Calling all history buffs, music lovers and festivalgoers!
Canberra in 2025 is abuzz with events and exhibitions to keep you busy from the moment the clock strikes midnight. Whether you’re looking for an artistic experience or an active adventure, we have you covered. Read on for our list of the best things to do in Canberra in 2025.
1. Pompeii at the National Museum of Australia
When: 13 December 2024 to 4 May 2025
Tickets: $20 for students
Take a deep dive into the ordinary before the extraordinary occurred. The National Museum of Australia’s Pompeii exhibition invites you into the lives of Ancient Romans over 2000 years ago. Expect immersive soundscapes and digital projections alongside more than 90 objects from the city, many of which have never been seen outside of Europe before.
2. National Multicultural Festival
When: 7 to 9 February 2025
Tickets: Free entry
Canberra’s National Multicultural Festival brings the best of this wonderfully diverse city together over three days in February. Witness colourful performances and cooking demonstrations or try out something new in one of the many organised workshops. Make sure you grab a bite to eat at a mouth-watering food stall and check out one of the free short film screenings in Civic Square.
Looking to make friends or build your resume? Sign up to volunteer!
3. Royal Canberra Show
When: 21 to 23 February
Tickets: $16 for students
The Royal Canberra Show blends country charm and metropolitan manners to create one very fun, boisterous weekend. From wild rides and FMX performances to boutique beers and pig racing, there is quite literally something for everyone here.
Pro tip: It tends to be sunny and hot out in the showgrounds – make sure you stay sun-smart.
4. Super Rugby, NRL and NRLW at GIO Stadium
When: 22 February to 30 August 2025
Tickets: TBC, stay up to date here
This one is for the sports fanatics. GIO Stadium has a jam-packed schedule in 2025, with plenty of rugby matches to keep you entertained (and screaming) throughout the year.
Tickets for The British & Irish Lions v ACT Brumbies match are on sale now. We’d suggest booking in early—this is a grudge match 12 years in the making and is going to be one of the hottest seats in town.
5. Enlighten Festival
When: 28 February to 10 March 2025
Tickets: Free entry, some programs ticketed
See Canberra in a whole new light in 2025 with the return of the much anticipated Enlighten Festival. Marvel Canberra’s most famous buildings are illuminated in stunning projections and light shows. There will be plenty of food stalls and performances to keep you curious, too. Stay up to date on the website as the full program is released.
6. The Canberra Times Marathon Festival 2025
When: 13 April 2025
Tickets: Prices vary, see here for details
Ready to take your running to the next level? Or perhaps you’re looking for a fun community event to stretch your legs at? The Canberra Times Marathon Festival returns in April and is open for registration. From the classic 5K to a full marathon, there are plenty of races to suit all levels. If your pals are interested, why not get a team together and help each other across the finish line?
7. Carmen by The Australian Ballet
When: 20 to 25 June 2025
Tickets: Prices vary, concessions for students available, see here
If you’ve been saving for something special, this may be the event for you. The Australian Ballet arrives at the Canberra Theatre Centre in June with a reimagining of George Bizet’s beloved opera—Carmen. The story is exhilarating and tragic, and the music will have you humming for days afterwards.
8. Floriade 2025
When: 13 September to 12 October 2025
Tickets: TBC, stay up to date on Instagram or Facebook
After another hugely successful event, Australia’s biggest celebration of spring will return in 2025. Floriade is still some months away, with the theme and program yet to be announced. You can expect all the classics from previous years, including tasty food stalls, horticultural workshops and Floriade’s dark side – NightFest.
9. NightFest
When: 2 – 5 October 2025
Tickets: TBC, stay up to date on Instagram, Facebook or Events Canberra
See Commonwealth Park illuminated with vibrant colours at NightFest! There’s live music, roving entertainment, market stalls and plenty of food options. More information about the 2025 NightFest will become available closer to the event.
10. Canberra Balloon Spectacular
When: 15 – 23 March 2025
Tickets: Free for spectators
Get ready for something completely unique to Canberra. For nine days during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, the whole skyline is full of colour and movement. For the full experience, set your alarm early and watch the balloons inflate while you enjoy a hot breakfast.
Curious to learn more? Check out Study Canberra’s website for everything you need to know about life as an international student.
Photos courtesy of VisitCanberra, Richard Poulton Photography and 5 Foot Photography, Davey Barber for VisitCanberra
