Summer isn’t over just yet and Canberra is buzzing with colour, culture, live music, pups, picnics and even a little Shakespeare in the park. Whether you’re after a high‑energy street skate party, a massive Lunar New Year cultural celebration, dog‑friendly fun or a relaxed evening under the trees, the City Centre, Braddon and Dickson have something for everyone this weekend.
Supported by the Placemaking Grants program, the Belco Bowl Jam Welcome Party returns to the city with a huge street celebration. Expect live music, an electric festival atmosphere and some of the world’s best skateboarders showing off their skills right in the heart of the CBD.
From punk‑rock sets to a showcase of tricks from Australia’s best and world-renowned skateboarders, it’s the perfect high‑energy start to a big weekend of skate culture.
Australia's and some of the world's best skateboarders will be in Verity Lane on Friday night.
Dickson comes alive this Saturday as the Canberra Lunar New Year Festival brings a full day of colour, music, food and cultural celebration to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse. Enjoy large‑scale stage performances including Celestial Chronicles, K‑Pop Heroes, lion and dragon dances, kids’ activities, roving zodiac characters and a spectacular finale.
Food lovers can explore an extended food village, community market stalls and the always‑popular Mini Mongkok. It’s one of the biggest cultural celebrations of the year.
Lunar New year celebrations on Woolley Street are set to offer a feast for the senses with music, performances, workshops and delicious food,
Calling all dog people! The Valentine’s Paws Party: Sniff Right is the cutest way to kick off your Sunday. Expect live music, free treats, pup‑friendly goodies, a Valentine’s photo booth and even a little dog matchmaking magic. It runs alongside the Haig Park Markets, making it the perfect morning stroll spot for you and your furry date.
The furry family members will love this month's Paws Party in Haig Park!
Round out the weekend with a picnic blanket and a free open‑air Shakespeare performance as Lakespeare brings The Taming of the Shrew to Glebe Park. This lively reinterpretation flips the classic battle of wits on its head in a beautiful, tree‑filled setting.
Sunday's performance is the first of two free performances supported by the Placemaking Grants program — the second will be in Haig Park on Saturday 28 February 2026.
Bring your friends, family, neighbours and dogs — or just come solo and enjoy the atmosphere. With temperatures forecast to climb above thirty degrees, make sure you look after yourself while enjoying the events. Remember to apply sunscreen regularly, wear a hat, , and bring plenty of drinking water to stay hydrated.
See you out in the sunshine! 🌞
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.
