These top 16 festivals in Canberra offer experiences full of culture, music, art, and more!
I still remember my first year living in Canberra—it felt like I’d walk straight into a city that never ran out of reasons to celebrate.
So, I decided to do something different: spend a full year exploring Canberra through its festivals. What I discovered was a city that celebrates everything—cars, culture, food, art, wine, music, and science.
If you’ve ever wanted to experience the capital in its most colourful form, here’s my guide to the festivals that make Canberra pulse with life all year round.
1. Summernats
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Website: summernats.com.au
Summernats is Canberra’s loudest, most adrenaline-charged event. For four days every January, the Exhibition Park transforms into a haven for car lovers, showcasing custom builds, street machines, and the epic National Burnout Masters.
What I love most is how it merges raw power with artistry—each car is someone’s masterpiece. When the sun sets, Braddon’s streets light up as hot rods and muscle cars cruise by, creating an electric atmosphere.
| Pro tip: Arrive early on the first day to secure good viewing spots for the burnouts—they fill up fast! Bring ear protection if you’re sensitive to noise. |
2. National Multicultural Festival
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Website: multiculturalfestival.com.au
Canberra’s National Multicultural Festival is a three-day celebration of unity in diversity. With over 170 nationalities represented, it’s the best way to taste, see, and hear the world without leaving Civic.
Every corner hums with music and sizzling aromas—from Greek souvlaki to Sri Lankan hoppers. What struck me most wasn’t just the food, but the warmth and pride of the communities sharing their culture. It’s joyful, vibrant, and completely free.
| Pro tip: Visit at lunchtime on Saturday when the international food stalls are in full swing, and don’t miss the lively street parades in Garema Place. |
3. Royal Canberra Show
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Website: canberrashow.org.au
There’s something nostalgic about the Royal Canberra Show—the blend of farm life, family fun, and fairground nostalgia feels timeless. From wood-chopping contests to dog shows and agricultural exhibits, it’s a reminder of Canberra’s rural roots.
You’ll also find thrilling rides, show bags, and delicious country-style food. I loved watching kids marvel at giant pumpkins and sheep shearing—it’s wholesome fun with an old-school charm.
| Pro tip: If you’re bringing kids, visit Friday morning—it’s quieter, and lines for the rides are shorter. Don’t skip the main arena fireworks on Saturday night! |
4. Enlighten Festival
Media credit: enlighten_canberra
Website: enlightencanberra.com
Dates: 27 February – 9 March 2026
Every March, Enlighten Festival turns Canberra into a glowing outdoor gallery. Iconic buildings like the National Gallery and Old Parliament House become canvases for projected art.
The illuminated installations and pop-up food stalls create a magical evening stroll. It’s free, family-friendly, and full of creative surprises—live music, night markets, and film screening among them. For me, this festival truly embodies Canberra’s artistic spirit.
| Pro tip: Go midweek to avoid crowds and catch the illuminations just after sunset for the best light conditions for photos. |
5. Canberra Balloon Spectacular
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Website: https://canberraballoonspectacular.com/
Watching the Canberra Balloon Spectacular at sunrise is a memory that stays with you forever. Every March, dozens of hot-air balloons drift gracefully over Lake Burley Griffin, filling the sky with colour.
You can join the early crowd at the launch site, grab a bacon roll and coffee, and watch as pilots lift off one by one. The reflections on the lake are pure magic.
| Pro tip: Arrive around 5:30 am—parking fills up before dawn. Pack a picnic blanket and warm layers; mornings can get chilly even in March. |
6. Canberra BeerFest
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Website: canberrabeerfest.com.au
If you love craft beer, Canberra BeerFest is paradise. Held at John Dunmore Lang Place, this one-day festival features dozens of local and national brewers pouring everything from hazy IPAs to crisp ciders.
The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, with great food, live music, and masterclasses by brewers. It’s a great way to discover new favourites while supporting small Australian producers.
| Pro tip: Buy your tickets early—they usually sell out! Bring a reusable cup or buy one at the gate for discounted refills. |
7. National Folk Festival
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Website: folkfestival.org.au
Easter in Canberra means music, dancing, and storytelling at the National Folk Festival. What started as a small song exchange has evolved into one of Australia’s most beloved folk gatherings.
You’ll find everything from Celtic fiddles to Indigenous rhythms and local buskers jamming under the gum trees. It’s as much about community as it is about the music—a weekend where everyone’s welcome.
| Pro tip: Bring a reusable water bottle and comfy shoes; you’ll be moving from stage to stage all day. The evening jam sessions are not to be missed! |
8. Canberra International Music Festival
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Website: cimf.org.au
The Canberra International Music Festival is where world-class artistry meets Canberra’s intimate venues.
