This spring Canberrans will be spoilt for choice with an event calendar bursting at the seams, full of fun-filled activities, cultural experiences and entertainment for all interests and ages. From festivals, food and wine, markets and sport, here are our top picks of things to do and see in the capital throughout the season:
Floriade
Nothing says spring more than Floriade. The capital’s infamous flower festival returns in 2019 from 14 September until 13 October, with the theme World in Bloom. Now in its 32nd year, Floriade will bring spring to life across Commonwealth Park with over one million carefully curated blooms, delicious food and wine, horticultural workshops, market traders, artistic displays, and activities for all ages — even a dog’s day out! The festival’s popular NightFest will return from 3–6 October and has an exciting program of its own including comedy, pop-up bars and live music. https://floriadeaustralia.com
Canberra Moon Festival
For something unique this spring, head to the Canberra Moon Festival, the first multi-Asian cultural festival event to be celebrated in the capital. From 13–15 September, this free festival is a celebration of the city’s multiculturalism with the theme One Community, One World, One Big Family. Witness the biggest group lion dance ever in Canberra, see a giant moon sculpture, plus there will be musical performances, educational activities, and a range of exotic and local foods. www.canberramoonfestival.com.au
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Immerse yourself in nature at this year’s Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Open Day on Sunday 29 September. With the theme Explore, Relax, Recharge, this free annual family favourite will showcase everything the wildlife sanctuary has to offer, including nature-based experiences, kid’s activities, live music, displays and demonstrations. Also, during the September/October school holidays, Tidbinbilla will host A Wild Night Out, the ultimate family sleepover offering camping, fun under the stars, and so much more. www.tidbinbilla.act.gov.au/experience/events
To market, to market
This spring, the capital will play host to a variety of market days with something for all ages and interests:
- On Saturday 7 September, head to Exhibition Park for the Canberra Kids Market. Expect to see a range of new, handmade and pre-loved clothing, toys, books, games, accessories and equipment for ages 0–12 years. https://canberramarkets.net.au
- The Handmade Market returns on the weekend of 7–8 September hosting over 270 stalls of Australian, hand-crafted artisan products, homewares, crafts, fashion and gifts. Visit the gourmet food hall for a coffee and lunch or to explore the local produce you can try and take home. www.handmadecanberra.com.au
- The Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston has been a Canberra institution since 1994. Held every Sunday from 10–4pm, its collection of art, clothing, craft, jewellery and food never disappoints. On Sunday 8 September, the markets will hold Makers-Con (the Makers Convention), a special event for hobbyists with a range of stalls and attractions showcasing costume design, steampunk, comic books, and all things pop culture. Also, on Sunday 29 September, the markets will celebrate its 25th birthday, so go along and join the party. https://obdm.com.au
Sport
It’s an exciting time of the year for Canberra’s professional sporting teams as they head into finals and World Cup qualification:
- The 2019 NRL season is coming to an end and the Canberra Raiders have been on a winning streak, sitting high on the ladder since the start of the competition. With one round to go before the finals, the Green Machine will be playing the New Zealand Warriors at GIO Stadium on Saturday 7 September at 3pm, so why not go along and show your support. If they keep up the great form, there’s a chance they’ll have a home final. www.raiders.com.au
- On Thursday 10 October, the Caltex Socceroos will play Nepal at GIO Stadium. The game is part of the team’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup Qatar™ 2022 and the AFC Asian Cup China 2023™ so the energy will be electric. Kick-off is at 7.30pm and tickets start from $10. www.socceroos.com.au/tickets
Food, beer and wine
This spring, Canberra’s event calendar is awash with endless fun for foodies and lovers of beer and wine:
- The Australian Cool Climate Wine Show returns this spring on Saturday 14 September. Running for over 21 years, the annual event presents the various wine styles produced from Australia’s cool climate wine regions. The show includes wine tastings and a decadent five-course long table luncheon where the winners of the 2019 Australian Cool Climate Wine Show will be announced. www.accwineshow.com.au
- On Saturday 28 September the annual Craftable Beer Expo will return to the capital. The event not only showcases the best local and Australian-made brews, but wine and spirits too. There’ll also be a range of delicious food options and live music. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/craftable-beer-expo-tickets-68888847397
- The Trafalgar Food and Wine Event will be hosted on Tuesday 15 October at Pialligo Estate. This foodie afternoon will feature renowned chef Adam Swanson and includes a delicious two-course meal, wine tasting, pasta making, cooking demonstrations, an organic farming tour, and more. https://www.trafalgar.com/en-au/adam-swanson/foodie-event
Design Festival
Running from 4–24 November, the annual Design Canberra Festival returns to the capital to showcase the best in design across the territory and beyond. Now in its 6th year, the festival’s theme Utopia aims to ‘harness the power of imagination to shape the future of design‘. With something for all ages and interests, the festival will host over 150 events, exhibitions, talks, tours, markets, artist studios, open homes, and more. https://designcanberrafestival.com.au/highlights/
For hundreds of events and activities across Canberra this spring, go to https://visitcanberra.com.au/events
