Must-See Events in Canberra for 2025

See everything from supped-up streetcars to the finals of the National Burnout Master for the year at Summernats (2-5 January), a unique celebration of the modified car community. As evening falls, watch the hot rods roll along Braddon’s vibrant streets.

The action continues at Manuka Oval with the CommBank Women’s Ashes T20 International as Australia play England (23 January).

Get up close to the world's rarest motorsport vehicles at the Canberra Festival of Speed (25-26 January). Enjoy an immersive AV experience, along with exhibitors, music, and a European food village.

Explore the lives and artistic legacies of important female artists and innovators in the Australian art world at the National Gallery of Australia's Ethel Carrick  and Anne Dangar retrospectives (until 27 April 2025).

Taste food from around the globe at the National Multicultural Festival (7-9 February) which brings together more than 170 unique nationalities. Beloved by locals for the food stalls, the festival stages will be filled with cultural performances so you can enjoy dinner and a show.

Experience the magic of the Royal Canberra Show (21-23 February) with over 150 captivating attractions, award-winning animals, and competitions galore.

Experience the oldest city marathon in Australia at The Canberra Times Marathon Festival (13 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, head to the National Folk Festival (17-21 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.

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 paddock-to-plate experience or join a truffle hunt at one of the newest jewels in Canberra’s culinary experience crown, Beltana Farm.

The British and Irish Lions will take on the ACT Brumbies at GIO Stadium (9 July). Don't miss this match as the team’s next tour to Australia won't be for another twelve years.

See the moments of contact and exchange between groundbreaking European artists and their Australian counterparts at Cézanne to Giacometti: Highlights from Museum Berggruen / Neue Nationalgalerie at the National Gallery (31 May - 21 September). This exhibition marks the first time works from this internationally significant collection will be seen in Australia.

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.

Join in on all the fun  at the SpringOUT festival (1-30 November) when the streets of Canberra will fill with pride flags, love, and joy, in celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Challenge yourself on the wide-open trails of the Stromlo Running Festival (15-16 November). Soak in the views of Canberra and the Brindabella Ranges as you compete. Various race lengths are on offer from a 2.5-kilometre kids cross country course up to a 42.2-kilometre marathon. 

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.

Or cheer on Australia's best batters and bowlers during the summer of cricket at Manuka Oval in Canberra.