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.
canberraballoonspectacular.com
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.
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 celebration of spring, transforms Canberra’s Commonwealth Park into a tapestry of colour every year.
Over a million colourful bulbs and annuals bloom on cue, creating a vibrant display unrivalled by any other event of its kind.
Enjoy lively entertainment, children’s activities, food, craft and 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.