Neons and Noodles: Canberra’s Insta Worthy Event

From the 1^st to the 17^th of March, Canberra became a hub of activity with people buzzing from event to event as part of the Enlighten Festival. Since the event started in 2011, Enlighten has become a popular way for Canberrans to celebrate the beginning of Autumn. Enlighten has developed into an interactive and fun festival, focusing the visual appeal. It is one of Canberra’s most Instagram worthy events and this year was no different.

This years festival included an incredible array of events including the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, Symphony in the Park and the Hit 104.7 Skyfire.

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@hit1047canberra Skyfire will be lighting up Lake Burley Griffin this Saturday! Chow down at some of Canberra’s favourite food trucks, relax with a picnic and catch Samantha Jade performing as the sun disappears. 🤩🎉 For more info, visit the link in our bio!

A post shared by Enlighten Festival (@enlighten_canberra) on Mar 13, 2019 at 12:49am PDT

For 10 nights the Noodle Markets came alive, families and friends flocking to try the amazing mix of food and beverages. With 26 stalls to choose from food vendors included Hoy Pinoy, Mr Bao, What the Pho, Gelato Messina and Bangkok Street Food.

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enlighten Canberra 🤩 • • • • #canberra #photgraphy #enlightencanberra #nightnoodlemarkets #photo

A post shared by Ella Morrissey (@el.photography.travel) on Mar 14, 2019 at 2:08am PDT

There was also a BentSpoke Beer garden opposite the main stage, between Questacon, the Canberra Night Noodle Markets and Old Parliament House. Here, locals could tempt their taste buds and try award-winning beers, Grease Monkey burgers and Jacko’s pizza.

As the sun set, the Enlightened Illuminations lit up, causing a beautiful contrast with the setting sun. Children frolicked in the neon dog park, playing and posing with the luminous pooches while a line formed for the Instagram-able neon angel wings. 

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Happy wedding day @inkandbrush and @proud.mum3!!! You two are simply gorgeous inside and out and it was a privelage to share in your beautiful say today!🌻🌼🌷 ♡ Well done @nationalgalleryaus and @thebiggroupcanberra for putting on an incredible night! 🌻🌼🌷 ♡ ♡ ♡ #twobrides #summerlovinbrides #lovewins #rainbows #twohearts #canberrawedding #ngawedding #enlightenfestival #katiephillipsphotography #weddingphotographer #canberraweddingphotographer #enlightencanberra

A post shared by Katie Anne (@katiephillips_photography) on Mar 2, 2019 at 4:55am PST

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By far my favourite installation at Enlighten this year was the Neon Dog Park. Such a beautiful way to see the space. Loving this #poodle and the backdrop of a blue @oldparliamenthouse Artwork by @carlaobriencarla #enlightencanberra #neon #neonlights #poodle #dogpark #neondogpark #enlighten #pinkpoodle #oldparliamenthouse #canberralife #festival #dogsofinstagram #itsadogsworld #canon #longexposure #longexposure_shots

A post shared by Luke Broadhurst (@lbcbr) on Mar 17, 2019 at 2:03am PDT

The Jelly Fish Bloom from the Canberra Centre was also a popular attraction for Instagram moments. Among the lights, talent performed on the stage, artists wondered among the crowds and families posed for the perfect shot.

At 8pm Parliament House, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Library, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia and Questacon lit up. The projects all told a story; the Museum of Australian Democracy showing images of great women for International Women’s Day and promoting Behind the Lines, their latest exhibition. At each of these architectural illuminations peopled lined up to get the perfect picture.

Parliament House projected artwork from Australian artists while the National Portrait Gallery let the crowds interact by displaying pictures of them.

Every moment of Enlighten 2019 was an amazing, interactive experience for all who went. Hopefully, 2020 will be just as good.