We’re gearing up for another massive year of events and experiences that will bring life, colour, and connection across the City Centre, Braddon and Dickson. There’s plenty to get excited about. A giant flower sculpture to ring in the spring, City Walk dressed in decorations to celebrate the festive season and a massive range of autumn adventures!
It’s all part of our 2025-26 Place Experience and Marketing Action Plan. What does it mean? The year ahead is packed with awesome activities designed to entertain locals and visitors alike and improve the experience of the City Renewal Precinct.
Winter in the City kicked off activities for the 2025-26 financial year, with 40 performers featuring in over 70 free performances on a purpose-built stage in Petrie Plaza. The event brought over 41,000 attendees to the City Centre across two weeks of the July school holidays, contributed an estimated $4.4m in economic benefit.
The iconic celebration of spring will feature over a million blooms across Commonwealth Park. In the city, a new and unique giant flower sculpture called ‘Glorious Wally’ will be installed for the duration of the event, from 13 September to 12 October 2025, inviting Floriade visitors explore the City Centre.
The third edition of La Fiesta will return to Latin American Plaza in City West on 25 October 2025. This high-energy Latin American festival will transform the plaza into a lively spectacle of music, dance, and delicious street food. La Fiesta brings people together through rhythm, flavour, and contemporary cultural celebration.
Last year’s La Fiesta featured over 7 hours of entertainment drawing more than 5,000 attendees.
As the festive season approaches, Christmas in the City lights up City Walk and Petrie Plaza from mid-November, with dazzling decorations, a towering Christmas tree, and twinkling fairy lights.
Rolling into the new year, the Summernats Braddon Fringe Festival returns from 8–10 January 2026, bringing horsepower and car culture from Exhibition Park onto Lonsdale Steet. Sponsored by City Renewal, this free official side event allows Canberrans the opportunity to admire a curated selection of fantastic cars that will be included in the festival in a safe and accessible environment close to Canberra’s City Centre.
Dickson will again host Canberra Lunar New Year on 21 February 2026, marking the Year of the fire horse with a brand-new sculpture, traditional performances, food, music and multicultural festivities on Woolley Street.
Summernats Braddon Fringe Festival.
As the leaves begin to change colour and the kids wind down from the first term of school, families can look forward to a brand-new family festival. It’s all about the everyday wonders of our world. Children, parents, grandparents, loved ones and the whole family are invited to enjoy magic moments in the things we treasure.
And we cannot forget about Play Outside Day. The beloved annual event will return under the towering heritage trees of Haig Park with all-ages activities, workshops, and entertainment to celebrate community and outdoor fun.
Play Outside Day will be incorporated into a new two-week-long Family Festival in autumn 2026.
Whether you're after a relaxed picnic, a family day out, or a taste of Braddon's best bites and brews, this series has something for everyone. With local favourites like Blackhearts & Sparrows and Mandalay, a DJ spinning tunes from a quirky cart, and a community art project, it’s a fun, creative way to spend your Saturday.
Every Saturday, Dickson Soul brings live music to the Dickson Shops with a rotating line-up of local performers. From smooth acoustic sets to upbeat rhythms, the program offers a relaxed way to enjoy the weekend, connect with the community, and discover Canberra’s musical talent in an open, welcoming setting.
On the last Sunday of each month, Paws Parties take over the Haig Park dog agility area alongside the regular Haig Park Village Markets. Each event features a fresh theme, with something special added to live music, professional pet portraits, and plenty of space for pups to play. Dress-ups are encouraged, making it a fun and relaxed way for pet lovers to connect, celebrate, and enjoy a colourful visit to the park.
It is important to note that some events and activities may be changed or cancelled due to poor weather.
These events are more than just entertainment—they’re part of a strategic plan designed to deliver social, economic, and experiential outcomes. By activating public spaces, supporting local businesses, and fostering community engagement, the program strengthens the City Centre’s identity as lively, inclusive, and liveable.
The plan also includes initiatives such as:
With support from the City Centre Marketing and Improvements Levy*, this year’s calendar promises plenty of unforgettable moments, meaningful connections, and a thriving City Centre. Whether you're dancing at La Fiesta, attending a paws party or exploring flower beds in the city during Floriade, there’s something for everyone in Canberra’s cultural celebration.
The 2025-26 Place Experience and Marketing Action Plan is available here.
*Events and activations in Dickson and Acton Waterfront are not supported by the City Centre Marketing and Improvement’s Levy as Dickson is outside the Levy collection zone.
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.
