingston Foreshore. Organized by Running for Resilience, the Holi Colour Run kicks off tonight at 6:00 PM starting from The Dock. Participants are encouraged to wear white clothing to best showcase the clouds of colored powder that will be distributed throughout the event. This 5km walk or run is a non-competitive, family-friendly celebration of joy and community spirit. It provides a unique way to enjoy the autumn twilight along the water while spreading a literal rainbow across the foreshore precinct.

Live Music: Bleak Squad at Canberra Theatre Centre

For fans of art-rock and moody, genre-defying performance, the art-rock outfit Bleak Squad takes the stage at the Canberra Theatre Centre tonight. Part of the venue's diverse 2026 season, this performance promises a blend of atmospheric soundscapes and striking visual elements. The show is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM, offering a perfect indoor alternative for those looking to experience Canberra's thriving contemporary music scene before heading out to see the Enlighten lights.

International Women’s Day and Helen Williams Oration

In the lead-up to International Women's Day, the National Arboretum hosts the 2026 Helen Williams Oration this morning. Starting at 8:30 AM, the event features Commissioner Krissy Barrett APM, who will speak on the theme of balancing the scales of justice and creating inclusive institutions. This public talk is a significant part of the city's community meetups this week, focusing on leadership and social progress. Following the oration, attendees can enjoy the panoramic views of the capital from the Village Centre.

Public Exhibitions and Gallery Highlights

Wednesday is an excellent day to beat the weekend crowds at Canberra’s major cultural institutions. Current highlights include:

• Hallyu! The Korean Wave

  Located at the National Museum of Australia, this blockbuster exhibition explores the global impact of South Korean culture, from K-pop and cinema to fashion and technology.

• Super Kaylene Whiskey

  The National Portrait Gallery is hosting this joyful solo exhibition, which blends pop culture icons with traditional Yankunytjatjara storytelling in a series of vibrant and humorous works.

• After the Rain

  The 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial at the National Gallery of Australia showcases immersive installations from First Nations artists, reflecting on themes of resilience and rebirth.