South Australia may have been called the Festival State but Canberra could easily take the title of Festival City with major festivals in every season of the year. Canberra explodes in colour for Floriade in spring, while in autumn the sight of dozens of hot air balloons of all shapes and designs drifting over the lake and Parliament House is spectacular.
It’s a good idea to plan your Canberra visit around some of the major festivals, especially Floriade, Australia’s biggest celebration of spring, held mid-September to mid-October every year. Apart from the blooms, there are markets, food and drink, exhibitions and the fabulous NightFest program of entertainment.
If you happen to be in Canberra in autumn, you’ll be dazzled by the Enlighten Festival when all the national buildings and monuments around the lake become a spectacle of light and design. There’s food, wine, entertainment and all sorts of surprises.
In February, Canberra holds a three-day Multicultural Festival, a sharing and celebration of Australia’s cultural diversity with food, song, dance, performances, exhibitions and, did I mention the delicious array of food?
Canberra fireworks and hot air balloon festival
In March, tens of thousands of fireworks explode over Lake Burley Griffin in the hugely popular Skyfire Festival. That month is also when the Canberra Balloon Spectacular takes place over nine days. It’s one of the biggest hot air balloon festivals in the world. In the early morning when the air is crisp and still, the sight of dozens of brightly coloured balloons silently drifting across Lake Burley Griffin is one you’ll never forget. You can even take your own balloon ride.
Every Easter the place to be is the National Folk Festival, an institution that’s been running since 1967 around Australia and since 1992 in Canberra. It now features over 200 performers from all over the world, food, wine, stalls selling almost everything, street performers and a lot of serendipity. The atmosphere is inviting, friendly and addictive – once you’ve been you’ll definitely go back again.
Canberra festivals in autumn
When the leaves are falling in early May, the Canberra International Music Festival hosts artists from around the world making music and sounds in venues and locations around the city. With a different theme every year, there are both ticketed and free events with the main focus on the Festival Marquee in Kingston and other concerts and outdoor performances in some interesting locations.
More Canberra itineraries
Canberra for Culture Vultures … Home to Australia’s main museums and galleries
Canberra’s Art, Design and Craft … Watch artists in action
Canberra for Families … There’s no such thing as being bored with these top things to see and do
Canberra’s Family Dining Scene … Top choices for hungry appetites
Canberra’s Indoor Family Activities … Young imaginations run free
Canberra’s Outdoor Family Adventures … Recreational paradise for big and little kids alike
The Australian Story in Canberra … A city that reflects the national journey
