Illuminated dinosaurs to DJ workshops: Enlighten Festival transforms the City Centre

Civic Square will again be transformed into a prehistoric playground with giant illuminated beasts and roving interactive dinosaur puppet-based performances as part of this year’s free Enlighten programming in the City Centre.

Be amazed by Before Us – a free, family-friendly, and immersive outdoor exhibition which tells the story of the biological big bang of earth, open daily from 1 to 11 March, 5pm – 11pm.

On Saturday, March 2nd, Garema Place’s Saraton Lane will host Future AV, a groundbreaking music, art, and community networking event. Throughout the day, attendees can participate in educational DJing and music production workshops, enjoy performances by emerging Canberra artists, and experience mesmerising projections alongside captivating roving and fire displays. Popular city nightclub, One22, will also hold an official afterparty.

City Renewal Authority Deputy Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Ramsay welcomed Canberrans of all ages to experience the fun of Enlighten in the City Centre.

“By offering free entertainment and activities, we’re encouraging people to eat, drink and enjoy a night out which in-turn provides social and economic benefits to the City Centre. The Before Us illuminations were extremely popular last year, and we’re delighted to bring themback for Canberrans to enjoy,” Ms Ramsay said.

Visitors to the city illuminations can also experience the Canberra Museum and Gallery after dark, with extended opening hours, live music, and hands-on art workshops on Friday 1 and 8 March 2024.

“Artist Lucy Irvine has taken a collaborative approach to creating a sculpture that will connect Civic Square with the Materiality exhibition in CMAG’s main gallery. The Civic Systems workshops allow attendees to become part of the artistic process,” Anna Wong, Director of the Canberra Museum and Gallery said.

The fun continues in the Canberra Centre where families can launch into a cosmic adventure through series of giant inflatable installations called ‘It’s Not Rocket Science’.

A free shuttle bus will operate to connect the City Centre and the Enlighten Illuminations Festival Hub in the National Triangle.

The City Renewal Authority is collaborating with Events ACT to expand the Enlighten Festival to the City Centre.

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