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 2026.
Canberra Moon Festival
When: 4 – 6 September
Where: City Walk and Petrie Plaza
Entry: Free
Canberra Moon Festival returns in 2026 with three days of food, performances and cultural experiences in the heart of Canberra. This year’s theme is “One Moon, One World, A Healthier Way Together”.
Whether you’re eager to try some street food, explore lantern displays, take part in interactive workshops or catch traditional and contemporary performances, there will be plenty for you and your friends to explore.
Floriade
When: 12 September – 11 October
Where: Commonwealth Park
Entry: Free
Renowned as one of the best outdoor activities in Canberra, Floriade brings the city to life with more than one million blooms and plenty of colourful displays.
The 2026 theme is Feast of Flowers, celebrating the connections between nature, food and community. Alongside the flowers, you’ll find live entertainment, food and drink, workshops, talks, market stalls and other activities. We think it’s the perfect date spot too – have a wander and let love blossom.
The gates are open from 9.30am to 5.30pm daily, with last entry at 5pm.
NightFest
When: 1 – 4 October
Where: Commonwealth Park
Entry: $28.63 - $41.50
Get in touch with your dark side with Floriade’s dazzling evening event – NightFest. The gates are open from 6.30pm to 10.30pm, transforming Commonwealth Park with illuminated gardens, live performances, roving entertainment, immersive experiences and plenty of food.
There’s also a big live music line-up in 2026, with Tim Finn, Busby Marou, Christine Anu, Pacific Avenue and The Temper Trap among the performers taking to the stage across the four nights.
The Little Burley Market
When: Every Saturday
Where: Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Commonwealth Place
Entry: Free
Every Saturday between 9am and 2pm, The Little Burley Market brings a range of food, drinks, handmade products and local stalls to the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
It’s the perfect excuse to grab your friends, browse the stalls and go for a walk by the lake – especially as the weather starts warming up.
Handmade Market
When: 19 – 20 September
Where: Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), Lyneham
Entry: Free
The much-loved Handmade Market makes its spring return in September and is a great option if you love shopping small and discovering Australian-made products.
More than 250 designers and producers come together at the market, with everything from fashion and jewellery to homewares, art and gourmet food. Entry is free, so you can browse without blowing your student budget – although you may find it hard to leave empty-handed!
Canberra Colour Frenzy
When: Sunday 11 October
Where: Weston Park, Yarralumla
Entry: From $30 for adults with early bird pricing
An outrageous, messy event is headed your way in October. A fun run like no other, Canberra Colour Frenzy combines running with colourful powder, foam and plenty of fun.
Arrivals begin from 8.30am, with the fun run kicking off at 9.30am. You don’t need to be a serious runner either – the event is all about having fun and getting colourful. If you can convince five friends to join you, early bird team tickets for groups of six or more are also discounted.
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Image courtesy of VisitCanberra.
