Warm weather, bursts of sunshine, flowers in bloom – there’s a whole lot to love about Canberra at this time of year. If you’re ready to say goodbye to winter and hello to spring, we’ve got you covered. Get your rose-tinted glasses on and check out our list of the best spring activities in Canberra in 2024.
Canberra Moon Festival
When: 6 – 8 September
Where: City Walk and Petrie Plaza
Entry: Free
Canberra Moon Festival showcases the nation’s capital as a multicultural hub under the theme “One Community, One World, One Big Family.” Whether you’re eager to try some delicious dishes, take part in traditional arts and crafts, or catch some community performances, there will be something for you and your pals to explore. This year, there will be an attempt to break the record for the world’s longest noodle—this is one not to miss!
Floriade
When: 14 September – 13 October
Where: Commonwealth Park
Entry: Free
Renowned as one of the best outdoor activities in Canberra, Floriade brings the city to life with vibrant colours and brilliant artistic displays. A celebration of all things food and flowers, Floriade is packed with fun activities, including cultural celebrations, horticultural workshops, live entertainment, market stalls and so much more. We think it’s the perfect date spot too—have a wander and let love blossom.
In 2024, the gates are open from 9.30am to 5.30pm daily. From 9.30am to 10.30am on weekdays, the festival is running a sensory hour for those with sensory processing challenges.
NightFest
When: 3 – 6 October
Where: Commonwealth Park
Entry: $30 for concession card holders, $35 for adults
Get in touch with your dark side with Floriade’s dazzling evening event—NightFest. The gates are open from 6.30pm to 10.30pm at Commonwealth Park for all those in search of a wildly entertaining evening. Expect everything from live music and roving entertainment, to market stalls and a wonderful selection of food and drink. Kiss Bang cabaret also makes a big return after rave reviews last year. You can check out the full program here.
The Little Burley Market
When: Every Saturday
Where: Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Commonwealth Place
Entry: Free
Every Saturday between 9am and 2pm, the stallholders at The Little Burley Market offer up a delightful selection of sweet treats, smoked meats, fresh pastries, handmade jewellery and artisanal pottery. This is the perfect opportunity to grab your friends for a shop and a walk along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
From 14 September to 12 October, the market has teamed up with Floriade to host floral-themed stalls and workshops in a grand celebration of spring.
AFLW
When: Sunday 15 September
Where: Manuka Oval
Entry: $15, tickets available here
If you’re a fan of Australian football, the AFLW season kicks off in Canberra with the Giants taking on the Gold Coast Suns at Manuka Oval. The gates are open from 4.05pm, with the game starting at 5.05pm.
With the AFLW growing more popular every year, this is a fun and vibrant community event to support. Grab some hot chips and cheer on your favourite team. You might even get the chance to run around on the pitch and practice your kicking skills after the game (this is called ‘kick to kick’).
Handmade Market
When: 21 – 22 September
Where: Exhibition Park, Lyneham
Entry: Free
The much-loved Handmade Market makes its return in September and is known amongst locals as one of the best spring activities in Canberra. Proud supporters of all things home-grown and affordable, there is something for everyone here with over 200 stalls to browse through. From paella and churros to Gözleme and beef rendang, the food stalls here dish up some of our favourite budget-friendly options in Canberra.
Canberra Colour Frenzy
When: Sunday 6 October
Where: Weston Park, Yarralumla
Entry: $37.50
An outrageous, messy event is headed your way in October. A fun run like no other, Canberra Colour Frenzy organisers promise you can walk, run, hop, skip or crawl your way to the finish line. Why not cover yourself in bubbles and colourful powders and raise some funds for animal rescues along the way?
The event runs from 8.30am to 12pm, with a two-and-a-half-kilometre loop marked out for all participants to follow at their leisure. If you get a team of six or more together, there’s a $4 discount on tickets too.
PM’s XI v India
When: 30 November – 1 December
Where: Manuka Oval
Entry: $15 – $30, tickets available here
For cricket enthusiasts, India’s squad take on the Prime Minister’s XI (Roman numerals for 11) for the first time in 20 years! This two-day, day-night match features the long-running sporting rivalry between Australia and India and celebrates their many cultural and community ties. Grab your friends, a hat and some sunscreen, and soak up the sunshine at Manuka Oval.
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Image courtesy of VisitCanberra.
