Returning for its seventh year, the 10-day, after dark event will feature giant installations from international and national artists, roving performers, live music, and the Night Noodle Markets.

"It's quite an immersive program, there's opportunities to literally be part of the program, and the roving entertainment is quite ethereal," said Enlighten creative director Nicole Warren.

The external facades of six iconic buildings in the parliamentary triangle will again be illuminated, with projections by The Electric Canvas. This year's Portrait Gallery projection includes a photobooth where members of the public can put themselves into the artwork.

"The Electric Canvas are incredible at what they do. They've been working with the collections of the national institutions as well as working with some of the themes that are starting to come out across Enlighten which is flight, freedom and feathers," Warren said.

ACT chief minister Andrew Barr said the Enlighten festival has cemented its place as one of the most significant events in Canberra.

"Last year we welcomed almost 300,000 visitors to Enlighten, and I'm confident that the event will continue to grow, both in the depth of its offering, the quality of its offering, but also the number of people it attracts," he said.

"This will in time see Enlighten easily surpass Floriade as Canberra's most significant cultural event, our most significant tourism event."

Most of the Enlighten program is free, but ticketed events include the popular Sunset on the Roof drinks on top of Parliament House, a gin master class at Questacon, a twilight tour of the National Zoo and Aquarium, and exhibitions including the National Gallery's Versailles: Treasures From The Palace will open after dark for special events.

For the full program and tickets see enlightencanberra.com.au.