March is one of the best months to be in Canberra. From food events, Canberra Balloon Spectacular, Canberra Night Noodle Markets and Enlighten Festival. There’s always so much to do in Canberra and the region, especially in March. Enlighten Festival is back for its 12th year, starting from 4th March until 20th March 2022 with a program packed with events and entertainment.
You have 17 days to get out and make the most of the many things on offer. With so many options, we’ve put together a list of what’s on the top of our ’must do’ list during Enlighten Festival 2022.
The Forage
After a 2 year hiatus, thanks to COVID-19, The Forage is back! More than 25 local and regional businesses will be offering a range of delicious food and drinks at the popular food festival from 11-14 March. You’ll be able to support local businesses while being surrounded by the spectacular light displays across the National Attractions. No tickets are required and the event will be held at the National Triangle from 5-11pm over the Canberra long weekend.
Secret Gin Garden
Underground Spirits have joined forces with Pialligo Estate to give you an opportunity to enter their private garden party and enjoy a gin board with three Underground Spirits gin tastings, paired with canapés designed by Pialligo Estate’s Executive Chef, Mark Glenn. You’ll also have the opportunity to be one of the first to try Pialligo Estate’s ”The Estate Gardeners Gin,” created by Underground Spirits using organic ingredients hand picked from Pialligo’s farm.
Enter the secret courtyard through the back door that will be left ajar at Old Parliament House and kick back and relax in the private garden while sipping on gin, wine or beer. Oysters and charcuterie boards are available, featuring delicious products from the Estate. Tickets are $30 each and a range of times and dates are available. Visit the website to find out more.
Tico the sloth at Canberra Balloon Spectacular
The sky comes to life in Canberra when over 25 balloons from across Australia drift across the sky creating a sight that needs to be seen in person. We’re super excited to see Tico the sloth joining the line-up of balloons at Canberra Balloon Spectacular in 2022. The balloons are scheduled to fly daily (weather permitting), from 12-20 March and they take off from Patrick White Lawns. Balloon inflation begins at 6:15am so get up early to be there for the full experience. You can check out the balloons from heaps of different locations including The Arboretum and all around the lake.
Balloon Breakfast at QT Lounge
If you want to escape the crowds and enjoy the balloons in style then treat yourself to breakfast with a view at QT Canberra. You can view the balloons from the 15th floor at the QT Lounge while indulging in a glass of Champagne on arrival, followed by a roaming canapé style breakfast. The Balloon Breakfast will be held on Saturday 12 March from 7am until 9am and tickets are $55 per adult + booking fee. Visit the QT Canberra website to find out more and get your tickets.
Van Gogh Alive – The Experience
Van Gogh’s work has been displayed and viewed worldwide for over a century, but never like this. This is no ordinary art exhibition, you won’t have to tip toe through a silent gallery and view pantings in quiet contemplation from afar. You will be able to interact with the art as you’re surrounded by vibrant colours, light, sound and fragrances. The exhibition has been described as an unforgettable immersive multi-sensory experience and it’s an art event you don’t want to miss out on.
Van Gogh Alive will be housed in the Grand Pavillion, a specially designed and constructed 25,000 square foot immersive gallery. The 45-minute sessions are available from 5th March and it’s suitable for all ages. Visit the website to find out more.
Canberra Night Noodle Markets
The Canberra Night Noodle Markets are back until 6th March with a selection of delicious eats and drinks available. If you visit from 4-6 March you will be able to soak up the illuminations after or before your Night Noodle Market feast. Our tips are to go early, go hungry and go with a group of hungry food lovers so you can order heaps of food to share and try a bit of everything. Some of our favourite things we’ve eaten this year are the donuts from Demochi Donuts, Milo Fry Club from Gelato Messina, M’s Mighty satay wagyu Pucks from Mr Miyagi, chilli Korean fried chicken from KorBQ and the crispy calamari with tom yum from Calabang. Find out more about the 2022 Canberra Night Noodle Markets.
Tickets for some other events that were on our list have already sold out so be quick if you want to attend any of the ticketed events at Enlighten Festival.
Visit the Enlighten Festival website to see the full program.
Amelia Bidgood
Amelia is the Founder and Editor of Eat Canberra and the Founder and Managing Director of Eat Canberra Food Tours. She's a qualified journalist, presenter, freelance writer and also runs a boutique communications agency working with small business owners on all things social media, content creation and marketing. She's taught cheesemaking classes, judged hospitality and tourism awards, completed the WSET Level 1 Award In Wines, loves to cook and has travelled to 23 countries. She's also passionate about mental health and has recently started studying to become a Counsellor.