The Canberra calendar of events is far from empty. There are recurring festivals and events every year, stretching through every season so that there’s always something to look forward to, and of course, something to get involved in.
Summer is jam-packed with events to ring in the new year, the first of those being the actual New Years Eve event, held on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Food trucks and live DJs entertain crowds as a lead-up to the two firework displays at 9pm and midnight, for those who have an early bedtime. You don’t have to wait long for something else to do in the city, as Summernats kicks off at some point during the first two weeks of January every year. Modified street cars line the streets of Braddon, where different events like the National Burnout Master finals, car judging, cruises and simply showing off hot rods are run over the following days. This isn’t just for car lovers, as you’ll find yourself getting sucked in by the waxed exteriors almost immediately. February brings the National Multicultural Festival, where over 170 nationalities are represented (and bring amazing street food), and the Royal Canberra Show, just in time for the end of the school holidays. There’s something for everyone here, like rides, food vendors, and agricultural exhibitions; but we’re show bag fans ourselves.
The autumn months are festival central. March sees the Enlighten Festival celebrate Canberra arts and culture through music and film events, but namely the projections and light displays on Canberra’s iconic buildings and landmarks. This usually runs concurrently with the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, in which hot air balloons are launched over Lake Burley Griffin. In April, we see music taking centre stage, with the National Folk Festival and the International Music Festival.
The winter winds down on the outdoor events, but National Science Week in August always draws a big crowd. Workshops and performances are run throughout the city, utilizing Canberra’s museums like Geoscience Australia and the National Dinosaur Museum.
The arrival of spring is celebrated through Floriade, a month-long event from September to October. Hundreds of thousands of flowers line Commonwealth Park, where you can participate in workshops like painting, see live music, or simply walk through the flowers. It’s an amazing photo-op too. The Nightfest iteration of Floriade creates a new experience entirely, as the flowers are lit with neon lights, and accompanied by entertainment like cabaret.
If you’re still looking for things to do, October is also home to Stonefest and the Canberra Writers Festival. Stonefest is a music festival that has seen some huge national acts grace their stage in its 20-year history, held at the University of Canberra. This event has a lot of history behind it and is like a rite of passage for Canberra students. As for the writer’s festival, the event is more new, but has cemented itself as an annual fixture. Writers, thinkers and political commentators flock from all over Australia to discuss the perennial theme of ‘Power Politics Passion,’ in the nation’s capital.