The National Library of Australia building at dusk, lit up with colourful projections.

Bring your family and friends along for a memorable evening at the National Library, in the heart of the Enlighten festival!

Our Enlighten community picnic is back in 2024. Once again, we're extending our opening hours on the Friday and Saturday evenings between 1 and 11 March with free activities for all ages running on our Podium and in our Foyer.

Outside our front door, the Library will be transformed into a lawn where you can play giant chess, learn to hula hoop, have a game of mini golf or get your face painted.

Bring your own picnic or purchase a bite to eat from one of the food stalls (including gelato, glow fairy floss, gozleme, crepes and rosti), then sit back and relax in one of our lawn picnic spots as you watch the projections.

Inside our Foyer there will be storybook readings from local authors, as well as tabletop games, colouring-in activities and a community collage project to take part in.

Local author readings include:

Before you leave, pop into our Bookshop and pick up a new book or souvenir to remind you of your time at Enlighten 2024.

Type Special event