Snapshot
MAJOR EVENTS
National Multicultural Festival
February
Experience the world as Canberra’s multicultural communities showcase their cultures through food and performance.
Enlighten Festival
February–March
Showcasing the cultural gems of our nation’s capital through lighting projections, evening live performances, tours, talks and exhibitions.
Canberra Balloon Spectacular
March
See an array of hot air balloons launch daily at dawn to float over Canberra’s iconic national attractions and Lake Burley Griffin.
enlightencanberra.com/program/canberra-balloon-spectacular
Canberra Day
March
Enjoy events and activities celebrating Canberra, the city, the people and the culture.
enlightencanberra.com/program/canberra-day
Skyfire
March
Canberra lights up for the Skyfire fireworks display on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
nca.gov.au/events/skyfire-2024
National Folk Festival
March–April
Come and see a cultural celebration of traditional and contemporary music, dance, poetry and storytelling staged across the Easter break.
Canberra International Music Festival
May
Listen to international and Australian artists in venues such as embassies, national attractions and churches.
Winter In The City
June–July
Enjoy frosty fun in the heart of Canberra with an open-air ice-skating rink, enchanting activities and delightful winter festivities.
act.gov.au/cityrenewal/whats-on
Kanga Cup Youth Soccer Tournament
July
The Kanga Cup offers activities and entertainment for the whole family when teams from allover Australia compete in this prestigious event.
National Science Week
August
More than 100 events make for an extraordinary and rich week of hands-on experimentation, performance, talks and learning opportunities, science busking and fun for all ages.
Floriade
September–October
Floriade, Australia’s celebrationof spring, transforms Canberra’sCommonwealth Park into atapestry of colour every year.
Over a million colourful bulbs andannuals bloom on cue, creating avibrant display unrivalled by anyother event of its kind.
Enjoy lively entertainment,children’s activities, food, craftand much more.
Canberra Art Biennial
September–October
Canberra’s biennial public art festival.
Selected works of art and installations respond to Canberra’s history, from millennia ago to the present day.
Canberra Nara Candle Festival
October
Celebrating Canberra’s Sister City relationship with Nara in Japan. Canberra Nara Peace Park will be illuminated with 2,000 candles, and visitors can enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine, art, culture, performances, and activities for all ages.
Canberra Writers Festival
October
A vibrant springtime program of masterclasses, author talks, panel discussions, workshops, book launches and performances, set against the backdrop of some of Australia’s iconic national institutions.
canberrawritersfestival.com.au
Sunset Cinema
November–February
An outdoor cinema experience at the Australian National Botanic Gardens, screening a mix of new releases, all-time classics and family favourites.