Canberra

Important Australian or Globally Famous events that occur around Canberra Australian Capital Territory and you are invited.

Canberra, the capital city of Australia, is known for a number of nationally and globally recognized annual events that attract tourists and locals alike. From cultural festivals to sporting events, there is something for everyone in and around the region of Canberra. Here are a few events that you might want to observe when you visit this beautiful city.

1. National Multicultural Festival
The National Multicultural Festival is held in the centre of Canberra, bringing together people of different cultures and backgrounds to celebrate the diversity of Australia. The event showcases a variety of multicultural performances, food, music, and dance. With over 200 food and drink stalls and 350 performances across multiple stages, it's not surprising that this festival attracts more than 250,000 visitors.

2. Enlighten Festival
The Enlighten Festival is an annual event that brings together art, food, and music set against the backdrop of iconic national buildings and monuments. The festival is held over two weeks and features various lighting installations, exclusive dining experiences, and live music performances. One of the highlights of the festival is the night Noodle Markets, where you can enjoy food from over 20 different vendors offering cuisines from across the world.

3. Floriade
Floriade is one of the most popular flower festivals in the world. It's held annually in Canberra over one month during spring (September - October), showcasing more than one million bulbs and annuals in bloom. The festival not only offers beautiful garden displays, it also has outdoor entertainment, inflatable obstacle courses, and horticultural workshops. Whether you are a flower enthusiast or not, Floriade is definitely worth checking out.

4. National Folk Festival
The National Folk Festival is a six-day annual event held over Easter in Canberra. This festival celebrates folk music, dance, and culture from around the world. With over 200 international and local artists performing on multiple stages, there is something for all ages. In addition to musical performances, the festival also offers various workshops, street theatre, arts and crafts, and food stalls.

5. Royal Canberra Show
The Royal Canberra Show is a popular event held annually at Exhibition Park from Friday to Sunday in late February. The show is a celebration of rural life, offering entertainment, competitions, and agricultural displays. You can expect to see various animals on show, from horses to cows and sheep, as well as carnival rides, show bags, and delicious food.

6. Canberra Balloon Spectacular
The Canberra Balloon Spectacular is one of the premier ballooning events in Australia. Held annually in March, the event features over thirty hot air balloons from across the world flying over Canberra's iconic monuments and landmarks. Visitors can enjoy a breakfast barbecue cooked by local Lions Clubs, while watching the sunrise and witnessing the balloons take flight.

7. Canberra International Film Festival
The Canberra International Film Festival (CIFF) is an annual event that showcases a range of international and Australian films. This festival aims to bring together filmmakers, actors, and artists to share their work and provide a platform for discussion. The festival runs for ten days and features a diverse range of films ranging from dramas, comedies, documentaries, and animation.

8. Australian Running Festival
The Australian Running Festival is a two-day annual event held in April in Canberra. As the name suggests, it's all about running, with events catering to all levels of fitness. From a 5km run to a full marathon, there is something for everyone. The course takes participants past iconic landmarks such as Parliament House, Lake Burley Griffin, and the War Memorial.

Canberra is a city full of vibrant and exciting annual events. From cultural festivals to sporting events, there is always something happening in and around the region. Whether you are visiting Canberra for the first time or you are a local, there is always something new to discover and experience.