The program spans classical, jazz, indigenous, and contemporary music performed in spaces like the National Gallery and Fitter’s Workshop.
What I loved most is how close you feel to the performers—it’s not a distant concert but a shared experience. It’s elegant, thought-provoking, and inspiring.
| Pro tip: Book early for the opening and closing concerts—they sell out fast. Bring a light jacket; some venues can get cool in the evenings. |
9. National Wine Festival
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Website: nationalwineshow.com.au
For wine lovers, the National Wine Festival is an indulgent treat. You get to meet winemakers, taste award-winning vintages, and enjoy generous canapés while learning from the experts behind Canberra’s booming wine scene.
It’s sophisticated yet friendly, making it ideal for both enthusiasts and beginners. I left with a deeper appreciation for local varieties like Shiraz Viognier and Riesling.
| Pro tip: Opt for the afternoon session—crowds thin out, and you can chat with winemakers more easily. |
10. National Science Week
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Website: scienceweek.net.au
Curious minds unite at National Science Week, where Canberra hosts everything from stargazing nights to hands-on experiments. It’s not just for kids—adults can attend talks about dark matter, climate science, and Indigenous innovations.
I especially enjoyed the mix of serious research and playful curiosity. The city becomes one big classroom where discovery feels like an adventure.
| Pro tip: Check the event calendar early; some workshops require registration weeks in advance. |
11. Floriade
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Website: floriadeaustralia.com
Floriade is Canberra’s floral masterpiece. It’s a month-long explosion of colour and creativity where millions of blooms transform Commonwealth Park into a living mosaic.
Beyond the flowers, there are workshops, gnome-painting, and live music.
When night falls, Floriade NightFest turns the park into a glowing wonderland. It’s one of those experiences that truly feels spring coming to life.
| Pro tip: Visit early in the season for fresh blooms, or during NightFest for a dazzling after-dark experience. |
12. Canberra Writers Festival
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Website: canberrawritersfestival.com.au
If you’re a book lover, the Canberra Writers Festival feels like coming home. You can attend panels, author talks, and workshops featuring Australia’s top literary voices and global guests.
It’s inspiring to hear writers discuss everything from politics to poetry. For me, this festival is proof that stories still have the power to spark conversation and change minds.
| Pro tip: Bring a tote bag—you’ll end up buying more books than you planned. Check the schedule early for free sessions and signings. |
13. Craft + Design Canberra Festival
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Website: craftanddesigncanberrafestival.org
The Craft + Design Canberra Festival is where art meets innovation. The city’s studios, galleries, and public spaces come alive with exhibitions, installations, and workshops.
I loved watching artisans share their creative process—from glassblowing to textile weaving. It’s a testament to Canberra’s thriving creative community and a great place to buy unique, locally made pieces.
| Pro tip: Join a guided studio tour for behind-the-scenes insights and artist meet-and-greets. |
14. SpringOUT Pride Festival
Media credit: springoutcbr
Website: springout.com.au
SpringOUT Pride Festival celebrates Canberra’s LGBTQIA+ community with colour, creativity, and compassion. From drag brunches to the iconic Fair Day, the month-long festival brings people together to celebrate inclusion.
What makes it special is its grassroots vibe—events are community-led, warm, and full of joy. You can feel the city’s pride and allyship at every turn.
| Pro tip: Fair Day at Glebe Park is the highlight—arrive early for the best picnic spots near the main stage. |
15. Spilt Milk
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Website: spilt-milk.com.au
Spilt Milk is one of Canberra’s biggest music festivals, drawing global headliners and thousands of fans. With multiple stages, art installations, and food vendors, it’s a summer highlight for music lovers.
The vibe is young, wild, and energetic—but still welcoming, so you’ll never feel out of place.
| Pro tip: Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated—December sun can be intense! Plan transport early since parking near Exhibition Park fills quickly. |
16. New Year’s Eve Canberra
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Website: nye.events.canberra.com.au
Socials: Facebook
Canberra’s official New Year’s Eve celebration is the perfect finale to a festive year. Families gather by Lake Burley Griffin for food trucks, live DJs, and two firework shows—one at 9 pm and another at midnight.
It’s relaxed yet spectacular, with locals toasting to another vibrant year ahead. Ending the year on the lakeside under the fireworks feels like pure joy.
| Pro tip: Arrive early with a picnic dinner, and choose a lakeside spot near Commonwealth Park for the best fireworks view. |