Canberra in March 2026: Enlighten Festival by Night or Balloon Spectacular at Sunrise

March in Canberra is arguably the city’s most magical month. As the autumn air turns crisp, the capital transforms with unmissable events.

The Canberra Enlighten Festival and the Balloon Spectacular both run during the month, creating a double feature of experiences that make a visit to the city at this time unforgettable.

From staying up late for architectural projections to waking up before dawn for the balloons, here is your insider guide on how to plan the perfect March trip to the capital.

Enlighten Festival 2026 – Your Night Guide (27 Feb – 9 Mar)

What it is: Canberra’s cultural icons in the National Triangle light up with large-scale projections, live entertainment and a central Festival Hub with food and bars. Enlighten Canberra 2026 dates are Friday 27 February to Monday 9 March. 

When to go: The Illuminations run nightly 8:00pm – 11:00pm, looping continuously so you can wander at your own pace.

Where to start: Begin around Old Parliament House and work towards the lake. The façades of Parliament House, the National Portrait Gallery and Questacon are regular centrepieces.

Where to refuel: The Festival Hub (between Questacon and the National Portrait Gallery) is open 5:00pm – 11:00pm with the Food Park, bars and a nightly stage, ideal for grazing between projection stops. Check the Hub page for the latest vendor line-up and map. 

How to do one great night

• Go a touch early from around 7:00pm to eat at the Hub, then roll straight into the 8pm switch-on. 
• Walk, don’t drive if you can. You’ll see more and avoid peak parking pinch points.
• Dress in layers; March evenings are mild, but you’ll be outdoors for a couple of hours.

If you are visiting for the final weekend of the Enlighten Festival, stay for Canberra Day on Monday, 9 March. This local public holiday serves as the festival’s grand finale. Canberra Day events kick off in Commonwealth Park with the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run, followed by a full day of free family entertainment, live music, and community stalls.

Since it is the last night of the Enlighten Illuminations, expect the National Triangle to be at its liveliest as locals celebrate the city’s official naming.

Canberra Balloon Spectacular 2026 – Your Sunrise Guide (14 – 22 Mar)

What it is: For nine mornings, dozens of hot-air balloons inflate at dawn and float across the capital and make for a spectacular site that’s free to watch. In 2026 the event runs 14 – 22 March, with the launch site at John Dunmore Lang Place beside the lake and national institutions. 

Timing & weather calls: On flyable days, set your alarm early. Inflations begin from around 6:00am with many balloons airborne shortly after, with the exact timing dependant on weather conditions. Daily “go/no-go” updates are posted around 6:00am on the event site and Events ACT channels, so always check before heading out. 

On the ground: Expect coffee carts and hot food options by the lawns, perfect for enjoying breakfast while you watch burners fire and balloons rise. Bring warm layers as March mornings can be crisp.

If you want to fly: Book well ahead with local operators, as flights during Balloon Spectacular week sell out early. Typical flights last 45 – 60 minutes with the full experience taking 3 to 4 hours total including set-up and pack-down.

How to do one great morning

• Arrive by 6:00am to see inflations start and to secure a good vantage near the launch field. 
• Have a Plan B. If winds are unfavourable, tethered displays or ground-only inflations may occur. Sunrise over the lake is still worth it.
• Public transport / rideshare make the early start easier than parking hunts.

If you are planning your visit for the opening weekend, on 14 March the magic continues long after the balloons have landed, as Skyfire, Canberra’s biggest fireworks event of the year, returns to light up the night sky. This massive pyrotechnic display over Lake Burley Griffin starts at 8.30pm . It’s the perfect way to cap off your first day.

Which one should I pick?

• Want a relaxed, social evening with food trucks, bars and light art? Choose Enlighten and plan a single night of projections and the Festival Hub. 
• Crave a unique, only-in-Canberra spectacle? Choose the Balloon Spectacular for a magical dawn as balloons drift over the lake.

Where to stay

Ovolo Canberra in NewActonis handy for either plan. Stroll across Commonwealth Avenue Bridge to the National Triangle for Enlighten nights, and you’re a short, scenic walk or ride to John Dunmore Lang Place for balloon mornings. Ideal when you’d rather spend time under lights or balloons than hunting for parking.