Must-See Events in Canberra for 2026
Updated 27 Nov 2025
What's on in Canberra
The city is putting on a show with a line-up of unforgettable events, blockbuster exhibitions, festivals, weekend markets, and sport matches all year long.
Iconic favourites return, including Enlighten Festival and Canberra Balloon Spectacular in autumn, truffle celebrations in winter, Floriade in spring, and the Summernats car festival in summer. These signature events, along with live music, thrilling sports and celebrations, promise something for everyone in 2026.
Canberra. The'res more than they're telling us.
JANUARY
See everything from souped-up streetcars to the finals of the National Burnout Master for the year at Street Machine Summernats 38 (8-11 January), a unique celebration of the modified car community.
Get up close to the world's rarest motorsport vehicles at the Canberra Festival of Speed (31 January-1 February). Enjoy an immersive AV experience, along with exhibitors, music, and a European food village.
FEBRUARY
Taste food from around the globe at the National Multicultural Festival (6-8 February) which brings together more than 170 unique cultures. Beloved by locals for the food stalls, the festival stages will be filled with cultural performances so you can enjoy entertainment and a show.
Experience the magic of the Royal Canberra Show (20-22 February) with over 150 captivating attractions, award-winning animals, and competitions galore.
MARCH
Canberra’s iconic galleries and museums will host an array of events during the day and become artworks at night during Enlighten Illuminations (27 February-9 March). Feast on tasty treats, and enjoy live music and exclusive experiences as you explore the National Triangle, transformed by thought-provoking architectural projections and artistic installations.
Make your way to Commonwealth Park for free entertainment at Symphony in the Park (8 March) featuring Mark Seymour from Hunters & Collectors and the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. Or wake up to surreal scenes as dozens of hot air balloons float across the capital each morning during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular (14-22 March). Grab breakfast from a local food truck or take to the lake to watch the balloons inflate and float into the sky.
Head to the Canberra Craft Beer and Cider Festival (21 March) to learn about Australia's incredible craft beer evolution and taste the brews for yourself.
Meet the makers at over 250 stalls within the Handmade Canberra Market (21-22 March) at Exhibition Park in Canberra to grab the next gift on the wish list for yourself or someone special.
APRIL & MAY
Experience the oldest city marathon in Australia at The Canberra Times Marathon Festival (12 April). This prestigious event offers five different distances that each incorporate amazing sites in the capital.
For four days of music, folk dance, and community, participate in the National Folk Festival (2-6 April). With multiple stages, workshops, dance spaces, markets, food stalls, and even on-site camping, this festival has your long weekend sorted. Be warned though, the saying goes that once you’ve gone to the festival just once, you’ll want to come back year after year.
Spend your Anzac Day paying your respects to those who have served, at the Australian War Memorial's Anzac Day Dawn Service (25 April) or by attending a daily Last Post Ceremony.
JUNE, JULY, & AUGUST
Winter in Canberra does not mean hibernation for most, with a wide array of things to do across the cooler months. Sample the delights of the Canberra region’s truffle growers from June through August. The prized black Perigord truffle is on the menu at restaurants, cafes, and wineries across the capital thanks to the region’s cool climate growing conditions. Enjoy a truffle hunt at The Truffle Farm or an overnight stay and paddock-to-plate experience at Beltana Farm.
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER
Australia’s biggest celebration of spring, Floriade (12 September-11 October), returns to Commonwealth Park. Featuring more than one million blooms, this annual flower festival is also renowned for its marketplace, food stalls, live music, and workshops.
Celebrate peace, goodwill, and the sister city relationship between Canberra and Nara at the Canberra Nara Candle Festival (October date TBC). This popular festival features thousands of shimmering candles, delicious street food, and cultural performances.
NOVEMBER
Commemorate Remembrance Day (11 November) at the Australian War Memorial by paying your respects during the National Ceremony or placing a poppy on the Roll of Honour.
DECEMBER
Canberra is not only known for its attractions and year-round events but also for its quality drinking destinations that offer mesmerising views of the city. Make sure to check out this list of the best views of the city, while enjoying a drink or two.
Few things say ‘summertime tradition’ more than an outdoor movie. Bask in balmy weather at Sunset Cinema (November - February) nestled in the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Set amongst iconic scenery, make sure to gather your friends, family, drinks, and snacks to make a night of it.
Year-Round Events
Be sure to check out the performance calendar at the Canberra Theatre Centre, The Street Theatre, and music venues around Canberra. Cheer on your favourite players as the Canberra Raiders, Brumbies, GWS Giants, Canberra United and more play home games in the capital. Explore the bustling markets and foodie festivals, including farmers markets and specialty food and wine festivals, all while soaking in Canberra’s unique blend of culture, food, and community.
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