It’s no longer a secret; Canberra has been officially named as a Top City in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel for 2018.
Coming in at number three in the list, for Canberrans this is not a surprise. We live in a city that is vibrant and eager to grow in all aspects; with a balanced approach to new and recurring events, a passion for food, a love of all things Canberra and a supportive community.
Canberrans keep busy year-round with Festivals. Here are our top 10 calendar picks for 2018.
Summernats
Between the 4th and 7th of January, the city celebrates its mechanical chariots, with Summernats attracting crowds from all over the region who descend on Exhibition Park to view over 2500 of Australia’s most unusually, unconventionally and outrageously modified cars. The mechanical beasts are celebrated with concerts, horsepower demonstrations, burnt rubber and everything that a car enthusiast might desire.
When: 4 – 7 January 2018
Where: Exhibition Park, Canberra
Website: www.summernats.com.au
National Multicultural Festival
Celebrating the multicultural aspect of the city, the National Multicultural festival resembles a United Nations party. With activities, dancing, concerts and food stalls from every corner of the world, this festival is aimed at showcasing the cultural diversity of the city.
When: 16 – 18 February 2018
Where: Civic
Website: www.multiculturalfestival.com.au
Enlighten
Enlighten 2016, projections at the Australian Parliament House – with rabbits, Canberra.
Parliamentary Triangle comes alive at night with our National institutions lighting up their facades with delightful projections to encapsulate the spirit of Canberra. The nightly programs include interactive installations, jaw-dropping acts, exclusive one-of-a-kind experiences and food offerings to delight the foodie in all of us.
When: 2-17 March 2018
Where: Parliamentary Triangle
Website: www.enlightencanberra.com.au
Canberra Balloon Spectacular
Kayaks and stand up paddleboarders add to the festival feel
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Canberra’s Balloon Spectacular! The skies over Canberra become a perfect painting with hot air balloons taking flight in the early mornings from Reconciliation Place. Whether you decide to see them as they rise up and glide over the city, or embark on a flight yourself, this is a festival that caters for the early risers in the city.
When: 10-18 March 2018
Where: Reconciliation Place
Website: www.balloonspectacular.com.au
Canberra Comedy Festival
Canberrans tend to be the butt of jokes when it comes to other Australian cities’ citizens, and we join in the laughter during March. With local, national and international comedians, this festival has you in stitches for a week.
When: 19-25 March 2018
Where: Various Canberra venues
Website: www.canberracomedyfestival.com.au
National Folk Festival
The National Folk Festival aims to provide a place where traditional and contemporary folk life depicted through songs, style and ideas can be discussed, appreciated and embraced. This festival engages artists and audiences through music, forums, talks, workshops, spoken word performances, dance, poetry and much more.
When: 29 March – 2 April 2018
Where: Exhibition Park
Website: www.folkfestival.org.au
Canberra International Music Festival
Musicians from around the world gather in Canberra for the Canberra International Music Festival. Buildings and spaces around Canberra break into song with tunes curated to enhance the experience of the spectator.
When: 27 April – 6 May 2018
Where: Various Canberra venues
Website: www.cimf.org.au
The Truffle Festival
The Truffle Festival – Canberra Region
Culinary diamonds, truffles are sought after by chefs around the world. The Canberra Region is home to over half a dozen truffle farms, with its perfect weather to produce the tuber. Whether it’s sitting down to a truffle dish, going on a hunt, or simply purchasing your own truffle for consumption, the festival puts this humble tuber on a pedestal and shines a light brightly over it.
When: 1 June to 31 August 2018
Where: Various Canberra venues
Website: www.trufflefestival.com.au
Floriade
Floriade is a celebration of Spring in Canberra
The festival of Spring marks the start of warm weather in the capital. Whether you have a green thumb or not, the floral display of exotic and everyday bulbs and annuals will captivate both children and adults alike.
When: 15 September to 14 October 2018
Where: Commonwealth Park
Website: www.floriadeaustralia.com
Design Canberra Festival
Meet the makers at the open studios as part of the Design Canberra Festival
Still in its infancy, this festival applauds everything that comprises design in the capital. It doesn’t shy away from any discipline, and offers unique opportunities to see resident artists in action in their own studios as they open their doors to the general public.
Explore the open studios and talk to the makers, listen to speakers as they discuss design as it relates to you and experience Canberra in a unique way as you walk through homes that have opened their doors to the public.
When: November 2018 – Dates to be confirmed
Where: Various Canberra Venues
Website: www.designcanberrafestival.com.au
